Thursday, November 29, 2012

Boston

We began and ended our trip to Maine in Boston. Boston is a magical place for me. I went to Boston, alone, in 1972. I discovered the Art Museum and a very controversial book, at the time, Our Bodies, Ourselves. Both changed my life. 
 In 1995, Robert and I went to our first IJO (Independent Jewelers Organization) show in Boston. It was the most life changing thing we have ever done. It changed our business and it changed us. We also went to the Boston Art Museum! 
 The trip in 2012 did not include the Art Museum, but it did bring back a lot of memories. We went to places I had not been before and saw Boston anew, through the eyes of our friends, Chris and Jerry. 

                                   Boston Skyline from our room. 

We had a few days, so we decided to spend a little time in the surrounding area before we spent time in the city.

 First stop, Sandy Neck Dunes on Cape Cod. The weather was chilly, with a drizzle of rain. People from Arizona love that weather! I love the sand dunes. They are so different from the west coast beaches. 
 Next stop, Plimoth (Not a misspelling!) Plantation. A recreated Wampanoag Indian and American Settler village. Very well done and interesting. The actors were the best and worst part of the project! It was very strange to try to talk to someone who never "breaks character". We did have quite a bit of fun with that.
Wampanoag Home site at Plimoth Plantation
Native American actor, I think a very cold one!!
Plimoth Plantation
Actor. They are not allowed to "break character" which leads to funny conversations!


Big cover they built for a little rock!!!

Plymouth Rock is a little disappointing!


Mayflower II. Built in the 1950"s.  Hard to believe how small this ship is!

 The next day we took a train into downtown Boston.  We took a tour that allows you to get off and on in different parts of town and includes a "duck tour" on the water. Another chilly day, but we saw a lot! 
 

                                               Fenway Park






                                        A lot of places had fire escapes. I forget what big cities are really like.


                                                                           The USS Constitution.
    The old and the new. 


                                                                              The Paul Revere Home.

                                                                                      Brass street art.

                                                                                  Cobblestones.

                                                 Old cemetery.
 We ate lunch here. The food was good. I guess they have had a lot of time to get it right! 
         
                                           Faneuil Hall Marketplace.
                                              Quincy Market


                                                 The Boston Commons
                                  
                                           The Old North Church.


                                           Saying good bye to Boston. 


        
      It was a great trip. We had wonderful experiences with friends and nature and cities. No matter where we go, I am always so happy to come home!