Welcome to BAston...the city where Rs don't exist!

It's true...most people in Boston really don't pronounce their Rs. "Pah-ked the cah in Ha-vad yah-d?" Mom was curious if we'd actually hear any people talk like that...we did :) They could also pick the two of us out pretty quickly as "coming from the South".

We started out our trip by attending probably the biggest rivalry game in America. That's right, my mom, my dad and I went to see a New York Yankees vs. Boston Red Sox baseball game in Fenway Park (or Pah-k if you're from Boston). We had great seats, saw the Green Monster, and sang "Sweet Caroline" at the 6th inning. Unfortunately, the Red Sox lost, but it was great to witness America's "Greatest Summer Pastime".

The next morning we were able to check off my mom's #1 on her Bucket List: Whale Watching. That's right, we went out via the Boston Harbor on a ship and went whale watching. We were able to spot the whales when the came up for air, and they were HUGE. The water would turn greenish and bubble up when they started to appear because they were a lighter color against the water. We saw Fin Whales, the second largest whale in the world, and Humpback Whales. I personally liked the Humpback Whales the best because they were much more playful, and would appear right beside the boat! They were really impressive creatures to see in the wild, and I would definitely recommend going to see them.

We spent the afternoon walking around the Beacon Hill neighborhood, saw the Theatre District, went to the Public Gardens with the "Make Way for the Ducklings" statue, and learned from a Boston citizen that the public park is not called the "Boston CommonS"...it's the Boston CommoN...Singular. Oops. My mistake! Then we spent a lovely evening sitting on the dock at the Charles River watching the sailboats and Rufus the dog jump in the river after his Frisbee.

 That night we went to Charley's on Newbury Street for dinner. If you're ever visiting, I would definitely suggest this restaurant. It has a fun atmopshere, reasonable prices, and it's where a lot of locals go...so you know it's a good spot! Afterwards we walked Newbury Street to look at all of the shops. It's basically an out door mall, but lots of famous people go there to shop. We actually saw a bunch of black Escalades pull up in front of a store, and we learned later that it was Britney Spears' entourage. Newbury has everything from boutiques, to Armani, to H&M. Something for everyone :)

After a good night's sleep at the Double Tree with lots of fluffy pillows, the family and I met my friend Andre to go on the Freedom Trail tour around Boston. If you wanted to, you could actually follow the Freedom Trail around the city with out a guide because there is litterally a red painted trail on the street and sidewalk leading to the locations. However, this time around we opted for a guided tour complete with a guide in full 18th century costume! He did a great job leading us around and giving us historical information about the city of Boston during the time of the Revolution. At the end he told us that he was actually related to the the character he was playing...a great-great-great grandson. That was pretty cool.

Then we all went to eat in the Green Dragon Tavern, the oldest tavern in Boston where the Sons of Liberty would meet to plot the Revolution. We aslo learned the difference between a tavern and a pub. A tavern is heavier on the food side, whereas a pub is heavier on the bar side...and there's your random fact for the day! But all of a sudden, while we were eating, a British Red Coat walked in and ordered a beer, we were laughing because it was the most authentic thing we'd seen! Flashback to 1776! And then in walked a pirate as well.

After our historic lunch, we went over to Cambridge for the afternoon, and visited Harvard. Cambridge was a fun college town, with street bands and bars. Pretty much a glorified Franklin Street. And Harvard was a pretty campus, but it looked a lot like North Campus at UNC. I also had my picture taken with the statue of John Harvard, and you have to put your hand on his shoe for good luck. However, we learned later that since it was the first week of class, it was tradition for students to pee on the shoe...of course. But I wasn't too worried since a ton of other toursits had touched the shoe before I did that day! Also, second piece of random trivia, the statue of John Harvard is apparently the second most photographed statue in the United States after the Statue of Liberty. Then we ended the day at John Harvard's Tavern with a piece of Boston Creme Pie....an obvious must. And it was delicious!

Just before we flew out the next morning we wondered around China Town, and found the only 24 hour diner left in the city of Boston on South Street. It was called South Street Diner, as you can imagine. It was a little whole in the wall place, but oh my gosh they made the best pancakes I have ever eaten in my life. They were so good, and I definitely recommend going there if you can as well.

Overall the weather in September is beautiful, the people were very helpful and nice, and there's a bunch of fun things to do in the city. Another amazing adventure!