Why Playing Tourist in My Hometown Ended in Tears

Today, Memorial Day, the “Lady Lex” a.k.a. “Blue Ghost” called my name. As one of the top tourist attractions in my hometown, the U.S.S. Lexington stands solemn and mighty in our bay. It’s one of those places native Corpus Christians say, “I’ve been meaning to go!” although many never find the time. But, today I made the decision to just go, and go solo.

I will admit, I have a fascination with World War II and the American military. Trevor doesn’t mind joining me with a pint of ice cream on a Saturday night to watch “D-Day” or “WWII in HD” on the History Channel. Naturally when we travel, I’m pulled to any kind of WWII attraction (Pearl Harbor, Hawaii, Dachau, Germany, etc).

Going solo gave me the chance to take the time I wanted to read all of the captions of pictures or paraphernalia , watch all of the videos, and try the interactive components of several tours. But most importantly, it gave me the chance to meet and visit with some war veterans.

Many war veterans dedicate and volunteer their time to educating the public about the ship and their experiences. Currently, two WWII veterans volunteer at the “Blue Ghost” (one actually was a pilot who flew planes off her deck!), and I couldn’t help myself but to have a conversation with one of them.

His name is Merton Bobo, and he was proud to share his memorabilia with me that he donated to the Lexington. “I was 19 when this picture was taken,” he smiled and pointed to a picture that had a group of three smiling young men in flying gear. He was a radioman and gunman in war aircraft during the Pacific theater of WWII (Iwo Jima, along with other well known battles). He continued to proudly show off the medals he earned during the war, along with his leather “fighter” jacket with a painted picture of a guy holding a bullet saying, “It’s a dud!” “I paid $10 for a guy to paint that on for me. And these are the maps they gave us just in case we got shot down over the water or over land so we knew how to get out.” Gulp. The peril of his job was simply stated.

“You are very beautiful, Rebeca,” he said as we shook hands and introduced ourselves formally. He winked saying, “I have a good eye for beauty, too. But, beauty isn’t just a pretty face. You have to have a nice presence.” I returned his crooked smile and took his picture.

"Bobo" and Me

I happened to be touring at the right time to be a part of the memorial service complete with naval customs and handsome characters in uniform. It was unexpected, but impactful to all visiting the ship.

As the two WWII veterans slowly made their way towards the entryway, arm in arm supporting one another, with a memorial wreath, sobs and sniffles could be heard along with the sound of the waves crashing against the side of the ship. Silently the two men released the wreath into the water and a lone trumpet began to play Silver Taps. The words of the naval officer conducting the memorial service resounded in my mind as silent tears streamed down my cheeks, “If we do not do something to remember, it’s not a shame on the fallen, but a shame on us.” The crowd dispersed in silence. This memory will forever be seared in my mind.

Memorial Day isn't just a day off from work to go shopping and drink with our friends. We remember.

Boston Freedom Trail

Boston’s Freedom Trail is a 2.5 mile path that weaves throughout Boston passing 16 of our country’s significant landmarks. Most of these sites helped form this nation in the early rebellious years. The entire path is notable marked by red bricks. The unofficial starting point is the Boston Commons and the Visitor Center there will provide trail information, maps and other gifts. The walk is easy, free, and you control the pace. The visitor center does offer guided tours that are dependent on weather and it should be noted are only 90 mins with admission to ONE site that charges a fee. The guide will provide information not known otherwise, but we recommend going on your own.

Start off at the country’s oldest public park, Boston Common. The Boston Common was used by the public for just about everything: concerts, duels, public celebrations and even hangings. The Visitor Center neighbors the Common.

Follow the red brick road through the park to the current State House. John Hancock originally owned the land on Beacon Hill, but in 1798 the State House was completed. Head inside to view the decorative designs and the gold dome.

After the construction in 1809, the Park Street Church was the first thing travelers saw coming into Boston for many years. William Llyod Garrison gave his first public anti-slavery address here. Also in 1832, My Country ‘Tis of Thee was first recited here.

Granary Burying Ground is the 3^rd oldest cemetery in Boston and has many of the country’s founding fathers claiming this as their final resting place. Some of these famous Bostonians are John Hancock, Samuel Adams, Paul Revere, Peter Faneuil, all five men who were killed in the Boston Massacre, and many others.

The King’s Chapel became America’s first Unitarian Church. Condemned prisoners heard their last sermon here before being marched to Boston Common to be hung. President George Washington made a visit in 1789 while in Boston.

In front of Old City Hall lays a reminiscence of the site of America’s first public school, Boston Latin School. Erected in 1635, the school taught some of America’s greats, including John Hancock, Samuel Adams, Ralph Waldo Emmerson, and Ben Franklin who has a commemorating statue in front of the Old City Hall.

At the end of the street is the Old Corner Bookstore. The original building was home to Anne Hutchinson, who was banished for unorthodox religious views. However, the Bookstore went on to publish works by Dickens, Harriet Beecher Stowe, Nathaniel Hawthorne, Emmerson, Longfellow, and many more.

The Old South Meeting House was built in 1729 and is the second oldest church in Boston. As the largest building in colonial Boston, it was used for public meetings, the most famous being when over 5,000 angry Bostonians showed up to protest a tax on tea on December 16, 1773. This site does have an entry fee.

Where the Boston Massacre Took Place

The British used the Old State House as their governing office during colonial times. This was the center of political and commercial life for Boston. Pay the entrance fee to tour the museum and learn more about the Boston Massacre because just below the balcony is where this famous incident occurred. The Declaration of Independence was recited from this balcony.

Right around the corner is Faneuil Hall. Faneuil gave this building as a gift in 1742. This building served as a meeting place and open market. Even today it sticks to its roots and has vendors set up inside selling a variety of things.

