Returning to Boston

Saturday 11 August 2012 – Boston Bound

Day 120 and 40 to go

Well the weather that was predicted didn’t make it our way thankfully. We did have a little rain but nothing too great. We were awake and up at 8.15am. Both of us had had a good night’s sleep and were ready to get the day underway. We had showers, got dressed, packed our things up and then joined the crowd for breakfast. We found one of the last seats and sat down to cereal, yogurt and breads.

We ate up quick so others could have our seats and returned to our room. Doing the final pack we then rang through to reception to tell them we were going and then it was out the door and in the car.

Our first stop was for fuel and then we drove to the I 95 driving south towards Boston 1 hour and 45min away. We stopped 20 min from our hotel to fill the car again and then we navigated the down town streets, passed the garden where Boston Celtic play and on to our hotel in Seaport.

We could see the hotel was a bit fancy, not we have been used to on this trip. We were able to check straight in at 11.15am and take our bags up to the room that was very impressive. We didn’t stay long though. We were straight back down to the car and driving it back to the car hire place only 5 min away. With it returned we then walked along the waterfront checking out the boats and buildings before getting back to the hotel.

We hung out in the room for a bit, playing with the Bose stereo system. I did some checking for tomorrow’s trip to Chicago making sure everything was ready to go. We watched a little telly before deciding it was time to head out.

We walked across the road stopping at the Irish Whiskey Priest Bar where we were able to sit on the roof top terrace overlooking the water. We ordered our lunch; clam chowder, calamari and chilli con queso dip. It was all delicious, made even better with the view. We are getting too use to this will be hard to settle in to home when we finally get there.

At 2.30 we were on the move again this time we located the ‘T’ close to the hotel and made our way by bus and train to Boston Common and then we followed some of the Freedom Trail through downtown.

We passed a cemetery that has the gravestones for Benjamin Franklin and Samuel Adams. We wandered passed many interesting old buildings that were beautifully designed including City Hall, various churches and the old state house. We continued on to Faneuil Hall and Quincy Market. It was bustling with people and interesting to wander down. I was able to buy a shooter glass and Boston top. We passed by the ex-Boston Celtic Basketball player, Larry Bird memorial and the Cheers bar where everyone wanted to be. We didn’t bother to stop just took a few pics.

We continued our walk on to Bells Pub the oldest tavern in the US where we did stop and have a drink to rehydrate before getting back on the ‘T’ and heading back to our hotel.

We checked out the pool area before heading to the room and relaxing in the air con.

Paul enjoyed a bath while I worked on the computer and then I had a bath, but was interrupted when Brad and Jack skyped. It was great to see them and catch up. Jack as always was making us laugh. As Darcy wasn’t up we decided to touch base later on so I went back to the bath and my book. 10 min later I was out again as Darcy was awake and I was able to see him. It was great to see them all and find out what is going on at home.

With the call complete it was time to get ready and head out for dinner. We mad our way to the ‘T’ catching the bus and train back to Haymarket. When we emerged we went in search of an ATM that proved to be a difficult task. In the end we had passed through Quincy Market and out to where we had dropped the hire car off. Here there was a floor fountain that lots of kids and some adults were playing in. It looked like great fun and a good way to cool off as it was so balmy outside. There was also a 711 and inside an ATM. With money in the wallet again, we decided we wouldn’t walk back to Haymarket instead settling for a pub across the road that had lobster specials.

We wandered in, ordered a $12 lobster meal and drinks and a few minutes later we had a steamed lobster looking at us ready to devour. We were given plastic bibs to wear and we needed them, there was lobster shell and water spraying everywhere.

Once dinner was done we decided to walk back to the hotel, as it was a lovely night. We took the same the route as we had this morning now it was a lot busier. There were wedding receptions going on in different restaurants. The pubs near the hotel were overloaded. The lines outside were ridiculous.

We eventually made it back to our room after wandering through the hotel. There were plenty of other weddings going on. Once back in we watched some TV. Paul tried to contact home with no luck. I read some more before finishing up on the computer and then it was time for bed.

View Larger Map