I have to be in Boston on business today, but I don't mind. I love the occasional day amid the urban walls of Beantown (hey, even a Yankee fan like me can enjoy it sometimes). The noise, the cars, the people, the smells, the T--it's all quite a contrast to the comparatively sedate, but lovable city of Portland.

When my conference is over in the afternoon, I plan to visit my favorite hangouts, starting with Hilton's Tent City, where I thoroughly enjoy poking about the five dusty floors of outdoor gear arranged willy-nilly. It's kind of like the Filene's Basement of outdoor retailing and I can always find something I need.

All that rummaging will no doubt elevate my thirst level, so I'll have to stop in a the Black Rose for a pint. For proper hydration of course.

Refreshed, it'll be on to the Globe Corner Bookstore to delve into their huge collection of travel books, adventure books and maps. A very dangerous place for the travel hungry (and for the credit card).

For sustenance, a couple of slices of good thin crust pizza at Pizzeria Regina should do on my way over to catch an IMAX show at the Boston Museum of Science Mugar Omni Theater.

I plan to see Mystery of the Nile, the daring adventure of the first descent of the Nile River (via raft and kayak) from its source to the Mediterranean Sea, 3,000 miles and 114 days later. Should be a wet and wild ride!

By then I trust this armchair adventurer will have earned a good nap on the bus home...