No early call today, so we got a chance to sleep in.  I used the hotel gym for a quick workout, then ate breakfast and packed the suitcases for our morning train to Boston.  Sick of train food after traveling across the country on Amtrak, Brian went to an Italian deli across the street and got us each a wrapped sandwich for lunch, then we caught a cab to the train station.

Penn Station during morning rush hour was like San Diego Comic-Con with mundanes instead of fans.  After picking up our tickets, we waded through the people to get to the appropriate platform and boarded the train.  At the start of the tour, our suitcases are full of bookmarks, post-it pads, and newsletters to hand out, so they each weigh about 50 pounds (thankfully, that load lightens with each stop).

On the several-hour train ride, Brian and I each worked on our laptops, editing Hellhole chapters, enjoying the quiet time, and then arrived in Boston more than an hour late, due to a mechanical problem on the train, which kept us motionless for more than 60 minutes.  Brian pointed out that experiencing a mechanical problem on a train is much less stressful than on an airplane….

After checking in to the hotel, Brian did a phone interview with a Toronto newspaper, then hit the gym, while I walked around town, seeing Boston Common, Marlborough St., Beacon St., even the original Cheers (though I don’t believe any more that everybody knows your name…it seemed pretty crowded).  I also saw one of the very old churches sporting an unusual sign, “Open on Sundays.”  Really?

We arrived at the Boston Public Library in time for our 6 PM talk and signing.  What an amazing and large library, with huge grounds, lovely architecture, and exceptional courtyards.  Brian and I met our contact and waited in the green room while the crowd entered the auditorium.  Our Boston-area escort was Jim Bride, who had showed us around town the last time we did a signing here, six years ago for The Machine Crusade.  Brian and I talked in the auditorium for half an hour, then answered questions from the audience, before going out to the main lobby for a book signing.

Every attendee received one of the special Winds of Dune slingsacks.  We signed books, answered more questions, and stayed until everyone in the line was finished. 

After 8 PM, we made it back to the hotel for a late dinner.  I called Rebecca while waiting for our food to arrive and heard about all the adventures her son and his girlfriend are having in Africa, teaching at an orphanage. 

Then back to the room for a bath and a Samuel Adams Boston Lager (because it’s appropriate).  Tomorrow, we have a blitz of radio interviews, a signing at a gaming company, and a talk at the Harvard Coop.

KJA

PS — Andy, you left your signed copy of WINDS in the library.  You can pick it up at the Information desk.