It was the 8th day of my trip, and this time, I set out on a day trip to Boston by FLIXBUS.
It was quite a tight schedule — leaving NYC in the morning and returning at night — but taking the bus brought a different kind of joy compared to traveling by train.

Looking out from the highway, I felt a little closer to the everyday lives of the people living along the way.
The views weren’t just about famous landmarks or tourist spots.
They were about neighborhoods, gas stations, schools, and quiet little towns — snapshots of real life that made me feel more connected to the rhythm of America.

Even though it was a busy day, the simple and familiar scenery seen from the bus window made the journey itself feel very special.

After a 4-hour bus ride, I finally arrived in Boston.

For me, Boston has always been a city that evokes two images — the gateway to American history, and a hub of tradition blended with cutting-edge intellect.

As soon as I arrived and saw the calm and sophisticated cityscape, I felt it lived up to that image perfectly.
The blend of historical charm and modern energy sparked a sense of excitement in me.

I couldn’t wait to explore this city, where every street seemed to whisper stories of the past while embracing the present.

The Boston Public Library — the oldest public library in America and the first modern public library open freely to the public.
Standing gracefully in this historic city, it doesn’t just represent the past, but embodies timeless value through continuous change.

Even in this digital age, where the way we access knowledge has evolved dramatically,
this library remains vibrant and meaningful because it understands its true purpose and keeps evolving.

As I walked through its halls, I felt the quiet yet powerful energy of a place that has stayed essential across generations.
In this intersection of past and present, I couldn’t help but wonder what new stories and knowledge the future will bring here.

Commonwealth Avenue — A street that feels just like Paris.
Elegant, calm, and beautifully refined, it perfectly matches the image I had of Boston.

As I walked along this charming avenue surrounded by classic buildings and the soft winter sunlight,
I felt as if I was strolling through history and sophistication itself.
It reminded me how each city carries its own rhythm and grace — and how wonderful it is to blend into that for even just a moment.

From across the Charles River, I caught sight of MIT’s iconic Great Dome — a symbol of human intellect and endless curiosity.
At the same time, right in front of me, sat a couple on a bench, lost in each other’s company, quietly sharing a moment of love.

“Knowledge and love” — two forces that shape our world.
Standing there, I felt deeply moved to witness this quiet yet profound scene, where intellect and emotion coexisted so naturally.

Boston revealed this beautiful balance to me, and I felt lucky to have been part of it, even if just for a fleeting moment.

At the MIT Museum, I encountered the spirit of MIT’s approach — Observe → Break down → Understand → Recreate.
Through the various exhibits based on this concept, I deeply felt their philosophy.

To be honest, many of them were too advanced for me to fully grasp.
Still, I cherished the experience of touching even a little bit of MIT’s essence.

What struck me the most was the display of the early drafts and the plush doll of Scratch, a programming language for children.
Even the most sophisticated ideas and technologies all start with something simple — pure curiosity and passion.

That realization filled me with inspiration.

Walking through Harvard University, I felt the air of a city where brilliant minds from all over the world gather.
As I stood in front of the Memorial Church, a symbol of Harvard’s long history and tradition, I imagined the countless passions, pursuits, and dreams that have been woven here through time.
With deep reverence, I closed my eyes and silently expressed my gratitude to those who have shaped and will continue to shape the world from this very place.

After exploring Harvard and enjoying the beautiful campus, I decided to head back to downtown.
Until now, I had been using rental bikes to get around, but the cold was just too intense…
So this time, I hopped on the subway from Harvard Station and headed to Downtown Crossing.

Compared to Tokyo’s intricate subway system, Boston’s felt simple and easy to navigate — yet, the unfamiliarity still made me a little nervous.
But that sense of stepping into the unknown, figuring things out in a new city, and feeling the rhythm of local life through public transport — it was all part of the adventure.

By the time I reached Downtown, I found myself smiling.
The little challenges and discoveries during the ride became special memories of my Boston day trip.

I wrapped up my day in Boston with a visit to the Boston Tea Party Ships & Museum.
In Japan, we learn about the “Boston Tea Party” from history textbooks as a simple trigger for the American Revolution.

But standing there, where it actually happened, was a whole different experience.
It wasn’t just about dates or facts anymore — I could almost feel the anger, determination, and hope of the people who stood up for their beliefs.

The shimmering water, the beautifully illuminated ship, and the quiet evening air made the history feel alive and personal.
This visit transformed textbook knowledge into a vivid and moving memory that will stay with me forever.