July 3, 2008- Bristol, Rhode Island
This is my first visit to Rhode Island, and so far my farthest trip north. It is definitely the most patriotic city I’ve ever visited. Everyone here is excited about the 4thof July, decorating everything with red, white and blue bunting and American flags. I can tell why they are like this. They have a very rich history, with roots to prominent figures in America’s founding. My family and I went to Bristol University where there was a Drum and Bugle Competition with universities from all over the country. We didn’t stay for the entirety, but we did see a University from our hometown of Jacksonville. For dinner, we went to a restaurant called SS Dion, a seafood place with good chicken parmesan, but bad clam chowder. Afterwards we went to A.N.S. (Aids to Navigation Station) Bristol. My dad knew the O.I.C., so we were invited to the personal party of the unit stationed there. We were able to see the fireworks from the dock. It was awesome to be a part of it!
July 4, 2008- Newport, Rhode Island
Independence Day in Rhode Island, the most patriotic state in America! I expected a huge party… and GOT one! For breakfast, we went to Benjamin’s Restaurant. Afterwards, we went walking around Newport, going into different shops. We returned to the hotel, and I had leftover chicken from SS Dion. We stayed at the hotel till about 5:00 pm, and then went to the Black Pearl for dinner. At 9:00, we watched the fireworks in Newport Harbour. We ‘decided’ to get lost on the way back, and dad suggested we stop for ice cream. We settled on Middletown Creamery, famous for its “Awful, Awful” milkshakes. We reached the hotel at about 10:30. We ate our milkshakes and watched more fireworks on TV. It was the best 4thof July I’ve ever experienced.
July 5, 2008- Boston, Massachusetts
Boston in a word… AMAZING! It is one of the largest cities I’ve ever seen, old and new put together in a mixture of light and sound and smell and taste. We reached Boston at 1:00 pm. We stopped by Quincey Market for lunch, and went to a restaurant called Dick’s Last Resort, bar and grill. A tradition they have is to make a huge paper hat with something written on it, and stick it on your head from behind. Mine said, “Puberty stinks…” I was kind of embarrassed, but I learned to laugh and wore it. PS, don’t eat their burgers… Afterwards, we went to Faneuil Hall to see the history. Close by was the USS Constitution, the oldest floating war ship in the world. “Old Ironsides” is a beautiful ship, the pride of the US Navy. My dad toured me on the old Charlestown Naval Yard. We had dinner at Carmella’s Pizza. Double pepperoni with basil. Delicious. An amazing first trip to Boston.
July 6, 2008- Gloucester, Massachusetts
Gloucester is a fishing town, featured in the movie, “The Perfect Storm.” There are little shops everywhere, and bunches of seafood restaurants, such as TopSide Grill. Best fish and chips anywhere. We continued walking around, looking at different shops. At 1:30, we went on the 7 Seas Whale Watching tour, and went twelve miles out to see humpbacks and mickeys. We got three full breaks. Incredible! Afterwards, we went to the Gloucester House Restaurant for an amazing Po Boy sandwich. I had an amazing time here, and everywhere else. I walk away with a profound sense of patriotism, and of love for my family and country.
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