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Ahh the Esplanade. Used to work near there for many years. Can't forget the smell of the Charles River after a long heat spell, wish I could.
Aeromed202,
I have to tell you, this was the first year I packed it in. The new restrictions in the wake of the Marathon bombing are so intense that for a family with young children; not being able to carry a backpack and having to put everything in clear plastic bags is a ludicrous proposition, especially with diapers, snacks, and other essentials you have to have if you're going to be in the sun virtually the entire day. We were trying to get through the security checkpoint for more than ninety minutes, and not only having to go through searches, but also metal detectors.
Plus, they would only let you carry in up to two liters of water, which is not enough when you have a wife and four small kids. You could always buy some, at $5 a liter. Food was the same way...no coolers! My wife and I told the security people that if this is what it's come to, it's just not worth it. If we really want to respond to the events in Boston and NYC properly, don't change the security, give the buzzards a giant middle finger, and go on with life as if nothing ever happened. Making us jump through flaming hoops proves their point, and makes Benjamin Franklin's words echo louder than ever.
We walked around and thanked all those in uniform we could see, said thanks to any military personnel we encountered, turned in our wristbands, and came home.
Plus, it was 90+ degrees, with a dewpoint near 75.