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Wednesday, May 20, 2026
Where are we again? Photographed by Gavin Meichelbock/BruinLife.
TravelOut & About

Shippin’ out to Bastan

by Gavin Meichelbock
written by Gavin Meichelbock
This entry is part 8 of 8 in the series Across the Country in Seven Days



Across the Country in Seven Days

These are my ramblings collected from Amtrak conversations, reflections on rural America, a fictional narrative about a Sunday in the park and a walk along Boston’s Freedom Trail.


After the LONGEST 24 hours of my life, which involved a strange man whispering “are you comfortable” into my fast-asleep ear, I FINALLY reached Boston. It’s a city of revolution, market price sea food (a.k.a slang for, “you don’t wanna know how much this costs”), stunning architecture and a shockingly dull skyline. So come amble around Boston with me while I show you the world in my eyes.

The American version of “Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them” is just this bronze Bostonian who happens to have a bald eagle in his suitcase. Photographed by Gavin Meichelbock/BruinLife.
Boston is the first city I’ve visited where it’s more interesting from the ground; and I live in a valley. Photographed by Gavin Meichelbock/BruinLife.
Overachieving students attempt to focus on their work amongst the camera clicks and scuffling shoes of tourists here to visit the Boston Public Library. Photographed by Gavin Meichelbock/BruinLife.
The grand staircase to the historic portion of the Boston Public Library. Photographed by Gavin Meichelbock/BruinLife.
The regal towers and iron roofs of The Old South Church reign high above Boylston Street. Photographed by Gavin Meichelbock/BruinLife.
Upon entrance to Boston’s Old South Church, I was impressed to find the interior was as beautifully constructed as its exterior architecture. Photographed by Gavin Meichelbock/BruinLife.
I’ve never heard of Phillis Wheatly until coming to UCLA. Now arriving in Boston, I see her everywhere; even the background in this image of the Boston Women’s Monument. Photographed by Gavin Meichelbock/BruinLife.
A man braves the Boston cold alone as he gazes longingly at the Charles River Esplanade. Photographed by Gavin Meichelbock/BruinLife.
A statue to honor the firefighters of Boston. Photographed by Gavin Meichelbock/BruinLife.
A monument of Washington, not to be confused with the Washington Monument, which does not actually depict General Washington, for it is just an obelisk. Nor is it in the state of Washington but, in fact, the District of Columbia, which is not located in the South American country with the same name, but sandwiched between Virginia and Maryland. Photographed by Gavin Meichelbock/BruinLife.
It’s a lovey, 54 degree Fahrenheit day for a stroll in the Boston Commons. Photographed by Gavin Meichelbock/BruinLife.
The Boston Commons is buzzing with dog owners, joggers and a strange fellow who tells me he takes pictures with his eyes and doesn’t know the meaning of the phrase “to each their own.” Photographed by Gavin Meichelbock/BruinLife.
A bronze statue forged to honor M.L.K. Photographed by Gavin Meichelbock/BruinLife.
I rush into the Massachusetts House of Representatives 20 minutes before it closes. With time being of the essence, the security guard tells me the only floors worthwhile are the second and third. Photographed by Gavin Meichelbock/BruinLife.
Surprising to no one, but the outdoor Brattle Books store isn’t crowded when it’s 28 degrees Fahrenheit out. Photographed by Gavin Meichelbock/BruinLife.
Easy to miss, but right along Water Street stands Boston’s first steel frame skyscraper, the Winthrop Building. Photographed by Gavin Meichelbock/BruinLife.
“It’s more of a ‘Freedom Crawl’ at the rate we’re going,” I over hear a girl say to her mother having trecked Boston’s Freedom Trail for quite some time, I’d imagine. Photographed by Gavin Meichelbock/BruinLife.
A silly dog photobombs my attempt to pay homage to the 21 people who died of a thick, black wave of molasses. Photographed by Gavin Meichelbock/BruinLife.
Spurred by the lovely smells of garlic and marinara sauce wafting through the streets of Boston’s North End, I later proceed to spend $62 on a dinner of veal parmigiana and a glass of Chianti wine from Pappare Restorante and Bar as well as $5 on a cannoli from Parziale’s Bakery. Photographed by Gavin Meichelbock/BruinLife.
Ignore the sign’s directions, for some of the best Italian food can be found in the North End. Photographed by Gavin Meichelbock/BruinLife.
A statue of Paul Revere in front of the Old North Church. Contrary to popular opinion, Revere never shouted “The British are coming” during his midnight ride — he instead quietly warned trusted patriots of the redcoats’ arrival. Photographed by Gavin Meichelbock/BruinLife.
Enveloped by late Victorian looking apartments, the Bunker Hill Monument lures journeymen up the steep hill at the end of the Freedom Trail. Photographed by Gavin Meichelbock/BruinLife.

Across the Country in Seven Days

Amtrack survival guide

If Gavin isn't watching a movie or eating at the best restaurant you've never heard of, he's probably at his desk waiting for you to read his article about it! Outside the classroom where he's pursuing a bachelor's in American Literature and a minor in film, he is an independent author who literally wrote the book, two to be exact, on cheeseburgers: "1 Boy, 2 Buns & a Whole Lotta Meat in Between" and "Cheeseburger Summer" — both of which are on sale online through Barnes and Noble!

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