flashman181

Only natural after a Super Tuesday. Rainy start to day and not much planned apart from what all lone male travellers fear most . Laundry day .Tomorrow is off to NYC for one night in a hotel and then 24 hrs of flying and waiting . In same clothes . Shock, horror they are saying may be some snow here on Friday. After I have left . Mind you at this stage of holidays you just want to get home and don’t want any weather interruptions.

So what else to do on a rainy morning ? Well, catch up on the fallout from Super Tuesday of course. Is there any chance Fox News would have any coverage this morning?? Thought I was on top of the whole electoral process until they pull in proportional delegate allocation. Which varies from state to state ! Think all souvenir shopping is done but as always you fear some grandkids have done better than others so a quick check of ” available US money to use ” in wallet . Factor in a few more beers and a packet of chips and we should be good . Food is overrated after all. So can at least head out for a coffee. Talk about truth in advertising !

Of course next door was a shop which left no grey areas. No. I don’t mean they were ageist. A meltery ?

This weather does bring out one of the more ignorant breed of person- the 5’8″ clown that walks with head down and umbrella up without a care in the world.
Back to apartment to get the satirical view of US politics and catch up on some Daily Show. Looks like some sun starting to peek through. As predicted of course! Let’s head out to Harvard for a walk around and a beer

Nice day for a stroll around but in reality not a lot to see. Most buildings look much the same as the next and no pubs in the near vicinity . Eventually found a restaurant bar that didn’t look too special but had simply the best value shrimp deal for $5 so as usually happens it all worked out.

As weather has improved will head out for one last stroll later on . Early start again in morning and looking forward to a few hours in NYC. In meantime will put up with the usual crap US TV just to see the Tina Fey American Express ads

The day cleared to a booteful and cold late afternoon so headed up to roof for one last look at the surrounding area . What a glorious view

Hah, I can Trump that . Bring back Pancake Tuesday I say

Ok that is going to take a while to walk off but maybe cut out the middle man and go straight for a colonic irrigation methinks . Ah, what’s that you say ? Oh its SUPER Tuesday where a variable percentage of Yanks get off their ass and vote in a number of states between 1 and 50 to help decide who knows its time to stop wasting money and curl up your toes. Makes as much sense as everything else that has happened so far I guess. Whatever your inclinations may be any GOP supporter who saw the Oliver takedown of Donald Drumpf would have grave concerns if he is the nominee .

Devoted followers would know my disappointment in missing out on White House tour and the fact I did the only thing possible . Drink myself stupid. A short trip admittedly. Given today was a significant day in US Politics thought would head out to JFK Library. What a stunning location on the water. The “problem ” with JFK is so many significant moments of his life are so well known that there are no great surprises in retracing his life, as fascinating as it may have been. While a much more interesting person and President the Bush Library showed the advantage of improved technology with many more interactive displays. And an Oval Office you could sit at ! Still well worth the visit to remember such an amazing time. And there is a Edward Kennedy Library next door now

As is my way after a short break just headed off for a walk in general direction of Fenway Park on what was a glorious day. Had a coffee along the way and then arrived at said Park and wandering around looking for best photo locations. Looking through hole in fence showed the ground was being dug up as expected . Then I saw the Bleacher Bar? Why not , sounds like kitschy fun

The rest of the afternoon was a blur but did eventually wake up in Boston Common

What pre pubescent boy in the late 60’s didn’t fall under Samantha’s spell and like to give her more than a twitch . And of course wonder why did she choose York the Dork?

So caught the Rockford train from North Station to arrive in Salem just after 8 am . Yep would think I would know by now . Still, it was a glorious day so time to follow the red line and get lay of land. As luck would have it the one museum and attraction u checked online were open today but plenty were not. Mind you most were seasonal anyway and did not open for another month. It’s a fun place to walk around anyway with its cheesy witch tie ins on every second corner. Did actually go to one museum but they were timed tours and didn’t need to mix with witch freaks today thanks.

