Pahking the Cah in: BOSTON (Bahston)

Posted by Jessica Passman ,
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I decided to start off my Boston trip with the very first picture that I had taken there. Coming from a small town in Boca Raton, Florida with only one season all year round, I was completely in awe when I first laid eyes on the colors of the leaves on the trees. I have most definitely seen green, I traveled to New York for Christmas as a child every year to witness nude branches, I have viewed pink and white Cherry Blossom leaves, but October in Boston 2009 first introduced to me to yellow...


...and orange! From a distance, it's as if the trees are on fire. Now living up north in New York, I finally experienced my own Fall season, and I could not believe the changing-of-the-leaves ceremony only occurs for a couple of weeks! I had imagined an orange Fall for at least a few months.


Here is a picture of Andres and I embarking the Boston Duck Tours, land and sea. If you are looking to become well acquainted with the city, I highly suggest taking this 50-80 minute, narrated tour. How does the Boston Duck Tour rule out any other tour? Not only does this amphibious vehicle take a dip halfway into the Charles River, but did I mention that each bus is an authentic WWII landing vehicles, which has been renovated for sightseeing purposes?

Boston Duck Tours

Do not forget to inquire about student discounts. 


And to our right, we have... Wendy's? Can you tell that I am a tourist? After my Northern transformation, I can barely remember what it is like to calmly park my car in a widespread parking lot, or leisurely drive through a window and order my food. I found a two-story fast-food chain astonishing and never imagined it awkwardly placed inside a big building with housing above it. 


A little piece of home... I have taken for granted the peacefulness of not scrounging for a quarter to feed the meters, or stress about squeezing my car into a yay-big paralleled parking spot, wondering if its Monday-Friday between 9:45-6:30pm except holidays. 


Cruising along the tour, we came across the Boston Common, A.K.A Central Park of Bahston. Boston Common is known as the oldest park in the United States, dating back since 1634. Originally used as a military camp in the Battle of Lexington and Concord, the park is now a great place for leaisurley activities such as picnics, bike rides and dog walks. 


At the northern end of the Common, sits the Massachusetts State House, seating the government of Commonwealth of Mass. 

Fun Fact: The staircase leading from Beacon Street to Doric Hall inside of the building is only opened on three occasions: 
1.  When the president of the United States enters.
2. On the tradition of the Governor exiting the building on his last day in office.
3. Whenever a regimental flag returns from battle. 



A really cool picture of a reflection inside the glass building of the Custom House.


Here is a picture of the Holocaust Memorial of New England. Standing at 54 feet high, these glass towers stand as a reminder of the tragic events. Even during the night fall, the towers gleam shedding light and respect for every individual affected. The website is below; it is very intriguing.

Holocaust Memorial


Here is an actual piece of the Berlin Wall, one of many segments given to various organizations across the world since 1989.


"Don't fire until you see the whites of their eyes!" This is a picture of where the Battle of Bunker Hill took place on July 17, 1775.  Standing in granite at 221 feet tall, the monument stands on Breed's Hill where the majority of the battle actually took place. You can actually visit inside of the monument, however, there are no elevators inside of the 294 step walk-up.
Hours of Operation: Daily from 9:00am- 5:00pm. 
Admission: Free



Plunging into the perilous waters of the Boston Harbor, our tour had taken an interesting turn. 


Here is a picture of our ConDUCKtor steering us through the murky waters while providing passengers with a well informed narrated tour of Boston.


Here is a photograph of fellow duck tours passing us in the river. 


Say Cheese!


No, Andres did not hijack the tour; the conDUCKtors offer smaller passengers the chance to steer the ship, and our Andres could not pass up an opportunity like that. 


Back on land, (and on our feet) an old friend and I decided to check out the Quincy Market. Constructed in 1824-1826, the national building stands near Faneuil Hall and is known to Bostonians as a popular food source. Containing a variety of restaurants, fast-food joints and bakeries, the two-story seating area is popular for workers in the downtown area to enjoy a hot lunch.


