Boston, MA



We really did not have any specific plans for Boston. We were just here last year so had done the Freedom Trail and a few other touristy things. I decided that it would be nice to go in the opposite direction from where we had gone last year, toward Boston Common. We got on the shuttle at about 9:45. A man was there to help with directions. He suggested where to find the original Boston Creme Pie. He also told us where the bronze duck statues were so that is where we headed. 

The shuttle dropped us at Quincey Market. From there we just followed the Freedom Trail toward the Common. We stopped for the pie then continued on. We stopped at a table in the park to eat it. It was good but kind of early for dessert! We continued on to the gardens across the street where the ducks were. A short story was written called Make Way For Ducklings", about ducks in Boston, the city commemorated the author, Robert McCloskey, for making Boston Public Gardens familiar to kids all over. The statues are very cute. The Cheers Bar was practically across the street so we headed there next. 



We were in Boston years ago and had taken pictures of the bar but never went in. This time we did. The old bar was downstairs, the Cheers show set was upstairs. We sat at the bar and ordered diet cokes. We decided to look at the menu and ended up ordering fried calamari also. It was delicious, with fried peppers and jalapeños mixed in. We spent some time shopping in their store. I sent pics of the shirts to Brigitte so she could choose her own. Modern technology does make things easy. I tried in a few things but really liked a soft baggy sweatshirt. They only had size L but I bought it anyway. It was a nice, unplanned visit. The building the bar is in was originally a single family home in the late 1800's. The bar in the basement is the original. They use 2 upper floors for banquets, 2 more are offices and the owner of the building lives on the top floor. Beautiful old building. 

We walked a different way back toward the shuttle, passing beautiful homes there on Beacon Hill. We arrived at the State House. I asked Mel if he wanted to go in, he did not seem interested, but then was. They had a free tour which started 3 minutes after we arrived, perfect timing. I was very interested in hearing about the building. It was built in the late 1700's!!! But the guide gave a history lesson, for almost an hour. It was a bit much. Mel enjoyed it. The building was beautiful. And we got to see the House of Representatives in session. It looked like a lot of old, white men although the guide said it is about 25% women. 


We continued following the Freedom Trail in reverse so we wouldn't get lost. I realized there there is another Cheers Bar at Quincy Market so we went in to see if they had a smaller shirt. They did and just exchanged it with no hassle. That was very nice. We got back to the shuttle and were in our way back to the ship within 5 minutes. We boarded the ship at about 3. It was a beautiful day in Boston. 

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