Ignore unless coming to Boston in Dec.

[TayTay]

Just an informative article that talks about how no one here can give directions. (We just can't. It's something in the water.)

Read this: Lost in Boston

This generated an amusing LTTE of the BGlobe:

Lighten up toward 'outsiders'
October 31, 2005
SNIP

Why are the entrances to Storrow Drive in Back Bay unmarked? Why do street names change when you cross town lines (though you won't realize it for several miles)? Why are street signs inadequate or nonexistent? Why do people give terrible directions, often using insider landmarks like "turn left at the corner where Cuomo's used to be"? There seems to be an attitude of "If you were from around here, you would know." Then there is the abuse heaped on drivers foolish enough to slow down at an intersection, desperately hoping for signage.

I have learned to view getting lost as an opportunity to experience new places, and I never travel without my Rand-McNally map book. Boston will never be a world-class city as long as ''outsiders" feel uncomfortable and unwelcome on your roads.

I was once in a McDonalds in a Boston 'burb. A tourist came in and asked for directions on how to get a hotel on Rt. 128. About 6 people tried to give him directions and not one of 'em could give a direction without referencing something that isn't there anymore. ("Go by where Joe's Repair Shop used to be and take the next right. Oh, you don't know where Joe's used to be." Long intake of breathe. This directions thing is harder than it looks. "Well, how about that restaurant that used to be called the Jolly Jingle, but I don't know the name of it now. Do you know that place? No? Damn, this is hard.")

You have been warned.

[whometense]

1. Have to admit,

I've lived here almost my entire life, and I will never understand why it is so important that the entrances to Storrow Drive remain secret. National security??

[Mass]

2. LOL

I got lost more than once there when I first moved to Boston.

Dont hope to find your way with a map either. You can drive for miles without any indication of which road you are driving on. I am sure there must be a law that prevents to give this information.

[TayTay]

3. I was just trying to give a heads up to people who are coming here.

I think this is mostly on driving directions. Walking directions are fairly good cuz you get to point at tall buildings and then talk really slowly. I haven't had a problem with that. (I had to give directions recently from Boston Commons to Mass General to a walker. I think they got there and probably appreciated my reference to a great bar near there as well. Joy Street, get to Joy Street.)

Hey, on the other hand you can always just give it a shot. Who knows, you might just find a better place to be than the place you originally intended to go to. It happens.

(Besides, there is the secret handshake and special test that marks you as a 'native.' If you get native status, then we teach you the secret code for how to drive around Boston without getting lost and how to read the secret invisible street signs. If we let those secrets out, then anybody could do it. It's a Boston thing.)

BTW, we do know that 'you can't get there from here.' We're sort of working on it. I mean really, this is from a really good visitor's guide to Boston:

"One of America's oldest cities (founded in 1630), Boston remains one of its most European in feel. Like many European cities, Boston is best explored on foot. Make sure to bring some comfortable shoes to explore the Freedom Trail (which links key historic sites downtown by way of a red line painted on the sidewalk), the Public Garden, the book shops and other stores of Harvard Square. In fact, driving is NOT recommended - our drivers and roads are insane, and the local public-transit system offers convenient and safe access to major tourist attractions."

http://www.boston-online.com/visitors/

[rox63]

4. Even if someone is foolish enough to drive

Where would they park? Without paying an arm and a leg, that is. Boston has excellent public transit, so I suggest familiarizing yourself with the subway system. (aka "the T")

[TayTay]

5. It's nice to know that we are such a cheery bunch.

You can have a perfectly great time in ole Boston. Just not driving. Save yourself the misery and hoof it or take the T. (But not after 1:00 am. All public transportation ends before 1:00 am. Hey, we are a Puritan city, after all. If you're out partying after 1:00 am, get home by cab or something. We aren't paying for it on the public dime.) Now, ask me about the 'Blue Laws', some of which are still on the books and date back to the Puritan founding of the City.

[karynnj]

6. self delete

[Island Blue]

7. LOL - I thought Southerners were the only ones

who give directions that way - "Remember where Mr. Baker's store used to be? Well you go down there and take a right and then go a mile and a half until you get to the big house with the barking dogs in the backyard ...'

I actually have a funny story about asking someone for directions in Boston but I'll refrain from sharing because it's probably actually only funny to me and my friend who I was traveling with.

[sandnsea]

8. Montana directions

Even if you think you're lost forever, just keep going, the turn off to the dirt road is a few more miles down the gravel road you're on. :)