Here I am again, sending you a warm hello. We’ve journeyed through an entire year and are moving forward incredibly. As we eagerly bid farewell to the year behind us, our hearts brim with hope and our eyes sparkle with anticipation for the one ahead. Yes, this new year will be even more wonderful than the last—of course, it will! But tell me, are we ready to tuck our memories away with the passing year, dear friends? Not me—I’m not one to let memories gather dust on a forgotten shelf. I record every bittersweet moment in my mind and dive into the sea of memories whenever the mood strikes. I know we’ll be strolling through Boston and chatting along its streets in this issue. Speaking of memories, would you like to hear how I first met Boston and fell deeply in love with it?
First Encounter
The year was 2009. The American Association of Orthodontics annual meeting was held in Boston. Two orthodontist friends and I set off from Turkey, eager for the experience. Boston greeted us with the crisp coolness of a Mayday. We planned to attend scientific sessions throughout the day and explore the city in whatever time remained.
With limited time, we started at Copley Square, one of the must-see spots on our list. We admired the iconic Trinity Church and then strolled along Newbury Street. The street felt alive and welcoming. The trees bloomed, and the red brick buildings glowed warmly under the May sun. After a short walk, we found ourselves on Commonwealth Avenue, just a block away.
And oh my—what a sight! A grand boulevard stretched before us, lined with towering trees and a park-like walking path running through its center. On both sides stood magnificent Victorian-style buildings, rows of red-brick homes, some adorned with bay windows and intricate rooftop details that instantly captured my heart. I couldn’t take my eyes off those houses. Before I knew it, the words spilled out: “Wow, I wonder who lived here in the past and who lives here now—how lucky they must be!”
Love
The year was 2019. My husband, son, and I had been living in a small city called Lake Charles in Louisiana for a year. Photography had always been one of my passions, and as an early Instagram user, I avidly followed accounts sharing glimpses of cities and countries that fascinated me. Among them were a few people posting daily scenes from the streets of Boston—a city I had visited before and adored. Their photos transported me: sometimes I wandered through Boston’s streets in my mind, and other times I found myself enchanted by the soft glow of a yellow lamp in a cozy window. With every shared frame, something deep within me ignited—I was falling in love with Boston from afar.
It was November 8th, and my birthday tradition of choosing a new city to explore was upon us. This time, there was no hesitation—I wanted to be with Boston, in Boston. I put together a two-day itinerary for our family.
We arrived in the city by evening. Since it was already dark, I photographed Trinity Church in Copley Square under the city lights. Unfortunately, we were too late to see the magnificent reading rooms of the Boston Public Library—they had just closed. We thought about heading up to the Prudential Center for a panoramic night view of the city, only to discover it was closed for renovations. Nothing seemed to be going as planned—was this a bad omen for the trip? But there was no need to worry; we still had two full days ahead. Tired from our journey, we decided to try one of the restaurants from my list for a classic lobster roll (a must-try sandwich here, served either warm or cold). Satisfied and full, we headed back to our hotel for a well-needed rest, ready for the adventures the next day would bring.
November 9th. It’s my birthday!!! I have a long list of things I want to do today. Early in the morning, dressed in thermal base layers (Don’t laugh! And don’t say, “What thermal layers in early November?!” Remember, we’ve been living in Louisiana’s humid heat for a while—we’ve practically forgotten what winter clothes are! 😊), we set off toward Beacon Hill.
Beacon Hill, one of Boston’s oldest and most picturesque neighborhoods, enchants me with its narrow, cobblestone streets, elegant Victorian brick row houses, and vintage street lamps that once burned gas. Acorn Street, famously dubbed the most photographed street in America (thanks in part to Instagram), transports us back to colonial Boston. In the 19th century, artisans and tradespeople lived in the charming row houses lining this historic street. Wow!
I wander through one narrow lane after another, photographing vibrant yellow, red, and blue doors. With Thanksgiving approaching, the homes are beautifully decorated with pumpkins and seasonal touches. Every detail feels perfectly balanced—not too much, not too little. There’s an undeniable sense of understated elegance everywhere.
We stroll down from Beacon Hill and enter the “Boston Common” and “Boston Public Garden.” Since it’s an early Saturday morning, the park is mostly filled with people jogging, walking their dogs, and enjoying quiet exercise. And of course, the park’s adorable squirrel residents are everywhere!
