June 21 - Please Come to Boston…

…and return with mixed emotions.

Boy…for a guy that never cared much about reading books and learning history as a kid, I’m far too invested in such pastimes as an old, traveling geeser. Lizzy and I took the DownEaster Amtrak to Boston and jumped aboard the OldTown Trolley tour of the city.

Amtrak Downeaster - Saco to Boston

The train ride took a little over two hours and was novel and almost pleasant. While unexpectedly quite and smooth, the comfy seats were much too close together and no arm rests were provided. 

NOTE: Down East refers to ship travel from Boston to Maine. Because Maine physically protrudes on the US map, vessels sailing from Boston to ports on the Maine coast navigationally travelled east, and subsequently downwind. 

Arriving in Boston was a cold water bath after lallygagging around lethargic Lexington and sleepy Saco. The hustle and bustle was off-putting initially. In fact, I can’t say we really warmed up to it at all. 

The trolley tour lasted a bit over two hours and painted an excellent portrait of art, history and culture of one of the most intriguing and fascinating cities in the US. Thus began my mixed messages. I guess you could describe the way I roll as fissiparous; one fine thing at a time and no confusion. For that reason alone, Boston just ain’t my cup ‘o tea. Here’s a couple of examples.

Old South Meeting House - folks don't seem too interested in Ben or his tea party recommendation

Ben Franklin looks on with pride at his new Steakhouse in Old City Hall

 Okay, okay…I get it. If it weren’t for the funds provided by the patrons of Ruth’s Chris, the old building might either be razed, replaced or reconstructed. But still, my narrow-minded historic traveler’s eye has trouble juxtaposing Ben Franklin and Ruth’s Chris. Similarly, something’s lost when the place where he proposed the Boston Tea Party (the Old South Meeting House pictured above) is now  surrounded by cars, construction and clutter while touting t-shirt vending tenants. There’s just something missing for me.

We walked over 3.5 miles aside from riding the trolley and spent some time perusing one of the oldest cemeteries still in existence, The Granary Burying Ground. It's home to some 2300+ permanent residents including such notables as bold penman, John Hancock, brewmeister Sam Adams and fabled rider Paul Revere. 

Granary Burying Ground

Famous Brewmeister

John Hancock - inspiration for President Trump's modest signature

Paul Revere - multi-talented patriot - fabled night rider

Other Granary long time residents

Paul Revere exemplifies yet another of my strange quirks. I find it rather unsettling living in a national fairy tale of sorts. So much of our history has been embellished and distorted to perpetuate an inauthentic spirit of…never mind…I digress. I guess I just feel that sometimes, even though the truth sucks, it’s still the truth and deserves that little bit of dignity. Take that, Andrew Jackson!

Alas, our day ended much as it began...boarding the Downeaster for our return trip to Saco.

At the station...

...track 9

All Aboard -  🎶 "east bound and down, loaded up and truckin'" 🎵

Everyday is a gift and a blessing. Today was no exception.

Parting shots:

Old North Church - "One if by land, two if by sea"

Massachusettes State Building