A few weeks ago, I asked all my co-workers what some fun things to do – beside touristy stuff – in and around Boston were. Breweries came up multiple times but I want to do a specific post about all the cool breweries when it gets a bit nicer out so I looked on Groupon to see if I could find any inspiration. And boy did I! They had a deal for a double header for the Boston Women’s Roller Derby!
I basically told Liz she was going to go with me and she was more than happy to oblige. It is kind of a trek to get out there but it is absolutely worth it. I really didn’t know what to expect since most of what I know about roller derby is what I have seen in movies – or on an episode of CSI/Law & Order. These incredible, sweet older gentlemen were the greeters/ticket takers and I just loved them. They were the people that just wanted to chat and had a smile on their face the entire time! I am assuming that all matches are like this but they had a few vendors set up and people were having a grand ol’ time walking around. And there was a live band – not fully my type of music but I definitely had to appreciate how great they were.
Like most sporting events, there was beer and food – but the beer was GOOD, craft beer. Not any of that watered down crap. We didn’t end up eating there but it smelled real good – #weightwatchersNOTapproved.
My favorite part about all of it – the players. The most badass people I have seen in a long time! But beyond that, these people were hugging and slapping asses and laughing and joking with each other until the whistle. Then it was GAME ON. Skating and shoving and pushing and falling. Everything you would imagine was happening – until the whistle. Then they were all friends again! It was incredible!
And the fans!? The amount of support shown for the teams was also incredible. If you are ever in Boston and have the opportunity to go, it is an amazing experience.
What really baffles me is that everywhere I go in this city still has me in awe. I don’t know why but it is one of those things that happens when I travel. I look around and am amazed. Is this how everyone sees the world? Is this why I love to travel to new places so much? With all the negative things happening in the world, do people still see the good? Still see the happy and the new?
I honestly don’t know what my life would be if I wasn’t who I am and if I didn’t try my hardest to not judge people for situations I know nothing about. I may be on the verge of being a straight Masshole when I am driving but other than that – and when I get a bit too drunky – I really try to be the midwestern girl my family/friends know and love.
Maybe that will be a “challenge” for any of you who are reading this. Try to look at the world through the eyes of someone who has never been where you are. What do you see? What do you feel?
Until the next adventure, try to be the nicest (not Masshole).
**Photograph credit to the Boston Roller Derby – WFTDA
The Nicest Masshole 