Today was mostly spent on an Amtrak train to Boston. It's a 4 hour journey, and a very scenic one at that, following the coast, going past a mixture of industrial suburbs, wilderness, and the odd coastal town or cute village.

We are staying at the Hyatt regency, because they were by far the cheapest accomodation option, they are well located and have all the usual facilities, but there is nothing particular that speaks of Boston's unique style.

We only had a couple of hours left of the day so we headed to beacon hill, a historical suburb with cobbled stone streets lit with gas lights, and filled with antiques and Italian restaurants. The antique shops were expensive and not that exciting, till we reached one that specialized in china - the sort that came from Limoges and Tiffany and was absolutely beautiful. I was not even close to affording it, but it was so nice to be surrounded by such grandeur.

Dinner was early, in Bin 26 Enotica Italian restaurant, which had a great atmosphere as well as food - modern atmosphere, rustic cooking. I had saffron risotto arancini balls to start, and roasted Cornish hen with Brussels sprouts and potatoes.

I have now got janes cold and am miserable - plus reacting to the high pollen levels. Going through tissues like they're going out of fashion. Hope it gets better fast!