Thursday, 13 December

Boston

Thursday 13 December
Boston

We’ve had a lovely day after a rather late start ... and a good, long sleep. Climbed the stairs (thousands!) to the roof of our building, where we had a view of the rooftops of Boston, the sea and the spire of the Old North Church. In 1775 the church’s sexton climbed the steeple with two lanterns as a signal from Paul Revere that the British were coming to arrest Samuel Adams and John Hancock, and to seize a store of ammunition. This led to the American Revolution.

We passed Paul Revere’s house on the way into the city, where we strolled through Quincy Market, along with hordes of school children. We popped into the visitor centre at Faneuil Hall where a nice volunteer gave us a potted history of the events, including the famous tea party, leading to the revolution.

Did a little shoe shopping at the Skechers store and had lunch in a food court nearby. Then we set off for Boston Common to see the huge Christmas tree. Every year the city of Halifax sends a tree to Boston in gratitude for their help after a terrible explosion in 1917.

There was ice skating on the frog pond and lots of lights in the trees. By this time it was 4.30 and nearly dark but we continued through the park to find the little row of ducks, put there as a tribute to the famous children’s book, “Make way for ducklings”, which was set in the park.

Enjoyed some nibbles and a glass of vino before our evening meal of soup. We have walked our legs off today and I am looking forward to bed. Would you believe the Phryne Fisher is on the telly?!