While John and Stan went fishing on a party boat, Rachel went to work and Anya to school I decided to go to downtown Boston.
The 136 / 137 bus is at the top of the hill from John’s home. I used his Charlie pass, which gives you a ride on the bus along with the “T” (subway) for the same price. The bus stop right at the orange line (subway). I easily use the pass that was previously loaded with cash to quickly pass through the turnstiles. I scurry with locals like I know what I’m doing. I’m sure the camera slung over my shoulder doesn’t give me away as a tourist at all.
I watch feet briskly moving. Women and men mostly wearing flip-flops on this warm summer day in Boston. I wonder when flip-flops became the shoes of choice for business and pleasure? I had on sandals which was plenty comfortable for me.
I get off at the state exit downtown which bring me right on the downtown. I check my bearings and notice Old State House and walk a couple of blocks toward Quincy market. I stop off at Faneuil Hall at the National Parks visitors center to stamp off my national parks booklet to mark my visit. A friendly lady offered me a free 90 minute walking tour of the freedom trail starting at 11 am. The tour ends at the bridge.
Sounded good. I went across to Quincy to buy a bagel and enjoy watching the people touring the area. It was so relaxing that I almost forgot about the tour. A ranger walked by with her 10:30 group of folks. The more I thought about it the more it didn’t seem so appealing to me. I could follow the red bricks in the sidewalk myself. I had been on this trail with Stan and John about six or so years ago in October.
I followed the red brick trail and enjoyed watching kids play in the fountains along the way. I little girl was teasing her older brother by placing her foot on the water jets and surprised him with a burst of water.
The trail follows the North end where a lot of Italian restaurants are located. One year Jamie, John and I stopped at one of these places and had the best pizza I’ve had in my life. I try to remember which one of these places we went to. Maybe we will have more time to stop next time. I saw one of the charming bakeries that have those delicious canolis along with black and white cookies. These are not really cookies, but a flat tasty thin four inch diameter yellow cake frosted with black one side and white on the other. I would have bought a few things today, but didn’t want to carry them on my walk on this hot day.
The restaurants looked so inviting and cozy with small tables set with white tablecloths with napkins carefully wrapped around the silverware. I bet a lot of interesting romantic conversations are carried on at those tables.
I made past Paul Revere’s home where we toured a few years ago. Then one to his statue and a glimpse of the Old North Church tower. In the court yard is a tribute to the soldiers in the Iraq and Afghanistan who have paid the ultimate price with their life. Dog tags hang on many panels to represent all the soldier. Quite touching to see so many.
I get the urge to take the whole walk across the bridge to the USS Constitution. My knees are holding up, sandals are comfortably – why not. I stop at the Cobb’s Hill Burying ground and take a leisurely walk around noticing the deterioration of some of these grave markers that date back to the 1800’s.
When I cross the bridge I am a little nervous walking on the metal grates with an open view of the ocean far below It is a hot day and I counted over 1,000 steps to the other side.
The USS Constitution is one of Stan and my favorite stops when we come to Boston. There is an interesting museum with a movie telling you about Old Iron Sides. This year the visitor’s center is also open. It is new to me and quite a pleasant change. I tour the top deck of the ship which is spotless and impressive.
The near-by bus takes me back to the “T” and another bus ride home to John’s place. What a nice relaxing tour of the freedom trail.