Why I Love Boston!

It was in the late 90's that I first visited Boston; that's Boston Massachusetts not Boston Lincolnshire. It was a short stop on my way to the mountains on a skiing trip.

There was something about the city that drew me in. The fantastic skyscrapers were a sight for anybody on their first trip to the States, but it was the old historic buildings against the backdrop of those skyscraper's that fascinated me, and how well they reminded me of England but it felt so much better, so much grander.

The people of Boston are on another level when it comes to being friendly, accepting, welcoming and inventive. For a start the accent is brilliant, and I've just about got it down now after in excess of 10 trips. I've travelled to the city solo many times and I've been in many of the bars and restaurants and I have always found people to chat to and have a laugh with. There's been no agenda just friendliness and I have made some true friends along the way.

The city is rapidly building a name for itself in the world of Technology where startups are concerned. There is a lot of money being ploughed in to startups which are going on to great things. Startups such as CollegeVine, Lola Travel, Athletes of Valor to name but a few are ones to watch out for. It's no surprise that the city has such success with Harvard and MIT on its doorstep a short hop off the T (subway).

Now me, I'm a huge sports fan so maybe that's another reason I'm drawn to the city. Boston is a sports loving city, it's the home of the Super Bowl winning New England Patriots, the Boston Celtics, the Bruins, The Boston Red Sox and New England Revolution.

It is a SportsNation literally, and the teams have had massive success past, present and I'm convinced it will continue in the future.

You cannot help but get involved when sports are the topic of conversation.

I've been lucky to see the Red Sox, Celtics and Bruins in action. As a die hard Manchester United fan anybody who understands English football will understand my frustration when the owner of the Red Sox John W. Henry purchased Liverpool FC. But I'm learning to live with it.

One of my favourite pastimes is to sit in the Public Garden and watch the world go by and have some me time – it's great. If you're lucky a squirrel will come and say hello, but be mindful of falling acorns those squirrels take no prisoners.

You can't go to Boston without having a pint of good old Samuel Adams nothing better after being on your feet all day. You really can be on your feet all day walking around the city. It's not known as the walking capital for nothing!

Just follow the redline on the streets and you will see.

On the 15th of April 2013, devastation hit Boston. I was laying in bed at home watching the news (I live 5hrs in front) when on the screen I saw what had happened.

I'm not going to dwell on the events because they have been well documented.

But what I would like to say is that in my work I have had the pleasure to meet several officers from the Boston Police Dept. and the emergency services in Boston, and I couldn't have been more proud of their reaction and their resilience in the situation they faced.

I pray I never have to face that while at work, but it is becoming a realistic possibility in the world we live today.

I could go on about Boston until the cows come home (an English saying), if by reading this you have become intrigued by this beautiful city then pay it a visit. You won't be disappointed and you'll definitely go back because Boston does that to you, it really does.

In the world of the hashtag #BostonStrong will long live in the memory for the right reason, bringing people together. I hope people remember this, in the current climate over in the USA. A country I have a huge passion for, is unfortunately being divided and it is sad to see.

For a country that has always represented togetherness, and a will to succeed, it is at odds with itself and it does not look like healing anytime soon.