Boston

Arrived in Boston at 8 am.  It’s only about 17C with showers expected but nice weather for excursions.   I’m on the Presidents Kennedy and Adams tour at 1.30. This takes in the Kennedy Library and Adams Family home so more about that later.  George has gone off to Harvard and to the Quincey Market.  

Boston has a special meaning for me as my paternal grandmother, Josephine Kennedy,  was born here in 1871.  She was of Irish parents who’d come across to the USA for a few years, no doubt because of tough times in Ireland, and she and a couple of her siblings were born here.  They returned to Tipperary eventually and she grew up there until she moved to Australia after marrying my grandfather, Richard.   They were both Kennedys, (no sniggering as no relation!!! and just a bit of history!!) 

6 hours later - so the tour was very good, loved the Kennedy Library and Museum.  All JFK’s important speeches could be heard, the memorabilia and photographs were fabulous.  There were exhibits and photos of the Convention, the Campaign Office, Kennedy-Nixon debate, Results, Inauguration, Peace Corps, Oval Office, Family, trips to Berlin and Ireland, death and legacy. From there we drove 10 miles south of Boston to Quincy, MA.  Peacefield Park, the name of the estate, includes the birthplaces of two presidents, the "summer White House," Stone Library, the Adams Carriage House, and 13 acres of a historic landscape that reflects the lifestyles and values of four generations of the Adams family. The house in its original state doesn’t really exist as each generation has added wings and corridors along the way.  However, the art work, furniture, busts etc are all on display and the library is a separate fire-proofed building which houses the 11,000 plus books acquired during John’s and Quincey’s terms as President.  Must admit I was ready to get back on the bus at the end of the commentary - the guide was very knowledgeable but very long winded and the atmosphere in the house was stifling!  

We’re sailing now to Bar Harbour, Maine.  It’s raining and cool.