This is a picture of inside the Sam Adams brewery. Whether a fan of beer or not, I highly recommend taking a tour of the brewery. This tour provides people with knowledge of how the beer is made and properly tasted, offering free samples of Sam Adams beer at the end. The smell of the Hallertau hops used to make the beer is so strong and it literally stays with you until departure. Tours are 
Monday-Thursday: 10am- 3pm (last tour starts at 3), Friday: 10am- 5:30, and Saturday: 10am-3pm.

Samuel Adams Brewery


Here is a picture of Andres and I on a short ferry ride out to Charleston Navy Yard to visit the U.S.S Constitution. This is such a great shot of the Boston skyline. I suggest taking the ferry rather than walking or any other form of transportation in order to enjoy a marvelous view. Departing from the Ticket Center downtown, the ferry does not cost more than 5 dollars. 


Here is a photograph of Andres at the U.S.S Constitution. The 45-minute guided and narrated tour takes you aboard the three-masted heavy frigate of the United States. Known as the oldest, floating commissioned naval vessel, the ship stands as a reminder of the Navy's role in war and peace, and it is educationally enriching as it offers information and fun facts about its duties. Museum is also available.

Fun Fact: The ship was first launched in 1797

Tours Operate: Daily, every hour from 10:30am-3:30pm



Here is a photograph of Andres and I aboard the ship, standing with one of its life savers.


Here is a picture of Andres registering for classes at Harvard... :) 



Fans of Will and Grace? The full set of the show is stored in a friend's library at her college in Emerson. 


This is a picture of a T-shirt that we saw inside of airport. I absolutely adored it. This shirt completely mocks the heavy Bostonian accent in which we found almost incomprehensible at times, especially during tours! (Pictures are provided at the end of each sentence which we needed when speaking with half of these natives.)

Overall, I absolutely enjoyed our time in Boston. October was a great time to visit, especially, Halloween weekend. Considering it was a bewitched time to visit, and we were in Boston for the weekend, you did not think that we would actually leave without visiting... Salem?



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Viva Mexico!: COZUMEL, MEXICO

Posted by Jessica Passman ,
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Move over Mayans, Senor Froggers coming through! 

Cozumel, Mexico is home to affordable silver, scuba diving, Tequila, and recently, a piece of my heart over my final destination on the Carnival Liberty. 

 Coming straight from the Cayman Islands, we decided to take advantage of our last dose of Caribbean sun, and nestle our toes in none other than Playa Mia. Just a cab ride, (an expensive cab ride), and a small entrance fee, Andres and I were enjoying unlimited mixed drinks and a trampoline on water. 


Here are Andres and I in the central plaza right outside the port. This Mayan Temple fountain makes a great photo-opt, however, I highly suggest visiting the actual Ruins, (one of the seven world wonders.) Unfortunately, our time frame was limited; visiting the ruins would have not left us any downtime time to explore the city. Fortunately, we had the privilege of savoring in other friendly passenger's outrageous descriptions of it. If you are in town and have the time, I highly suggest it.

 Tip: Do NOT purchase anything around the cruise port. Go into the city for cheaper prices and better deals. We had to learn the hard way when Andres bought a Mayan calendar from a kiosk inside of this plaza, only to find a bigger, better and a fraction-of-the-price one downtown. 


Here is an image of the infamous Playa Mia. This beach park is a wonderful site for people of all ages with all needs. Packages are offered to satisfy your desires, such as snorkeling, buffet-style lunches or simply unlimited beverages. Just a swim out in its transparent waters, you can enjoy a water trampoline or a mountain climb. Swimming pools and lockers are provided on site as well.

Playa Mia - Click for more information and prices.

 Tip: Cab fares to destinations are provided at the ship's port. Do not get inside of a cab without verifying actual prices. Native cab-drivers are always trying to haggle prices. 

Tip: Bring your own goggles, snorkel and other water equipment with you from home. It is cheaper than renting.


Here is a great picture of Andres and I with the cruise ship in the background. We are at Senor Frogs right outside the port. 

