Boston, Massachusetts

 

Hailed as the "Cradle of American Independence," Boston is filled with historic sites. Boston was America's first great city. In the 19th century, Boston was rightly described as the "Athens of America." Today this city of 800,000 retains its vitality, combining historic districts with revitalized urban centers while remaining faithful to its venerable roots. It is a city every American should visit at least once. Follow the Freedom Trail along three of the most historic miles in the country. See the site of the Boston Tea Party, trace the route of Paul Revere's famous ride, and stand on the bridge where Minutemen fired "the shot heard 'round the world." In the old Charleston Navy Yard you can see the USS Constitution, the nation's oldest commissioned warship.
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[Wednesday, 24 September]

 Another good day weather wise but getting a bit colder in the afternoon.

Not as early rise this morning, as boat did not arrive in port at Boston until 10 a.m.

We had planned a Hop on Hop Off  Bus Tour of Boston.

Boston Trolley Bus and Margaret

After Breakfast we went and followed up on excursions that we had received from them that were unavailable (3 excursions).

First one to queue in line at 7.45 a.m. They were opening the office at 8 a.m. By the time they opened up at least 6 people were waiting and more were arriving. We sorted out the excursions for the rest of the boat trip (sometimes having to leave a lot early than we had asked for). We had the same girl serve us this time as we had had previously. Very helpful girl and was from Manchester and signs on for 6 months and then goes home for a break and then signs up again for another stint. They work very long hours.

Made our way to leave ship, having our room cards scanned and photo taken and then proceeded off ship to where our Trolley Bus was leaving from.  Handed in our tickets and were issued with green stickers advising our Trolley Bus colour.

Points of interest on our Bus Trip were The Boston Tea Party Ships & Museum, Faneuil Hall, the Old State House, Boston Common and Public Garden - home to the famous Swan Boats, Trinity Church, Beacon Hill, the Cheers Bar, Fenway Park, the Prudential Centre and Centre and Copley Square and the Quincy Market.   We did a full circuit which took 2 hours.

State Capitol

Our first stop was at Quincy Market and Faneuil Hall.  There were many shops and long food hall with lots of ethnic food available and dining experiences.  There were lots and lots of people there.

Boston from the Ship first thing in the morning

Boston

Margaret at Quincy Market

Quincy Market

We then asked if there was any free internet in this area and were advised that Starbucks had free internet. We were astounded by the number of people there just sitting and typing and doing work in their cafe.  I ordered a cup of coffee and had this while updating the blog and checking on emails.

We did not see a McDonalds there at all and have not seen a KFC in USA.

Hopped on the Trolley Bus and returned to Ship and then recommenced the loop again. Saw the Red Sox's Stadium the oldest pro Baseball Stadium in USA. Crossed the Boston Marathon finish line and saw the place where the Bombing took place.

Red Sox's Stadium

Saw the replicas of the Boats involved in the Boston Tea Party.  

Boston Teapot

Botanical Gardens

There was a large area called Freedom Gardens where individuals were issued with a plot which they could plant what ever they liked. If they did not care for it they lost the rights to it, and there is a waiting list for gardens.

Freedom Gardens

President Truman asked all towns in USA to have one after the Second World War.

Saw the Restaurant where JFK proposed to Jacky-O. Photos in the windows.

There was a street with terraced housing on both sides, one side was a lot more expensive than the other owing to not getting much sun on one side.










Stopped at Cheers Pub from the TV Show.

Cheers Restaurant and Gift Shop

Returned to Ship and commenced procedures again. All bags have to be x-rayed and body scanned. I have trouble every time with this because of my knees, and are taken aside and rescanned.

The Sea has been very calm and hopefully it carries on. Had a cup of tea and then will have a shower for tea and shows.

We had a early tea and went to a show.

A violinist who has been on cruise ships for 11 years and does around 35 cruise ships a year. His rendition of Danny Boy and Fiddler on the Roof were superb.

The show went for about an hour and the theatre was full.

Watched a performer who had a pipe cube about 2 metres square which he spun around his body and over his head and through his legs at great speed.

Then went to a disco in another bar where we watched a game show, then a disco and then returned to our cabin as we have an early rise tomorrow morning.