ReDiscovering Boston

 

                Boston from the Charles River

                The Boston Common Park

                    Isabella Gardner Museum

Visiting Boston after many years brought back memories and a new appreciation for a well-designed city. I had visited Boston three times, but I had not yet visited any museums. I went back after 30 years and stayed with my friend from July 10 to 16, 2025. It was the first part of my trip, followed by Maryland and Washington, D.C. 

On Friday, my friend took me to the Armenian Cultural Foundation (ACF), the National Association for Armenian Studies and Research (NAASR), and the Armenian Museum of America. Although I was aware of the centers and our plan, I was still excited to discover them.

The Armenian Cultural Foundation is situated in a three-story house with Greek columns, located next to a lake in Arlington. The first-floor living room was covered with huge Persian carpets. Around the room were numerous shelves filled with books, and above them were portraits of influential Armenian writers. I told my friend, "This is the perfect place for reading and writing. It's calming." 

The director gave us a tour. There was one room dedicated to the Armenian novelist Hagop Karapents. I saw his desk and typewriter. I wished I could talk with him again. I met Karapents in 1978 in Washington, D.C., where we both lived at the time. He was working for the Voice of America. He invited me to see the radio station. After the visit, we went to lunch at the cafeteria reserved for employees. He gave me his Armenian novel, The Daughter of Cartago. I was not good at reading novels, but I was hooked on this book. It was a page-turner; I couldn't put it down. In 1985, I moved to Glendale, California, but we kept in touch by phone. During one of his visits to California, he came to my one-bedroom apartment and we had a thought-provoking discussion. In addition, I was part of a literary group called The Eighties, and during one of our gatherings, Karapents joined us. I captured several group and candid photos of him and the group. After his death, they used some of my photos to create a video. Also, I took his portrait near a mask. I had photographed several Armenian artists near masks or their work and had an exhibition in 1988. Karapent's portrait was part of my black-and-white photo show.

As we completed the tour of ACF, I signed and donated two self-published books: my poetry book, A Mosaic of Words, and Inner Heaven, a bilingual English and Farsi book that includes self-help articles written by my mother between 1987 and 1988. 

            Hagop Karapents's room at the Armenian Cultural Foundation

We visited NAASR in Belmont and were welcomed by Ani Babaian, the library curator. After a thorough tour of the center, we went to the bookstore on the first floor. David Karamian's travel guide, Armenia - The Lone Stone, A Traveler's Guide, was on the shelf. I grabbed it and showed my photo in the last part, where David gave me credit as a travel consultant. We took a group photo holding the book. Ani kindly invited me to include my books in the library. I signed the books mentioned previously.

NAASR has a new building, specifically designed for multiple purposes, which offers concerts, lectures, and other cultural events. The high ceiling and glass-covered walls created a warm atmosphere. 

National Association for Armenian Studies and Research (NAASR)

We drove to Watertown to visit the Armenian Museum of America. The three-story building is on a corner, with high ceilings and extensive glass windows. It featured several exhibitions, including large black-and-white photographs by Yousuf Karsh, Armenian handicrafts and musical instruments, modern art by Ruben Amirian, and collages by Varujan Boghosian.

On Saturday, my friend took me to Boston. We walked around the historical buildings and the harbor. "The harbor reminds me of San Sebastian in Spain," I told my friend. I traveled in Spain in March and April. Making connections is an integral part of our lives; many places and events remind us of past experiences. Visiting different countries made me appreciate the architecture and museums in the U.S.  

On Sunday, my friend's husband prepared an omelet with tomatoes and herbs from their garden. After having our fancy breakfast on their back porch facing the forest, they took me to the beaches near Boston. We visited Nahant, Marblehead, and Red Rock Park. 

In the evenings, I spent time with my friend's daughter's family. The little girls were energetic and playful. On Saturday night, we were invited to my friend's sister's house, who is also a close friend of mine. I had not seen her for 40 years, yet she welcomed me with warmth and served a variety of Persian food. Another evening, long-time friends came over and we talked for hours. 

On Monday, I had lunch with a friend I hadn't seen since 1997. Later, I had dinner with a teacher friend at a restaurant on the Charles River. 

Around sunset, I walked along the river and took several photos with my iPhone 16. The clouds moved, and the lighting changed. The unexpected can be frightening or exciting. As I walked, I asked people about the bridge. The Longfellow Bridge is an arch bridge that spans the Charles River, connecting the city of Cambridge to Boston. Cars, trains, and pedestrians can cross it. 

On Tuesday and Wednesday, I took the train to the center of Boston. Loved walking,  discovering parks and building, and taking photos. I was fascinated by the architecture of the Boston Public Library, Harvard University, the Museum of Fine Arts,  and the Isabella Stewart Gardner Museum. The ladder has a building similar to those found in Venice, Italy, palaces. 

I was not sure what to expect. It was a memorable trip, connecting with friends and rediscovering Boston, as well as the Armenian centers. It feels great to leave with a sense of satisfaction and gratitude. 

https://armenianculturalfoundation.net/

https://naasr.org/

https://www.armenianmuseum.org/

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-dLNTXxLL1o&t=2431s

Costa Rica

Traveling with a purpose gives me energy. In 2024, I spent six weeks in Costa Rica.

