The Virgin Traveller

[blackcat20]

I have finally caught up with this thread, and am enjoying it immensely. I am especially enjoying the nice big pictures.

Any trouble getting wifi at the hotels/cafes etc?

NYC and Boston hotels have free wifi. Chicago I get it for free as an IHG member. Lots of restaurants etc also have it for free, as do museums. It's been pretty handy.

 

[boomy]

NYC and Boston hotels have free wifi. Chicago I get it for free as an IHG member. Lots of restaurants etc also have it for free, as do museums. It's been pretty handy.

Sounds like an advanced country
Just read the TR this morning, thanks for taking the time and uploading the photos.
Enjoy the rest of your USA trip!

 

[blackcat20]

New York City to Boston
The plan today was to drive from NYC to Boston, via Bridgeport where we planned to have lunch with some important people. We didn’t get off to a great start with Hertz, arriving at our pickup time to find they didn’t even have our car. Spoke with an agent via the kiosk who assured us it was there, but the attendants said it wasn’t, but 15 minutes later it finally appeared. And with only half a tank of gas. But we had no time to argue as we needed to be somewhere. The drive out of NYC itself was the bit I was most nervous about, but it was actually pretty easy. Until we took a wrong turn and took the wrong bridge. I thought the GPS had recalculated, but it was only 45 minutes later that I realised things weren’t right. So we pulled over, reset the GPS, u-turned, and were on our way, wasting only 15 minutes in the end. We arrived in the town of Bridgeport, CT before noon for my all-important lunch. I was there to meet my most favourite fabric designer. I’m a quilter with a blog, and she had seen that I was travelling, and emailed asking to meet me. So there we were, meeting for the first time. Both she and her husband welcomed us into their home, where I got to see how she designs her fabric. We also got to see around some of town, enjoy lunch with them, and of course I left with a little goodie bag of her products.





After our long lunch, they drove with us towards the interstate then sent us on our way. I have never done so many freeway interchanges on one trip! Thank goodness for the GPS, I’d have not made it otherwise. I also discovered that no one does the speed limit, and there was a near miss when a police car came roaring out beside me, only to go after the car that had been beside me.

Arriving into Boston for the first time was pretty awesome. It’s a pretty city, quite charming, and without the hectic pace of NYC. We dropped the car off, complaining about our treatment in NYC, and were told that had heard quite a few similar complaints, so I’ll be following up later. Check in at the Revere was a dream. We were greeted with a glass of champagne to drink during the check in process, which was done by a friendly and welcoming woman. Once done, she pulled out a map and quickly explained the main regions of Boston and the key “attractions”. The room itself is quite nice. Two large beds, huge TV, Work desk. Decent sized bathroom. All the amenities are in pump bottles but there are multiple choices for soaps, shower gels etc, and there is a card explaining the properties of each. The hotel also has a wel-equiped fitness centre, restaurants, and even what appears to be a night club. The pool wont reopen until later this month, which is not too much of a surprise.

Dinner. The best way to discover a new town is to head out the door and wander, so we did. We headed left, towards Columbus Ave, when a restaurant caught our eye. Red Lantern, which I would liken to a modern Asian fusion restaurant. Our waitress was the divine Aline who led us through the menu with ease. We had Lobster Rangoon, which were little fried parcels of lobster and cream cheese, Peking duck ravioli, and tempura tuna sushi, washed down with a few Mai Thais. We followed this up Char Sui pork noodles and a wok chicken with vegies, rice and green curry style sauce. Amazing food, and we practically rolled back to the hotel.

The food photos are on my phone which isn't currently talking to my computer, but I'll see if I can get some uploaded in a minute.

 

[blackcat20]

The amazing Lobster Rangoon.

 

[JessicaTam]

Good to see that your phone has decided to co-operate!

 

[TomVexille]

NYC and Boston hotels have free wifi. Chicago I get it for free as an IHG member. Lots of restaurants etc also have it for free, as do museums. It's been pretty handy.

Yes it has

 

[blackcat20]

Yes it has

definitely.

Good to see that your phone has decided to co-operate!

It's just not letting me transfer photos to my netbook via email... But I can upload directly, just takes a little time.

