Day 1 in Boston

Photo: Boston Harbour

This summer, I got a chance to get away and visit the east coast US.  I don't know much about the geography, but the only city I can think of out there was Boston.  For the trip we were looking for a good deals on flights, preferably flying out of Toronto, but had an option of flying out of Buffalo if the cost of savings was significant.  We ended up flying Jet Blue with a savings of about $110, so for 3 people that is a good chunk that can be spent else where for the trip.

The Drive across the border for a wednesday morning was good since we left at 5am for a 8:30 am flight.  There was a bit of wait for about 15 mins at the lewiston border, and due to construction on the buffalo freeway we got there about 7:30 am.  Once arrived there wasn't a long line up for check in and security.  Everything was getting off to a good start.  Once we got on the plane, the ride was about 1.5 hours and I have to praise jet blue.  There was lots of leg space, and they offer live satellite TV on the plane which made the ride seem very short.


Photo: Boston Transit System Symbol. The "T"

Once arrived at the Boston airport we needed to use public transport to get to our inn.  At the terminal there was a machine which sells a 7 day unlimited ride pass to their transit system (The "T") for $15.  We had to take a bus which was clearly marked at the bus stop and then from there we had to get to the subway terminal, and figure out which way we had to take the train.  They use the term, inbound and outbound and have maps showing which bound goes to which stations.  From there we made another transfer to another line which was an underground streetcar.  There was lots of people using public transit and if we were to take the T during rush hour would of made it a little more difficult like any other city.

We first wanted to check into our Inn.  We discovered that the accommodations in Boston doesn't come cheap.  We were looking for a place with wifi and near a subway.  We decided on Oasis Guest House Inn.  It is as the picture was displayed online.  Very small and cozy place, big enough for 2 people.  The street we were on had tall and narrow houses, and this house was turned into an inn.  This place runs for $150 night and came with free breakfast.  It is near Back Bay and 5 min walk to a subway.  After staying here for 2 nights, we discovered that the walls are very thin, and unfortunately we had a room next to a public washroom beside our room, and the water kept on running at night, so my friend was not able to get a good night rest.

We did not really plan out our first meal of the day.  So we headed off to the streets to locate a place were we can eat.  We decided on eating at Uno Chicago Grill.  You can see my review by clicking here.


Photo: Symphony Hall Street Sign

After the meal, we decided to check out some local Boston tourist attractions.  When we were walking around town, we noticed the amount of universities in this city, somewhere around 10-15.  The area which we were staying in was very artistic and was filled with lots of theatres, galleries and halls where people can perform many different art form. The Boston Public Library was one of the places to visit. As you enter this building, the decor and interior is exquisite. There is about 3 floors of many old paintings on walls and statues. Aside from the marvel that it is, people use this place to study.


Photo: Boston Public Library

The Library is around the Back Bay area which is an upscale area where all the tourist come to see. All major retail stores such as LV, Prada is in this area and reminds me of just a larger scale version of Yorkville. Also within the area there was a convention centre and many office buildings here as well.


Photo: Building within the Back Bay Area

Next, we wanted to start on Boston Historical sites which is called the Freedom Trail which is about 3 miles long. We decided we start from the north and make our way to the downtown core area. Our first destination was Bunker Hill. I am not quite sure what this place is here to commemorate, but it has to do with war. Reason why I didn't read into this was that this site is under construction, and there isn't much to see even at the base of the building.


Photo: Map of Freedom Trail

Next down the street we visited the Naval Yard. By the time we got there around 5 in the afternoon was that it was closing and we didn't have much time to look around. We only had time to visit a ship that was docked in the habor. It was took late to look at the deck below. There was a canon and a sailor aboard. The ship is well kept and all the places seem to be free along the Freedom Trail. I was question if the employees on this naval yard was really in the navy.


Photo: Ship at Naval Yard

As we were off to our next and final destination we crossed a bridge and we saw the TD North Area where the Boston Celtics plays. It was a nice sunny afternoon while we were walking to Quincy Market. Along the trail, we had to cross into Little Italy. The area was filled with old buildings and streets were very narrow. There was an old population of italians living there. The streets was filled with people and in most restaurants it was packed with people enjoying their dinner on the patio.


Photo: Street with Old style buildings

Quincy Market wasn't that impressive to me as a market, but more appealing as a casual dining area. Most places serve seafood and there are plenty of bars. Remember to bring your ID with you, because we were hassled at 2 separate locations. I made comparison to St Lawrence Market which might not been fair. Around the market there was street performers. It was sure a busy area, but not a photo worthy location for me. As dinner was approaching we decided to eat somewhere within the area, and my friend suggested we goto the Oyster House. (review to follow)

That concludes our first night in boston. Went to lots of places, had some good food, and after walking around for about 8 hrs. I was started to get a bit tired, but all the starbucks breaks in between really helped.

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