Boston is a town rich with history and beauty. There is so much to see we spent two full days touring around the place and only really scratched the surface of what is available. We stayed with friends from the RAAF, Russ and Wendy, who very kindly offered their spare room for us to use. It was much appreciated because accommodation in Boston certainly isn't cheap. Russ and Wendy were very gracious hosts and I think they enjoyed catching up with some fellow Australians for a change.

Harvard

Harvard University, is located in Cambridge and is a member of the Ivy League. Founded in 1636 it is the oldest institution for higher learning in the United States. It was initially called "New College" but was renamed to Harvard in honor of a young clergyman named John Harvard who bequeathed the College his library of four hundred books and half his personal wealth of £1,500. Today the Harvard library is actually the largest academic library in the world.

Of interest, the term Ivy League actually refers to an athletic conference comprising of eight private institutions of higher education located in the northeastern United States. The term also has connotations of academic excellence, selectivity in admissions and a reputation for social elitism.

The area around Harvard and the university itself was teaming with people. That said the grounds and buildings were just amazing to look at and walk around. Unlike some of the Universities I've seen, this one was actually attractive to look it. There was no posters advertising everything from protest rallies to the latest rock band schedule plastered everywhere. Instead the grounds and buildings were well kept and pleasant to walk around. We only saw a fraction of the university because all the lecture buildings are tucked away in little streets around Cambridge.

Adam and John Harvard	Harvard yard - all the areas within Harvard look like this	Harvard library		One of two rowing sheds at Harvard
Across the road from Harvard people where trying their hand at chess. After watching for a few minutes, we knew this was not the place for us to play	Gates of Harvard

Bunker Hill

Bunker Hill was the location for an early battle between the colonists and the British Army during the siege of Boston. Though the American's lost the battle, they did inflict some serious casualties on the British and demonstrate to all that they weren't going to be the push over that some predicted.

Apart from the battle, it certainly does give a great view of Boston. Birched on top of the hill is a monument, very similar to the Washington Monument in Washington DC (only smaller). That said as you're climbing the 294 steps to the top, it certainly doesn't seem very small.

As Carol was 7 months pregnant she decided to wait at the bottom and sent me to the top to take a few photos. One foot after the other I climbed the spiraling staircase. Apparently people come there in there lunch break for a fitness run but once was enough for me. That said the view at the top certain was worth the effort and the day we were there, was clear as far as we could see.

 

USS Constitution

The USS Constitution, known as Old Ironsides is a wooden hulled, three masted heavy frigate of the United States Navy. She is the oldest commissioned ship afloat in the world. She has certainly seen some action in the past but today the role of Old Ironsides is that of "Ship of State". The ship is crewed by active duty US Navy sailors and they participate in ceremonies, educational programs and other special events. They also provide free tours year-round to the many visitors that stop by to see the her.

Did you ever wonder why the toilet on a ship is called the head? Back on these old ships the toilets use to be a out-house style box positioned up the front of the boat or at the head of the boat. It certainly would have been a good view....sometimes.

	The head!!	Miles of ropes	Carol ready to ring the bell	Stand by guns

 

Boston

Boston certainly knows it has a lot of history and heritage and makes it very easy for tourists to find the important stuff. They have laid out a heritage trail that goes from Bunker Hill to Boston Commons (a lovely garden area in the middle of Boston) that people can follow and learn about the different points of interest around Boston. We certainly walked a few miles that day.

There is lots to do and see in Boston and we'd be writing all day if we were to describe everything we did. Below are some few of some of the highlights of what we did during our time in Boston.

Parliment House	Boston Commons	In Boston Public Garden - right next to Boston Common	Boston Public Gardens
		Fenway Park - home of the Boston Red Soxs baseball team	Benjamin Franklin - I think this is where he went to school	Looking back at Boston from the harbour
Typical of some of the old city streets around Boston	Paul Revere's house - he road to fame at the start of the Revolutionary War when it road to warn the Americans in camp of the coming English		Old North Church - the signal to send Paul Revere on his ride were lanterns hung in the steeple - one by land, two by sea. The English came by sea.	Where everyone knows your name!!! There are two Cheers bars in Boston. The one here was used for the outside shots
This is the Cheers bar replica at Faneuil Hall, which is a big market place area.	Cheers everyone.