Actually, we weren't quite feeling "top o' the mornin'" when we woke up three hours earlier than usual this morning, to catch an early bus to Boston.
We had timed our visit to Massachusetts perfectly, because it was that popular Irish holiday- Saint Patrick's Day! The fact that we were in the Irish capital of America made it even better. No sooner had we dropped our bags off in the 'downtown' H.I. Hostel (which was in reality was a fair old subway ride out of the centre), than we were directed to 'Southie' and suddenly we were amongst hoardes of drunken Americans clad in Shamrock green.
The parade was fun, even if after the novelty of backflipping Leprechauns and novelty buses full of cheerleaders wore off we were just surrounded by wasted idiots. We had our fill of the fun, and then headed to Boston Common for some more relaxed pasttimes.
The city centre is a world away from the hectic climes of New York. Finally we could walk in a straight line down the path, without fear of being solicited or bumped into; we could hear eachother's voices without the sound of sirens of building work drowning us out; and we could buy a coffee and actually have somewhere to sit in the cafe we had purchased it!
New York was enjoyable, but for someone from the Midlands, where you turn the street corner and you are surrounded by a herd of cows or fields of corn, the in-your-face nature of the Big Apple can become a bit irritating after a while.
We had timed our visit to Massachusetts perfectly, because it was that popular Irish holiday- Saint Patrick's Day! The fact that we were in the Irish capital of America made it even better. No sooner had we dropped our bags off in the 'downtown' H.I. Hostel (which was in reality was a fair old subway ride out of the centre), than we were directed to 'Southie' and suddenly we were amongst hoardes of drunken Americans clad in Shamrock green.
The parade was fun, even if after the novelty of backflipping Leprechauns and novelty buses full of cheerleaders wore off we were just surrounded by wasted idiots. We had our fill of the fun, and then headed to Boston Common for some more relaxed pasttimes.
The city centre is a world away from the hectic climes of New York. Finally we could walk in a straight line down the path, without fear of being solicited or bumped into; we could hear eachother's voices without the sound of sirens of building work drowning us out; and we could buy a coffee and actually have somewhere to sit in the cafe we had purchased it!
New York was enjoyable, but for someone from the Midlands, where you turn the street corner and you are surrounded by a herd of cows or fields of corn, the in-your-face nature of the Big Apple can become a bit irritating after a while.
Boston seems a much more quiet and quaint place. It is also more upmarket. Most of the restaurants have valet parking, and the Common is littered with wealthy old couples walking their immaculately trained canines.
Both Kate and I have commented that we actually miss Canada though! We'll be back there in a few days, and it is strange, because it is a feeling of yearning for home that I have. I think I will enjoy Boston, MA, however, and am particularly looking forward to the 'Cheers' pub tomorrow!
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