Plymouth Rock

Has a greater joke ever been played on Americans? A random rock in the middle of a beach is surrounded by an over-sized jail cell and labeled '1620'. I understand the symbolism and all, but countless people trek here each year. I have had the dubious honor of making the trek twice - once as a grade-schooler, and a second time taking my own grade school aged kids. I guess I did not want them to miss out on the fun.

Behind the rock, bobbing in the surf, is a replica of the Mayflower - that ship that hauled the first settlers to this new land that was to become America. Today, if you shed all traces of humility, you could try to join The Mayflower Society honoring the original Pilgrims if you can prove that you are a descendent of one of these fine folks - I will spare you the link to their site.

I confess, we toured the ship nonetheless as we were there and despite my tone of sarcasm, it was an educational trip for the kids.

Paul Revere's House, The Constitution, and Bunker Hill Monument

The Freedom trail covers part of Boston's Financial district, the area around Faneuil Hall, the North End (the Italian neighborhoods and incredible restaurants) and then Charlestown. It was a bit warm out today and we had difficulty keeping the kids focused, but they did walk the entire Trail without too much whining. AND, I did not have to carry my daughter too much either.

We chose not to wait in line at the Constitution ("Old Ironsides") (http://www.ussconstitutionmuseum.org/) and hopped one of the water taxis across Boston Harbor to the hotel on the wharf we stayed at. All in all, a good day.

The Freedom Trail

We got a room at long wharf so we had access to all the downtown sights and sounds. Day 1 started with breakfast and a walk over to the Nat'l Park Service HQ on Devonshire. This is the home to the Boston National Historic Park (www.nps.gov/BOST). The Freedom Trail is about a 2.5 mile walk through the immediate area of the Park Service, Faneuil Hall, and the old North End. We were not looking forward to the response from the kids (as young as 6). They were troopers and did the entire walk without so much as a whimper.

We got shut out at The Constitution - actually, we could have gotten in, but the line was a bit longer than we had the stomach for. Bunker Hill monument was under-going renovation, but still worth the trip. The kids were able to relate the most to the cemetaries, Paul Revere's house and statue, and the Old North Church. Who hasn't heard the story of "One if by land, two if by sea..." and the ride of Paul Revere?

(In a few days, we will be visiting the site of those first shots and the objective of Mr. Revere on that fateful night many years ago......

Tonight, we visited with some childhood friends that came to meet us at Fanuiel Hall. Dinner at Durgen Park was entertaining as always. Following dinner, we walked around the market area where my son was an attraction himself with his NY Yankees hat. He was pulled into a photo with some strangers in a scavenger hunt seeking someone wearing a Yankees emblem like him.

New England Uncorked

In May 2006, we took the kids back to our roots. Massachusetts, Maine, Vermont, and New Hampshire. Just for explanation, New York is NOT New England. AND, while we did pass through Connecticut and Rhode Island just so the kids could say they have been there, neither of those states are New England either. Massachusetts is a bit of a stretch at that.

The following gives insight into our short, but fun exposure to northern New England.