You had to be there

Dear Reader,

Have you ever tried to take a picture of the moon? Well, if you were using just a camera phone, you were probably left disappointed with the outcome. Pictures of the moon and many other moments in life are simply you-had-to-be-there moments.

A you-had-to-be-there moment is often a great moment! Good, bad, or just downright peculiar, a you-had-to-be-there moment is usually something notable. I had an you-had-to-be-there moment today on the subway. I was traveling on the Red Line from Cambridge towards downtown on Boston’s subway system (aka the “T”). There is a section of the T that rises above ground and crosses over the Charles river. The view can be absolutely stunning on this section of the T as it affords the passenger a picturesque view of Boston’s skyline.

Today, I got on the T during rush hour and mostly just kept my head down during the ride. However, I did look up as we crossed over the Charles river and I’m glad that I did. The view was absolutely stunning and I hate to say it, Dear Reader, but you had to be there. It was around sunset (which is unfortunately early this time of year — around 4:30pm!) and the sky was purple and orange.

On the right, Cambridge looked like a painting. I have seen many beautiful sunsets, but I don’t often see such deep purples, vibrant oranges, and golds mixed together. On the left, Boston was drained of color. Downtown was what was left in the sun’s absence. Anemic and still, Boston paled in comparison to the lights that danced over Cambridge. You know that saying “look on the bright side?” Well, it’s towards Cambridge, fyi.

Many passengers found the scene to be fascinating. I saw that I was not the only one attempting to take an awkward phone photo. Unfortunately, I was on the side of the train opposite of the window, which meant that I was poorly positioned for a photo. Regardless, I tried. Above you will see my puny picture of the pulchritudinous scene. Dear Reader, today I witnessed ethereal beauty from a cramped subway car. I hate to say it… but you just had to be there.

Love,

Raven