Boston, USA
18 September 2014

1. Public Garden – established in 1837, this is the first public botanical garden in the United States.  The Parks Department maintains the Victorian traditions of the said park which features rich and unusual plants, the Lagoon, monuments and fountains, and the Swan Boats created and operated by the Paget family for over 100 years.  Due to the wide variety of plants and its romantic setting, the Public Garden attracts many weddings.

2. Massachusetts State House – built on 11 January 1798, it is one of the oldest buildings located across the Boston Common on top of Beacon Hill and covers 6.7 acres of land.  It was designed by Charles Bulfinch, the leading architect at the time.  The dome was originally made of wood but is now sheathed in copper and covered by 23-karat gold to prevent leaks into the “new” State House.

3. Kennedy School of Government, Harvard University – has evolved as one of the world’s most eminent social science research institutions.  It houses 15 research centers and institutes, and more than 30 executive education and degree programs with worldwide reach and influence.  More than 46,000 Kennedy school alumni reside in more than 200 countries and territories who serve in a wide range of positions in the public, private and non-profit sectors.

4. Boston College – a Jesuit university and considered as one of the best and selective universities in the United States.  It confers more than 4,000 degrees annually in more than 50 fields of study through eight schools and colleges.

5. St. Ignatius Church – located in the neighborhood of Chestnut Hills, Massachusetts which is six miles outside of Boston, the parish church was founded on 7 November 1926 and placed under the care of the Jesuit Fathers residing at Boston College.  Though not the university’s church, it enjoys a special relationship with Boston College as each year, several students teach in their religious education program and Jesuit priests from Boston College occasionally preside at their liturgies.  It boasts of an assortment of music ensembles that enrich the church’s liturgy.

6. Fenway Park – known as “America’s Most Beloved Ballpark” and “Home of the Boston Red Sox.”  Constructed for the 1912 season and the first game was played on 20 April 1912 between the Red Sox (7) and Highlanders (6) in 11 innings.

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