NYC to Boston by train

The Americans do so many things so very well but the train was something of a disappointment. Having booked 'business class' I expected a reserved seat at least. However, at Penn station it was every man for himself and if you don't get on quickly you've had it. The four of us managed to sit fairly close together.

A drizzly afternoon ride on the 'railroad' but the weather did not spoil the views of the beautiful Rhode Island and Massachusets coastlines. It was lovely and warm when we arrived in Boston. Friends had told us that Boston is an easy place to walk around and that is certainly true. Whereas NYC is dramatic and really stimulating, Boston is much more relaxed. NYC citizens are friendly enough but those from Boston are more so.

The North End was not as I had imagined it from reading John Irving's 'Last night on Twisted River' but great fun nonetheless. To say that the portions of Itlaian style food were generous would be understating it considerably. Try La Famiglia Giorgio's in Salem Street for massive portions and tremendous fun. Talking of Salem, the hour long ferry ride from Boston Harbour is a trip well worth making. The guided tour of House of the Seven Gables in Salem was fascinating. the twon centre is full of souvenir shops but it was a pleasure to walk along the residential back streets. Another good ocean trip is to go whale watching. we were more or less guaranteed that we would see whales and we saw many. On boston common we started to watch a Shakespearian performance but unfortunately for us the afternoon was too hot. Strolling on we came across a one man band - can't remember this zany chap's name but he was most entertaining, particularly his song about his love of chocolate.