Freedom Trail

Today began overcast, but the sun broke through as we rode the Franklin train into Back Bay Station, Boston, not far from the John Hancock building and close to a pop-up market.

(Having commented previously in this blog about the quaint ticketing arrangements on Boston trains, I shall just add that in addition, the trains run with several guards, one between two carriages! Union power!) Anyway, arriving in Back Bay, we headed for Boston Common, a very nice park near Downtown and featuring Swan-boats and a carousel.

From there we progressed to the State Building in the Beacon Hill district and then through the steep narrow streets in this area, where some brown stone houses are upmarket, to say the least!

Several odd little shops ranging from dry cleaners to antique plumbing parts, bot no cafes, bars or pubs ..... despite the obvious English heritage! However, the terraced streets provided provided some welcome shade, as the outside temperature had soared. We emerged onto Charles Street and briefly took-in its neat little antique shops before calling into a Peet's Coffee shop, to take advantage of the air conditioning and wifi! Mid-Friday afternoon and we correctly surmised that the city exodus would soon begin, so we headed for South Station and after a quick drink and conversation with a Google photographer, at the next table, we travelled back to Dedham. And now, the Dropkick Murphy's 'Shipping up to Boston', which many Bostonian's voted as a favourite anthem for their city! I let you be the judge!!