Hey everybody,

as Bruce Berman instructed us .... I will now share the experiences I made during the Harbor Islands adventure with you

First of all I have to say that I was surprised that the whole group managed to show up at 9 in the morning.

After some introductory words Mr Berman gave us some interesting historical information about the harbor district. One of the most striking buildings of the Boston skyline for instance was former used as look out for ship owners. The temporal advance of knowing their ship would reach the home harbor with valuable goods entirely presented an advantage for the local merchants.

Next topic we covered was the economic importance of the harbor for Boston's economy.

The main sources of income are tourist like us doing a boat trip or whale watching. Another more profitable source is the real estate sector. Many people as almost everywhere around the world like to have a sea view from their apartment in addition to a beautiful city location hence the prices exploded the last decades. By the way the properties on the harbor islands are strongly limited.

Another declining source is fishing and cargo shipping.

Few minutes after entering the boat we experienced a completely new view on Boston's skyline:

During our way out to the Harbor Islands Mr Berman tried to give us some information about the Islands we passed concerning their shape or their names. I say trying because the acoustic was quiet poor out on the windy boat platform.

We passed one Islands with slower pace so even I could understand Mr Berman's words. They showed some buildings for Boston's socially disadvantaged people. So although they are poor they at least have a nice sea view...but seriously the buildings are absolutely misplaced because of the big distances to the city center and educational facilities.

After some more beautiful sunny minutes on the boat we came back to Boston harbor and Bruce gave us some final information to explain the city's success and beauty.

Boston has a big financial and educational sector which is because of it's former impact on world trade. One could say the banks founded in Boston and still exist are still profiting from dead men's money. The educational institutions in Boston would probably not be the world's best without it's strong economy and hence the investment in this sector.

Another big impact on Boston as we know it today had the big dig (a project which last for a long time bringing some of the most jammed streets into tunnels under the city) and a project financed by Boston itself which facilities still keep the harbor's water clean and it's estates valuable.

Concluding I have to say it was a nice day and I am looking forward to more fieldtrips like this!!!!

Chris