From the Freedom Trail

The Paul Revere statue is quite impressive, as is the steeple of the Old North Church.  The church is quite beautiful, and the enclosed pews are so charming and reminiscent of congregations coming to church on cold mornings, keeping warm with boxes of coals for their feet.

"One if by land; two if by sea..."

Very near the church is a building which houses a printing press and a house of chocolate.  A young man was dressed in period costume, demonstrating how colonists set type and printed one sheet at a time.  He printed a copy of The Declaration of Independence, which tourists could then purchase.

The young lady, also dressed in period costuming, showed onlookers how many ingredients went into making the chocolate of the day.  She gave us a small sample of hot chocolate to taste, and it was very tasty.  It was thought that chocolate had medicinal powers and was often offered to the soldiers.  She also pointed out in a book of famous paintings many which showed ladies with their chocolate pots (like tea pots) and small cups, enjoying hot chocolate in their parlors. 

Boston Harbor is quite beautiful, and a park near the water was a quite green space near busy city streets.

I was intrigued by this statue of Christopher Columbus because it was made out of the same marble as Michelangelo's statue of David.

Other sights in Boston

After taking the bay tour, a short bus tour was included in the ticket.  It was one of those hop on/hop off buses.  The tour guide driving the bus was not good, so hopping off turned out to be a good option. 

USS Constitution - Old Ironsides

Walking The Freedom Trail was better, and it's so well marked.  On top of that, Bostonians are out on the street and happily approach confused-looking tourists to answer questions and offer guidance.  I was so impressed with the friendliness and hospitality of the city's residents.  They truly are "Boston Strong" and want their visitors to have a safe and happy experience in the city.  The welcome mat is out, and it feels so sincere.

I love the old cobblestone street and the old buildings that are still standing from the 1700's. 

One of my favorite spots to visit is Paul Revere's house.  No pictures can be taken inside.  It is so cool to walk through this old house that has been so beautifully restored.  I did not know that they often would use the master bedroom for entertaining.  A nicely decorated/set table and chairs were set up right near the foot of the bed, which was probably one of their largest, more expensive and decorative pieces of furniture; the family would have wanted to show it off.  The families of that day did not waste space.  Also, the ceilings were low to help keep the rooms warmer.


Love the leaded glass windows.