Monday
18th October
We got to have a sleep in this morning, didn't have to be on the bus till 8.30, to head off for a tour of Boston. Tom regaled us with an interesting story about his wedding night - long story short, he spent it in jail, but his bride is still with him to this day. She must have the patience of a saint.
Our first stop was Trinity Church where we met Robyn, our Boston guide. The building opposite, The John Hancock Tower, was built purposely to reflect the church in its windows (700ft tall). A hare and tortoise statue was installed there to represent the Boston Marathon. We had a tour of the Old North Church where there were pew boxes. These were designed for the congregation to put heaters in during winter to keep them warm.
We heard of the Paul Revere ride. Visited the Charlestown naval yard to see the USS Constitution but weren't allowed on board. I couldn't get a photo taken with a naval officer, it's not allowed.
Back on the bus for a short ride to Quincy Market & Faneuil Hall, arriving at 10.45. We were given directions on where things were in the market and instructed to be back at the bus for 2.45. Plenty of time for shopping but I was more interested in getting into Boston City to the Prudential Building for the observation deck. MJ and Robyn gave me directions and instructions on how to use the subway. It was $4.00 return and no charge for the observation deck, 50 floors up. The view over Boston was fantastic.
Back on the subway and made it back to the market with plenty of time to shop, which of course I did plenty of. Didn't spend too much in the Christmas shop. The bus left on time, over the Lenny Zakim Bunker Hill Bridge. Bruce Springsteen's 'Thunderhill' was written about Lenny Zakim.
We left Boston at 3pm on our way to Ongunquit, Maine.
We got to have a sleep in this morning, didn't have to be on the bus till 8.30, to head off for a tour of Boston. Tom regaled us with an interesting story about his wedding night - long story short, he spent it in jail, but his bride is still with him to this day. She must have the patience of a saint.
Our first stop was Trinity Church where we met Robyn, our Boston guide. The building opposite, The John Hancock Tower, was built purposely to reflect the church in its windows (700ft tall). A hare and tortoise statue was installed there to represent the Boston Marathon. We had a tour of the Old North Church where there were pew boxes. These were designed for the congregation to put heaters in during winter to keep them warm.
We heard of the Paul Revere ride. Visited the Charlestown naval yard to see the USS Constitution but weren't allowed on board. I couldn't get a photo taken with a naval officer, it's not allowed.
Back on the bus for a short ride to Quincy Market & Faneuil Hall, arriving at 10.45. We were given directions on where things were in the market and instructed to be back at the bus for 2.45. Plenty of time for shopping but I was more interested in getting into Boston City to the Prudential Building for the observation deck. MJ and Robyn gave me directions and instructions on how to use the subway. It was $4.00 return and no charge for the observation deck, 50 floors up. The view over Boston was fantastic.
Back on the subway and made it back to the market with plenty of time to shop, which of course I did plenty of. Didn't spend too much in the Christmas shop. The bus left on time, over the Lenny Zakim Bunker Hill Bridge. Bruce Springsteen's 'Thunderhill' was written about Lenny Zakim.
We left Boston at 3pm on our way to Ongunquit, Maine.