Boston Wandering  2

The three of us awoke between 9-10am this morning so it was a very lazy start! A pleasant 2 degree day, quite do-able.  Our first impression of daylight Boston is that it is very BROWN. We climbed to the top of our apt building for a city view and amongst a few historical landmarks with their impressive spires, were the 19th century brown brick creations.

Boston's history dates form the early 1600's, with the citizens of the 1700's, including Paul Revere,  instigating the rebellion against the British which directly lead to the War of Independence.  We saw many buildings today that had a connection with the uprising. But our priority was boot shopping!

After perusing the tourist area that included a very popular market, not dis-similar to the Vic Market, we casually walked to downtown. I kept waiting for the bustle of a crowded city to emerge...but it didn't! Downtown is mainly a pedestrian precinct, clean and at this time of year, attractively decorated with pine branches, cones and red berries. We finally found some appropriate shops and both Heather and Chris bought successfully. I noted the Salvation Army volunteers touting for donations by ringing the cutest bells; a group of friends wearing outlandish Christmas hats; a massive variety of warm coats; many "foreign accents" working behind counters. And still the lack of crowds was evident.  I also re-discovered why I do not drink coffee in the U.S.   Hot chocolate will have to suffice.
Emerged after a late lunch and it was darker. 4.30.   Decided to walk to the nearby Boston Common, a park of multiple acres in the middle of town.  Many things to discover. An over-sized Christmas Tree, coloured lights in the bare trees, the central pond now the city ice-rink and a variety of monuments. It was easy to walk around in the dark and the cold as there were many lights and a steady stream of people walking through the park.
On the way home we bought food from a deli and wine from a Wine Shop. After 6 hours of walking, a quiet night in, in a warm apt, was a comfortable finale.

                                                           On our apt rooftop.

                                                         Downtown Boston

                                           In front of the over-sized Christmas Tree

                                The Frog Pond becomes the winter rink. Where do the frogs go??