Crowe,
I was exaggerating for effect, but the cab ride was exciting. When I was there in the Navy we were tied up at the end of the pier where Old Ironsides was berthed. That's a long walk to the subway in the dead of winter, but the subway was the way to get around. We used to hop the subway to the "Combat Zone". Every other door was a bar or a pizza joint, and it was swarming with MPs and SPs. I talked to somebody recently that said that's all been cleaned up.
I also enjoyed the dining experience at Durgin Park in the market district. I read recently that the waitresses are still surly. That was part of the fun. Great chowda'.