This past weekend in Boston, my little brother, Ben Rey, married the lovely Monica!  He’s been living in Boston for the past few years getting his Masters at Gordon Conwell Theological Seminar and then started Church of the Cross.

This is my third trip to Boston and I continue to be impressed with the city.  This is the first trip I have been able to be a tourist and I took full advantage by walking the Freedom Trail to visit all the historic sites.  Visiting Bunker Hill, where the first true battle for the United States took place with General George Washington in command was inspiring.  I read the book 1776 and it helped me appreciate our forefathers.

The day after the wedding, my other brother, Mike, his girlfriend Catherine and I, visited the beautiful public garden, Boston Common park, the incredible public library, rode the T, went to Quincy Market, Faneuil Hall, Christopher Columbus Park, the wharf, the Paul Revere House, walked the North End, ate at a great outdoor restaurant on Newbury Street, shopped on Boylston street, checked out Northeastern University, and had some great fish at a local restaurant.  Of course we also had to stop in Cheers where some other forefathers, Sam, Norm, Cliff, Woody, Frasier and Coach also played a significant role in Americana too

I had plans to catch a Red Sox game with my pops at Fenway, but unfortunately, those plans fell through.  He had to return home a day early.  I didn’t want to experience Fenway without my pops, so we’ll catch it on our next go round.

Growing up in Chicago, I am biased about Chicago being one of the best cities in the world, but I will certainly add Boston in the mix.  Chicagoans and Bostonians are genuine and kind people.  They truly care about each other, have a deep appreciation for their respective cities, and are loyal sports fans.

The rehearsal dinner and wedding day took-up most the weekend, so I did not venture out to Holyoke, MA where William G. Morgan invented “mintonette”, now called volleyball.  Nor did I make it to Springfield College where the first match was held or the Volleyball Hall of Fame.  Fenway and a trip to Holyoke are on the agenda for next trip.  Who wants to join me?