Do you have your passport?

Today was my last day in Boston, which I was slightly sad about as I have really loved it here. I got up early and aimed to fit in as much as I could, and as usual, didn’t get everything done that I had hoped. I had a ticket to the JFK Memorial Library and Museum so I got onto a train and got over there. It’s about 20 minutes outside of downtown and they offer a free shuttle from the closest train station which is great. The museum was fantastic. It went through JFK’s election days as he faced Nixon, and family background, including his father’s esteem political career, and lastly to his assassination. Surprisingly, there was little on his assassination and much more on what he achieved during his short time in office. They showed background to Jackie Kennedy and her influence on entertaining in the Whitehouse and the extensive refurbishing of the Whitehouse when JFK was in power. The museum also had a couple of replica rooms for viewing such as his Oval office and the room where JFK’s presidential debates against Nixon took place. There were many handwritten notes by JFK and Jackie as well as information on the special bond JFK shared with his brother Bobby. They had a replica attorney generals office from the time Bobby was in that role. The museum also showed MANY of the gifts giving to the president from dignitaries from other nations including JFK's connection to Ireland.

The museum highlighted several events and initiatives that occurred during his time as president. One area was devoted to the Cuban Missile Crisis, one to the Space program, and one to the creation of the Peace Corp. Seeing what he achieved made me realize why he was so loved. Although, they did neglect to mention is affairs, especially his one with Marilyn Monroe. I also noticed that there was little to no mention of his children and the death of JFK Jr which I remember as being very big when it occurred. JFK’s sailboat was on the grass out the back of the museum and they also have a section of the Berlin Wall on display.

I did learn that JFK had won a Noble Prize for one of his books, Profiles in Courage. The guy seemed to achieve a lot in his short life. Lastly, the museum showed some of Jackie O’s outfits from evening wear to more casual and it just proved what I already knew, she was one stylish lady. I’m not surprise her style is still in the headlines today, even with Michelle Obama. I ended the tour in the gift shop. Shocking to see a gift shop….not. All things JFK, you can even buy a bust of him, yeah, that’ll look good!

After the museum, I got onto the train to Park St to check out Boston Common. Boston Common is a park and part of the Freedom Trail. There was some seriously dark clouds overhead, so whatever I did, I didn’t have much time. After briefly checking out Boston Common, I went over to Beacon St to find the original Cheers. It was only used for exterior shots for the TV show, but as it turns out, the inside is quite similar and it has the stairs down to the bar that look just like they did in the show. Moving on from Cheers, I went to Newbury St, which is equivalent to 5th Avenue in New York; it’s full of fancy stores. I went to the Diptyque Candle store a bought a couple of candles. It was when I left that store that it POURED down. Seriously bad. It looked like I was the only one who didn’t have an umbrella too. I bolted to the closest place to get some lunch that wasn’t going to cost the earth. I ended up at Jim’s American Bar & Grill for a Tex-Mex lunch (I’m gonna miss that) and hoped the rain would give up. Sadly, it didn’t, so I got saturated running to the subway to get to Copley Square to check out more of the Freedom Trail. I checked out the Boston Visitor’s Centre where I bought a copy of the Declaration of Independence in the hope that I may understand some of it! I got to the Old State House on State Street about 30 metres from my hotel and did the tour there. It was pretty cool and focused (obviously) on the Boston Tea Party, the Boston Massacre, which occurred right in front of the State House; and Samuel Adams and crew. One of the coolest things I saw was an actual coat and vest worn by Samuel Adams. I thought it was cool that it still existed. I was amazed by how many artifacts they had from 230 years ago. After my tour of the Old State House the rain had finally let up. As I have said, it’s a small city so I walked to the other places of interest on The Freedom Trail. My legs were actually still feeling the pain from my efforts at the Bunker Hill Monument steps the other day so I was walking rather slow. I saw King Corpse’s Graveyard and Granary Park graveyard where Samuel Adam’s is buried. I had a look at The Old Corner Bookstore and then headed back to the hotel, just to sit down.

It was time to get some dinner, so I went to The Hard Rock Café for a burger and then headed out to find the Bell In Hand Tavern to some drinks. I’m not accepted into the joint because apparently my ID isn’t good enough(!); I need to have my passport. Keep in mind I have always just used my ID as I don’t want to keep my passport on my when I’m out. I leave pretty pissed (I look over 21!) and try another bar. I kid you not, I get to my fourth rejection and get so pissed off I go back to the hotel with my tail between my legs. What a last night!

What I learnt in Boston today:

• The rain can come out of no where and locals are prepared
• The local brew, Samuel Adams Ale is dam nice. One of my favourites!
• Take your ID out if you want to get into ANYWHERE.

The JFK Library and Museum.

The replica Oval Office at the JFK Museum. The desk, the chair and other objects are from his actual office.

State House

The real Cheers on Beacon Street.

The Old State House. ANOTHER thing being renovated/restored in the city.

Another shot of Cheers replica bar at the marketplace.