Massachusetts travel tips

Journey to Boston: Day 4 – Plymouth, MA

Angel BoucherLeave a comment

My last pit stop on my historical tour was Plymouth, MA. I knew the original features of history were gone, but their ability to recreate it was astonishing!

I started off at the Plimouth Plantation. It included old Native American ways of living. It featured their living spaces, how they kept warm, their canoes (though called something else then), and more. It was amazing to see how people survived the brutal winters in Boston then. It was only 36 degrees, but the breeze made it feel like 28. I could feel the coldness all over my body. It made me think about all those poor lives lost to the extreme cold.

After visiting the Native American portion of the exhibit, I saw a 1700s colony. Walking into these homes put the average lifespan of the time into perspective. There were holes and gaps in the walls (though I’m sure they were much larger due to deterioration over time). Almost all the homes had ground as flooring. Everything was made out of wood. Whether it was from then or rebuilt, they definitely caught the vibe of what old settlers went through. Even with mini fires going on in each little house, it was incredibly cold. The only thought I could imagine was the thought of people freezing to death in their homes, hunting for food in the ice-cold temperatures, and the like. Although completely fascinating, I felt a sense of sadness thinking of the lives of those who had to endure such a factor.

After the village, I decided to visit the gift shop. Again, they had several items, including an old wooden grinding tool and a wooden bowl. I bought a couple of things (Christmas is coming) and headed to the next stop: The Mayflower II.

On the way to the Mayflower, you pass Plymouth Rock. Although there is no true history behind the rock itself, it was amazing to see how this was the landing spot for America. It made sense, but it was also very surreal to see. Looking out at the ocean, Cape Cod, and the endless history behind them was moving in an inexplicable way. I was very grateful for that moment. Despite my feelings about modern America (or even Puritanical America), I felt the settlers’ pride. I know the intentions were good, despite some choppy times and beliefs.

The recreation of the Mayflower was stunning! I boarded the ship, which was all of three levels. I never knew a fireplace was built in the middle of the ship, but I guess it makes sense with the cold weather. I wondered how they were able to supply enough wood and food for 200+ men and women. Again, I can’t imagine living during those times. Inside the Mayflower II were old tools they used, the general layout of the true Mayflower. It was fascinating to see how far ahead of our time we were then. It doesn’t feel like we’ve made too many improvements, though we have over the last 300 years.

I ended my trip there. Although there were a million other places to visit and things to do, I decided I just needed to soak in what I had just experienced over the last few days. I felt something different from what I have with other trips. I felt a connection to everything around me. It was moving in a way that cannot be described. Not in a way that brings tears to your eyes or makes you feel a certain way, but in a sense of, “I felt something change in the connection I had to the area.” It was very surreal. I’m grateful for the opportunity to visit. I know many who dream of going, but never do. I had to share.

Journey to Boston: Day 3 – Boston, MA

Angel BoucherLeave a comment

Where else do you go to find out about the original history of the country other than…Boston! I think very few places (such as Philadelphia) are as great to learn about American history as Boston! It’s a very fortunate experience.

I woke up early to make sure I wouldn’t be late for my Freedom Trail walk through the city. I was looking forward to seeing some of the most famous sites of American history. I wanted to beat the Masshole drivers as well. I was lucky to arrive early and find parking easily. I walked to Boston Common and immediately fell in love. So many trails, hills, tree colors, people walking and running, and more. It looked like it was right out of a movie!

As I sat and waited for the tour to begin, I called my mom to let her know things were okay. In the midst of the phone call, the squirrels were coming closer. They had no fear of human people. At one point, a squirrel started up my leg, but took off. I started giggling. In Central Texas, the squirrels are terrified of people!

I started making noises to call the squirrels over and snapping my fingers. Twice! Twice, a squirrel jumped onto my lap. It was such an amazing experience. I’ve never seen one so close before in my life. As cheesy as it sounds, it literally made my entire morning. I didn’t care if everything went wrong past that point. I was cheesing like a kid on Halloween who just lucked out discovering the house that serves full pieces of candy!

The tour guide called us over to start. We walked around and listened to the tour guide spout historical facts about each location and Boston’s general history. I never realized how much I listened to my history teachers until he started talking, and I could basically recite word for word his tour. It was odd, but also funny!

