Well a happy July 4th to everyone. Yes its a bit belated but I have just returned from Boston so can be excused the tawdry cheer for those nasty rebels. I could say I feel refreshed after the break but to be honest I really could do with a rest after a week tramping around Boston and its neighbouring areas. One thing I will say for our American cousins they do celebrate their history and as I've said before are very proud of it unlike this country and its many disgraceful detractors.
The drum major was magnificent and really added to the band who were excellent. Their uniforms were great to look at and showed how unwhite white is, if you know what I mean.
I will admit that walking through Boston really fired me up for the wars of the revolution, hopefully I will be able to keep the urge under control.
My poor wife was dragged up to Breeds/Bunker Hill on a very very hot Boston day. Foolishly we walked all 294 steps to the top of the Bunker Hill obelisk which we completed after several stops. It was a steady 90f. One can imagine the fug the poor soldiers must have been in tramping up to take on those damn rebels.
The Boston skyline from the top of the obelisk, a beautiful city if very very hot and humid. Luckily there are lots of bars serving a wide array of quality beer.
There is a nice little museum opposite the obelisk although there was a shortage of real weapons, uniforms etc.
The model battlefield is a great piece with excellent commentary.
65mm models of the rebel defences.
I would thoroughly recommend Boston to any would be traveler. It is a beautiful city with lovely parks and really friendly people. I would suggest taking some decent walking shoes because we walked miles each day, no mean feat given the weather. I would also suggest taking your passport with you to the 4th July celebrations because being over 60 is not sufficient to allow you to drink in the park and they wouldn't accept the new photographic driving licence although I'm certain I could have bought a gun if Id wanted.
Boston is a terrific, historic city to visit. If you have an interest in the American Revolution, Boston has so much to offer. So many historic sites to visit and explore. Climbing up the obelisk may be arduous but definitely worth the hike. A visit to the USS Constitution is recommended.
ReplyDeleteBeing there on July 4th must have been doubly enjoyable. Glad you had a pleasant visit and hope the enthusiasm for the period translates back to the paint desk and gaming table.
Sadly the Constitution was sailing down the Charles River and firing its guns as it did so. But you are right Jonathan, Boston is a lovely city. I especially enjoyed walking around the parks.
DeleteGreat post - I was last in Boston in 1976 during the bicencenial! A very nice city full of historical significance.
ReplyDeleteYou lucky so and so. The next celebration for the revolution is already being planned apparently. That will be quite a celebration.
DeleteI liked Boston too.
ReplyDeleteIt was a lovely city Paul. Up there with New Orleans.
DeleteLooked like a great time Robbie - it's on my list.
ReplyDeleteTake some decent shoes Graham. I can definitely recommend the beers they are very very good,
DeleteOn my bucket list still! I hope you explained the error of their ways to the natives!
ReplyDeleteSurprisingly I did David, and corrected their knowledge of Paul Revere. It would be a perfect city for you to visit given your interest in the Revolution.
DeleteI doubt you could legally buy a gun in Mass. It has a very restrictive set of how to purchase a gun. You can not even drive from CT to another state through Mass legally w/o paperwork.
ReplyDeleteI was being ironic there. I've visited the USA many times now and never had an issue with using my UK photographic driving licence for proving age. But its their city so their laws.It didn't spoil the holiday.
DeleteRobbie,I spent a fair bit of time in Boston,and can say that everything on your blog is true!
ReplyDeleteBy the way,did you pick up on Trump's error in his ID speech?-about the troops capturing the air-ports!!!
johnc
Missed that. By the way are you sure you weren't in Boston in North Yorkshire, they surely wouldn't let you into the USA given your criminal record.
DeleteRobbie,I was in Boston as a "roadie" to a group you might have heard of-THE STRANGLERS!!!!-gotcha!!
Deletejohnc
Really?
DeleteRobbie,I know we joke on etc.but your comment about "criminal record" is a bit too much-retract??
Deletejohnc
Now John you know its meant as humour. Dont say you're sensitive?
DeleteRobbie,I know that and you know that,but there must be hundreds of your readers and followers who don't know me,and could possibly take your comment as "gospel".
DeleteLet's not fall out over this!
johnc
Im sorry you feel like that John, I would like to think that readers would realise the 'humour' in the banter but if it makes you happy I will place a full retraction in my next post so it is clear that you dont have a criminal record that Im aware of.
DeleteRobbie,one can always tell a gentleman-many thanks,when I see you at Border Reiver,I will tell you the reason why-I still like you a bit!!
Deletejohnc