IN BOSTON

Took an early flight to Boston yesterday, arriving in sweltering 90 degree heat at mid-afternoon.  An unfortunate incident on arrival, with Ellie realizing as we reached our hotel that she was missing her carry-on bag.  Had our driver turn around and take us back to the airport--where, happily, she found the missing item where she'd left it, in plain sight, undisturbed, on the counter of the information desk by the baggage claim carousel. Something of a miracle, we thought.

Once unpacked, we took a stroll from our hotel down Boylston to the Boston Common, where we enjoyed the Sunday afternoon crowds in this beautiful park...

... and took a selfie to celebrate...

Leaving the park at the other end, we walked the length of Charles Street, enjoying the tree-lined side streets...

... and the many attractively designed shop windows. Ellie took pictures...

Stopped for a linguine bolognese at an Italian restaurant, and walked back through the park, where we found a swan nesting happily beside the lake...

..

... and of course, a thousand squirrels...

(that one's for Luka!)  Walked back towards our hotel on Newbury Street, weighed down by now by fatigue and the still oppressively muggy heat.  Arrived in our room in time to catch today's stage of the Tour de France--the TTT (the team time trial).  Quite a specatcle, and an exciting finish.