Boston MA

We're now in Las Vegas – time has been flying by and we've been pretty busy on our travels with less convenient access to free internet in our 'posh-er' hotels. So now have to catch up on posts.

We got the train from New York to Boston. Not the cheapest way to go but definitely scenic. It travels north into New England along the coast, so we got to enjoy some of the remaining fall colours as we sped along. We managed to catch Boston in a relative warm patch of weather (for this time of year). We had splashed out a bit with accommodation here, with a deal at Omni Parker House which we learnt is the oldest continual running hotel in Boston (wasn't the last 'oldest in America' we would see here) with links to the Kennedys and other notable figures. And it was good fun wandering into their grand lobby to check in with our travel packs on!

So once settled into the hotel, we wandered out for some dinner at a nearby pub, and then to have a drink at the bar that inspired 'Cheers', well, at least the touristy pub they've set up upstairs. Downstairs doesn't really look much like it, apart from the stairs from the street and door. We also had a drink at one of the many, many, many Irish pubs. It was a competition in Boston what could take up the most shop fronts each block in Boston between Starbucks, Dunkin' Donuts and Irish pubs!

We only had two full days in Boston – and the first was a bit more lazy, with a late bagel breakfast at Boston Common, before heading out on their Freedom Trail, which takes in several sights around the city linked to historic events and people. Was a great way to wander through the city, and easily done with their handy 'red line' along the footpath (sorry – sidewalk!) to keep you on track. We stopped along the way and had a HUGE late lunch at the Union Oyster House (again, the oldest restaurant in America), where we tried the famous Clam Chowder, and some fresh seafood.

The second day we were keen to fit a couple of excursions in, so an earlier start got us to Fenway Park (the oldest ball park in America) where we took the tour around the ground, given by an old Red Sox fan who had his share of bad jokes to share. We then headed back across town to get a train to Concord. This town featured in Revolutionary battles, as well as famous for its writers (Emerson, Alcott …) We walked along the Minuteman National Park track which plotted out the battle between the militia and British along that area. The weather really fooled us this day as we expected cold this far north at this time of year, but we were walking about in t-shirts! We also had a look at the North Bridge where the first gun shot was fired in the Revolutionary war. Dinner was found in the Italian area of North Boston, where the servings of pasta were ludicrously large – felt like they had used a pack of pasta for each plate served. We couldn't get through it all even after a day of solid walking, and felt like we'd never have to eat again.

Next morning – to the airport to fly to O'Hare… Chicago!