December 31st 2013: Counting Down to the New Year with Friends

Today after work, I headed into Downtown Boston to go watch the 7pm fireworks on the Boston Common, like I did last year. I left work a little early, anticipating heavy traffic, ending up arriving early in the area as well. I decided to do some sightseeing instead in the Dorchester area first.

All Saint's Church

St. Brendan's Church

Calvary Baptist Church

Elmhurst Park, 31 Elmhurst Street

After parking in South Boston, I made my way to Copley Square, where the party had already started.

There were ice sculptures here,

as well as at the Prudential Center.

At this point, the parade started, and I managed to take a few pictures

before having to head back to the Boston Common to meet with the rest of the group.

There was a few stuff going on at the Common today,

including ice sculptures,

skating performances on the Frog Pond and art installations.

Soon the fireworks started.

The fireworks were as per normal I guess, although the grand finale was pretty awesome.

After the fireworks, it was on to China Pearl in the Chinatown area for dinner. Unfortunately, the menu was very limited tonight, and the food we got was just so-so.

Scallion Pancakes

Spicy Garlic Pork Chops and Lo Mein

Spicy Garlic Combo with Calamari and Shrimp 

Black Pepper Beef with Bed of Broccoli

Kung Pao Chicken

After dinner, which took quite a while because other tables took a much longer time to order food, we headed to Avenue One at the Hyatt Regency Boston for drinks. As a group of us had an after party at a friend's place in South Boston, we sneaked out after a bit, and had a fun time the rest of the night playing Pictionary. After counting down to the new year, we also watched the fireworks from where we were in South Boston, although they were a little far away and I could not get any good pictures. 

Overall, it was a pretty fun night, and I'm glad I managed to spend the New Year with friends.