We’re staying on the outskirts of Boston in Brookline, Mass. In truth it’s probably only six miles away from Logan Airport, but through the complex train system takes nearly an hour to reach our destination. For those that don't know, I decided to come even though I'm sick, so I can’t really complain about the length it takes, because the train ride actually means I rest. And I'll need all the rest I can get.
Boston itself is actually a small city with lots of character. The brick houses and cobblestone paths have an amazing history to tell. If I could concentrate on the many words that I read, I would be able to tell you more. There are numerous cemeteries scattered throughout the city and along the Freedom Trail. I’m glad that even though I haven’t been feeling my best my appetite has remained, because Faneuil Hall had some amazing food. There’s a statue of Samuel Adams in the front, but I’m afraid in my delirious state all I could think of was Sam Adams Beer.
We crossed the Washington Bridge and did the tour of the USS Constitution at 2:30 pm. The Constitution is the oldest active warship, and maintained by the Navy. Our guide was giving his first evaluated tour, and his evaluator looks and sounds strangely familiar to me, but I still cannot place my finger on it. Minutes into our tour a bell sounded with a commanding officer informing us that we would hold a moment of silence in honor of those who lost their lives at Ft Hood in Texas. 2:34 pm EST, exactly 24 hours after the incident, and US military operations all over the country did the same. The Constitution has a wonderful family museum that highlights what it must have been like to be on the ship hundreds of years ago for all ranks of service.
I must have spent several hours with the Constitution, because as we were leaving the sky was beginning to darken. The day concluded with a climb up Bunker Hill Monument. That was a terrible idea. Note to any one that wants to try: 295 steps spiraling straight up (meaning there’s no level platforms in between) is not a good idea if you’re not perfectly healthy. I admit, my sinuses got the better of me, but I didn’t realize what a horrible idea it was until about step 250. At that point, I figured I might as well finish the climb and rest at the top. Unfortunately, when you’re not well to start, no amount of rest at the end is ever going to be enough. A little light headed, I descended down the stairs as carefully as I could. At the end of the trek, I still wasn’t feeling all that great and now a bit nauseous as well. I kept following my dad, which seemed to be a never-ending journey. While the train stop was no where close to Bunker Hill, I’m sure much of the “great” distance had more to do with the illness than anything else. After half a mile, I needed another break and was in search of a convenience store. I bought a bottle of Gatorade, and I must say that the electrolytes did wonders for my system. While certainly not in peak condition, the nausea and light headedness was gone in a matter of minutes.
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