Make your way through the North End to Paul Revere’s House. There is a $5 entrance fee to view this house built around 1680. It might be hard to imagine that up to 8 of Revere’s 16 children lived in this house with him.

The story “one if by land, two if by sea” began at the Old North Church. On Paul Revere’s famous midnight ride, it was Sexton Robert Newman that hung 2 lanterns to warn Charleston (across the river) of British troops invading.

Inside Daily Catch

Break here for some good eating. We highly recommend Daily Catch for some Sicilian style seafood. If you are looking for desserts, go to Mike's Pastry or Maria's Pastry if you want to pick something on the way to Charleston.

We ended our freedom trail here for day 1, but came back the next day to finish it up.

The Bunker Hill Monument commemorates the Battle of Bunker Hill, one of the bloodiest battles of the American Revolution on June 17, 1775. Climb the 295 steps to the top of the monument to get great 360 degree views of Boston.

The USS Constitution is the oldest commissioned warship afloat in the world. Built in 1797, her nickname Ironsides was earned during the War of 1812, as British cannon balls bounced off her hull. Hop aboard and listen to a U.S. Navy sailor give a tour of the warship.

View of Boston from the water

After touring the USS Constitution, walk over to the water shuttle to take back to the Long Wharf ($3.25 one way).

Become an Expert at Airports in the USA

Ever since 9/11, airports have buckled down on security in the U.S. (with good reason!). Many new rules were set in place to maintain a safe environment in these bustling places. Perhaps travelers get intimidated by the TSA security or just nervous about flying in general, but level-headed, intelligent individuals become air-headed and clueless. Here are some tips to become an expert airport traveler, rather than a bumbling fool.

Check-In Procedures are normally painless, especially if you are not checking in a bag (highly discourage you from checking bags!).
1. If you are not checking in a bag, United and other airlines have kiosks that will print your boarding pass for you (so easy to use and worth it!), some airlines let you print your ticket the night before (like Southwest), or others have created apps for smart phones that have your ticket with a unique barcode or QR code.

Pic courtesy of united.com

2. If you are checking in a bag, make sure it does not exceed the weight limit. Some airlines require different weight and size limits depending on the seat you purchase (First, Business, or Economy). Also, expect to pay for your checked bags (unless flying Southwest). So, if we have not convinced you to travel light with a backpack, hopefully this will help your decision!

Security at different airports vary with line/procedure efficiency. 

1. Some credit cards with travel rewards can help you skip the line or get in a shorter line. Always give yourself extra time to get through, ESPECIALLY if you are traveling during a holiday or peak season.

2. Make sure to empty all water bottles before you get to the front of the line. Many times there aren't any trash cans. Place all liquids that are 3.4 ounces (100mL) or less in a SANDWICH-sized clear plastic baggie. They don't allow gallon-sized (found out the hard way). Leave these in a pocket that is easy to access so you don't have to dig in your bag and hold up the line. Get the bag out right before you have to grab the plastic bin to put on the belt. Leave it out of your bag and visible in the bin.

3. Don't bother bringing any pocket knives or large sharp objects (although I did see a lady on a plane knitting…). Tweezers, nail clippers, leg/face razors are fine. Go to TSA website for more detailed requirements. If you did forget to take out a pocket knife, they may ask you if you brought any weapons. They won't arrest you if you did not realize it was in there, but do not make a scene when they search you.

4. Wear shoes that are easy and fast to take off and put back on. Take them off right before you get to the plastic bins and put them inside along with any sweaters, belts, etc.

5. Once you have been scanned and checked by security, get your bins and move out of the way towards the benches that have been strategically placed for you to collect your belongings and put your shoes back on. It is VERY irritating when someone stands at the belt, putting their shoes on and putting their belongings away. 

Our buddy forgot to remove his pocket knife!

6. If you are pulled aside or randomly chosen, stay pleasant, calm, and DO NOT make a scene.
Acting irritable and rude NEVER helps any situation. They are just doing their job. I have been chosen randomly at SEVERAL(5!) airports, domestic and international, to have all of my belongings taken out and searched (in Peru I watched in horror as they pulled my dirty hiking underclothes in front of everyone). Maybe I look suspicious? I'd like to think it's because I look pleasant, and I won't make a scene (wishful thinking).

Customs can be quick and easy as well.

1. Once again, you may be chosen for random checks or pulled aside if any dogs smell anything suspicious (sorry you can't bring that delicious, colorful fruit into the U.S.!). Stay calm.


2. On the airplane, the flight attendants will give you a paper to fill out. FILL IT OUT on the plane! Save some time. There are plenty of extras at little desks in the airport, but you and a whole bunch of other travelers need one as well. DON'T lose this. Some countries require you to keep a stub as proof of your visa, most of the time they will staple it in your passport.

3. Split up! You do not HAVE to be in the same lines, plus it may save time! But don't get in the wrong line…if you are a U.S. citizen get in that line! It's heartbreaking when you wait in a long line to learn you were in the wrong line.

3. DO NOT walk up to a customs counter with someone that is not a family member. They do NOT like this (learned this the hard way).

4. The officers will ask you simple questions, where are you from? what is your address? where did you travel to? how long? etc. etc. Smile and answer them confidently. They will stamp some things and say, "Have a great day! Welcome back!" And that's it!

If the airport (like LAX, Miami, Atlanta) is Notorious for being overcrowded, slow, and/or disorganized, BREATHE. Give yourself extra time. Irritability never helps anything. Read a book, do a puzzle, play games on your phone, cards, whatever! Just stay calm.

Have further comments or tips? Leave a comment below or email us at 10centtravels@gmail.com!

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Some information was researched at www.united.com