The “Boston Common” and “Public Garden” are two expansive green spaces, divided by a road. The Common, established in 1634, is America’s first public park, designed for city residents to stroll. Its paths are practical and straightforward. In contrast, the Public Garden, created in 1837, is America’s first botanical garden. It was designed from the start to be ornamental and filled with flowers, with meandering paths for a more leisurely walk.
And then, in the heart of the Public Garden, I spot something magical—a giant Ginkgo Biloba. Its golden leaves have fallen, creating a thick yellow carpet on the ground, and a bench sits beside it. I can’t tear myself away from that bench or the beauty of the park for a while.
As we linger outdoors, the Boston wind starts to chill us, and we realize we haven’t had breakfast yet. But it doesn’t matter. Autumn, my favorite season, has painted the entire city in its vibrant hues. Fallen leaves blanket the sidewalks and cobblestone streets, adding to the city’s charm. The crisp air fills me with renewed energy as I walk the streets. Wait a second—this isn’t just energy; it’s love! The boundless energy of love. My soul feels like it’s dancing through the streets of this city, where every glance at its photos sends butterflies fluttering inside me. How is that even possible? Oh, what now! Can someone truly fall in love with a city? But I’m certain—this feeling is real. It’s love.
Reunion
The year is 2021. Our belongings are being moved into our rental apartment on Commonwealth Avenue. As I gaze out from the bedroom’s floor-to-ceiling windows, I feel soaring above the trees. Overwhelmed by the sheer joy of being reunited with my beloved city and the breathtaking view, I sink into a chair, savoring the moment. How did we end up living in a house in Boston? Let me explain, without too many details.
In March 2021, my husband, who works on project-based contracts, was wrapping up his assignment in Louisiana. The only thing I knew for certain was that I longed to return to Boston. Given his career in the natural gas and oil sectors, my husband believed finding a job in Boston would be nearly impossible.
When his project ended, he booked plane tickets for Turkey, planning to wait there until a new job opportunity arose and to be the best man at a close friend’s wedding. Meanwhile, my son had been accepted to a university in another state. Then, one day, my husband came home from work with unexpected news:
“I got a job offer in the Boston area! It’s a completely different industry, but they need someone with my skill set and reached out to me.” After a few meetings, he announced, “They want me to start in May.”
Oh my God!! This couldn’t be real!! Oh my God!!!
Wanting something with your whole heart… Books like The Secret by Rhonda Byrne and The School for Gods by Stefano Elio D’Anna come to mind.
For five weeks, I wandered the streets of Boston in search of a home, feeling grateful for every experience that had brought me to this point, while trying to convince myself that I was really going to live in this city. It all still felt so surreal.
Maybe it’s time to pause my storytelling… What do you think? After living in Boston for 3.5 years as a flaneur, perhaps it’s the perfect moment to share some personal recommendations.
Summer flew by in the whirlwind of moving and adjusting to this unexpected turn of events. If you find yourself in Boston during the summer, the Charles River Esplanade is ideal for a relaxing stroll or a sunset view by the water. On Sundays from June 30 to September 1, Newbury Street is closed to traffic, transforming into a lively pedestrian zone with street vendors, live music, and plenty of opportunities to dance and shop.
For a laid-back afternoon, spread a picnic blanket in Boston Common or the Public Garden, where you can befriend the curious squirrels and charming ducks. The “Swan Boats” have been operating in the Public Garden since 1877 and are now a beloved cultural icon of the city. You can take a tour of the pond aboard these unique boats.
While Boston’s summer temperatures aren’t always scorching, warm evenings are perfect for sipping drinks with a city view at places like Rooftop at The Envoy or Long Bar & Terrace.
Baseball fans, take note: Red Sox season is in full swing! Arrive at Jersey Street before a game to grab a classic Italian sausage with peppers and onions from a street vendor. Or, enjoy the iconic Kayem Fenway Beef Franks—loaded with ketchup and mustard—right at your seat in historic Fenway Park.
Lastly, don’t miss the stunning Kelleher Rose Garden, home to 200 varieties of roses and nearly 1,500 plants in total. It’s free to visit, and the roses are at their peak beauty in mid-June—a perfect backdrop for some Instagram-worthy photos!
