So, yesterday I had the opportunity to visit my favorite town as of late a.k.a Salem, MA for a quick visit/field trip to Peabody Essex Museum. So Salem, apart from being that city where witches were persecuted, had a really active sea trade with Europe, Caribbean and Asia (I’m sure I’m missing some places. but you get the point). That’s why the captains of Salem founded the East India Marine Society. The society had multiple roles: it was a kind of insurance company for the captains and their families, it was a way for the captains to exchange journals and…

Salem is largely associated with the witch trials which took part in the late 17th century. The ironic thing is that the city actually thrives on the story of those witches, especially in October as “haunted happenings” are taking place all over the city. There are also a couple of museums dedicated to witches and not to mention that I came across a few psychics, palm readers, witchcraft stores!   I arrived in Salem by train and as I was walking down Washington street and then turning left at Essex, I was really not impressed by the city and I…