We toured John Hancock’s grave, Paul Revere’s grave, Samuel Adams’ grave, other graves you couldn’t see the names on due to their age, and the Boston Massacre victims’ grave. We were able to visit the school and church that Benjamin Franklin attended when he was a child. We saw where the Declaration of Independence was first read aloud, the site of the Boston Massacre, and some other lesser-known sites. I didn’t get to every historical site, but I am extremely grateful for what I did see. The cobblestone alleyways and brick pavements made me feel like I was back in the 1700s. With a few dirt roads still, I could imagine horses and carriages on the roads.

I didn’t spend much time in Boston because I was tired. I’ve walked more in the last 2.5 days than I have in the last month combined. My legs and upper body were sore, and I was just tired. I did find Boston easy to navigate, though.

I stopped by Chicken & Rice Guys for dinner. It was amazing! Similar to a gyro without the wrap, it was seasoned chicken thigh, seasoned rice, lettuce, two pita slices, and creamy garlic sauce. The seasoning of the food was, as Bostonians would say, wicked good and so fulfilling. There was so much food, I was unable to eat it all. I was thoroughly impressed! I did notice there were a ton of pizza places, delis, and seafood spots in both Boston and Salem. It makes sense, but I wanted something different.

Journey to Boston: Day 2 – Salem, MA

Angel BoucherLeave a comment

Today was the day I discovered the term “Massholes.” I’ve heard it through peers, but I always thought they were overexaggerating. They definitely were not.

I’ve never heard so many horns in my life, nor seen as many law-breaking citizens driving. I was absolutely stunned. I was used to the “weird” roads of roundabouts, sharp turns, etc. That never stunned me, having lived in upstate New York. The number of people who cut others off, showed respect by giving the middle finger, ran red lights, and more was mind-blowing.

It was fine, though. I just had to get back into the habit of driving in a busy northeast city. I mean….I drove in NYC once before…I figured this was a piece of cake. I will say driving in Austin is not the same as driving in Boston. After a few near-death experiences (okay, that may be an exaggeration), I was able to figure out driving again in the city and quickly adjusted to become my own version of a Masshole – or Texasshole. Either one is a proper fit for the drive.

I made it to Salem, once again. This time, I was on my History and Haunting tour with Witch City Walking Tours (the company that rescheduled me because of the late flight). I was in the same location as the night before, which worked out great!

We met at Old Town Hall for the walking tour. Seeing it in the daytime had a different vibe. This tour was even better! We saw the Witch House, Ropes Mansion (Hocus Pocus), Hamilton Hall, Bewitched Statue, Salem Witch Memorial (in daylight), Old Burying Point/Charter Street Cemetery, and a few lesser-known places.

I decided to take the rest of the day to explore some of the other places on my own, such as Salem Witch Museum. I wasn’t impressed with the Salem Witch Museum presentation, but the gift shop was amazing! The presentation provided by the SWM was insanely boring and bland. It was like listening to an old history teacher in a lecture-style class. Luckily, the gift shop saved it. It’s about the only thing that was good about it.

I also ended up visiting Proctor’s Ledge, where most of the “witch” hangings actually occurred. It was a beautiful memorial to those who lost their life innocently over hysteria. Little did I know, it was in someone’s backyard. I want to approach their door and ask whether any hauntings have occurred, but that would be intrusive and rude.

I saw the House of Seven Gables, which, as an English teacher, was amazing. I fell in love with its beauty, especially the courtyard. The ironic thing is: I’ve never read Nathaniel Hawthorne’s book. I just heard about it!

I was hoping to visit Pioneer Village, but they closed on the exact day I went. Fortunately, I was able to take some photos of it from outside. Maybe on my next visit, it’ll be open. I’m sure it’s moving as well. Along with that came an amazing view of the waterfront next to Pioneer Village.

Today was a moment for me. Despite the crazy world we live in, I discovered that not everyone is bad. I met some amazing people who had open conversations about their journeys to Salem. I had several experiences I could only dream of. It all finally came true. I learned of burning churches, the power of money (much like today), and how an insane belief in religion likely killed several.

I was sad knowing it was my last day in Salem, but I also knew I’d likely come back to explore more. On my travels, I learned much of the history that happened outside of actual Salem, MA. It gives me another reason to visit and see the stunning views.