McCartney page 2

 McCartney page 2 by ric gustafson

On a Sunday morning, we get on the blue minibus. We head out along Liverpool's waterfront. The Waterfront had been revitalized with espresso bars and boutiques on one side and river view apartments on the other. At James Street is the former headquarters of the White Star shipping line. 

The minibus goes through Toxteth. Then to Sefton Park. Then along Smithdown Road. Then Queen's Drive where the family home of Brian Epstein was. 

Then the minibus comes to an area fondly remembered by Paul McCartney. McCartney wrote a song for the B side of ' Strawberry Fields Forever'. The place is now a Beatles shrine. It is called Penny Lane.

After stopping at John Lennon's boyhood home, the minibus stops at Paul McCartney's boyhood home.

20 Forthlin Road is a two story terraced home. In the 50's the home was considered ultramodern. Now run by the National Trust, it has a resident custodian who acts like a tour guide.

Inside the home to the left is the sitting room. This is where Paul began writing songs. Wooden doors led to a tiny dining room and a kitchen. Upstairs was a tiny bedroom used by Paul. The large bedroom was given to Paul's brother Michael.

research help: ' Paul McCartney the life' by Philip Norman

Peace and God's blessings. Love Ric