Tour Of Boston, Part 1.5

I have to say that my absolute favorite way to see a city is by foot. I have walked some of the most beautiful cities in the world and while public transportation is generally available and always faster, you get such a better feel of the lifeblood of a city when you walk her streets. Join me on a walking tour of Boston, won't you?

I started out at the Boston Common, which was right by my hotel.

The Boston Common was the cities first public green space. Here's a blurb about it from the city's website:

The "Common" has been used for many different purposes throughout its long history. Until 1830, cattle grazed the Common, and until 1817, public hangings took place here. British troops camped on Boston Common prior to the revolution and left from here to face colonial resistance at Lexington and Concord in April, 1775. Celebrities, including Martin Luther King Jr., and Pope John Paul II have given speeches at the Common.

Walking around the Common, you come across various tour groups with a guide dressed in Revolutionary era clothing speaking about the history of the place. I chronically loiter behind these groups to hear just a bit of the lecture before moving along.

The Boston Common was also the beginning of the Freedom Trail, a 2.5 mile walking trail that leads to 16 nationally significant historic sites. It's a unique collection of museums, chruches, meeting houses, burying groups, parks and historic markers that tell the story of the American Revolution.

I have to confess that I used to have quite the obsession with all things patriotic as evidenced by the American flag converse that I wore every day of 11th grade. While my American flag wearing days are over, I still feel quite strongly about my civil liberties.

During my walk, I came across a monument of George Washington, our almost king.

I also came across the new State Building with it's golden dome that reminded me of the French building that houses Napoleon's tomb.

Then there were the burial grounds. For whatever reason, I am strangely fascinated by old cemeteries. They are so peaceful and make me as if I'm part of the wheel of time. A part of history itself.

This was the central burying ground. Hey, check out my reflection above.

The grave markers were all smooth and reminded me of the huge cemetery at Gettysburg.

Well, I just checked the clock and I'm due to leave to escort a group of youngins to prison in 5 minutes. Stay tuned for more of Boston tomorrow, including famous grave sites, shopping highlights and the Boston Harbor.