Senor Frogs

Tip: When you are at your destination, and if you happen to be around the cruise ship during lunch or dinner hours, keep in mind that you can always go back onto the ship at anytime. Grabbing your already-paid-for meals can be cheaper than spending money on food elsewhere. Take note at the trail of people constantly entering and exiting the ship. 


 Here is a picture of Holly, Ali and I inside of giant photo-opt cake at Senor Frogs.

Here is a picture of Hans and Andres posting inside of two Mexican boots with pistols. Tequila shots+Caribbean sun=  This kind of impact.


 This is a picture of interesting shirt that we saw one of the waiter wearing in Senor Frogs. 

 Tip: Referring to number 10- Do not drink the water in Mexico. You need to be careful consuming water in any foreign country, so to be on the safe side, I suggest either bringing water bottles from the cruise ship or stopping at a gas station in Mexico and picking up a couple water bottles to take with you on the beach.  



 This was the last picture taken in Cozumel, Mexico/Carnival Cruise. From left to right Holly father, unknown, mother, Hans, Andres, Corey, Holly, unknown, Ali, me, and Holly's brother. Balloon hats, yard stick Margarita glasses and bikinis pretty much sum up my trip, and I think it is safe to say that I left my heart in good hands. 

 Carnival Cruise part 2?... Stay tuned.

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Diamonds 101: GEORGETOWN, GRAND CAYMAN ISLANDS

Posted by Jessica Passman ,
,

Caribbean pitstop or boyfriend's worst nightmare -- You be the judge.

Georgetown, Grand Cayman is the capital of the Cayman Islands, located in the British West Indies. Not only does Georgetown house the financial industry of the islands, with over 600 banks decorating its streets, but it is widely known for its affordable diamonds and jewelry.

Population: Approximately 30,000.

Georgetown is not your typical pina colada-on-the-beach destination stop. If you are looking for a relaxing day on warm sand, you might consider taking advantage of the cruise ship's empty pool area instead.

Here are Andres and I arriving in Georgetown. The cruise ship will not be docked, due to the massive coral beds surrounding the coast. The ship will be tendered, or smaller boats will pull up alongside your cruise ship to ferry the passengers across to shore. Lines are extremely long, considering each small ferry holds around a couple hundred passengers. Make sure to wake up extra early when your ship is in tender to get on one of the first ferries out. 


Here I am standing outside one of the many jewelry shops on the island. I found it interesting that one of the jewelers shares the same last name as me, considering my last name is made-up and given to my great-grandparents when they voyaged through Ellis Island. 

Georgetown is more of a shopping district and home to Diamonds International. You will always find pamphlets being handed out, entitling you to receive a free emerald or a free charm for a bracelet in many of the different stores, however, they are usually minute in size and are not worth waiting in lines to receive. 

 Tip: Free internet is offered in some of the gift shops upon purchase of an item. Buy a key-chain.


Here is an image from our shore excursion-- shipwreck snorkel. An old freight ship importing rice onto the island had mistakenly taken in too much water. Rice+Warm water= A tasty dish served served with meat or poultry. Unfortunately, only the fishes and octopus at the bottom of the island are dining aboard. Before reaching the shore, the rice expanded and the ship had virtually exploded into several pieces, creating a shore excursion for tourists and cruise passengers. The shipwreck, named Cali, is located in shallow waters and is a fun activity for the whole family. If you are lucky, you can catch a glimpse at eels and sea urchins. 

Other great shore excursions are the stingray swim or submarine tour.


Here is an image of Georgetown. Take note of the lack of beaches and sand. Although I had a lot of fun snorkeling, I must stress that I do not highly recommend this destination if you are planning on enjoying a typical Caribbean pit-stop. This island provides great pictures, views, and affordable jewelry for budgets. The Cayman Islands are not subject to any form of direct taxation, therefore making all your purchases tax-free. Make sure NOT to claim any purchases when re-entering the United States; your items will be taxed.

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