On the train to Boston

As I type this, we are chugging northwards on the Amtrak train to Boston. We decided to take the train rather than the plane to Logan airport because a) Penn Station was really near by and so the time taken is about the same either way and b) a lot more hassle going to Newark, going through airport security and traveling from Logan to Cambridge.

Now that we are about to leave New York, the weather has cleared up. It was a beautiful morning with bright sunshine. Walked out for about 1½ hours before mass, first to the Flatirons building, then to Union Square and ending up in Washington Square. I really like this part of New York. Slightly older than downtown NY, with a really pleasant relaxed atmosphere. Few cars, probably because its Sunday. So Broadway was closed below E13th Street for a street market (it was just starting up when I got there). People were going to church, or walking their dogs. New York University (NYU) accommodations are around the Washington Square area. It looked as though many people were moving in today – brings back lots of memories for me! There are also two dog runs in one corner of Washington Square, one especially for little dogs and one (I suppose) for dogs of all sizes. Dogs and their owners interacting quite happily within the run. Both runs were maintained by the “Washington Square Dog Run Association” – that’s the one thing I find different about Americans as opposed to the British of Singaporeans – they get together, associate and do things. Of course Singapore has certain obstacles in the way - I doubt that the dog run association folk had to register with any government body!

Rushed back from my walk to check out of the hotel and go to mass. Decided some time back to go to the 11am service at St Francis of Assissi but because I spent so long walking around, it was a real rush back. But it was well worth it. I was ever so slightly late :-) but it was really a pleasant surprise to enter the church and hear a pipe organ accompanying the congregation in the entrance hymn. St Francis itself is not large but quite beautiful. It is a long church with entrances on both W31st and W32nd Streets.

A large mosaic behind the alter depicts Mary carrying the child Jesus. He smites a serpent at their feet with a spear, as St Francis and (presumably) St Clare look on at either side. One smaller mosaic on the left depicts Mary being assumed into heaven; one more on the right shows St Francis (presumably) on his deathbed.

Mass itself was fairly well attended. I was surprised when we continued kneeling throughout the whole of the Liturgy of the Eucharist (from the breaking of bread to the great “Amen” before the “Our Father”. Local tradition? At the sign of peace, there was generally warm handshakes all around (contrast the chilly reception and funny looks I get when I try to do the same at Holy Family). Just goes to show how friendly Americans are!

For more pictures of St Francis and of NY, click here.

We have now left New York proper and are in the countryside. Quite charming – just crossed over an inlet with boats tied up on each side of the river. Saw some wooden frame houses on one side of the railway track. Just passed a golf course – what a lovely day it is for a round. Most unfortunately, I believe it is raining in Boston.

Postscript: The weather was beautiful until just before Providence, Rhode Island. Blue skies, little white cottony clouds…. then dark clouds appeared on the horizon and all of a sudden the train entered a damp foggy cloud which shrouded everything from Providence to Boston. It was so bad that flights into Logan (including from NY) were delayed. So it looks as though we made the right decision to take the train. Despite the fog, Boston itself wasn't really rainy - more a light sprinkle than anything else. Didn't stop us from having dinner at Legal Seafood.