Europe in America- Boston

Since it was late afternoon we decided on an early dinner so we could get to our show on time. We ate in the North End at Al Dente's, a small cozy Italian restaurant that is one of our favorites.

We went to see Shear Madness. It has been there for 15 years but we hadn't seen it and it was in the perfect theatre, down stairs, tiny, intimate holding no more than a hundred people which was perfect for a performance that welcomed audience participation. We loved so hard, we cried!

Being Mom's and wives, the next day began with room service. Oh, the pleasure of it! But then we were off again, meandering down Newbury Steet window shopping. Stopping for an iced tea in an outdoor cafe. If you haven't treated yourself like this, do it!

Quick Tips:

Best Way To Get Around:

The Boston Gardens, theatre district and Boston's best shopping are all within walking distance. You are minutes from the T that will take you to the JFK Library or the Fine Atrs Museums!

Best Things About the Resort:
Location, location, location- make this an absolute gem of a timeshare. Add to that, the building itself is a restored historic sight and what more could you ask for ...besides two bedrooms!

Resort Experience:
In the heart of Boston is this chic timeshare. It has one large bedroom and bath as well as a pullout couch. There is a mini kitchen- no stove but you are minutes from the Italian section, what do you want to cook for? There is a continental breakfast on the second floor each morning and a bar on the same floor for an afternoon drink if you don't find the Black Rose around the corner.

One floor houses a game room for children and the working mechanisms for one of Boston's oldest clocks. The top floor gives you an amazing view of the city.

The staff is friendly and competant and can help you with directions, reservations and any of your other needs.

• Unit Type: 1 Bedroom
• Activities: Good
• Amenities: Good
• Unit Satisfaction: Excellent
• Family Friendliness: Excellent
• Service: Excellent

My favorite is the portabello mushroom pizza with wild mushroom puree, red roasted onions and fontina cheese. His pizza is only matched by his soups that appear on the table steaming and wafting of herbs. While you are waiting for your meal, do be careful. You will be tempted to eat the fresh baked peasant bread with olive oil and garlic. But then you will be too full to finish your meal and that would be a shame!

For this area, this is a fairly big restaurant with seating upstairs and down. A line begins to form at the door around six o'clock and they do not take reservations so eat early or eat late . They have a large menu and it is studded with the regulars like pasta , veal, chicken but they also have fresh fish as well prepared to perfection. My favorite is a veal Pontevecchio. Veal with mushrooms, artichoke hearts cooked in a wine sauce and topped with a delicate cheese. My mouth waters just thinking of it!

Get a window seat, a glass of wine and watch the world go by. Mange and then when you are done, say "no thank you" to dessert and go to Mike's bakery for dessert. You will be there with a hundred others but it will be worth the wait! But that is for another review!

These imaginative delights are not inexpensive but where else could you find on one plate " molten chocolate cake, orange chocolate tartlet, hazelnut bavarian pyramid..."? That is just the beginning and the end of our waistlines ladies. This is a do not miss, put on the top of your list place that will have you coming back after the theatre, after a great dinner or better yet, skip the dinner and cozy up with a friend, a pot of tea and one of these beautiful, mouth watering delights.

Visit Paul Revere's house. There is access to Old Ironsides in the Charleston Harbor. Visit Fanuil Hall and go upstairs to see where many of our famous orators gave their speeches. In this city of bustling newness, there is engrained a marvelous sense of history and wonder at how we came to be as a nation. It will take you about four hours to walk the trail but spend time at each place soaking up the feeling. Bring your children when they are old enough for they will delight in what they see and remember it when the have it in history class.