My youngest brother, Vazrik, had just returned from Costa Rica and generously bought my airline ticket. “Go stay for a while. You are retired,” he said. I appreciated his kindness, but I needed a purpose for such a long trip. So, I decided to improve my Spanish skills and explore the West Coast of Costa Rica. In December 2006, I studied Spanish in Alajuela, Costa Rica. This time, I chose to study for two weeks in Tamarindo and one week in Samara.

I was an elementary school teacher for 32 years. On June 9, 2023, I retired and began a new chapter—one focused on documenting experiences and dedicating more time to travel and writing.

In February 2024, I published Paraiso Interior, a Spanish-language book (available on my blog). Initially, I published Inner Heaven in 2010 in both English and Farsi. That book compiled positive-thinking articles written by my mother while she lived in the U.S. Her pieces were initially published in Fogholadeh, a Persian magazine. My mother passed away on August 19, 1990, at the age of 57. Her sudden loss left us devastated. After 20 years, I translated her articles and compiled them into a bilingual book, adding family photos to honor her memory.

My journey began when my new friend, Margot, met me at my hotel in San José. Margot and Alla, who run a YouTube podcast, invited me for an interview. Alla Jilobokov, a Russian author who has lived in Costa Rica for many years, has published several novels in Spanish. They asked about my book, my solo travels, and my experience as a vegetarian. I had met Margot in Glendale, California, in December 2023—destiny brought us together. It was a beautiful welcome!

From left: Karine, Margot, and Alla. February 6, 2024

I enjoyed the interactive tour of Teatro Nacional, where two actors explained the history of the building through role-plays as the architect and a female character from a mural. The building reminded me of Teatro Massimo in Palermo, Sicily.

After a few days of sightseeing and meaningful time with Margot and Alla, I traveled to La Fortuna, where I stayed for three nights at Hotel Linda Vista. The hotel staff showed a keen interest in my book, which was heartwarming.

Hotel Linda Vista and the view of Arenal. February 10, 2024

Signing books for the people who showed interest. Liberia, February 18, 2024

Later, I stayed in Liberia, where my brother’s friend, Josias, lived. Her sister, Jessica, owned a nail salon next to my hotel, and we quickly became friends. Jessica’s husband, Esteban, became my private driver. He drove carefully, making stops so I could take photos. We listened to music and talked about life. Esteban wanted to practice English with me, and I wanted to speak in Spanish. He was a great listener. In Costa Rica, most streets don’t have names, so he made sure I went to the destination before he left. 

Jessica and Josias in Liberia, February 13, 2024

Jessica and Esteban’s nine-year-old daughter, Victoria, was a bright and friendly girl. One evening, we danced in the nail salon, laughing together. The next day, as we rode in the car, I encouraged her, “You can write a story about Super Teacher and Super Kid and publish it.” Inspired, she wrote a simple story in English and illustrated it. That moment sparked an idea—to teach creative writing at Margot’s children’s school.

Esteban is a great driver and a gentleman.

From left: Josias's mom, Jessica, Victoria, Esteban, and Josias.

Josias, Jessica, and little Victoria at a restaurant in Jaco Beach near Liberia. February 15.

Both language institutes were located near the shore on the Pacific beaches. Every afternoon, I would watch the sunset and take photos. Most restaurants offered happy hour, where two drinks were served at once. Spending time with international students was enriching.

Tamarindo Beach. March 2, 2024

One of the highlights of my trip was staying at Hotel Belmar in Monteverde. The hotel hosted cultural events and showcased local artists. I happened to be there on March 8 during the Women’s Day celebrations. I presented my book, and the event organizer read a chapter aloud. It was a fulfilling experience—my mission felt like it was complete.

Hotel Belmar in Monteverde. March 9

After 18 years, I reunited with my host family in Alajuela. As we embraced, joy filled the air. “¡Qué guapa!” Irene said in her usual warm tone, admiring me and my work. She used to have women’s support groups in the corridor of her house. I loved the covered and gated area, the corridor, where we could watch people passing by and yet be indoors and safe.   Paraiso Interior was perfect for her group. I had previously posted the articles on my website to make them accessible to everyone.  She was surprised that I remembered her group events. 

Irene with her son, Daniel. March 14

I love this corridor.

Back in San José, I visited Margot’s children’s school and met the principal. One Friday afternoon, I taught a writing lesson that integrated social and emotional learning. The third, fourth, and fifth graders wrote about kindness. “Hello, Super Kids! Writing is fun,” I told each class.

Teaching writing and kindness. March 15, 2024

Later, the principal said, “Thank you for working during your vacation. The teachers and students loved your lessons.”

The view from my Airbnb apartment in Barrio Escalante.

Josias, Daniela, and their baby girl. March 17.

On the last day of my long trip, I went to dinner with Josias (he was in San Jose at that time), his lovely wife, Daniela, and their cute baby girl.  Later, I attended a ballet at Teatro Popular Melico Salazar.  I had spent quality time in the forests and on the on the beaches, but I also enjoyed attending cultural events. 

Bayadere Ballet. March 17, 2024

I left Costa Rica with a deep sense of fulfillment. Traveling with a purpose had made all the difference—it was truly inspirational.