History Geek! Massachusetts or bust.

I loved school, from the first day of kindergarten. I loved learning, and especially history. My favorite memories of elementary school involve sitting in a dark classroom watching reel to reel movies of Colonial America. I watched with fascination as mothers and daughters made their own soap and candles, and the men hunted and farmed. Of course, the women needed to cook over the open fires in the house. The 13 colonies were somehow so vivid to a young girl in California in the 70s.

Decades later my feet found themselves on the Freedom Trail in Boston. Oh my! The Boston Common, Trinity Church, Paul Revere’s house, the Franklin family’s tomb, the state house, the whispers that led to outright rebellion/freedom, Breed Hill, commonly mistaken for Bunker Hill, the tea party...6.5 miles of walking through these and many other sites. If there is a heaven , it might just look like this. Historical sites and markers preserved intertwined with skyscrapers, subways and modern housing. 

We also took the opportunity to tour the USS Constitution, or Old Ironsides as it is affectionately called. Wow, even short people hit their heads when going up and down the ladders between decks. The 1797 frigate is the oldest commissioned ship in the US Navy. A few curiosities: the vessel is staffed by active US Navy personnel. They were wearing camouflage uniforms which didn’t seem navy to me, so I looked it up. New uniform, that will be mandated by 2019. Phasing out the blue!  The sailor said that since the beginning of time, all navy vessels are protected by Marines. I had to look that up too! The Marines were created in 1775 to serve as landing forces for the Navy, but become their own separate branch of the military in 1798. I guess I should have just asked my dad, the Navy veteran :)

As fascinated as I was, let’s be honest. After 6.5 miles, my feet hurt. I was hungry and I was thirsty. As luck would have it,  the return freedom trail ended right in front of Sip Wine Bar and Kitchen. The cocktails, the wine, the beer, the five dollar sliders and other happy hour options were amazing. 

There are many options if you are not interested or up to walking. There are bus tours, and duck tours (like a bus, but performs double duty and is able to drive right into the harbor). 

More than 400 years of history, combined with modern day art, food, culture. Boston is a city that demands a return visit.