Sauntering Salem 3

A totally delightful day!  I am writing this before we walk to the station at 7pm to attend a concert 5 stops away.

As the weather was still fine we decided to do a day trip to Salem. Half hour by train north of Boston.  Heather and I both remembered the infamous town's history as the centre of the so-called witch hunt of 1692...subject of our HSC literature book The Crucible. Walking from the station to the
 town centre we had the immense fortune to encounter a MOST KNOWLEDGEABLE gentleman who gave us a synopsis of the history and a guide as to best sights and eating places. We followed his words all day and the advice proved excellent.
After viewing the original home of one of the judges responsible for the sentences, we spent a casual hour discovering majestic homes built by wealthy sea captains during the the 1800's when Salem was a major trading port.  We had the luck to visit a 200 year old Hall where tomorrow a VERY FORMAL Christmas Ball was going to be held...a la Pride and Prejudice.  It was then coffee time and our man's recommendation of a cosy shop was spot on.  Of course we had been passing MANY kitsch shops selling witch orientated merchandise. We were glad that we had missed Halloween and its 500 000 visitors.
Next it was the visitor centre and a well-researched film about the lead-up to and the events of the so-called witch trials. Twenty men and women were hung due to accusations by others. Tragic events over a 10 month period until outside personnel intervened.
More wandering around memorials and the sea port until our tummies wanted sustenance. Our "guide" had recommended Turner's for seafood and that was another winner.  Tiny bay scallops just in season and calamari were our choices 'mongst the cosy ambiance and attentive staff of the restaurant.
We caught the 4.15 back to Boston, buying some fresh-baked Italian biscuits on the way back to our apt, to have with our cuppas before we go out to the concert.

Need a thicker coat for tonight.   Concert report tomorrow.

                                                       Early morning rubbish pick-up

                                                        Our wonderful guide.

                                     Ubiquitous black cat amongst the charm of Chestnut St.

              Hamilton Hall to be graced with black ties and sweeping dresses tomorrow night.

                                                              Yes...Samantha!!!

                                                Scallops and brussels with bacon.

                                                     Boston Celtics playing tonight.