Gloucester, MA (USA)

Worked at NAS Brunswick today - learning my new job. A group of us had lunch at a little sandwich shop just outside of town. I had the "small" (no kidding!!!) lobster roll. After several more hours at work, everyone split and I had a chance to drive down to Massachusetts to see my sister, Katie. We decided to meet on the North Shore - probably about half-way for each of us. Katie graciously agreed to meet in Gloucester, a beautiful fishing town on the ocean. I got there around 1800 and explored the coast. On the harbor side, the water was really calm. But on the ocean side, there were big rocks and huge waves. Down by the calm water harbor, there is a monument to "those who go down to the sea in ships." Nearly 6000 Gloucestermen (fisherman) have died since the founding of the town in 1623. There is a memorial to over 5000 of them (their names written out on stone by the year they died). I have seen this place in movies and it was cool to be able to visit. Found the Gorton's Fish headquarters, too. Later, I met Katie at the Azorean (Portuguese) restaurant. Many of the people around this area come from the Azores (where I routinely visit). In fact, during my trip two weeks ago, our cab driver told me that many from Terceira have moved here. So, of course, the food was just like I expected from the Islands. It was a nice visit - Katie and I stayed until the restaurant closed. Afterwards, I still had to make the drive (a few hours) back to Maine.  I stopped for fuel in Kennebunkport at 0035 and arrived back to the NAS Brunswick CBQ by 0130. I'm glad I had an opportunity to see Katie - when our family moves, there won't be that many more chances...