Massachusetts Moments

After my summer in DC, I retreated to Massachusetts, where my second and third cousins played host/tour guide for me. It was great fun -- they took me everywhere, including Cape Cod, Martha's Vineyard, Newport R.I., New Bedford and Boston. Even though I had never met these relatives before, by the end of the sixth day I found it terribly difficult to say goodbye -- especially to my sweet little third cousins...

Location: New Bedford, Massachusetts, whaling capital of the world (at least in the 1800s). This is me, on a National Park Service tour, being harpooned by a statue.
These are my delightful third cousins, Chelsey (12) and Elise (14), with the lovable cat they babysat during the week, MoyMoy.
Location: Newport, Rhode Island, rich-person's-summer-mansion capital of New England, at least in the 1800s. We took a tour of this mansion, which is called Belcourt Castle and is apparently haunted, as well as a tour of the home belonging to tycoon John Jacob Astor in the late 19th century. Rhode Island comes with my high recommendations...
Location: Martha's Vineyard, Massachusetts, a cute island that houses bunches of celebrities during the summer. These are 19th century "Gingerbread" houses on the island. Incredibly charming little places. Owners get them all painted and "dolled up" each summer.
Chelsey and Elise, next to a giant lobster at Martha's Vineyard. I've never really been crazy about seafood, but after the relatives had me try New England's amazing clam chowder, lobster, scallops, shrimp, cod, etc., I'm a believer.