30 Hours in "The Most European" American City - Boston

Boston has always been an influential American city in my life, despite me never having set foot in it. As a kid majoring in history, I was fascinated by the American fight for independence, preceded by the famous Boston Tea Party. Boston's sports culture is unique. As an ice hockey fan, I was pleased when the Boston Bruins won the Stanley Cup, especially because the team was captained by Zdeno Chára, a fellow Slovak whose story is one of my favourites in world sports. Later in my career, I managed the delivery of software projects to Keolis and MBTA, transportation authorities in Boston. It came as a nice perk to explore the city last week on the way back from Vermont.

History Window

Some of my friends who had visited the city before me would call it "the most European American city there is." Often referred to as the birthplace of New England, Boston's history dates back to 1630 when it was officially founded by English Puritans seeking religious freedom from the constraints of European rule. The Boston Tea Party is one of my favourite historical events. The British had long been trying to fill their state treasury by taxing the colonies. " Sons of Liberty", Yes, the name is real. The Boston Tea Party was a protest against the Tea Act, a legislative manoeuvre designed to make English tea marketable in America by helping British companies and imposing higher taxes on local (American) wholesalers. Don't get confused; the tea itself was from China. The Boston Tea Party is now remembered as a symbol of taxation tyranny.

Boston, as a city, played a pivotal role in the American Revolution. The battles of Lexington and Concord marked it as a key player in the country's fight for independence. It quickly became the political, commercial, financial, religious, and educational centre of Puritan New England.

The city's European influence is still visible today in its historic buildings, such as the Old State House and the Paul Revere House, which stand as testaments to its rich past.

Winning Mentality Across Sports

We arrived in Boston on the morning of the NBA championship-winning parade. The Celtics had won their 18th title a few days earlier by beating the Dallas Mavericks, and Friday was a day to celebrate with their fans. As we entered downtown, we saw hundreds of people wearing green T-shirts, caps, and other merchandise representing the Celtics. People were proud of their achievements. Some that I spoke to would travel from neighbouring towns/states.

Throughout history, the city's sports organizations have enjoyed remarkable success, with 38 championships in the four major leagues (NHL, NBA, NFL, MLB). This consistent winning tradition is unique worldwide, and you can see it in the people; it has somehow become a part of their DNA.

To me, the Boston Bruins of the NHL are the closest. In 2011, the team, captained by Zdeno Chára, a childhood hero of mine, won the Stanley Cup. When Chára was 18 years old, playing in the Slovak 2nd junior division, he was repeatedly told to give up hockey because he was too tall (2.06 m) and looked too awkward on the skates. He faced numerous rejections from teams. Despite this, he never gave up and always fought for his dream. Eventually, he became only the second European-born captain to lead an NHL team to a Stanley Cup win and will surely be inducted into the Hall of Fame shortly.

As we were walking around Beacon Hill, a severe rainstorm started. Looking for shelter, we randomly hopped into an Irish bar. A bunch of people were celebrating the Celtics' win and enjoying Guinness. One of the portraits on the wall was a framed picture of Zdeno lifting Lord Stanley's Cup. That sums up his legacy in the city.

World-Class (& Overpriced) Seafood

I was born and raised in a mountain town, so I naturally love seafood. On a serious note, I don’t have to eat fish or seafood for months, but as soon as I’m by the sea, I cannot resist. Be it the classic British fish & chips, my favorite pulpo a feira from Galicia, or Portuguese bacalhau à Brás. Maybe it’s the time I’ve spent in Macaronesia over the past two years, but I refuse to consume seafood or fish unless it’s completely fresh and right out of the sea—the taste is just incomparable.

I have always known that Boston is famous for its Atlantic lobster rolls and clam chowder, a creamy soup. We decided to try both on separate days, making sure we didn't "overseafood" ourselves. Before coming to Boston, I researched the finest establishments, which in reality looked more like fish shacks in the ports, serving some unreal food. For anyone planning on trying them, do not repeat my mistake—get the lobster roll with hot butter instead of mayo.

For a relatively small roll, you will end up paying $40, which was quite shocking, to be fair. We ended up trying lobster rolls, clam chowder, and local fish and chips in places like James Hook & Co or Yankee Lobster. Can vouch for top-class quality in each of them.

Boston's Appeal to Digital Nomads - Future Hub

Roughly more than 30% of digital nomads and remote workers are from the USA, which means over 20 million people. Most of them leave the country in search of something they can't find at home. Affordability? Maybe. Community? Certainly.

I firmly believe that more and more communities similar to those digital nomads are accustomed to in Latin America, Asia, and Southern Europe will form in the USA. Boston could benefit from this. It is home to many prestigious universities like Harvard and MIT, attracting talent from all around the globe. The people are there; it's about offering them the right opportunities to stay and find what they are looking for.

The combined population of the three northeasternmost states in New England—Vermont, New Hampshire, and Maine—is less than 4 million. All of them are actively promoting relocation across their online content. After spending a week in Vermont, I could see why young families, outdoor lovers or people seeking a healthy lifestyle would move out to New England.

While I have not been blown away by city life in the States, the small towns are breathing a whole different life: community, interaction between locals, and walkability.

Boston somehow feels like a combination of both. I could run along the Charles River in the morning, walk to the harbour, and use the metro with no issues, getting around the city with great flexibility. Its unique architecture, numerous parks, multiculturalism, and proximity to places like Cape Cod, Vermont, or New York make it an attractive city to live in.

With a direct flight between the Azores and Boston and some great friends in and around the city, I think I will be back to learn more.