Halloween

My photo "At Salem" referred to in a previous post has had a few more hits in Flickr. Given Halloween is vast approaching I expect it will get a few more in the next few weeks. I've visited the Boston area many times over the years during Autumn (or the "Fall" as the locals call it) and so far find it my favourite part of the US especially at this time of year. You can take a chance with the weather - but while some days can be miserable, when the sun comes out it is glorious.

Anyway here are some more of my photos taken in Salem one October 31st a year or so ago. On looking at them again, I'd like return there and take some better ones.







I'm always amused at the differences between countries. Here in London, Halloween could quite easily pass you by - not exactly unnoticed but its not such a big deal. Over in the States - in Massachusetts at least - at this time of year its in your face, the stores are full of Halloween candy and costumes, the kids go trick or treating big time ....

At Salem

At Salem
Originally uploaded by Tawny042

I was looking through my photostream on Flickr yesterday, only to notice that this picture - taken and posted some time ago - had registered another viewing - the first for a little while. How time flies, it is October already, Halloween is a couple of weeks away and beyond that Christmas, New Year and winter.

Looking at the picture, my caption (October 31st, Salem, Mass ...) and title ("At Salem") reminded me of several memorable vacations spent in Massachusetts at this time of year. The Fall colours are stunning and well worth visiting the area for this reason alone - and there are many other reasons.

Anyways - back to the picture - taken on Halloween in the town of Salem, of witch burning fame. Salem is just north of Boston, on the Atlantic coast.If you haven't got a car you can take a train from North Station in Boston - Salem in on the commuter line out to Rockport - on its way to Salem the train stops at Chelsea, and after that it continues to Manchester and then Gloucester - familiar names to a UK resident.

Salem seems to base its tourist industry on the fame (infamy ?) - with witch museums and so on (tacky for some) - but when I was there a year or so ago on October 31st, it seemed like a movie set with people moving around the streets dressed up in costumes and having some fun - and this was still in daylight.