It was once again a journey to discover the scenic states within New England, located in the northeastern region of the United States. New England comprises six states: Connecticut, Massachusetts, Vermont, New Hampshire, Maine, and Rhode Island. Rhode Island, the smallest state in the nation, borders three states and has a coastline along the North Atlantic Ocean.
New England is characterized by its iconic white-steepled churches, rugged coastlines, and timeless landscapes of serene farmlands, which are depicted in the accompanying photographs. These features present a stark contrast to the beaches of New York. As we embark on our travels during the first week of November, we observe that the trees have already begun to shed their leaves, yet the roadways do resemble the picturesque scenes often found in calendars.
New England region is often referred to as the “cradle of American civilization,” as its history is intertwined with the broader narrative of America. Comprising six states, it is characterized by its white-steepled churches, rugged coastlines, historic villages, and serene landscapes of peaceful farmlands, alongside the sophisticated city of Boston. This region is often referred to as the “cradle of American civilization,” as its history is intertwined with the broader narrative of America.
Vermont is renowned for its ski resorts and rolling farmlands, while New Hampshire is celebrated for its dense forests and breathtaking mountain passes, particularly during the fall. Maine is known for its dramatic coastline, Massachusetts boasts a rich tapestry of history, culture, and prestigious universities; and Connecticut is famous for its charming postcard-worthy villages. The island we are visiting today is particularly noted for its grand mansions.
Itinerary
Total distance covered: 790 KM
Day 1
4 PM North Bergen, New Jersey to Connecticut 7 PM,
Stay at Connecticut
Dinner at Sravana Restaurant and roam around the downtown
Day 2
9 AM Connecticut to Massachusetts 1 AM
Visit Massachusetts University, Harward University, take snacks in Harward in Indian restaurant,
visit city of Boston
Return 7 PM Boston to Connecticut 10 PM
Dinner in Sravana Indian restaurant
Day 3
Roam around local in downtown of Connecticut, visit Yale University. Return to North Bergen, New Jersey
Oct 13-16, 2024
Our journey led us to the picturesque leaf-peeping destinations of New England. This excursion involved a drive through New York, Connecticut, Massachusetts, Harvard University, Boston, and back to Connecticut before returning to New York.
The primary objective of this trip was to experience the vibrant fall foliage while also visiting Boston, Massachusetts, and Harvard University, located in the Cambridge area of Massachusetts.
We commenced our journey from North Bergen, New Jersey, which took approximately 1.5 hours by car to reach Connecticut. In the United States, vehicles typically travel at speeds ranging from 95 kph to 145 kph. Speed limits are strictly enforced on highways, with fines imposed for exceeding the limit by more than 10 kilometers per hour. Given the high speeds, the potential for serious accidents is significant, making adherence to traffic regulations essential. A single error in judgment can lead to tragic consequences, and it is worth noting that cyclists are rarely seen on the roads.
Upon reaching Connecticut, we made a stop at the apartment of a friend of my son. He is a software engineer employed at a reputable company and purchased this apartment for $450,000, financing it through a loan. Over the past two to three years, he has been paying an interest rate of 8% on this loan, a significant increase from the previous zero percent interest rate.
The apartment itself is quite appealing, featuring a well-designed two-bedroom layout with a spacious living area, a balcony, two bathrooms, and an open kitchen integrated into the living space.
Connecticut is located in the New England region, characterized by a population that is approximately 85% white and around 15% Hispanic/Latino. This description pertains specifically to Stamford, a town within Connecticut. The downtown area and its streets are remarkable,
featuring well-maintained roads, parks, restaurants, traffic signals, and a community that adheres to traffic regulations. The streets are beautifully illuminated, and it is common to see families dining outdoors in front of restaurants, enjoying quality time together. A notable park is present, which, if one were to compare, is quite exceptional, especially when considering the
typical parks found in India. This park includes a small water stream, referred to as a river, that flows through it. Although the park is not crowded due to the chilly evening at 8:30 PM, ducks can be seen swimming in the stream. Inside a nearby restaurant, some patrons are dancing to music, and when we paused to observe, we were warmly welcomed.
