A Weekend In the Hub

A few weeks ago, I had the opportunity for a weekend vacation to Boston.  I expected a metro replica of NYC, but I was pleasantly surprised with the city's beauty and cleaniliness.

On Friday, I boarded a boat to go ~ 40 miles out onto the Atlantic for a few hours of whale watching.  The day was overcast, cloudy and a very chilly 50 degrees.  The three hour tour gave a great view of the Harbor, the Lighthouse and the Harbor Islands.  One of the Harbor Islands contains the old, isolated fort buildings used to house POWs, the cemetary and the former mental institution that Boston native Dennis Lehane used for inspiration when writing his book "Shutter Island."  After an hour in the cold wind, I was craving some Starbucks - SO readily available in Boston! - and didn't care so much about the whales anymore.  Fortunately, we did get to see some whale antics, the sun peaked out for a bit, and the trip was considered a success.

On Saturday, I toured the sights of Boston by land and water via the Boston Duck Tour.   This is a fun "must" for anyone visiting Boston - especially if you are a history buff.  The "DUCK"  is a renovated WWII amphibious landing vehicle - like those used to take ammunition and soldiers onto the beaches of Normandy.  Each "DUCK" has an unique and comical ConDUCKtors who narrates the tour, which includes the golden-domed State House, the Bunker Hill memorial, Boston Common and Copley Square to the Big Dig, Government Center to fashionable Newbury Street, Quincy Market to the Prudential Tower, and the brand new "Glammer Slammer"  Boston Jail.  After the land tour, the DUCK converts to its boat form and slides into the Charles River for a water tour. 

The DUCK boat being used for it's original purpose.
http://www.bostonducktours.com/



The renovated DUCK splashing into the Charles River.


Saturday was the hightlight of the weekend; after the DUCK Boat Tour, I had dinner at Sel de la Terre.  To my excitement, my very awesome host was able to score a chef's table at the great French restaurant.  Sitting at the Chef's Table allows patrons to sit at the edge of the kitchen and watch the head chef yell at his cheflings, in addition to enjoying the food.  This was unbelievably cool - the best "reality show" ever!  And being a fan of "Hell's Kitchen," I was also psyched to find out the one of this past season's contestants is actually head chef for Sel de la Terre.  

All in all - great trip, great company and great food!  Can't wait to visit again.......