Acela Express

How Cool Is  This. I Am hurtling Along On A Train Between Boston And New York And There Is Free Internet Access. That Gives Me Three More Hours To Catch Up On Reading blogposts, Emails Etc.

Taking photos From The Acela Express Is A Challenge As The Train Is Travelling So Fast. I Did get  one clear Image As We crossed A Waterway before Providence, Rhode Island.

Hello Sailor

Breakfast this morning was at a Boston institution, Dunkin Donuts. 

Once fortified with sinful but yummy delights we stepped back onboard a  Boston's Old Town Trolley for a few stops until we got to Charlestown Navy Yard where we alighted to take a tour of USS Constitution aka "Old Ironsides". This wooden-hulled, three-masted frigate is the world's oldest commissioned warship afloat. We did not take the free guided tour opting for a self-guided tour with the help of the printed brochre provided; this meant that the ship was relatively uncrowded while we were on board.

This sailor was available to answer all my silly questions

Shiny ship's bell

Robert walking the plank

Our sailor didn't know if it was smooth sailing below because when he went sailing he was too busy maintaining his position up on the crow's nest.

Plenty of firepower

A handsome vessel

The remainder of our day was spent hopping on and off the trolley at points of interest around Boston.

No Easter Bunny

Easter Sunday Greetings to our Family and Friends in Australia. Although we are separated by many miles you are in our thoughts today.

Please think of us as you sit together for an Easter meal and tuck into your chocolate treats.

The Easter Bunny didn't visit us in our digs at the Intercontinental Hotel in Boston. Please don't be concerned we are quite comfortable here.

Thawing out

Now that we have hit Boston we are beginning to defrost. The temperatures here are warmer than in Chicago and we are not missing the biting breeze that chills Chicago from Lake Michigan.  We were up at 4:45 am to get to the airport for out 7:00 am flight (I love cheap plane fares). I have been very pleased with our two flights on South West Airlines and will book with them again. Their planes seem newer and cleaner then American and Delta, they allow two pieces of checked luggage per person, they give a drink and a snack, the staff we have encountered have been very pleasant and we like their organised system for boarding.

I'm in luck with hotel our selection in Boston. That we were given a room on our arrival at 11:00 am started our visit off on a positive note. The hotel is sleek and modern and on the waterfront. As one who always books the cheapest room in a good hotel I didn't expect to see the water but we were upgraded at checkin to a (big, bright and airy) waterfront room so I am seated at the desk watching out over the view pictured below.

To the left

And to the right The Boston Tea Party Museum (front) and The Boston Children's Museum (back)

When I enquired at reception I was told that internet is not included in the tariff. I mentioned that this is what I was told at the sister property in Chicago but after I posted a message on Facebook expressing my disappointment I was give free internet. The Boston reception desk lady then said "I suppose I can give it to you". I am rather pleased as I wasn't going to pay $17.95 per day for this convenience. I'm glad I don't have to go in search of a McDonalds or Starbucks to get my internet fix.

Today we took a Trolley Tour that conveniently passes by the hotel, tomorrow morning we will visit the Tea Party Museum and in the afternoon are being taken on a car ride by genealogy friends Heather and Vincent.

I wonder what surprises tomorrow afternoon will bring? 

Police Cell

Boston Tea Party?