Read Posts 1 // 2 // 3 // 4
The next morning, we all headed to downtown Boston so that the guys could register for the big race. However, after sitting in traffic for an hour and not finding any parking, we ditched the guys and headed over to the North End, Italian district (they met up with us when they were done). While we waited, we had lunch in a local Italian restaurant (of course). This restaurant was filled with pictures of celebrities who had eaten there and looked to be run by a "family". But, none of us really enjoyed our meal, because there were at least seven large screen tv's, all playing at a different part of "The Godfather" or some other mobster movie that involved a lot of blood. We had to keep all of the children with us from looking at the tv's while we ate... Not that they wanted to watch it, but it's hard to ignore.
We left as soon as we could which happened to be just as the guys pulled up. They took the kids, while their mothers and I stood in line at "Mike's Pastries". That place was packed, there were at least ten different lines going, but they sure have a system down! We couldn't see anything that was available, until it was our turn to order. Unsure of what to do I asked the man working what desserts we should order. With a blank yet incredibly annoyed look on his face he snapped "Cannoli"! So... without further hesitation, that is what I ordered, even though I don't really like cannoli.
We gathered with the family in the square and enjoyed our deserts. We happened to be on part of the "Freedom Trail" right next to the church that lit up the lanterns for Paul Revere! It was an almost spiritual moment to think of that historic night and the fact that I was sitting where it took place.
After I finished my cannoli (I ate as much as I could and shared the rest with my grateful nephew. It was pretty good for a cannoli. I just don't like that much cream), I took my nephew over to the man on the other side of the square who was playing the accordion. While he played, we danced around the fountain and threw coins in it for wishes. We then hit up a couple of the souvenir shops and headed back to the hotel so the guys could get some rest before the marathon.
Have you ever been to the North End in Boston?
To be continued...
