June 17-22                            Boston, Massachusetts

Despite predictions of rain, we left the marina and caught a tour bus to see the city.  Unfortunately, we chose one with an uncovered top deck. A light shower soon became a windy downpouring of rain which forced us inside with a limited view.  The guide was great on history but knew little about architecture and Boston’s multitude of beautiful and diverse buildings.  We returned to the boat, drenched and ready for warm drinks and naps.

We had early reservations at Euno, a favorite Italian restaurant in the North End.  The rain stopped and we Ubered into that charming and unique area of Boston.  As usual, it was a crowded scene.  Dinner was superlative!  I ordered my favorite item on their menu, a veal chop which was large and perfectly cooked. Euno is a favorite with locals for its great food, service and old-world charm.  Waiters have been there for decades and it is truly like going to a small restaurant in Italy.  The rain began again and ended our plans to walk back to the boat.  We were amazed to see a long line of people under umbrellas waiting to enter Mike’s Pastry Shop.  Their cannoli are legendary.

Sunday was sunny and perfect for our trip to Cambridge and brunch at Alden and Harlow.  Their menu was limited and very innovative.  It was different but we enjoyed our selections.  At Harvard Square, we were amazed to see a wild turkey strolling nonchalontly down the sidewalk and ignorning the people watching. 

Afterwards, we Ubered to the Harvard Art Museums, now combined in a renovated building designed by Renzo Piano (familiar to Kimbell Art Museum followers).  Their collection of paintings, from medieval to modern, is exceptional.  The Asian galleries are noted for the rare and beautiful screens, scrolls and ceramics.  Charles and David patiently listened as I went into my “docent mode” and gave them an impromptu tour of the Wertheim collection of Impressionist art (once exhibited at the Kimbell many years ago) and then retired to the coffee shop area to wait while I continued to peruse the galleries.

Afterwards, we walked the beautiful campus of Harvard University, admired the architecture of the enormous Widener Library building, and went through the arch to the Harvard Book Store before Ubering to the boat. I retired for a nap while the guys returned to the North End to see more of that area before walking back to the boat.  They refused to stand in the even longer line at Mike’s to bring me cannoli! Dinner was at a nearby Legal Seafoods restaurant.  Crowded with numerous family groups (it was Father’s Day), we were fortunate to have a great table away from fussy children.

                            

Monday was a great day for cruising.  We left at 6:00 AM on a sunny morning with light wind and little traffic in the harbor area.  Without incident, we arrived at Wickford Shipyard at 4:00 PM and were delighted to find dock help waiting for us.  Our journey to Boston was a fun experience but it was good to be home!

Tuesday, we went to the Newport Car Museum (which is actually in Portsmouth) and spent several hours admiring and salivating over their exceptional collection of automobiles.  It is an amazing and beautiful facility which is privately owned and operated.  

Our farewell dinner for Charles was on the aft deck with two dozen oysters from the nearby seafood store.  A lingering sunset was a beautiful ending to his visit.