I am pleased to announce that my good self and my fair bride will finally be visiting the fair shores of the US next year. Although we have always been keen to come to New York it is simply far to expensive for the travel breaks, so instead we will be visiting the city of Boston in May for a 4 day break. We are both very excited. Hope they have plenty of beer in

It's about time.

How nice Yogi!! I'm sure you'll enjoy it. I always wanted to see Boston but never made it.

Now I'm not the expert, but I know they have transportation from NYC to Boston. I found that so many cities/states are closer than you think to NYC . When we had a BB meet in Philly, I took bus from Philly to NYC. If I recall it was a couple hour ride.

I don't know what the distance would be, but perhaps you could take a day trip if it's not too far. The NYC area BBers can be of help there. Just saying, it might be possible to visit for a day and NOT stay over in NYC. Just a suggestion.

Anyway, have a wonderful time and post pics if you can. If I were anywhere near the area, I'd love to meet you.

TIS

There are more illegal Irish in Boston than there are Americans; probably.

Call ahead to have the beer supply increased. Nice "town", Boston. Make sure you take the trollie tour, visit Fanueil Hall and if they still have a restaurant called Durgin Park. The waiters and waitresses insult you. Bring lots of money for tips. This isn't the UK. 15-20 percent, but you can cut back a bit if there is a lot of alcohol on the bill.

I only tip in extenuating circumstances.

I don't get the whole tipping thing, if the service was good i'll give a small tip but why should i give them 20 percent, is it my fault they are waiters and don't earn much money..

It's just etiquette here in the states DeNiro...At least you leave something, some people don't even tip at all which i think is inconsiderate....To Yogi, hope you enjoy your time here when you come and try not to drink too much.

National Lampoon years ago had a funny article comparing American and European tourists. One category: "What they leave behind in restaurants: Americans: tips, expensive sunglasses. Europeans: full ashtrays."

MAO!....That's the truth, the Europeans love to chain smoke.

Yogi, So excited for you!!! You'll have a wonderful time. You should definitely do the duck tour in Boston. It's a bus that becomes a boat and you tour both the city and the harbor. You should also do Salem, the site of the infamous witch trials.

Boston and NYC are about 3 1/2 hours apart. However, there are lots of places near NYC that are far less expensive to stay. You could stay in nearby NJ or one of the suburbs. Let me know if you need any help!!

They don't earn much money because most of their earnings are supposed to come from tips

And some waiters do very well. If you're a good waiter in an expensive restaurant you can make well over 50 grand a year.

Typical Realtor, trying to rent one of my rooms!! lol

Yogi -- I hope to see you next Summer ...but don't do a budget "RedSox" when you can do a full-blooded "Yankees" tour! If you come to NJ, you can do the trifecta: see NYC AND Philly, AND avoid Beantown altogether! Best of all worlds!

(but all kidding aside, Boston is just fine -- great New England destination; but, going from old England to New England? Just see the real States -- Jersey Shore style lol! ;))

That's great, Yogi! Boston is a wonderful town to visit and tour. It's rich in history (especially Revolutionary War stuff) but I guess that's all relative to a Brit. While our history goes back 250-300 years that is a drop in the bucket to a European.

Plan on doing a lot of walking.... it's a quaint town with lots of pubs and bars and young people. I know you're interested in American baseball and a trip to Fenway Park (home of the Red Sox) is a true treat.

May is a tricky month in the Boston area - it can be cool or hot but GENERALLY comfortable, especially for walking around. I'm not too familiar with the public transportation up there but if you start out in or near the downtown area you can walk across the river and visit Cambridge, too (the home of Harvard University).

Have a great time!!

I cant wait to get there but I have to say the visa form questions have left me a bit bemused. I know these are dangerous times but if I was a Nazi, communist, drug smuggler, spy, terrorist, mass murderer or general criminal mastermind....I would certainly not admit to it on a visa form.

Luckily I am (almost) squeaky clean and look forward to a stamp of approval

I'm sure you'll be fine getting your visa, i got mine no problems..

Yogi, since you are from the UK you don't need a visa unless there are extenuating circumstances. You are eligible for the visa waiver program. (Most people from the UK go back unlike some other countries) Just google ESTA and do it that way.

Also, walk around the North End for an Italian American neighborhood experience. I'm not from New England but I have to go to Boston on business every so often and always end up there for a bit. A lot of the families have moved away but it is mainly Italian with tons of spots to eat a good meal and have a drink.

Thanks Padrone!!

Terrible wages, an exploitation culture, etc., etc. The USA isn't at the forefront of our international economy because it pays its workers, it's at the forefront of our international economy because it doesn't.

Where does that put China?

Nice, Enjoy