The Friendship of Salem Returns!

Salem's tall ship, The Friendship has been in Gloucester MA for three years being repaired. So she was not at her home, Derby Wharf, Salem MA when we moved back in the fall. 

Today she returned via tugboat as she has no masks or sails yet, in the pouring rain. Several of us greeted her waving white hankies and of course screaming WhooohooooOOooo! So happy to have her back. It brought tears to my eyes. Such a Salem treasure.

The crew had a hard time getting her docked. She hit one of the poles on the pier and i think that is when they decided not to try to turn her around to face the other direction. It was pouring rain and hard to see. 

Welcome home Dear Lady!

http://www.whispersoftheofae.com

Things to Do in Salem MA

For all those who are visiting Salem MA, i thought i would put together some links to help plan your trip.

If you are planning to visit during Halloween in the Witch City please do expect to pay for parking. 

A word of advice - Do not park on streets where the orange Resident Only signs are up. You will get ticketed and maybe towed. The residents of Salem are very protective of their parking spaces. (Much like George Costanza of Seinfeld!) Parking is precious here. There is just not enough. If you really want to experience the insanity of the parking be here during a snow storm when the city declares a Blue Light Parking Ban Emergency.

If you are visiting for one day during October, take the train into Salem instead of driving. It will save money, time and your sanity. 

Expect to walk a lot! Once you park that car you will not be able to move it until you leave. Wear comfy shoes and warm clothing under your costumes. 

Hotels fill up way before October. The prices soar as well. Best to stay in a neighboring city like Beverly or Danvers and take the train in or plan your trip a year in advance.

Enjoy your stay!

Here are a few sites that may help:

Destination Salem  www.salem.org

The Salem Witch Museum https://salemwitchmuseum.com/

Peabody Essex Museum https://www.pem.org/

Salem Maritime National History https://www.nps.gov/sama/index.htm

Salem Witch Trials Memorial http://www.salemweb.com/memorial/memorial.php

Arrgh Mateys - It is International Talk Like a Pirate Day!

Quan Yin Kali Wu doesn't seem thrilled about this holiday. We have been having lots of rain and storms over the past two days. 

Later she has plans to go out and commandeer the Friendship Tall Ship and get drunk with the cats.