Here's to the Red Caps

And so to Boston.  Amtrak here we come... 

Thank goodness Marilyn told us about the Red Caps... they are great.  Can't believe they exist only on tips.  They pick up your bags, take you down to the platform before everyone else and then get you a seat.. Yeah!  The train was so full some people had to stand for the 4 hours... 10 bucks well spent.  (That's not our luggage by the way, tempted as we were to buy up big in New York!

A four hour trip and we were in Boston.  Marilyn our exchange partner met us the next morning before she flew out to Sydney.  Rare for us to meet our exchangees so it was great to get to know her and her house.  She introduced us to Mitch the local ice cream seller who was quite a character and assured us in his deep Boston voice that if we needed anything he was right there... sure enough each morning we have been saying G'Day.

A quick introduction to the guy who owns the mansion on the corner- who immediately invited us to dinner.  This area prides itself on friendliness and I can see why. 

Then with the keys in our hands... we were ready to start our exchange.

 
In 1863, 4 Monument Square was built by William Carleton a prosperous and philanthropic factory owner.  Among his legacies was the funding of Carleton College, which was named after him.

4 Monument Square is only one of two mansions that have a side plot as a garden.  It is now divided into 4 apartments - one of which is ours.  (Lucky us!) 

 Lovely welcome pack from Marilyn...