Back in Boston

I am tickled that this city still feels like home. I knew how to find my way around (with a bit of help from Google Maps) and enjoyed a wonderful day walking around the port and government center areas. 

Queen Mary 2 made her way up the channel to the cruiseport about 7:30 AM , offering a wonderful breakfast view.

After breakfast with Gabrielle, I set out for the New England Aquarium. Sights seen during my 1.3 mile walk reminded me of Girl Scout trips and outings spent here.

Though it's been about 40 years since my last visit, the Aquarium is still magical. The life size silhouettes of sharks and whales have retained their fascination.

Although pengiuns have replaced the ever-circling sharks in the foundation pool, the whale carcass hanging overhead still awes me. 

 

According to an Aquarium docent, this fellow is the same turtle that was introduced to the Aquarium tank in 1970!!!! After "chasing" him around the tank, I tried for a picture from the top of the tank, but could not avoid the lights shining down. You can't get a good feel for it, but his shell is about 5 feet long.

After roaming the Aquarium petting rays, starfish, crabs and sea urchins (the latter VERY carefully), I walked across the street to Legal Seafood where I indulged in REAL fat-bellied fried clams! I mentally shared the experience with brother Bill by text. His riposte: if he were there we'd have been on a train to Woodman's in Essex. Now I have a reason to return.

 

My clams were succulent! I savored each one! But decided I needed to walk them off, so I set out for Quincy Market, which remains a foodie's dream. I successfully avoided binging on fudge and (having no way to reheat it aboard ship) didn't buy clam chowder. 

 Still feeling Weight Watchers awareness of my clam experience, I walked back to the ship, passing one of those little corner parks that abound in Boston, this one offering dancing waters, which perfectly captured my light-hearted mood. 

I, also, passed a Seven Eleven, which no longer exist in my area (they've all become Kangaroos) and couldn't resist the call of a Big Gulp! In mid-sip, my phone rings; Bill is calling to reminisce and to share a joke. 

An excellent day: perfect weather in the mid-60's, intermittent sun coupled with fresh, brisk harbor breeze made for a wonderful 5- hour Fall stroll that reacquainted me with an old haunt. I will come back here! 

As the sun sets over the bow of QM2 docked at Black Falcon Pier in Southie waiting for her passengers to re-board, I am (as ever) grateful I have the means (financial, physical and mental) to appreciate the life I lead.  I'm also grateful to be sitting down again, I didn't feel tired until I did!

And now I'm off to a salad for dinner, a Jazz piano performance and my bed.