Winging it in...Boston!

You take football down here real serious

After a totally typical CMP driving experience recently I don’t feel I can let this week go by without a mention of the “Big Dig”. I have of course seen pretty much all of the underground tunnels that Boston now has to offer, and I of course meant to see none! I was as ever lost!
The Big Dig is the unofficial name of the Central Artery/Tunnel Project, it was intended to reroute the main Interstate that ran through Boston underneath the city in a 3.5 mile tunne, project and thus alleviate a lot of traffic problems, and create a whole new green space in the area vacated by the old elevated highway. Initially, the plan was also to include a rail connection between Boston's two major train terminals. Started in 1985 the project officially concluded on December 31, 2007, after disagreements between the city and contractors.
The Big Dig was the most expensive highway project in the U.S. (Another Boston claim to fame then!) Although the project was estimated in 1985 at $2.8 billion it has eventually, or so I’m told cost a grand total of $15 billion. I have no idea what traffic was like in 1985, but I can categorically state that it is shocking in 2010! Then again that may all be cause be me getting stuck and wanting to turn around in the tunnels. You also have to pay a $3.50 toll to use the system as you come from North Boston, I think I have single handedly manage to pay back a good $50.00 on one “sightseeing” tour of the city.
This weekend I was thinking of delving into the world of Christian Science. Originally built in 1894 and then developed further in a Renaissance Revival style the Christian Science center kind of stands out among the taller tower buildings of commercial Boston. The Mary Baker Eddy Library also stands in the square as does the Mapparium. These are all things I have seen before, but all things that I felt deserved further contemplation- especially as I have walked past them so often (Whole Foods is on the far side of the square- as way of explanation). The red granite reflecting pool was empty today- I usually like the never ending quality to it- and despite the constantly freezing temperature it does usually contain water.
I did unfortunately miss out on a visit to the giant stained glass map today- as tour times and opening times didn’t coincide with my admitted lazy timings for the day. Another thing to add to the list of places I must return to.
And finally, in reference to the quote at the top of the page it was Super Bowl Sunday, a near religious experience in itself here! I have eaten far too much potato salad, way too many chicken wings and inhaled some great brownies! It was a surprising quick game and took only about 3 hours- which for football is good. (And yes I know it is only made up of 15 minute quarters…) “The Who” played the half time show, and I have to say, who was the drummer?