Unplugged

After nearly a fortnight offline while we cruised through Australia's Kimberley area on the Coral Adventurer I am now back at my keyboard playing catchup.  I considered buying an expensive internet package several times during the cruise but  was cautioned by those who had done so that it was a waste of money for poor and patchy connections. 

Ready to board our floating home in Darwin, NT

On my "to do" list today was an update of my GeniAus Travel Map on Google's My Maps. I was so disappointed to find that many of the remote places we visited are not in the Google maps database so my update is not complete. I am loathe to add the places now as I'm not sure how to determine correct GPS coordinates - a task for another day. I wish I could have added them at the time I was there so I could gauge accurate GPS locations. 

Some people find being unplugged from the internet and mobile phones restful. I found it most frustrating returning to a world where I wasn't able to connect with my family, share the joy of my journey with friends, post to my blog and find answers or seek information on many topics. I was concerned that the kids would hear about the Covid cases on board and worry about our health and welfare. I wish I could have been able to avoid this.

This display which didn't provide much info was only available in the ship's lounge

In the cabins or on the ship there were no TVs with access to news channels. I missed knowing what was going on in the world but was pleased that I wasn't being bombarded with pre-election nonsense. As the journey's itinerary was flexible it would have been helpful to have been able to follow a livestream of our journey's progress and the view from the bridge. 

I have travelled on other cruise lines eg Regent Seven Seas, Scenic and Viking that include internet in their packages and/or have TVs in the rooms. While we don't overuse the TV or access the movies on offer it's a facility I love to have. Being able to have reasonable internet access (no need for super high speeds) would have further enhanced our wonderful journey of discovery. 

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.

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?