Boston - Crossing the American border...

[posted by Kizzy]

We left Montreal around 11am on Thursday 2nd June, destination Boston. This was a big trip because we were crossing the American border. We had comfortable seats - with plenty legroom and this time we were ready for the air con. These things may not seem much to you but when you're sat 6-7 hours in a coach it makes a big difference.

Crossing the American border was intimidating - if you  add to this previous advice we were given by friends on the etiquette around this, it makes for quite an anxiety driven experience.

The coach stopped at the border and all passengers were instructed to take all their belongings, leave the bus and congregate at the 'immigration office'. The American officers didn't speak to you they 'barked' orders. I thought that maybe this is how it feels in a military camp. When our turn came to show our documents, all was well with Col's Canadian passport but I was instructed to go to another room where I would need to fill in some paperwork. The officer advised that Col could accompany me. So the etiquette around this - as previously advised by friends - do not to engage in conversation with the officers (they are not your friends) and simply answer their exact questions. Keep it simple, in and out.

The whole thing was a very sober experience. By the time we left the immigration office Col and I were so tense that any communication was difficult. He felt I gave too little information and I felt I gave enough, but I became worried that Col could be right. We were abandoned to our thoughts. Mine included me being sent back to London...

The trip to Boston was a detour from our original plan. During our time in Oakville I heard from my mum that my sister was going to Boston as part of a training schedule with her company. I didn't even think twice and literally bullied Col into stopping there. We looked extensively at a plan to make this work, correction, Col looked extensively and I pouted at every alternative plan which did not include Boston!! I'm really happy we were able to make this happen. Timing was not ideal, truly, Carmen just been here for a week and was due for an exam on Friday, but she still made time to be with us.

My younger sister Carmen

We arrived to Boston early afternoon. We were tired and it was really humid so it worked out well that the coach terminal was close to the hotel where Carmen was staying.

En route to the hotel we had to go through Chinatown. I remember commenting to Col that Chinese culture is the only one that I know where everywhere you go they have a portal welcoming you to Chinatown. Literally a portal. Anyway, this was our introduction to Boston.

We were greeted by cheery Carmen at the hotel lobby. She looked relaxed, happy and with a healthy glow. It was a year since I last saw her.

We had a bit of time to freshen up then went for dinner with Carmen at this restaurant close to the hotel that hosts its own cooking show on t.v. on Friday's.

After dinner and a few drinks later

Lampshades in the restaurant

During the day Carmen had classes, so Col and I took to exploring Boston. It was wonderful surprise! This trip was not in our original plan and we did not know much about Boston. So it was great to see it had so much to offer. So much so, that we wished we had a bit more time to spend here.

Walking down Beacon Hill

Balustrade in Beacon Hill

Boston has an old charm. We walked down Beacon Hill, known as one of the most expensive and sough after areas to live. It's truly gorgeous. You are often reminded that the Europeans colonized this part of the world, various references keep popping that remind me of Europe, be it in architecture or the names of the streets. We walked loads, some places I can't even remember the name, on a few occasions we took the subway but not many. We were so marveled by this city that we really wanted to soak it all.

Old charm

Houses in Beacon Hill

We followed the promenade from Beacon Street until Back Bay walking along the Charles river basin, where you can spot the famous MIT (Massachusetts Institute of Technology) on the other side of the river. The weather was really hot, so occasionally you'd see women sunbathing in the park or by the Storrow lagoon and men jogging without their t-shirts. Theirs seems to be a very health oriented lifestyle where every other minute you see people running or cycling.

View of Storrow Lagoon

Bostonians sunbathing

The city is centered around the life of its big universities: Boston, Harvard and MIT. Bostonians look young, happy and relaxed as they go about their daily business. An the river provides the perfect backdrop for such relaxed and young crowd.

We loved Newbury and Boylston streets - synonym for shopping. It was so relaxing and pleasant to roam the shops along these streets, every now and then punctuated with lovely cafes and restaurants. It doesn't have that hard sell feeling you get when you walk down Oxford Circus in London. The customer service here is amazing, you feel like royalty wherever you are. Even Col that is not one to shop, was truly immersed in the experience. He even bought a really nice hat - this as you will see becomes a regular feature in our photos. Pay attention.

the new hat

We managed to squeeze a visit to Quincy Market, one of Boston's most visited tourist attractions, where we stopped for lunch and enjoyed our final walk in Boston. The name would fool you, it is not really a market in the traditional sense but a food hall - the variety and quantity of food here is unbelievable. Big portions. We had difficulty deciding what to do - there are various shops around this area and street retailers, easy to get distracted - eventually we had some lunch and had a stroll by the pier.

Strolling down Quincy Market area

A few police men supervising the area

One of the many street vendors

We had 3 days in Boston and we covered some ground. For me it was really about having some time with my sister, to see her and make sure she was well. Col was very patient in giving me the time to catch-up with Carmen. It was great!

I want to add that Col and I started this thing of trying to find the best burger during our journey. So everywhere we go we do try and sample the best burger. Whilst in Boston, Col had a browse and came up with  Bgood Burgers - not bad...   Boston is also well know for it's BBQ food and so Col found a highly rated BBQ house - called Soul Fire I didn't enjoy it that much but Col gave it his thumb up.

Carmen thank you for making time for us, we thoroughly enjoyed Boston and your company.

Next stop: New York 7- 12 June


A few thoughts

Curiosities: I watch as our vocabulary changes - 'tube' gives way to 'subway' and 'toilets' gives way to 'restrooms'

Mood: tired and sweaty

Emotional IQ: Col arrived to Canada with his heart on his sleeve and ready to soak up the sun. I've been guarded and moody. My mood shuffling between I'm grumpy to I'm really grumpy. So I want to give thumbs up to Col and his bag of tricks. He is a great travel companion and is generally always happy, always with a joke around every corner. It's been great doing this with him.

On the news: well we heard of Arnold Schwarzenegger infidelities, also well on board with Obama's visit to the UK. And there's a scandal here covering the news involving democrat MP Anthony Weiner who posted inappropriate photos of himself to a student using tweeter. Did I mentioned he is married? Well he is married. Also, whilst we were in Boston the state of Massachusetts was hit by a heavy storm. We were not affected but the city was under high alert and some offices closed early.