I enjoy walking around these cities and taking quirky photos of things that amuse me and before you knew it the pubs were open . Salem Beer Works sounded like a fine place to rest and have a couple of brews and very nice scallop and burger conbo for early lunch. Bought a couple of souvenirs and saw my Samantha statue so all was good in Flashtown. Time to catch train back to Boston and chill for a couple of hours . Cold may have finally broken just as clouds start to roll in as predicted . They know their weather shit over here trust me

Rest of afternoon will be spent wandering the neighbourhood looking for that quintessential Beacon Hill vibe they show in all da brochures . Plan tomorrow is to head out to JFK library. Now that cold is easing can actually stay in bed past 6 am!

Was a very pleasant walk around the neighbourhood under grey skies and finally got to sit on that bench. Plenty of squirrels around and they do indeed seem playful and indifferent to humans. That settles it – my fave reincarnation choice just changed.

Not really sure why I buy weekly subway tickets as I pretty well walk everywhere and with an overcast and pleasantly cool ahead there seemed no reason to change plans. My nominated breakfast place was closed which was the first clue to how day may pan out. Not many suitable places nearby so figured would pick something up on way . Building on yesterday’s successful tour thought I would create my own walking tour or as it would become known as later – Flash’s Beer and Blisters Walking Tour to No Place in Particular

A couple on yesterday’s tour commented how good the Harpoon Brewery was so looked at map and only a 45 minute walk so why not. Picked up a very passable Cortado at Greg Powell Coffee in Boston Market on way and took a leisurely stroll pointing out the interesting places along the way as if I had a rapt audience hanging on every word. Given that there actually was no one with me fit in well with the fact I knew nothing about these places. Even Steven. Once again walking around the harbour on a slowly clearing day was tres pleasant . Given there were no geriatrics on tour I made it in plenty of time or as we say in the trade – the place ain’t open yet ya clown. It’s a slightly remote location without a noticeable array of cafes nearby to fill in time. Always surprised when places state proudly that they “serve Starbucks Coffee” as if that will draw in the crowd. In USA it probably does. I didn’t take any chances though and ordered a hot chocolate . Fool me once shame on me, Fool me twice and it was probably all the beer

Harpoon Brewery finally opened and was very impressive on inside. Didn’t do tour because I know how beer is made already. Much more interested in how it tastes and that don’t need no tour, just a seat and a wallet . Had the local brew which was very passable. Have to say the ” pretzels” they serve at these breweries are very tasty and filling. Next stop was the L Street tavern made famous in Good Will Hunting. Another 40 minute walk but by the unanimous vote of 1 nil we agreed to go for it. Nice neighbourhood to walk through and duly arrived at door and pleased to see no crowds. The “closed” sign was a concern but assumed it was typical Irish humour. The added ” broken pipe” note wiped smile from face. In fear of a revolting crowd coming for me quickly decided on going to Murphy’s Law a few blocks back . Quite ironic when you think about it

The day had warmed up a bit by now and didn’t really feel like the 60 minute walk home so did work out a bus route that only involved standing around for 20 mins at stop, 25 minute bus ride through molasses ( and having a wheel chair come on board) and then a short walk through Public Garden and home in 59 minutes. Sweet. To conclude the GWH theme looked for the ” bench” in public garden and in fitting in with days luck some geriatrics from a TV/Movie tour were sitting on it. Or at least think it was it , no real signage but more a treasure map to follow

Time for a relaxing afternoon before heading out a bit later. Off to Salem tomorrow so do a bit of research and work out Witch museum would be best to see

I’m here all week, try the veal

Like Superman I drew energy from the yellow sun and was once more able to venture forth on booked Pizza and Tavern tour. I also look great in a leotard.

This was a great group . A tour of 3 hrs turned into 4.5 and no one seemed to care least of all the hostess. 3 Pizza stops and 3 Tavern stops meant plenty was drunk and enough eaten. Along the way some interesting facts. I have never had a bad foodie tour but this was likely the best. The pizza was nothing special I guess but did soak up the beer nicely. There was even a short ferry cruise at sunset – which should have happened before 4 pm apparently 🙂

It was a glorious day all round and while out and about the cold does seem less of a concern but when back home seems to kick in again. Oh well

I am taking a sickie

Ok I did do some things but really did sit in the sun for a couple of hours I middle of day just trying to get healthy. Boston is a great place but I am sick as a dog still so let’s pretend I am still a worker and actually just want to relax on this simply glorious ,if ball challenging , day . CLP would be impressed

Why break a perfect routine when you still have one lung left . Then usual breakfast before the walk to Union Station for Amtrak to Boston. Shock, horror we finally had a glorious day

I use the red caps when train is originating from point so got on nice and easy and had pick of seats which doesn’t mean a lot really . This was a fairly crowded train and 6.5 hrs of mingling to go while gagging and sniffling with the best of them . Not a pleasant feeling in confined spaces . What could one do ?

