BOSTON – then there were two

Sunday – Today is our last full day in Boston and of course the weather is miserable.  Tyler has taken himself off to the home of the Red Sox – Fenway Park so now there is only Kylie and me to head out to explore.  We will retrace our steps to a couple of places – maybe have a nice lunch and in general just waffle around.

Heading to Paul Revere Mall – we enjoy another visit with our mate.  Ah ha – here he is minus his shirt – either the cleaners have come along or someone has stolen it in the dead of night! This statue of Revere is one of the most photographed sculptures in Boston. He is shown during the historic Midnight Ride, but he is not galloping along at full speed – it is more dignified – so maybe it is of him at the end of the ride ready to enjoy an ale or two?  Being one of the most recognized landmarks in Boston, it is hard to imagine that it has quite a history, taking 16 years to create and 40 years to install in its present place.  Well, you certainly cannot rush things now can you?

Speaking of not rushing – I think it is going to be a lazy type of day – we just amble along the streets with no purpose until we realise that most people are carrying large bags marked ‘Mike’s Pastry‘.  This is the famous home of cannoli and other Italian goodies – so prized by Bostonians.  Seems like a good idea to me – so it’s off we go.

Walking through the door – there is a crowd let me tell you – it is like dying and going to Pastry Heaven.  To the left, to the right, straight ahead there are pastry displays all over the place.  All I can think of is ‘leave the gun – take the cannoli!

OMG – what to buy.  Having a rather quick look around and noticing that the pastries are disappearing at a great rate of knots I start to panic.  But there is no need because as soon as a tray is nearly empty there is a full one to take its place.

I am sure that all of this is definitely on the Weight Watchers list so everything is OK.  Kylie gets some Lobster tail, situated on the tray next to the strawberry cheesecake and I get an assortment of Cannoli (photo on the right) – Amaretto – Limoncello – Original – Oreo (for Tyler) I just don’t know when to stop.  By the time we are finished we have two large boxes!  Well,  that’s a fine start to the day.

And speaking of food – we are on the lookout for a nice Restaurant for lunch – many seem to be crowded and many just don’t seem to spark our interest until we spy Antico Forno – a place that says it is the ‘Most Traditional Italian Restaurant in Boston’.  In we go – – it is a small place but there are quite a few people in here.  It definitely has a snug atmosphere and it is not long before we are shown to our table – right at the front close to the street.

Wine is ordered and then it is time to decide what to eat.  I order the pollo arrosto.  This is a brick oven roasted half chicken with garlic and herbs accompanied by roasted potatoes and string beans.  It is nice to sit in a cozy place where we can talk and sip our wine.  Our meals arrive and they look delicious so we both tuck in.  Unfortunately by the time I remember to take a photo of my lunch, the chicken is all pulled to pieces so it was not an opportune Kodak moment.  We were right – this was a good choice of restaurant and we are well filled with good wine and a good meal.  It is time to move and the thought of our Mike’s cannoli lurking inside the cartons is a bit on the disturbing side.  I do not know how I am going to eat that, but I am sure I will find a way.

We walk through the shopping plazas heading towards Boston Common.  How’s this for a sign?  It covers all situations and I think it’s great.  The people from the parade seemed to have all disappeared and there are only bits of red, white and blue paper on the streets.  The cleaners must have come along pretty quick and cleaned things up while we were at lunch.

We find our way to Boston Common and let me say it is a miserably grey day.  There are not many people around which is understandable but the trees are in glorious colour so that’s a plus.

This is a huge area and I imagine that in Summer it would be filled with people enjoying their lunch during the weekend and full of picnickers during the weekend. Alas, today, only about a dozen of us are brave enough to venture forth for a stroll.

At the end of the Common there is the Boston Public Garden which was founded in 1837.  Another wonderful expanse of gardens, trees and waterways.

These gardens go on and on and on.  The weeping willows are wonderful and we really enjoy stopping on the little bridge over the waterway so that we can watch the ducks.

As we continue our way back to the hotel – we cross the road and enter the Commonwealth Avenue Mall.  More gardens and lots of lovely Autumn trees – this is a wonderful area of Boston.  Down the centre walkway there are many statues of famous Bostonians but the afternoon has become cold and we decide not to linger but to head for the warmth of our hotel.  As we have had a rather long walk I am sure that it would be OK for me to sample my cannoli when we arrive!

Tomorrow afternoon we leave for New York (start spreading the news!) but we still have a bit of sightseeing in the morning.  Hopefully the weather will improve and give us beautiful blue skies.

Highlight of the day : Mike’s Cakes!