little concerning but we are here for the experiences. The explanation continues that the waterfront in Liverpool was once the largest ship building area in the world. And, the Titanic was built close to the warehouse that now is our hotel. I’ve had the feeling that waterfront towns and cities are all a little rough around the edge, blue collar areas, where we’ve been extra careful with our pocket security while visiting. However, I didn’t necessarily get that feeling in Liverpool.
We did feel quickly that music played and is playing a large role in the city. Our guide gave figures on the millions of pounds music was responsible for in visitor spending and continued music related events. We saw the evidence when visiting the Coffee Casbah, 
the first place the Beatles played and continued to play for hours 
daily as they honed their skills and became the band we all know and many of us love today. 
John Lennon scratched his name in the low ceiling of the Casbah
Paul painted this ceiling in the Casbah Coffee Club
What I didn’t know was that John Lennon was the son of a single mother and grew up with his mother struggling to provide a home and even food. They had an apartment near a garden that happened to be Strawberry Field. Strawberry Fields, became a haven for John growing up and as we know also became the inspirations for one of his better musical compositions. I may not have all my facts straight here, but Strawberry Fields was a part of the Salvation Army’s headquarters campus. In later years, Lennon quietly supported the SA and its programs and made it possible for many children to benefit from his success.
Our excursion took us to the birthplace of Paul McCartney, 
which was close enough to John for them to be friends but in a much more affluent neighborhood. All of the Beatles grew up in close proximity. We walked Penny Lane 
You can make out John’s name signing below
and did most of the things Beatles fans do while in the city.
Lunch was in the Titanic Hotel restaurant with traditional Fish and Chips 
(fried catfish would’ve been better). Dinner was in an uptown Pub again with traditional fare. Eating in UK is interesting.
We’re have a bit of traveling tomorrow to make our way to Scotland. Cheers, Jim