This is cheating a little but I actually spent about 3 years going back and forth to Boston...

I thought it was worth compiling my thoughts about my travels (as I saw them) to Boston, Mass which I am now very fond of although it never became home for me.

Here are a reasonably random set of photos from my Boston experiences...

And now, much more seriously, here are my favourite things to do in Boston:

- Walk around. One of the few US cities which you can really burn some shoe leather.

- Be sure to visit the North End (where I lived) for an Italian meal but be choosy about where to go...most are for tourists. To mention a few good'uns try The Daily Catch, Bacco's or Monica's (either one). Also a great place to get a pretty good Italian Cappuccino...

- Visit the Mapparium (stand inside a giant stained glass globe). For childish fun whisper something or hum in this unexpected echo chamber.

- Take is easy on Boston Common (if it is summer) otherwise make snowmen or ice-skate around the paddle pond.

- Walk down Boyleston Street and Newbury Street at the weekend to check-out people, cafe's, art galleries, swanky shops and a fun vibe.

- Eat a Lobster!

- Go on a whale watching trip (it was fun but I saw nothing)

- Check-out the acquarium which has amazing jellyfish, not to mention penguins and seal shows.

- Visit Cambridge and especially Harvard for a bit of old School pottering about.

- Dim Sum in China town at the weekend is pretty good stuff and an authentic experience...none of the servers spoke English or American or whatever.

- Go to the JFK museum

- If you have time one day then get the boat taxi across from the airport to the city, especially at night...it takes longer than a cab but is more fun!

- Visit the Museum of Fine Arts. It also has a fun Arts Cinema, which has some interesting arty type movies on.

- Go South to the beaches of Cape Cod

- Go North to Maine for outlet stores, the charm of places like Kennebunk Port and Acadia National Park.

- Go West to Vermont and the White Mountains (so I am told, embarrassed to say I never made it).

- Walk across the Charles Bridge to get great views of the city of Boston. This is also a great vantage point for the July 4th fireworks.

- One think I never managed but is recommended is a trip to Fenway park, the home of the Red Sox. Anyhow, I am a cricket fan...