“When I go abroad I always sail from Boston because it is such a pleasant place to get away from”

Boston or 'Bean Town' as it's known to many of the locals is one of Americas oldest cities, being sited not far from where the original settlers landed at Plymouth an hour south of the city. It's a working mans city, more like the creation of the industrial revolution rather than from the wanderings of a handful of newly arrived Pilgrims. Of course as we all know this fine country was inhabited long before the white man arrived and set forth to destroy anything worth preserving, and that included the native people and their culture..

Hazing October Afternoon, Boston City Sky Line

To be honest I am not a huge fan, it's OK and having lived here many years ago even visiting as I am now seems to be wearing thin very quickly. But don't get me wrong, the locals are friendly and the city is very hospitable, easily traversed by foot or by the miles of underground trains that spread out to the suburbs.
After the 'Big Dig' that took some 15 years to complete, most of the roads now run underground removing the bridges that once spanned the city streets. I remember both the excitement and apprehension when I first arrived here many years ago, looking for work and a new life along with every other Irish person. Huge buildings and narrow streets, much to be seen and explored. Prestigious Harvard University was on my route to work so I always took time to walk around and think of the great minds that once attended, wishing I could have been one myself.

Boston Common Area

At the end of the day, a city is a city. Concrete jungles full of noise and stress. Not for me, at least not on this scale. But then maybe the lack of mountain biking and outdoor living has a lot to do with it, and since I have been unable to enjoy the spoils of the sport lately I am probably just anxious to get going again..
But this trip is all about spending time with the folks and my sisters, and my cute wee niece who often mistakes me for a punching bag! Far too often actually.
My time has been divided between the fast pace of city life and the slow crawl of semi-country living. Both these extremes have their perks, but for me a happy medium would be similar to that of what Wellington offered back in New Zealand. Josephine lives here in Boston while Caroline resides in rural Plymouth. Apparently Coyotes roam the vast empty spaces between the home here, even venturing into gardens during the day. All I have seen so far are Hawks and Squirrels. But compared to Boston it's quiet and peaceful.. Winthrop on the other hand is right in the flight path of Logan Airport.
So you get to enjoy the constant roar of aircraft engines as they either land or take off close to the house. Not something I could or want to get use to but it sure doesn't bother the locals here. It is a nice suburb and being elevated you do get views of the both the beaches and some of the city.

Me, Josephine, Mum & Dad, Caroline & Sonia.. This Is What It's All About..

Living conditions can be said to reflect when it comes to size and quality of life. On one hand there is the city studio that does a good job of sleeping the four of us, Mum, Dad, Josephine and me, even if I do end up on the recliner chair.
Whereas the rural setting is much bigger in terms of bedroom, house and land area, although I still end up sleeping on the lounge room furniture. What I would give for a bed right now...... It's not for long though and so often reminds me of my 'couch surfing' days. I head back to the Emerald Isle in a few days but to what I don't know. There is a good reason I spent more than half my life living overseas and although much has changed in Ireland I am not sure how I feel about my recent decision to make this move. Only time will tell I guess.

Carolines House, Bronzed Wave at Deer Island, Sailing Boat, Nemo - Sonia's Cat, Boston City

Being more positive about it all, I will make the best of being close to some of the best mountain biking this part of the world has to offer, visiting both Wales and Scotland to check out the trails, see what all the fuss is about. Of course I will have my trusty side-kick Esther to keep me company. My biking buddy, she will be as keen as I am to make this work and explore new territory. Who know, we will either love it or be packing up once again to return to NZ, this time I have to pickup the cost of the shipping though, Ouch!!!