Ending the Curse and sighting Tom Brady

In 2004 I visited Boston and the Red Sox broke the curse of the Bambino and won the World Series after a spell of 86 years. In 2007 I visited Boston again and the Red Sox won the World Series again. Four years later, and back in the city it must be time for another pennant so hopefully my visit will spur the Sox to another championship.

While staying in the Back Bay area I did my best to keep an eye out for the magnificent Tom Brady who lives in the area. Sadly no sightings occured but if he ever gets tired of that supermodel he married I am more than willing to provide him with comfort and support!

1 Patriot Place

At the spiritual home of all Patriot fans!! 

 

Our Three Superbowl Wins !!

Tom Brady- Greatest quarterback in the NFL

and the Coach's famous hoodie

Newport RI

Sunday we took a spin down to RI and did a tour of one of the "cottages"from the great gilded age of America. The Breakers was built by Cornelius Vanderbilt and boasted 20 bedrooms and bathrooms, gilded ballrooms, platinum wall panels and painted ceilings. Newport itself was a lovely town but very expensive and crowded so best to visit in the off season !!!

JFK and Whaling Museum

Niall and I have been to Boston before so we did not hit the usual Freedom Trail spots this time round. We did take a tour our first day to refresh our memories of these places but stuck to new adventures this time round. Honestly, we were really here for the baseball( and the fireworks for me!), so sight seeing was secondary.

Yesterday we headed out to Dorchester to the JFK Presidential Library. Beautiful location on Boston Harbour and the grounds of U Mass. Well worth the trip. While I am not a fan of the Kennedy clan, JFK certainly lived through interesting times and did some amazing things in his 1000days of office,

After the Library , we headed south down to New Bedford to the National Whaling Museum. This is where Herman Melville wrote the classic " Moby Dick" ,and references from the story were prominent through out the museum. The town is very picturescue and not crowded with tourists. Lots of cobblestone streets and pretty houses , though we only managed a quick driving tour after visiting the museum as there was shoe shopping to attend to as well!  

The Seaman's Chapel

Niall and a Blue Whale Skeleton

The Port of New Bedford

Back Bay Hotel

The Back Bay Hotel was formerly the Boston Police Headquarters. The beautiful exterior lights and doors remain from this period. I would have to rate this 5 stars of the Jan scale. The hotel has a very cozy atmosphere despite being mid size in terms of room numbers. Staff were all very helpful and friendly. Food from the Cuffs bar was excellant and not too overpriced. Lovely basement garden area. Turn down service, complimentary wi fi and newspaper. Super clean. While the rooms were not huge- they were a decent size for a down town Boston hotel. Located between the Public Garden and Copley Square, the location was ideal. 2  T stations were within a couple of blocks. Having stayed at Fairmonts and Westins , I would rate this hotel better on every front. While many hotels have the grand lobby experience but the back side is really drab, the hotel was well decorated and very clean through out. Even a letter from J. Edgar Hoover in the Cuffs bar to the Boston Police Chief, and lots of historical pictures to boot. 

Red Sox Win!!

Opening of the game

Lester winds up

Ortiz at plate

Ortiz on base getting ready to score

7th inning stretch with Wally

My guy Papelbon is called in for the save

He sets

Trouble on the mound- Toronto scores 2 runs

We WIN!!!

Rockets Red Glare

After a quick nap, shower and some real food vs. ball aprk franks,  we headed over to the Esplanade for the fireworks. The Boston Pops regaled us with the 1812 overture, Martina McBride sang all the old Yankee favorites and then it was the fireworks. As my family will tell you- fireworks are one of my most favorite things and last night did not disappoint. It is not just the fireworks themselves but the built of excitement as everyone jockeys for a spot, young men goof around in front of blushing girls, little kids running between the blankets and Dads hoisting them on their shoulders as the main event draws near. There is the twittering and frentic sounds as the night sky darkens , getting ready to be the canvas for the display. Then that cheer as the first rocket is lit, and the oohs and aahs from the crowd. With the Star Spangled banner being sung in the background the rockets red glare was a frenzy of booms, crackles and cheers as young and old alike stood as Americans and showed their appreciation for an event 235 years ago that brought them together as a nation and unites them to this day.