The following day, my son’s friend arranged a tour of his office area and the upscale neighborhoods of Connecticut. We traversed a picturesque forested region, where beautiful homes and cottages are spread across expansive properties, resembling dream residences. Notably, this area is home to Indra Nooyi, the former CEO of PepsiCo, although we were unable to pinpoint her residence.
Additionally, we visited a state park in Stamford, where we parked our car free of charge and embarked on a short trail. There, we encountered a few individuals engaged in fishing along the water stream. The organization and maintenance of the area were commendable.
In conclusion, our visit to Connecticut marked our first experience in New England, and the beauty I had heard about this region was indeed confirmed.
The following day, we set out for Massachusetts and Harvard. I had a strong desire to visit the Massachusetts Institute of Technology and Harvard University, marveling at the fact that these two prestigious institutions are located within the same state, merely 10 kilometers apart and just a few kilometers from Boston.
It was a wonderful experience to explore the exterior of MIT’s various departments, the main building, and the library, capturing photographs along the way. I observed that many other
visitors, much like us, were filled with excitement as they toured the university and took pictures
to commemorate their visit. We were certainly not immune to this sentiment, and I smiled at the shared enthusiasm.
We spent approximately two hours admiring a selection of MIT’s buildings, though it was clear
that a full exploration would require an entire day.
Subsequently, we drove to the Cambridge area, home to Harvard University. Architecturally, this
university appeared considerably older than MIT. Here, we explored various departments, an ancient
church, and the impressive library. I learned that Subramanian Swamy had taught economics courses at Harvard Summer School until 2011, when the faculty voted to discontinue his courses due to his
controversial remarks regarding Muslims. Notable alumni of this institution include Ratan Tata, Rajiv Gandhi, Mira Nair, and Anand Mahindra. We enjoyed dosa and samosa at an Indian restaurant during our visit.
Once again, we spent about two hours touring a few departments, but time was running short for us to explore Boston. Therefore, we decided to make a brief visit to the city, intending to see Quincy Market,
Chinatown, and the Boston Tea Party monument, the site where tea was thrown into the harbor in protest of British policies in 1773.
1 Old South Meeting House 2 Boston Common 3 Massachusetts State House 4 Park Street Church
5 King’s Chapel & King’s Chapel Burying Ground 6 Old State House and Boston Massacre Site
7 Faneuil Hall 8 Paul Revere House 9 Old North Church 10 USS Constitution 11 USS Constitution Museum
12 Bunker Hill Monument & Museum, Freedom Trail
In Massachusetts, the Asian population surpasses that of any other state in New England.
The largest ethnic group is Chinese, followed by Indians, Vietnamese, Cambodians, and Filipinos.
These communities predominantly reside in Boston, Quincy, and Cambridge. This Chinese town is in Boston.
By approximately 6 PM, we commenced our journey back to Connecticut to visit Yale University in New Haven. It was around 9:30 PM when we took a brief stroll through the campus buildings of Yale University.
The lights illuminated the structures, casting shadows upon them. We observed young individuals
walking along the paths near the dormitories and several buildings, their faces reflecting a sense of joy and vibrancy.
Epilogue
Massachusetts is characterized as a vibrant hub for working professionals, despite its high cost of living. The state offers an academic ambiance, allowing individuals to unwind along the banks of the Charles River or to partake in the dynamic metropolitan lifestyle of Boston.
Connecticut presents a unique combination of urban and suburban lifestyles, attracting a significant number of Asian students who come to pursue their studies at mid-tier universities in the state. Notable characteristics of Connecticut include its state parks, waterfront areas, and the presence of affluent residents residing in large bungalows. We also could see the world-famous Yale University, which is about an hour and a half away by car.
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