I woke an hour before my alarm was due to ring, so I enjoyed listening to the city outside come alive for the day. People walking their dogs before work, deliveries being made, and hotel staff preparing for the day. When your hotel is on the corner of a busy city street, it’s what is expected and I didn’t mind the “noise” at all.
I had a restful and very comfortable sleep on a superb mattress and lush bedding. I appreciated the soft under-counter light in the bathroom that came to life when activated by motion in the middle of the night.
The luxurious shower was a treat this morning and as a big girl, I REALLY appreciated the large bath towels. The in-room bathrobe could have been a tick larger, but it was still cozy and warm.
After a small breakfast in my room to take with my medications, I enjoyed a cup of tea while looking at the city below my 7th floor accommodations. I’m looking forward to enjoying the park across the street when we get some free time this afternoon.
Our day today started early in the hotel lobby as we embarked on a history tour beginning with the Boston Tea Party Ships & Museum.
Bruce gave a brief overview and history of the teas that were being purchased in the 1700’s and why it was such an important commodity not only for England, but for the colonies.
The five teas that were thrown overboard and fueled a revolution, were also available for us to sample in Abigail’s Tea Room, named after Abigail Adams. I enjoyed the Congou tea.
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We were guided by costumed players out onto one of the replicas of the three ships where we are able to throw a “crate” of tea overboard. It wasn’t quite as it was back then, but you got the idea. The costumed players were wonderful and kept the crowd entertained and engaged.
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The museum also presented some wonderful 3D reenactments providing a more engaging experience and really bringing home the reason behind the revolution and why the act of destroying the tea was so important. It was a ruckus.
We heard the story about, and saw, the only surviving tea chest from the tea party and how the Robinson family came to possess it. And there is a small vial of tea from that time that was collected from the cuff of a pant leg on display.
Of course, a quick stop in the gift shop was in order and I DID pick up a few items.
Our next two stops were some important historical structures in the city: the Old State House where the Boston Massacre occurred and the Old South Meeting House.
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Our guide, Deirdra, was a true wealth of knowledge about BOTH buildings and overwhelmed us with details and stories surrounding the many proclamations that were brought forth by the king and the harsh conditions the colonies, specifically Boston, had to endure as a result.
Built in 1729, the Old South Meeting House was the largest building in colonial Boston and the site of the most stirring mass meetings that led to the American Revolution, including the gathering that led to the Boston Tea Party. It’s a remarkably simple, but stunning building.
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We were then treated to the spectacular new immersive show called Ruckus! What a brilliant use of space and technology. Please check out the website link for more about this wonderful addition to the Old South Meeting House’s exhibits. My only suggestion to them is to move the subtitles to a lower height…my neck hurt from looking up to the ceiling to view them. OR…offer reclining seats. 🙂
After that, we boarded our bus once our brilliant driver Brian was able to weave his way through some of Boston’s busiest, narrowest streets. Kudos to him!
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He next dropped us off in the historic and highly sought-out Beacon Hill area where we enjoyed a fabulous lunch at the Beacon Hill Books & Café. Tucked into an historic building with narrow doorways, stairs, and rustic beams, our group was brought in through a low, stone archway into a wee oasis where literary-themed teas and cozy eating areas greeted us.
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Because I opted for the gift store instead of going back to the tearoom for a scone at the Boston Tea Party Museum, I was extremely hungry by the time our food arrived at 2pm!
Our set menu presented choices of a tomato and ginger bisque or a mushroom quiche. I chose the quiche and it did not disappoint! Light and flavorful, the quiche was topped with arugula and pear slices and then accompanied by a warm popover.
The meal was finished with a decadent chocolate brownie and homemade mint ice cream. Both were delicious!
I did visit the bookstore’s three floors, but did not make a purchase. Since my brain aneurysms, It’s difficult for me to read physical books, opting more for ebooks now where I can adjust the font size and contrast. But the bookstore itself was delightful, especially the 4th floor kids area. I could see locals going there on a cold January day to get cozy with a book for hours.
Bruce offered up a literary tour of author’s homes in the Beacon Hill area to guests, but I opted to walk back to the hotel through the park. What a beautiful, beautiful park and there were so many people out today because of the perfect weather.
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After resting my feet for a bit, I worked on this blog post and sampled the Abigail’s Blend tea we were gifted with yesterday while watching the bustle of the city streets from my window again. Bruce designed this blend of tea, named for Abigail Adams, and it is WONDERFUL! I think I have found a new favorite. I really enjoyed it.
After eating a light dinner, due to still being full from the late lunch, we met in the lobby for a private evening tour at the Isabella Stewart Gardner Museum. I have always wanted to visit this museum, mainly to see the courtyard.
Isabella Stewart Gardner (1840–1924) created this Museum as a public space to display her growing “art” collection. She conceived and oversaw its construction between 1899 and 1903—and even mounted ladders to show the builders how she wanted it done. Yes! A woman knowing what she wants and taking charge.
Almost everything we saw—paintings, sculptures, chairs, columns, floor tiles, fabric on the walls—is part of Isabella’s collection. I was completely blown away by this astonishing collection.
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Our private tour was briskly done and only addressed a few specific pieces of the collections on each of the three floors, but once the tour was completed, we were left to explore on our own and that’s when I was really able to absorb the vast array of remarkable artwork represented.
Of course everyone is drawn to the stunning courtyard, which is much more dramatic at night. I’d love go back during the daytime when it’s lit from the skylit ceiling.
Bruce had also blended some tea for this museum and Lorna gave us tins of that blend called Ruckus! The painting on the tin is one displayed in the Spanish Cloister part of the museum by John Singer Sargent in 1879. It’s called El Jaleo, to suggest the name of the dance featured in the painting. Jaleo means ruckus or hubbub. Standing in front of the painting is an event in itself. #1, it’s HUGE, and #2, there so much movement and emotion in the painting and it’s brilliantly lit, both within the painting itself and for the museum.
When we got back to the hotel I joined a few of the ladies in The Library for some snacks and drink, then called it a night so I could finish the blog. It was a busy, busy day with a lot of Ruckus.
Cheers!
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