instantly. and I took in the views of the lovely stained glass. the murals and the rounded arches above the altar. while the organist literally pulled out every single stop for a thoroughly resounding rehearsal of his Sunday spectacular.
Speaking of spectacular. the Mapparium at the (‘hurch of Christian Science headquarters is a real show-stealer. It‘s a globe- shaped room. with the countries outlined in stained glass — an inventive snapshot of how the world looked in 1938. Here at least. Britannia still rules much of the
earth as well as the waves. But if
it‘s true that there‘s nothing like a well-designed room. then it's also true to say that this is nothing like a well—designed room. You can view it only by walking across a glass
bridge spanning the centre. And if
you happen to drop anything over the sides. you won‘t get it back until the next morning.
Boston may be famous for its Tea Party. but nightlife in the city offers
stronger brews. The Alley is one of
Boston‘s many friendly gay bars. where the big screen comes out for movie night on Wednesdays. while
96 THE LIST 8-22 SUD 2005)
TRAVEL
pop idol wannabes take the stage for karaoke every third Sunday. It also boasts a rather more idiosyncratic attraction known as 'Rocking Joey’. 'l‘his barman‘s habit of swaying back and forth on his heels throughout the night is a
spectacle that can be either
hypnotic or nauseating. depending on how much you’ve had to drink. The choice of eating places in Boston is unlimited. lnternatiorutl cuisine comes in the shape of tasty Vietnamese establishment l’ho Pasteur. which serves up an extensive menu of noodle soups. salads and vermicelli dishes in the chic environs of Newbur'y Street. Btit for an all-American gastronomic experience. I couldn‘t fault the (‘heesecake Factory. where even children‘s portions are served on plates the size of Luxembourg. One thing I noticed about Boston was its distinct lack of street signage. I got lost several times because there was no sign of a sign for block upon block. A lilorida native who had made his home in the city told me this was part of a Boston plot to keep unwelcome incomers out. The message. he
Dining on and wandering around the chic Newbury Street (top left, bottom left); the beautiful Beacon Hill (top right) and Boston’s dramatic skyline and waterfront (bottom right)
argued. was quite simple: ‘If you don't know where you are. then you don't belong here.‘ I took the hint and left.
FACTFILE
How to get there Icelandair iwww.icelandaircouk) flies from Glasgow to Boston. via Reykjavik. Return fares for a week in October come in at around the 2406 mark. inclut'ling taxes.
What to do When you've exhausted all the other sights. it is well worth visiting the home of the legendary Red Sox baseball team at Fenway Park. And definitely not to be missed is a peek at Harvard University.
Where to stay The OaSIs Guesthouse (22 Edgerly Road. Boston. ()0 617 267 2262. wwwoasrsghcom) is located in the lively Back Bay area and makes an ideal base for seeing the best of Boston. Room rates start at around $.38 for a single room including continental breakfast.
Who to contact For more information on Boston and the surrounding area. log onto www.bostonusacorn.
How much to drive in . . .
Strike off the beaten track for your own road trip and experience the thrills of driving in a foreign land.
I MASSACHUSETTS
Take our piece on Boston as inspiration to explore the rest of the state using a car from www.cheap-car-rental.com. The price of gas is notoriously low in the US, which makes it the cheapest way to travel.
From £140 per week
I BUDAPEST
Start off in Hungary's beautiful capital. then once you've had your fill of the city. head off into the countryside to discover it for yourself. If you hire a vehicle with www.carwithaviewcom, a second driver is included in the full price.
From £220 per week
I OSAKA
lt may sound a crazy idea to drive in one of Japan's largest cities. but the open road is a great place. Everyone drives on the left but you'll need an international driving permit. Wwwtocoojp is one of the few English websites.
From £184 per week
I GOTHENBURG
This laid back student-orientated city is wonderful to wander around and is close to some stunning coastline with lovely beaches (pictured). lakes and forest areas. as well as great campsites and bike tracks. Try www.auto- europe.co.uk.
From £197 per week
I BRISTOL
Check into this eclectic south-west city for great music. theatre and nightlife. then check out again to discover the beautifully sleepy towns and villages nearby. Wwwenterprise. couk is one of the cheapest although you won't be able to escape the UK's high petrol prices. From £120 per week
All prices are based on the currency rates at time of going to press and may fluctuate.