I had set my alarm for six and it did its job. I was in and out of the shower, shaved and what have you by six twenty-five. I called Chris and in my most contrite voice caught up with her day yesterday and so far today. It felt like just a few minutes and there was a knock at my door. Chris and I said our goodbyes me promising to text and WhatsApp photos to our two daughters and our grandson.

I opened the door and Pete and Chris came in. I put ‘Pray as you go’ on my phone and we stood and listened. Although I’m not a Roman Catholic I do find the app useful for quietening me down and helping me focus on Jesus. It also helps me focus on ‘the other’ – to help or pray where I can. We three prayed for our families and friends and asked for God’s presence with us throughout the day. We were booked on a train from Penn Station New York to Boston just after ten. The Acela Express.

Today we just had cereals and coffee (fruit juice for me.) I said grace it was my day. On the way back to the rooms to collect our luggage we stopped at the vending machines and each bought a bottle of water and a soda. I reminded Chris and Pete that I had read it was customary to leave a tip for the room cleaner. I think we all did.

We left the hotel after saying farewell to the staff in reception. The usual chap was waiting to drive us to the Federal Circle. The same journey as usual same drop off point slightly larger tip for the driver who gave us a larger than usual smile.

We caught the Airtrain Red to Jamaica Station. The ‘train’ from Jamaica to Pen (Pennsylvania) Station was crowded with commuters. Thankfully we only had knapsacks and cabin sized suitcases so didn’t take up too much room. The journey was conducted in near silence apart from the rattle and creaking of the ‘train’ itself. I imagine most of us were wondering what the day would bring our way. We three had a plan but plans often go wrong. Fortunately as you will see, ours did not.

Arriving with plenty of time at Penn Station we had a chance to find where to board the train and admire the cavernous interior of the station. There are some amazing structures in New York. Some, like the Empire State Building and Penn Station had really ornate and awe-inspiring interiors.

We decided to give the first class lounge a miss and just enjoy the hustle and bustle of this huge station. Soon we were allowed through a gate and onto the train, first class was at the rear. After showing our tickets and being directed to our seats we sat down to enjoy the journey. We had two window and an aisle seat. We had a table between Chris and myself. Pete and I had agreed we would swap seats half way into the journey. The fourth seat was soon occupied by gentleman who introduced himself as Bob. I, dressed in jeans, trainers and a new bright red ‘Big Apple’ ‘T’ shirt, felt quite shabby compared to this immaculately turned out gentleman.

The Acela express rolled into action a little after ten. We were expecting to be at Back Bay station about a quarter to two. I started reading a newspaper I had picked up. I think it was the first time I had read the ‘Washington Post’. It was interesting in a by-stander-ish sort of way. I was soon more interested in what I could see out of the window. Occasional glimpses of the sea (Rhode Island sound) and lots of houses and countryside. It was interesting because it was the first time I had seen these particular glimpses of sea, houses and countryside. I got lost in the changing view but was brought back by Pete nudging me and Chris asking what sort of sandwich and drink I wanted. I remember what I ordered to drink, Scotch and dry ginger plus a diet coke. I think I had a ham and cheese on rye! When we all had our drinks and snacks I gave thanks to Father God for his provision and asked for safe travel.

Bob asked if we were ‘born again’? Pete and I nodded and Chris asked if he was. He stated he was and asked us were we on vacation? Again Chris dived in and explained about the dream, how we had obtained finances and what we were hoping to do. Bob seemed quite intrigued with us and our story. He and Chris chatted away and eventually worked out that they had both been in Iraq at the same time. Different armies but not far from each other. They chatted like long lost brothers all the way to Boston. Last I heard Chris regularly plays Bob at on line scrabble. Having always struggled with spelling dis dyc dyslexic, scrabble isn’t a game I enjoy.

Pete and I chatted about the baseball and came to the conclusion that we didn’t have a clue how the game worked. I think our childhood memories of rounders clouded our attitudes to the game. Maybe we could get to see a basketball or Grid iron game somewhere on our travels. We talked about how we hoped ‘Geico,’ a company we had talked with, would have left the insurance documents we needed at the hotel reception. I had had an email from Amazon confirming that the three Rand McNally map books had been delivered to the hotel. We had decided to take out breakdown cover with AAA. All documents for each of us hopefully at the hotel. This had all cost but better safe than sorry.

Chris and Bob were busy exchanging contact details, having exhausted war stories, as we pulled in to Back Bay Station. Grabbing our bags we exited the train and following Pete, who seemed to know although he didn’t, where we were to catch the orange line train to North Station. Again Pete came up trumps, tickets bought we were soon on our way again.

Exiting North Station we turned left and decided to walk the half mile or so to the Hotel. We took another left down N Beverly Street, across the river. Turn right under the bridge. There was a river walk and the day being bright and sunny lots of people were out running or walking. There were couples sitting and chatting enjoying the weather and each other’s company. Following the walkway we soon arrived at the Hotel entrance.

