BOSTON to NEW YORK – I want to be a part of it

Monday – Today is our last day in Boston – well morning really.  We leave for the Big Apple this afternoon so a quick bit of sightseeing of things we may have missed is on the cards because the morning has dawned with clear blue skies!

We head in the opposite direction to where we normally go because our first and only stop on the programme for today is Trinity Church.  I am sure more will be added as we go along.

Located in the Back Bay area the current church was commenced in 1872.  There are no great historical facts but it is a fine example of heavy arches and a massive tower and basically it is a pretty church.  This was on our schedule for a Kodak moment and it doesn’t disappoint.  There are guided tours but we are too early for those so after the customary snaps – we move on.

After the miserable weather of yesterday I am surprised that today is clear – not warm but after all it is Autumn.  We head back towards the Public Gardens because Tyler has not seen them (he was at Fenwick Park).  Great chances for photos today – much better colour on both trees and skies.

One thing I will say about Boston – when the sun is out – the parks in their Autumn finery are wonderful.

Also with the rain that fell yesterday, the leaves have a smell that awakens the senses.  I of course, am always on the lookout for leaves to highlight my scrapbook albums when I get back home – there are millions to choose from and I come away with a great supply.

The photos above are of the Commonwealth Mall that we visited yesterday.  Down the centre path are statues of famous Bostonians – – and at the end and across the road is one of our friends – George Washington.  Now I know where the ‘Paul Revere’ outfit went.  George has galloped up during the night and stolen the shirt from his back!

The statue on the left is that of Major General John Glover – a soldier of the Revolutionary War.  Centre photo is Patrick Andrew Collins.  Born in Ireland, he served as Mayor of Boston during 1902-1905.  You can read about them both at your leisure.

Seeing that we are ahead of schedule we seek out the home of ‘Cheers’ – you remember the TV series?  As we proceed through the park there is this wonderful set of ducks – so of course we stop for many Kodak moments.

This is the Make Way for Ducklings sculpture that appeals to everyone who has read Robert McCloskey’s classic children’s book about a duck family that takes up residence in Boston’s Public Garden.

The sculpture  by Nancy Schön is located in the Public Garden near the gate at the corner of Beacon Street and Charles Street. I have not read the book and of course Tyler, being such a huge ducks fan has his photo taken with the family – – and then it’s on to Cheers, home of the popular TV show, that ran for eleven seasons between 1982 and 1993.

The show is set in a bar named Cheers in Boston (of course) where a group of locals meet to drink, relax, and socialize. The show’s main theme song lent its famous refrain, ‘Where Everybody Knows Your Name’ as the shows tagline.   The historic landmark was founded in 1969 and discovered in 1981 by a Hollywood couple who photographed the interior and exterior.  These photos were given to the set designer and a new TV show was born.  You can order food but the bar area above with the cardboard cutouts is really cheesy.

Time to head back to our hotel as we have to be at Back Bay Station by 2.30pm.  We cut through Boston Common – always time for some Kodak moments – – the trees are magnificent today – –

and even though the skies are blue and the sun is shining the air still has that Autumn chill.

Making sure all our treasures are packed – we commence our walk to the station – this is the end part of the holiday – four nights in New York, New York.   Arriving at Penn Station we catch a cab to our residence – Broadway Plaza Hotel.  A very boutique looking place, really seems like a hole in the wall and we are welcomed by a wonderful doorman who helps us with our luggage.

It is around 7.30pm – our room is comfortable and drawing back the curtains we have a view of the Empire State Building. Wow!!  Granted, it is not the best view but still a view.

This is our last hotel so we unpack everything.  Our bags are breathing a sigh of relief and once everything is out I wonder how am I going to get everything back in plus what I will buy over the next 5 days.  There is also a collection of books and goodies that Kylie has had forwarded to the hotel to save postage to OZ.  I would hasten an early guess and say that I will have to buy another bag, but I will worry about that later.

We have decided to go for a walk up Broadway to Times Square.  Our hotel is situated in the Flatiron Building area so that means it is about a 15 minute walk. Not far and our legs could do with a stretch so with cameras in hand and our wallets etc made secure on our persons we head out.

This area does not look the best but I am not afraid as we walk past and through groups of people on the footpath.  I say g’day and they smile back – I have found some new friends.

Of course as it is night everything is lit up like a Christmas Tree.  There are street signs with famous names and on the odd occasion a song bursts forth – quickly followed by shooshes and mean looks from my travelling companions.

Nevertheless I continue.  It is exciting to see everything that I remember from the movies – maybe a bit more snazzy but still exciting.

Ah Broadway. Just the name conjures up fabulous tales of all those who wanted to make it On Broadway – now that’s a cue for another song! Where is George Benson when you need him?

‘They say the neon lights are bright’ is definitely an understatement.  Sunglasses should be worn to protect the eyes from the bombardment of light and colour that attacks you from every direction.  Wouldn’t it be great to go to a Broadway show?  Maybe next time.

Times Square and the site of the famous ball that drops on New Year’s Eve. Unfortunately it is only November so no ball for us but I can imagine the hype and the crowds that gather in this small space.

How sad that the only street sign I saw was this poor insignificant looking thing. They could have at least put lights around the edge of it.  The signs above are much nicer – maybe they ran out of money.

Two statues that take my eye are of George M. Cohan and Father Duffy.  Both of these famous persons had movies made about their lives.

Born in Providence, Rhode Island, George was a composer, librettist, actor, dancer, dramatist, author, director, and producer.  He began in vaudeville as a child in his family’s act, the Four Cohans, and was writing for the act by the age of 15.

As an actor he is remembered in such roles as the father in O’Neill’s Ah, Wilderness!, and as a writer of such songs as “Yankee Doodle Dandy’, which featured in his musical Little Johnny Jones (1904), and which gave the title of the film made of his life.

For his portrayal of George M. Cohan in the film Yankee Doodle Dandy, James Cagney won the Academy Award.  It’s a great film and if you haven’t seen it do yourself a favour and do so.  It may be corny in parts by today’s standards but it is one of those ‘feel good’ movies where you don’t have to spend two hours of wondering the who, what and why of whatever is going on and who is going to be the next to kill or be killed or jump into bed.

Our second famous person is Father Duffy the most celebrated Chaplain in the Great War.  Duffy was a military chaplain and priest in the Times Square area.  Born in Cobourg, Canada, Father Duffy moved to New York in 1893 to teach French at the College of St. Francis Xavier (now Xavier High School).  He was later ordained as a priest, and in 1898, he accepted a teaching position at St. Joseph’s Seminary in Dunwoodie, New York, where he remained for the next 14 years.

His military service began in the Spanish-American War of 1898, serving as First Lieutenant and chaplain of the legendary Fighting 69th Infantry, serving in Europe during World War I as part of the famed Rainbow Division, and earning a number of medals.  After the war ended, he returned to New York, and in 1920, he was appointed pastor of the Holy Cross Church, located at 237 West 42nd Street.

Father Duffy died on June 26, 1932 after serving the theatre district community for over a decade.  In 1940, veteran character actor Pat O’Brien portrayed Duffy in the Hollywood film based on his life, The Fighting 69th, which also starred James Cagney.

Seems Broadway and James Cagney are intertwined for all time.

A couple more Kodak moments and then it’s time to head for the Golden Arches as we realise our little tummies are quite empty.  Sitting in Maccas overlooking the lights and bustle is wonderful and once finished we head outside and then look in the Disney store (there is always a Disney store) before making a straight line back to our hotel.  We have lots to see and do in the city that never sleeps.

Highlight of the Day – being in a New York State of Mind.