Boston Bonanza

  Boston, Massachusetts
Saturday, November 18, 2006

 
We decided to go for a long weekend to Boston, MA accompanied by my parents (actually it was their idea).  They love the city and visit there two or three times a year.
 
We ventured out of NJ early Friday morning, getting nestled for the long drive.  We stopped at several rest stops for snacks and at an amazing scenic overview of the bay at Mystic, CT.


We finally arrived at Boston, settled into our hotel, the Sheraton at Newton.  Parking was free for hotel guests, and they have a shuttle service into Boston.  The hotel itself is nice, clean, great customer service, and a wonderful breakfast.
 
The shuttle leaves every hour and it takes about 10 minutes to get into downtown Boston; we got dropped off at Commonwealth Avenue Mall, which is surrounded by beautiful churches (picture in front of the Trinity Church).  The mall itself is very nice, a great place to eat lunch, walk around and relax. 

Since it was already afternoon we decided to take the subway to the New England Aquarium.  The subway is clean, easy and convenient way to get around.  The subway system is easy to follow and will take you almost anywhere (or close by) especially the touristy attractions.

We had several blocks to walk after our stop, and we got a bit confused at which direction, but we asked and were given instructions to follow.  The aquarium is easy to find, and is near Quincy Market and Faneuil Hall.  
 
The line for entering the aquarium wasn't long, but we arrived about 1 ½ to 2 hours before closing time.  There is a special rate for children, but overall it was over $100 to get in.  As you walk in, you get to see the penguins, huge fish in tanks which spiral about three floors.  The tanks on the outer walls seem to represent different ecosystem, and there is a huge ocean tank in the middle with all sort of sea animals (turtles, sharks, and even a mantra ray). 
Our daughter loved the place, and so did we ... next time we're going whale watching.
On the way out of the aquarium there is the obligatory gift shop, of course.
 
By now its dark; we are all cranky, hungry and tired.  We ate at a chain restaurant (Bertucci's), which hit the spot.  But as we keep saying, if my wife doesn't have to cook, and I don't have to clean ... its good food.