We had booked three studio suites and I for one was looking forward to having a bite to eat and a nap. The hotel lobby seemed to be wood everywhere, there was a nautical theme that went well with the views of the harbour. The hotel was a really good renovation of a 1900s work place. Some features of its former life were in evidence. There were things that looked like huge boilers that somehow blended in nicely with its now contemporary feel. I really liked the sense of space created by the very high ceilings.

The receptionist guessed who we were and welcomed us by name. This felt good. As we were registering, showing passport etc. they reached under the counter and produced a large bundle of mail. Our luggage was removed to our rooms and we went to the ‘Market’, I think we each bought a tin of soup and some crisps and beverages. Armed with our purchases we made our way to our rooms.

We congregated in Chris’s suit and heated up the soups in the microwave and settled down to look at the maps and check the insurance documents. Chris suddenly remembered the time and we all three phones our spouses. After the updates and endearments were spoken we went back to discussing the rest of the day. We decided that as we all liked music (some more than others) we would like to attend a concert. It was agreed that if Berklee school of music were performing a concert and tickets were available we would go. A phone call to the receptionist was made and ten minutes later we were informed that our tickets for the concert were at the reception desk. You are probably wondering how we knew about the Berklee school of music…

… My wife and I had lived in Valencia, Spain for six months a while back. We had attended El Faro Church. I highly recommend a visit both to Valencia and El Faro should you be in Valencia. The church is friendly, welcoming and acts out the gospel. The church meets each Sunday and the services are in English and Spanish. There are folk from around the world who worship there including lots of young international students when we were there. One of whom was a Brazilian named Thiago. He was a student of Berklee in Valencia. They did concerts one of which I attended and Thiago was one of the conductors. He and all the very talented musicians were amazing.

I went down and collected and paid for the tickets. The receptionist showed me how to get to where the concert was to be performed and suggested we give ourselves and hour to get there.

Pete and I decided to retire to our respective suites and the three of us after a nap and freshen up would head out for a little walkabout and then make our way to the concert.

My suite was similar to Chris’s, high ceiling, kitchenette, bed and a bathroom. I put my alarm on my phone and lay down, closed my eyes and then the alarm was going. Forty minutes had flown past. A quick change of clothes and a wash and I made my way back to Chris’s room. Pete was already there so after a brief time of prayer, mainly asking that we didn’t get lost, we set off. Fortunately we hadn’t gotten far when I remembered the tickets in the lobby, I was soon back with the guys and off we wandered.

We needed to get to North Street Station in order to catch a train to Hynes Convention Centre Station. From there it would be a short walk to the concert venue.

We initially retraced our steps along the river/harbour walk. It felt rather like some of the couples sat talking were the same ones we had passed getting to the hotel. This time we climbed some steps and walked alongside the highway bridge. Like most cities the roads were busy and noisy and had that smell of exhaust fumes. I did enjoy the views, the conversation and the occasional exotic car that passed. Over the bridge and a right turn led us to the station. Tickets acquired and again following Pete we made our way to the platform. On the train we were soon rattling along the tunnels. About half an hour later we left the station and with google maps on, we walked to ‘The David Friend Recital Hall’.

I told the lads that according to google we were not very far from the road we would be taking out of Boston, the I90.

Neither the building nor the recital hall were as impressive as Palau de les Arts Reina Sofia where I had listened in Valencia. The music though was superb. I recognised some of the music from films I have seen and others from listening to Classic FM or Radio 3. I’m not sure which pieces they were but they sounded good. I imagined Chris might know as he is into all sorts of music.

We left the venue and retraced our steps back to the train Station. We caught the train to North Street Station. Leaving the station we followed the first route toward our hotel. Instead of turning right when we had crossed the water we went left and through the park. Again following google we made our way to a restaurant named ‘The Legal Oysteria’. We had decided on this place as I really enjoy fresh sea food, Chris liked the joke 9see food – eat it!) and Pete could get a steak.

We entered and asked for a table for three. We went past a large ‘U’ shaped bar with seating around and were shown to our table. Beers ordered glasses of water provided, menu perused we ordered. All three of us went straight to mains. Pete went, as he said he would for the grilled sirloin but I’m not sure he enjoyed the kale. Chris decided on rigatoni bolognaise and I went for the shrimp and scallop risotto, the mascarpone with butternut gave off a wonderful aroma. Before the meal arrived I gave thanks for safe travel and hopefully great food. The food was delicious.

Food and drink consumed we made our way back to our hotel and after a brief chat with the receptionist, we went up to our beds. Teeth cleaned, quick wash into bed and almost instantly asleep. Big day tomorrow.

-oo0oo-

https://www.amtrak.com/acela

https://www.marriott.com/hotels/travel/bostw-residence-inn-boston-harbor-on-tudor-wharf


https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pennsylvania_Station_(New_York_City)

https://www.lonelyplanet.com/spain/valencia-and-murcia/valencia

EL FARO – El Faro – International Evangelical Church, Valencia (elfarovalencia.es)

Les Arts – Un camí d’emocions

Berklee Homepage | Berklee
https://www.berklee.edu

Posted in A Lockdown Virtual Journey, North America