 

[blackcat20]

Boston. The weather gods have been shining on us; it’s been around 20C and quite sunny. The occasional cool breeze, but nothing a hoodie doesn’t fix. With map in hand we headed where it counts: shopping. Newbury street is the “5[SUP]th[/SUP] Ave of Boston” so we took a walk and browsed just some of the mid and high end shops on offer. Then a u-turn and we walked into Boston’s Public Park. With spring in the air, the blossoms are in bloom and there are tulips, and it’s just stunning. Then we headed across the road and into Boston Common, where the Freedom Trail starts. We’d been given a guide book at the hotel, so we did the self-guided version. Not having been to Boston, and knowing almost none of it’s history, it was quite interesting, and took us into varied parts of town. We had lunch down near Quincy Market, did a little shopping (skirts for summer), and took in a view of the water. Then back on the trail and into the North End where all the Italian restaurants are.



With sore feet (and a rolled ankle courtesy of one of the many potholes), we wandered our way back to the hotel. I’d taken a peek at the gym the previous day, and it was time to make use of it. There’s a good range of cardio and weight equipment, and once the grunter left, I was free to use what I wanted. Dinner was a bit of a challenge; if you don’t have a reservation you have little chance of getting into anywhere half decent. Boy was I ready for bed by the end of it.



Day two started off a little more slowly; the beds are quite firm and I don’t sleep as well in them. That and my mum insists on running the air-con at arctic temperatures all night, making it a tad chilly. After breakfast we braved the subway (easy), and took the train out to Cambridge to take in Harvard. We did the famous “Hahvahd Tour”, led by a current student. The campus is stunning, and the guide both informative and entertaining. For $10 it is well worth it. We grabbed lunch at Shake Shack; the one in NYC always had a line down the block so we figured it was good. One of the better cheeseburgers I’ve had. The rest of the afternoon was spent wandering around Cambridge and Boston (with a little shopping), before a break back at the hotel. And not to repeat our dinner mistake from the previous evening, a little quick google search and we had a reservation for a very nice Italian restaurant. Red wine, antipasto, and a delightful pasta.



Day three the cold weather set in. Perfect for a wander around Beacon Hill and some of the cute shops along Charles st. We also popped into Whole Foods Market to DIY salad for lunch, which we ate in Boston Common. Obviously the squirrels are used to being fed, because one took a liking to me and hopped up on my lap!

 

[Princess Fiona]

Boston. The weather gods have been shining on us; it’s been around 20C and quite sunny. The occasional cool breeze, but nothing a hoodie doesn’t fix. With map in hand we headed where it counts: shopping. Newbury street is the “5[SUP]th[/SUP] Ave of Boston” so we took a walk and browsed just some of the mid and high end shops on offer. Then a u-turn and we walked into Boston’s Public Park. With spring in the air, the blossoms are in bloom and there are tulips, and it’s just stunning. Then we headed across the road and into Boston Common, where the Freedom Trail starts. We’d been given a guide book at the hotel, so we did the self-guided version. Not having been to Boston, and knowing almost none of it’s history, it was quite interesting, and took us into varied parts of town. We had lunch down near Quincy Market, did a little shopping (skirts for summer), and took in a view of the water. Then back on the trail and into the North End where all the Italian restaurants are.

View attachment 28050

With sore feet (and a rolled ankle courtesy of one of the many potholes), we wandered our way back to the hotel. I’d taken a peek at the gym the previous day, and it was time to make use of it. There’s a good range of cardio and weight equipment, and once the grunter left, I was free to use what I wanted. Dinner was a bit of a challenge; if you don’t have a reservation you have little chance of getting into anywhere half decent. Boy was I ready for bed by the end of it.

View attachment 28051

Day two started off a little more slowly; the beds are quite firm and I don’t sleep as well in them. That and my mum insists on running the air-con at arctic temperatures all night, making it a tad chilly. After breakfast we braved the subway (easy), and took the train out to Cambridge to take in Harvard. We did the famous “Hahvahd Tour”, led by a current student. The campus is stunning, and the guide both informative and entertaining. For $10 it is well worth it. We grabbed lunch at Shake Shack; the one in NYC always had a line down the block so we figured it was good. One of the better cheeseburgers I’ve had. The rest of the afternoon was spent wandering around Cambridge and Boston (with a little shopping), before a break back at the hotel. And not to repeat our dinner mistake from the previous evening, a little quick google search and we had a reservation for a very nice Italian restaurant. Red wine, antipasto, and a delightful pasta.

View attachment 28052

Day three the cold weather set in. Perfect for a wander around Beacon Hill and some of the cute shops along Charles st. We also popped into Whole Foods Market to DIY salad for lunch, which we ate in Boston Common. Obviously the squirrels are used to being fed, because one took a liking to me and hopped up on my lap!

