A Restful Start: Snoozes and Showers

Ah, Boston. The land of history, Harvard, and horrendously unpredictable weather. But let’s not get ahead of ourselves. Our day started the best way any holiday morning should — with a restful night’s kip. Not to brag, but I managed a solid stretch from 23:30 to 07:30. That’s eight hours for the mathematically challenged among us — and let me tell you, it showed. By 08:00, I was bright-eyed, bushy-tailed, and positively sparkling under a hot shower. Ready to conquer the world, or at the very least, breakfast.

By 09:00, we were at our hotel rendezvous point to meet our trusty travel companions: Helen and Brian. Picture the Fantastic Four, minus the superpowers, with added sarcasm and questionable footwear.

Breakfast Bonanza at Thornton’s

Brian, being the culinary connoisseur he is (self-appointed, I might add), chose Thornton’s Boston Breakfast and Lunch Restaurant for our morning feed. And do you know what? Hats off to him. It was a cracking choice. There’s nothing like a bagel that’s fully loaded — and I mean fully loaded — with scrambled egg, crispy bacon, and creamy avocado to really get your metabolism grinning.

Michele went down the more refined route with a classic omelette, but even she looked wistfully at my glorious carb tower. Can’t blame her, really.

The only hiccup? Google Maps thought we were driving. So instead of a brisk 10-minute walk, we ended up doing what felt like a walking tour of half of Boston before even starting the tour. I suppose that’s one way to build up an appetite — or resentment.

Weather Woes and Wardrobe Blunders

Now, here’s the thing. We’d seen Boston on the telly. Sunny skies, autumnal strolls, people with pumpkin spice lattes in cable-knit jumpers. Naturally, we assumed it would be mild and pleasant.

Wrong.

It was grey. It was wet. It was chilly, and even I, who prides himself on being a human radiator, was shivering like a damp sponge in a fridge. The wardrobe situation? Dire. We’d packed as if we were jetting off to Marbella.

Cue a mild panic and a quick Google search: “Warm clothes in Boston that won’t bankrupt us.” The answer? Dick’s Sporting Goods. Two sweaters later (and $100 lighter), we were at least somewhat insulated, albeit still a bit damp and mildly bitter.

Touring Boston: First Stop, the Orange Line

Having successfully layered up, we headed off to find the city tour buses, which are colour-coded like a pack of Skittles. We started on the Orange Line, which loops around the Back Bay — an area that, frankly, looks like someone Googled “ideal neighbourhood” and then quadrupled the house prices.

The tour took us past Beacon Hill, where the homes are rumoured to fetch up to $25 million. That’s right. Twenty. Five. Million. Dollars. For a house that’s probably full of antique clocks and porcelain you’re not allowed to sit on. But still, beautiful to look at — from a safe, wallet-friendly distance.

Coffee Break at Starbucks (Because We’re Basic)

After the first loop, we needed a warm-up and a sit down. Enter: Starbucks. There’s something comforting about a caramel macchiato when your soul is soggy. It’s basically a hug in a cup. Over caffeine and central heating, we reviewed our city map (read: argued mildly about where to go next), and then it was off to the Green Line — the main tour loop around central Boston.

The Cheers Bar: Where Not Everybody Knew Our Names

Mid-afternoon saw us alight at the famous Cheers bar — yes, the one from the telly. Now, I had romantic visions of walking in and being greeted like Norm, but alas, reality bit. No one knew my name. No one even tried. Not even a sympathetic “mate” from the bartender.

Still, the atmosphere was lively, the beer was cold, and we managed to find four actual seats at the bar, which felt like winning the lottery. We clinked glasses to a successful day of not getting lost (well, not too lost), and then made our way back onto the Green Line for another jaunt.

A Glimmer of Sunlight and a Common Walk

Now here’s where the magic happened — the sun came out. Like a long-lost friend emerging from behind a curtain of drizzle, the warmth lit up the city in a whole new way. Energised and slightly less grumpy, we decided to explore Boston Common.

There’s something special about walking through a historic park as the sun dips low and casts golden shadows through centuries-old trees. We sauntered, we snapped photos, we tried (and failed) to look like locals.

A Pint at Bukowski Tavern… Kind Of

Next up was a spot I’d found online — a quirky little watering hole called Bukowski Tavern. Now, this place had promise. Funky name. Dive bar aesthetic. A chance to pretend we were in a gritty indie film.

But here’s the rub — they only serve beer and wine. Which is fine… unless you’re someone who was hoping for a gin and tonic, or, heaven forbid, a Disaronno and coke. To add insult to injury, the beer selection was a bit meh. Not terrible, just… uninspired. Like when you expect Tom Hardy and get Tom Hiddleston (lovely chap, but not quite the vibe).

Needless to say, we didn’t linger.

Dinner Done Right: The Cheesecake Factory

Our evening feast was at The Cheesecake Factory, which apparently is Brian’s favourite. And honestly? I get it. The place is massive, the menu is the size of a short novel, and everything arrives in American-sized portions that would make even a rugby player sweat.

I had the chicken shawarma, which was downright delightful. Michele went for a smash burger, which, by the look on her face, was equally satisfying. Now here’s the twist — we shared a dessert. I know. Scandalous.

We went for the cherry cheesecake, which was… fine. Not life-changing, but respectable. Tracy, if you’re reading this, I can hear your gasps from across the ocean — I know sharing dessert is against your religion. Forgive me.

The Long Road Home… Sort Of

Michele took the reins (or the Google Maps, more accurately) for our journey back to the hotel. And I must say, she did a stellar job guiding us through the urban maze. It was probably the smoothest walk of the day — no detours, no tantrums, and no questionable “shortcuts” through back alleys. Bravo, Michele. Bravo.

By 20:40, we were snuggled back in our room, bellies full, feet tired, and hearts content.

Looking Ahead: Weather and Tea-Based Rebellions

Tomorrow promises drier and warmer weather, which is a welcome change. The plan? Apparently, we’re off to throw tea into the harbour. A nod to the infamous Boston Tea Party, but I’m not sure Helen will approve — she’s deeply devoted to her cuppa, and flinging it overboard might feel like sacrilege.

We’ll see what happens. Could be a revolution. Could be a strongly worded complaint to the captain.

Either way, goodnight all. Stay warm, stay cheeky, and whatever you do — don’t trust Google Maps when it thinks you’re in a car.