I started the morning with a run along the Charles river towards the city. It was a stunning morning, and even though it was early the sun had a kick. There was a path all the way alongside the river, and there were many runners out and about. 

 Returning to the hotel, we walked to the metro station and caught the train into the Boston Common, a large green park in the middle of the city and the start of the “Freedom Trail” – a walk through the city passing many of the key historical points of interest. 

 The park was lovely with many tourists, however we noted a high number of homeless people, clearly this city has some problems of poverty to address. 

 We passed the Old South Meeting House, where the Boston Tea Party started (no mention of the buns though!), the site of the Boston Massacre of 1770 and some lovely old buildings, finally settling for lunch at the Bell in Hand, America’s oldest tavern. 
   
After this, we crossed to a relatively recent installation – a holocaust memorial. This was a simple but extremely moving space, a few notable quotes, a brief timeline and the serial numbers of all the holocaust victims on towering glass pillars. Simple and very memorable, and poignant considering Boston as the birthplace of a revolution against tyranny.

Returning to the train we headed to Harvard University and spent a lovely hour wandering the square and the gardens. The new students were milling around fresh faced, and I realised that they were likely not born the year I graduated from uni (gulp).

A very nice place, finished off with a leisurely stroll back down the riverside to our hotel.