Low Budget Boston
Got to the YMCA and was met by a friendly staff, who advised to check out the room first, because “we don’t give refunds” definitely basic accommodation, with shared bath and no AC. little did I know that this sixth floor room faces west, with the sun shining all afternoon. The gym facilities are quite good , and it’s refreshing to relax in the steam room after a long day walking. Having both the bus and subway at the door is a delight.
This city is a public transportation paradise, the harbor is hopping with ferries coming and going to Cape Cod, Nantucket, Martha’s vineyard, and a new service to Salem, among others. For only $1.50 you take a ten minute ride to East Boston docks next to the USS Constitution, better known as Old Ironsides, you have to go thru a metal detector to visit this imposing old ship. Right beside it is an excellent museum showing the history of the ship and the US Navy in general. Back in the harbor, the subway was packed, could not find an empty seat. standing on sore feet is no fun.
There are many restaurants of every description along Massachusetts Avenue, a beehive of activity with lots of traffic, be careful crossing here. Here is also the Christian Science Center, with an imposing cathedral and a very long rectangular pool with walkways and concrete benches, where you can sit and reflect on the meaning of life. The Public Garden and Boston Common, which dates back to the 1600’s, are also places of peaceful natural splendor frequented by many.
On the east side of Boston Common there were a man and two ladies in colonial attire announcing an upcoming walking tour along the freedom trail. The esplanade runs along the Charles river for miles, it’s a strip of parkland with many benches where you can picnic and gaze along the river to the city skyline. The community boating center is a popular place, with over a hundred sailboats for members.
Also popular are the duck boat tours, this is an amphibious ex-military vehicle that carries about 20 passengers and gather at the Science Museum parking lot. I regret that on my fourth day there is when I discovered Revere Beach, a truly beautiful cove north of the airport that you can reach on the subway, which becomes a train before you get there.
It is really inspiring to see this old city full of young energy, there are so many schools. The Berkley College of music and the New England Conservatory of Music attract a lot of young talent. There is so much more to see in Boston, It’s a delightful place which hopefully will be coming back to.
