boston - the final rhapsody

Our last stop for this adventure is Boston. Two things I know about Boston: Clam ChowdAH and the local accent where the letter R is replaced with an AH. I can’t get enough of the latter. 

Weather for the last month has been progressively growing colder as we pushed backward through the seasons. Well-accumulated tan lines have all but vanished. Warmth has been dearly missed, and Boston is the first to return it. With the pool deck nearly empty, we take advantage of a luxurious stretch out in the sun and relax into the late afternoon. 

This evening we have the privilege of sitting in audience to a curated symphony with the Boston Pops Orchestra. Statuesque and regal architecture scrolls past as we are chauffeured through Boston’s city centre. The layers are rich with history and bricks.

Everyone on this 5-month journey is ushered into Boston Symphony Hall with a glass of champagne; a bookend to the bubbles received Tokyo-side in January. Large round tables with formal settings sit waiting, and we all excitedly pile in. 

After a good-sized meal, the program commences with the playful Overture to Candide and concludes with two rhapsodies. The first, Bohemian, and the final in Blue with piano soloist Van-Anh. What a stunning performance! 

We duck out as the ’70s sing-along feels like a tag on after that mic-drop moment. 

Spirits are high as we head back to the ship for the last time, and spirits flow freely as the SALT bar fills with those seeking a nightcap. 

One more day at sea before we are all kicked off in New York!