Taking on the Fighting Irish: Part Two

After my adventure with oysters, we moved on and walked along the harbor on Fan Pier. Dotted along the path were plaques outlining the history of the area. What I didn't know, was that millions of tons of dirt were hauled in to make Boston what it is today. Originally, what is called "the back bay" was all water. In the later part of the 19th century, train cars filled with gravel and dirt would come into the area multiple times a day. By around 1910, the project was completed. With streets lined with Victorian Brownstones, this area is now known as one of the most expensive housing districts in Boston.

We walked along the harbor until we reached the "Irish" part of town. This was signified by several Irish pubs and lots of rowdy Irish people. The lines to get in the door wrapped around the block and there was green as far as the eye could see. We proceeded to Faneuil Hall. Originally a meeting hall in 1742, it now houses several shops and restaurants. This was the site of several speeches made by Samuel Adams and other revolutionaries encouraging independence from Great Britain. On this particular day, it was, like most of the city, packed with drunken Irish festers. There were several street performers out, hoping to make a few bucks. We stumbled upon a group of young ladies doing Irish dancing outside the hall. There was also a speech happening in the state building across the street about the importance of buying products made in America. Jeff and Cindy told me it was a treat to be able to go inside the building as it is usually close to the public with the exception of tours.

The woman's voice you hear so enthusiastically in the background is Cindy!

Then it was off to a local violin shop so I could drool over the beautiful violins that lined the walls. I had a hard time not picking one up and cranking out a tune for old times sake. Across the street was a beautiful church and we couldn't resist taking a peaceful moment in all the craziness of the day to see the inside. With a huge organ in the front and scripture lining the walls, it was lovely.

I hope everyone enjoyed their St. Patrick's day!