Boston in the Fall

On our visit to Boston Public Gardens, a man was there making large bubbles over the duckpond. He reminded me of John. He didn't say anything, but just kept making the bubbles as the crowd gathered to watch them, mesmerized, float and bounce across the water on a crisp, sunny day.

Watching the bubbles

The autumn colors were absolutely stunning! This is the Make way for Ducklings monument in Boston Public Garden. We spent Sunday afternoon walking and picnicking here.

They have an actual redbrick trail that runs all through the city directing you to the Freedom Trail sites. Boston is the birthplace of the American Revolution. This is Topher sanding on the spot where the Boston Massacare took place.

The famous old North Church, where Paul Revere hung two lanterns in the steeple before his Midnight Ride. One if by land, two if by Sea.

Just off the freedom Trail they have a very moving monument called the New England Holocaust Memorial. It has the numbers of all of the Jews that were killed during World War II by the Nazis. There is steam coming up through vents at the memorial, which symbolizes the last dying breath of those who died, along with the smoke from the gas chambers. There are beautiful quotes and heartbreaking stories from survivors engraved throughout the memorial. The one below reminds me of Grandpa Reed, who just passed away. 

Charles River.... Travel route of the British soldiers on their way to the battle at Lexington and Concord.

We did a great interactive tour of the Boston Tea Party! This is me below deck on the ship in the harbor where we participated in the reenactment. 

Topher did a great job navigating the Subway, which was the first one built in the U.S.

Yes... He ordered a casserole. His favorite.

We took a day trip to Salem, Massachusetts. We hired an outstanding tour guide (Jeff) who taught us all about the Salem witch trials that took place in 1692. He grew up there, and has spent his life studying the history of the trials. It was a tragic story, and very sad to hear about the lives that were ruined on the speculation on a rumor. Many of those targeted weren't outcasts and unable to defend or protect themselves. Before all was said and done, 50% of the population of Salem on the surrounding area had become involved. Many of those doing the accusing store to gain from the imprisonment of others, because they were able to confiscate their land and property once they were sent to prison. The picture above is me standing at the cemetery where many of the accused are buried, along with their accusers. 

This is one of the stones at the Salem witch trials memorial. There is one for each of the people who were hanged for witchcraft.

Turns out, no one's New England clam chowder is as good as New England's.