And now comes my season—autumn. Magnificent! I’m not sure if any other city in the world wears autumn as beautifully as this one. The neighborhoods of Beacon Hill, Back Bay, and the South End are ideal for wandering, inviting you to lose yourself in their charming streets. And for experiencing autumn’s full glory, don’t miss Mount Auburn Cemetery—it’s truly magical this time of year. By the way, almost every neighborhood and spot I’ve mentioned so far is within walking or biking distance—yes, really! You can explore nearly the entire city on foot or by using Bluebikes (bluebikes.com).
Winter, of course, is my second favorite season. As Christmas cheer fills the air, stroll down the illuminated Commonwealth Avenue toward the Boston Public Garden. From there, you can go ice skating at The Boston Common Frog Pond or simply watch the skaters while warming up with a cup of hot chocolate in hand.
To fully embrace the holiday spirit, visit the seasonal winter markets like the Holiday Market at Snowport and the SoWa Winter Festival. Enjoy hot chocolate, mulled wine, winter cocktails, seasonal craft beers, apple cider donuts, and more. Shop for handmade gifts and local delicacies while listening to festive tunes from local musicians—a perfect way to celebrate the season.
If you’re a winter enthusiast like me, you’ll find yourself rushing outside at the first sign of a snowstorm. Trust me, the only people you’ll encounter on the streets and avenues will be those shoveling snow from their driveways, dedicated runners braving the weather (something that feels uniquely Boston, where it seems like the whole city is always running), and you. In those quiet, snow-covered streets, you’ll only hear the soft whisper of snowflakes landing on your coat or umbrella. With rosy cheeks, a red nose, and numb fingertips, you can escape into a cozy café and savor a hot chocolate. My favorite spot for this is Caffè Nero in the South End. Sadly, 2021 was the only year in recent memory with a significant snowstorm and a decent amount of snow. The effects of climate change are becoming increasingly apparent, disrupting the natural rhythm of seasons. It feels more accurate to say it hasn’t really snowed in three years.
When spring arrives, the entire city bursts into a vibrant display of color. Magnolia trees bloom first, followed by cherry blossoms. House gardens and window boxes come alive with flowers that will leave you in awe. Sitting beneath the cherry blossoms along the Charles River Esplanade is pure bliss—you can daydream, listen to music, or enjoy a picnic while soaking in the beauty. April also brings the world-famous Boston Marathon, drawing thousands of visitors from around the globe. Though the city gets crowded, Boston transforms into a festive, spirited place. It welcomes its guests with warmth, order, and a sense of security that feels distinctly theirs.
My Home, Boston
It’s 2024, and I’m on Marlborough Street in the Back Bay neighborhood. I can’t get enough of the view from my window, where I sit with a teacup and a book in hand, admiring the red brick houses with gabled roofs and bay windows. This is my home where I truly feel I belong, more than anywhere else in the world. I close my eyes, then open them again, and the scene remains unchanged. Yes, this is it. I am exactly where I want to be—Boston.
Every time I step out onto the streets, I’m filled with wonder, as though I’m seeing it all for the first time. Sometimes, I even feel a sense of jealousy when I see others snapping photos, thinking to myself, “No, don’t take pictures—that’s my Boston.” Can someone fall this deeply in love with a city—one they weren’t even born or raised in?
When I stroll through Beacon Hill and Back Bay, be careful not to trip while gazing at the beautiful houses! I still can’t stop admiring them, jaw dropped, as I walk along the streets. I never tire of photographing the same houses, trees, and streets. The other day, when I asked my husband to take a photo of me as I left the house, he joked, “Do people really keep taking photos of their street?” Little does he know; I’m not just photographing my street—I love this city.
Well, it’s time to say goodbye, for now, my friends. I’ll be back with more Boston stories in the future. Here’s wishing a wonderful year for all of us—may your excitement and joy for life grow, and may all your dreams come true. Happy New Year! And let our next adventure be a surprise!
Feel free to reach out to me at syakinoglu@gmail.com or through my Instagram account @saraonroad if you’re curious, about Boston—I’d love to hear from you!
Stay with love and happiness until the next article…
Sara Bozdemir
Instagram: @saraonroad