View attachment 28053

This is picking up the laundry in Boston in January by comparison

Hope you get time to visit the JFK Library it is fantastic

 

[blackcat20]

Not sure why it's sideways, but currently somewhere between BOS and ORD. Priority check-in, screening and boarding worked well, except when mum tried to board without me. Quick catchup with Kefci in the lounge too as he follows me across the US.

 

[zig]

Continuing to enjoy your trip report.

Just loving your TR fonds memories and also some great ideas for future trips, I have to say I found the subway confusing and used shanks pony most days, I wonder if there is a trick to using the subway, as I would end up downtown when I wanted to go uptown.

Hopstop is a great app to get which certainly helps in getting around the subway system, I would definitely recommend downloading it - it is free. You can plan your trips and save them before you go out for the day (if you don't have wifi access on the go) and then you have any the details on hand.

 

[blackcat20]

Happy to report that priority baggage also worked well. My suitcase was second out.

Used Go Shuttle to get to the hotel. Handed over the IHG plat card on arrival even though booking was made through hotels.com; she let me know there'd be no points which I was aware of anyway. But given a little bag with water and potato chips, and the wifi password and sent to a room right near the top of the building, with a great view.

 

[get me outta here]

We had Lobster Rangoon, which were little fried parcels of lobster and cream cheese, Peking duck ravioli, and tempura tuna sushi, washed down with a few Mai Thais. We followed this up Char Sui pork noodles and a wok chicken with vegies, rice and green curry style sauce. Amazing food, and we practically rolled back to the hotel.

YUM! I am making notes of your trip, thanks for the TR.

 

[Simo]

Great memories for you and your Mum.

 

[blackcat20]

Great memories for you and your Mum.

Including the ones where I want to disown her? Travelling with a first-time traveller certainly has its ups and downs.

 

[mrs.dr.ron]

Great photos ! Done much shopping yet ?

 

[blackcat20]

Great photos ! Done much shopping yet ?

My suitcase has gone from 16kg to 22kg already

 

[blackcat20]

Boston to Chicago
We were collected from the hotel at 7.50 by Super Shuttle, and despite being a shared service, had the van to ourselves. We were the driver’s last job for the night and we had a great chat on the short drive to Logan Airport. Priority check-in and security screening worked exactly as they should (and mum was blessed with a TSA pre-check), and we were in the AA lounge by 8.20am. I’d been warned not to expect too much from the US lounges, but it was perfectly adequate. Comfy seats looking out the windows, free wifi, and proper tea! With a good cuppa and a pastry, we settled in to watch the view and catch up with a little online reading.



Just as it was time to depart, Kefci appeared and we had the briefest catch-up before we departed for our gate (which had of course changed). Priority boarding worked well, the only minor hiccup being when mum tried to go ahead of me and was turned away. Once I explained she was with me, there were apologies and we were on board. PB has been a godsend for ensuring overhead space, as I’m carrying with me a handmade, queen-sized quilt which is a wedding present for a friend of mine in San Francisco.

The flight itself was pretty standard. We had MCE seating near the front and got the usual free coffee/tea/softdrink. Nothing more, nothing less. Sitting on the right hand side, which is unusual for me, gave us some great views of the lakes as we flew west (as per photo in post #70). Luggage was out quickly (bag number 2) and we were quickly in our shuttle and on the way to the Windy City.



As I’ve said above, we got a few IHG platinum perks. The hotel is nothing fancy; I’d say it’s quite old. But the beds are comfy and the view from the 36[SUP]th[/SUP] floor (of a 40 story building) is pretty fabulous, looking south towards the Willis (Sears) Tower and the Trump Tower. The fitness centre, however, could do with a little attention.




With the weather being nice, we changed into shorts and ditched the jumpers before heading out onto the Magnificent Mile. Knowing my suitcase is already at its (domestic) limit, I had the keep the card in my purse, whipping it out only to buy a new ring. We spent a couple of hours wandering up and down just taking in all the activity.

One for the ladies:


Dinner plans fell into our lap, when my significant other’s mum got in touch. She was nice enough to pick us up, take us to dinner in Greek Town, and then drive us around the city so we could get an idea of where everything was. Such a beautiful city at night! And we definitely crashed into bed at the end of it all.

 

[TomVexille]

Decent view

 

[JessicaTam]

Decent view

Is being "significant" a promotion?