For the second consecutive year Addison decided for our day trip outing together to take the train to Boston. Monday August 12th we boarded the Amtrak Downeaster out of Brunswick for the 7:30 am train to North Station. It was scheduled to arrive at 10:50 am arrived 25 minutes late.
On the train I say back and listened to the podcast Bear Brook from New Hampshire public radio about unsolved homicides from the 1980's in Bear Brook State Park. It was really fascinating, it starts out slow but end strong. Addison watched YouTube videos and walked up and down the train repeatedly. She did have a grand idea though about ten am when she asked for $2 to get popcorn, she returned with a bag of fresh popped microwave popcorn and it was a spot hitter!
We arrived and Boston and hit the streets towards Faneuil Hall & Quincy Market. We stopped at the Boston Public Market for a look around and it's a really cool place. Mostly food related a couple restaurants that I'd like to try. Addison got a macaroon that she enjoyed and I got an evercrisp apple that was decent.
We came across the Sam Adams statue on the backside of Faneuil hall. Addison found it very interesting that we are related to him. I told her that Mimi could explain it better as she had the family tree showing the connection.
We explored Quincy Market and all the shops they offer. Addison wanted us to get our pictures taken in a photo booth, she'd never used one before. All four photos came out really nice I think.
Addison wanted to go to a sit down place for lunch and she only wanted mash potato. While she rode the carousel I spent a few minutes trying to find what she had requested. Here's what I discovered and that is that Boston has a lot of pubs, taverns, & bar & grills.
We ended up going to Mr. Dooley's, an Irish pub, because checking their menu they served shepherd's pie. We apparently missed the lunch rush as there was only one other table with diners when we arrived.
I got the Monday special of bangers and mash and it came with Irish beans, Addison got her side of mashed potato and was very happy about. My lunch was good, but the Liberal Cups bangers and mash is better. The beans were delicious but the little dish was about 1/4 of a cup.
After lunch we headed down to the waterfront for a look around. We decided to take a scenic harbor cruise with Boston Harbor Cruises. The boat was huge! We sat on the top deck in plastic chairs that were actually quite nice.
The ride around the harbor was accompanied by a guide who pointed out areas of historical significance that was really great! For instance that 75% of Boston is man made land and in some areas the shoreline is 1000 feet out further than the original shoreline.
After the cruise we went back to the carousel for Addison to ride again and then I got her a dish of ice cream from the Monster Cookie truck. Somehow Addison manged to pour the ice cream out all over her shirt and shorts.
We headed over to the GAP where she, eventually, found a shirt and shorts. I actually found both and she says she likes them. I think she's cute but we'll see if she wears them again.
We got back to North Station and grabbed some snacks for the train ride home. The Wi-Fi was terrible in our car and Addison spent most of her time in the cafe car where it worked. She, of course, made friends with the conductors on the ride home who told me how wonderful and polite she is. The train got in 15 minutes later than advertised.
All in all we had a great day together. However, I don't think Addison found Boston as exciting this year as she did last year. If I were to ask her today I'm not so sure she would want to go back next year. Of course next year we'll find out.
Until next time!
No comments:
Post a Comment