Boston. This is no tea party.

Taking a ride on the Boston harbor put a really nice flavor in my mouth (salty, but good) and it gave me an idea of how important this city has and will be for the United States of America.

Some of the biggest and decisive events took place on this harbor, although it has changed quite a bit. It was the late 18^th century and colonists and British weren’t getting along too well. The Boston Massacre was the first event in a series that lead to tension, war and finally, independence from the British. It had all started as a political movement; having independence from Britain only meant that the colonies would strengthen necessary policies and be more effective at them, these policies were as basic as taxes, governing, etc…

After the massacre, the situation between colonists and British went from bad to worse; the Tea Party is the name they gave to the rebellious actions taken on by the colonists when the British government decided that Boston had to return the unused tea.

The Colonists threw the tea into the harbor, spoiling it, in an act that quite bitterly said, “if we can’t have it, no one can” and this event kicked off the American Revolution, which in its final years, gave way to this independent-beautiful country.

It is hard to see Boston now and imagine everything it has gone through, from the big dig to the new manmade coastline, Boston’s importance can be deduced by simply looking at the amount of money that has gone not only to the city, but to the shoreline.

The bay area I found, was full of contrasts, in a few miles you could see the whole variety of social classes in America, from low-income housing to three story unit-family houses (valued in over a million dollars), not to mention a fertilizing plant.

The islands were paradise, I wouldn’t mind being lost at one for a few years, small, perfect, and isolated. These islands also played a key role in Boston (and America’s) history. They served the purpose of spotting incoming ships, setting up small stations and at a certain point of time, the isolation they provided was perfect for marginalizing whatever group of people the mass didn’t want to come in contact with (Leaper patients, etc…).

The islands have changed, all the soil dug up from the big dig (one of the most impressive projects done on U.S. soil) went to one of them, seeing it from a distance makes you imagine the magnitude of the dig… and also seeing the transformation Boston has gone through is quite impressive. (My personal opinion is that the old highway, although effective in its purpose, made many eyes bleed, seeing such a beautiful city cut in half)

Boston is like a love story; the citizens are proud and giving. They love, cherish and are so proud of the city, they even greet you from a lighthouse saying “I love you” (1: 4: 3:) – although dare to cut off a Bostonian driving and you may think this “love” is not true- Boston is highly recommendable to anyone and everyone, and if possible, buy a house on the shoreline!

G

(isn't she beautiful?)