Boston's Freedom Trail

Hurray, no rain only blue skies and sunshine. We set off early to explore Boston, starting with the Freedom Trail. The start of the trail is a stone’s throw from the apartment; we join a large group of people milling around the starting point thinking a tour is about to start. We soon realise we’re in the wrong line as this is also the site of Boston’s soup kitchen! Not a good start!! However, the park is beautiful with the trees beginning to turn yellow, people walking their dogs and squirrels darting everywhere.



North End Church



The trail takes us past the many sites and houses that mark the start of the American Revolution from the State House with its magnificent 23 carat gold dome, to The Faneuil Hall, Paul Revere’s House, the USS Constitution and finally Bunker Hill. Dave seems intent on marching the red line, I however, wanted to read the history behind it (in far too much detail for Dave!) just like the American couple we pass, as she said “don’t you want the history lesson here?” Obviously not today, we reach a compromise Dave does the David Bailey picture thing and I read the information giving him the potted version http://www.boston.world-guides.com/freedom_trail.html The guide at North End Church explains one mystery that has puzzled us since we started researching where to go and places to eat in America and New York in particular; a restaurant called “One if by land and Two if by sea”. It refers to the number of lanterns hung in the bell tower of the church to warn the patriots that the British forces are moving to attack Concord. The events of the American Revolution then start with the ride of Paul Revere to warn the patriots, this is immortalised in the poem by Longfellow.

We stumble on an American car show, I have never seen such well polished cars  both outside, inside and under the bonnet. Surely these engines have been washed and polished in the kitchen they're that shiny!!



After all that walking we needed lunch, clam chowder to be precise courtesy of one of the many Irish bars – delicious. And after that, more walking wandering, through the streets of Boston, a fascinating mix of old and modern architecture. A street performance provided a rest from walking and entertainment while a modern water fountain gave interactive entertainment for some children (and a few adults)



View from the roof deck



We returned to the apartment and took a beer to the roof deck to watch the sunset over Boston’s skyline, magic. We wander off for dinner and find an authentic Italian and get the only table left. We can’t believe the queues to buy pastries and cakes at the Italian Pastry shops out the door and along the street, they must be really good.