Sun 12/8 – 18711 steps, almost 13km – must be a record
Song: Massachusetts by Bee Gees and More than a feeling by Boston
We drove to Salem, with a plan to have brunch, see the witch museums and then take a train to Boston. It was pouring with rain and we struggled to find a parking for the RV, so we decided to skip Salem and go straight to Boston. We drove to the station and parked in the vacant municipal parking (empty because it was Sunday) and updated the overnight bag. We paid the parking up till midnight and took a chance that we would not have a hefty fine or a wheel clamp when we returned. It was an hour till the next train and there was nowhere to sit or eat and I was so very tired of the rain, so we splashed out and took an Uber to Boston. I found a hotel on the way. The trip took forever as there was so much traffic due to the rain and flooded roads. About 7 blocks from the hotel, the Uber was stationery and I saw that it was a 7 minute walk, so we hopped out and set off hoping to find a cafe for coffee and lunch. We were starving! We followed Google maps and found a club which served a Sunday buffet brunch. We went in. We were so hungry, it was only after the first bite that I noticed we were the only mixed couple there. The bearded lady and other artists in a drag show in the adjoining room should have given it away. There was nothing uncomfortable about being there and there were both breakfast and lunch dishes available on the buffet. The food was good enough to overeat, so much so that we were still full at supper when we should have been having Lobster rolls or other Boston treats. We staggered out and around the corner were 2 coffee shops that would have been perfect for lunch.
We found our Hotel 140, which was in a very old building, I think it was a YWCA in its day. The rooms inside were modern and comfortable. From our window we looked out onto a modern glass skyscraper. After checking in, we decided to walk off our meal. We walked and walked.
Finally, at about 8pm, on our way home we passed an Irish pub, with a trio singing Irish music, so we stopped for drinks there. Such a beautiful voices and haunting penny whistles.
Chuckle of the day: Some Americans welcome immigrants and the first place I have seen that does not welcome dogs.
What I learnt: Boston is beautiful, a city full of art and beautiful parks. It is also full of tourists and maybe that is why the locals seem a little uptight and less friendly, especially compared to those on the West coast.
Kim's journey 