Boston, Massachusetts

Mike and I had the opportunity to participate in a Home Exchange, for the month of July, in Boston. This was our first exchange and it was a very pleasant experience.  The couple from Boston spent a month in our apartment in Cuenca.

Pictures of the neighborhood, Brookline, MA

The first day there we set out on a fifteen mile self-guided walking tour and ended up in Downtown Boston. First stop, the Public Garden and Boston Common.

Lunch at Cheers!

Current State House with Gold Dome

The Old State House

Site of the Boston Massacre in 1770 (Outside the Old State House)

Then, we moved on to the Quincy Market and Faneuil Hall.

Boston Harbor was our next stop.

Mike taking a much needed break

Our final activity of the day was visiting the King's Chapel Burying Gound.

A grave from 1683!

On the walk back we saw this.  I'm sure someone wasn't happy when they returned for their bike.

The timing of our trip to Boston could not have been better.  We were able to experience the famous Boston Pops July 4th Fireworks Celebration in person.  We walked across the Charles River and found the perfect spot.

Preshow Activities

Close to showtime

The moment we were all waiting for!

The pictures don't do it justice.  It was the most spectacular display of fireworks I have ever seen.

While in Boston we were able to care for these two precious kitties. 

Food played a big part in our Boston adventure. 

Siggi's.  My favorite Icelandic style yogurt.  

Kicked back enjoying my morning coffee.

Baby back ribs and onion rings.

We enjoyed Dim Sum at the famous China Pearl Restaurant.

Roasted chicken, mashed potatoes, and corn in the Italian district.

Trust me, I did not try this Slim Jim Milkshake!

We tried to eat healthy, once.

Outside La Famiglia Giorgio's Restaurant with friends Todd, Michael, and Houston.

The healthy diet idea is over.

Well, almost.  I did try Pho for the first time at a Vietnamese Restaurant.  I loved it.

You cannot go to Boston without visiting Mike's Pastry.

Red Velvet Cheescake and Boston Creme Pie.

Redbones BBQ

This was my favorite meal. Pulled pork, hash, macaroni & cheese (made with Velveeta), and collard greens.

One of my home-cooked meals.  Spam and Velveeta Shells & Cheese.

I enjoyed the traditional Bangers & Mash at this historic pub.  Green Dragon Tavern.

Mike enjoying our window seat.

We also enjoyed a number of refreshing beverages.

There was so much to do in the area that this post would take you days to read.  Instead, I will post random pictures of the Boston area and then, in separate posts, I will detail our specific tours and road trips.

Architecture

Art

Duck Boat Tour

Harvard University Campus

The following pieces are made entirely from glass.

I thought this was interesting.  This picture was taken on the Harvard University Campus near the Museum of Natural History.

Entrance to Chinatown

This is our friend Houston.  He joined us in Boston for two weeks.

Museum of Modern Art

Hood Milk Kiosk

Our friend David. He lives in Cambridge, MA

Granary Burying Gound

John Hancock's Tomb

Paul Revere's Tomb

Boston is a beautiful city.  We had a great time.  Special thanks to Alan and Shoshanna for requesting that we do a Home Exchange with them.