Short stay in Boston before the flight back home
I always say that if you're really looking forward to visiting a place, then no amount of jetlag will stop you from enjoying that place. And that's what I've always felt about Boston. So much so that rather than choosing a direct 10 hour flight from Heathrow to Dallas, I always choose a 6 hour layover in Boston as a bonus thrown in from a visit to London. And my regimen in Boston is also usually very simple - a walk through my favourite places - Beacon Street, Newbury Street, Comm Ave and Boston Common.
The flight from Heathrow was ok - I managed to catch a few hours of sleep on the flight and ate a LOT. I'd overestimated how hungry I feel on flights, and ended up buying lots of stuff at Heathrow before the flight - a lovely potato wrap (excellent, with sweet chutney and all) and a smoothie.
Flight landed a few minutes late, immigration was a breeze and I made my way to the Charlie Ticket dispenser, and off I was on the Silver Line bus to South Station, the Red Line to Park Street and I had arrived in Boston! Boston Common was the usual bustling - some kind of charity walk going on. The weather was lovely, breezy and the spring bloom was in the air. From Boston Common, I walked down to the Public Gardens which is a highlight during this time of the year. And then I walked through Beacon Street which to me is a great reminder of and goodbye to London. The colour and architecture of the brick houses is just beautiful, the avenues with the trees, and residents jogging or walking their dogs.
I peeked into some stores @ Newbury Street, before heading to Quincy Market via Boston Common. I love walking through the Food Hall. It's so American, yet so typically unAmerican as well with people and general chaos, a far cry from the quietness and organisation one sees in Dallas. The hall was a bit quieter than I had hoped, but understandable as it was a Sunday night. I had something to eat as I was starving. I was thinking I have to transit at the subway, but fortunately, the station right across Quincy Market has a direct Blue line to the airport. I reached the airport about 1 hour before my flight, and kept gazing at the runway for a running list of all the European airlines headed back home. I was surprised that both BA and Virgin are flying jumbos to Boston again.
My flight back home to Dallas was as expected- tiring. Very tiring. That's what I hate about this flight - it's like the excitement of the whole day finally catches up on me and I'm tired and bored and just want to go to bed. My colleague came to pick me up. And I came home a little after midnight, the house was fortunately clean enough. Had a glass of warm milk, caught up on my recorded TV shows and finally slept by 3am. Felt good being back home, but God I'm missing London so much!
Overall I had a great trip as ever. Infact I would say the proudest I am of this trip is seeing the few tourist options one has in Belgium, but how I made a week out of it. I don't know if I want to go back (other than Bruges), but I will carry fond memories of it all the same. As for London, oh well, I hate to say it but I have a bet with myself that I show up there within another 3 months!
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