Good wifi on board so was at least able to catchup on some games and do a bit of research on Boston . I have a feeling it may be more fun than Washington or maybe it’s

Trains tend to run on time so arrived at South Station just after 15:30 and caught a taxi to apartment in Beacon Street. Seems like a great location near Boston Common and as a glorious, though very cold, afternoon headed out after a quick check of roof top. Had the obligatory beer at the real ” Cheers” and a quick squiz for the Good Will Hunting bench in Public Garden with no luck. By now the cool weather was taking its impact on my weary body so thought best to head home and rug up. On third floor so may be some traffic noise at night, only time will tell. If this cold ever pisses off could see myself enjoying the next few days especially if the ability to actually taste beer ever returns 😦

No, not what some of you rude people are thinking but rather that magical time of hope and excitement that was JFKs presidency . But first , cough up a lung and then my usual breakfast across the road at Jimmy T’s. Early morning and the day showed some promise weather wise

It was spitting when I left …..

Today’s plan was to visit Arlington Cemetery and Georgetown. Arlington is an impressive place indeed and can’t help but make one take pause. As with many memorials in USA there is an understated simplicity to most and while JFKs grave site is suitably restrained you can’t beat the simple white cross of RFK to grab your eye and make you stop and ponder . The Yanks do these things well

Adjacent to the cemetery is the equally impressive Iwo Jima memorial . Against the magnificent backdrop of the more recognisable Washington monuments it is best viewed as the flag raised against leaden skies

Then it was back on metro to Georgetown to track down the famous Martins Tavern where a young JFK proposed to Jackie most notably although a favourite haunt of many Presidents apparently. Booths are suitably marked and being there right on opening time enabled me to snag the cherished Booth 3 even if had to put up with the pitiful look from waiter when informed of ” party for 1″ . Hey it’s a romantic place , some hot chick might turn up. At this stage I would settle for a plain looking Respiratory Physician! The beer was cold and the food simple but filling. It was all about the atmosphere and cheesy photo opportunity so ordered the cheesy main course

It was a cool pleasant day for walking around as all showers passed and was a productive morning. Caught the slowest DC circulator bus ever home to Union Station and then wandered home for last afternoon in town .Will head out for a coffee soon and pick up some dinner and then time to pack as relatively early train in morning. Still sick as a dog which has coloured the last few days and fair to say that initial concerns about a whole week in Washington were probably right. Everything needed to go right to make most of week. Baltimore was great and there were certainly some highlights but once the White House tour fell through the alarm bells were ringing . Still it is a great town for folk fascinated in US politics as I am and I know who I will be voting for in 2016

Off to Boston tomorrow but first will catch up on Season 2 of Better Call Saul tonight . I could grow to like this On Demand gig. Wish weather worked the same way .

So , must have pissed off Old Whiskers along the way somehow. Nasty cold has returned and weather is miserable. I could take one or the other but both ? And remember already had the disappointment of missing out on my White House tour today . Insiders finally admitted that Obama had used an Executive Order to block me so that Michelle wouldn’t be tempted. The problems of an IBF/International Stud Muffin eh. So if you don’t mind for the next 5 mins…..

Ok that’s done lets get back to my usual cheery disposition. First up is breakfast at Jimmy T’s if for no other reason than it opens at 06:30 and have been coughing up a lung since 05:30

Plan then was to swim down to Union Station and catch the Red DC Ciculator out to Jefferson Memorial et al. It’s a good service for $1 per ride. The one advantage of early start and gloomy weather is no crowds. Then onto FDR memorial and MLK memorial . Luckily had seen the first two in better weather with CLP several years ago but good to see the finished MLK one. Then it was back on bus to Union station and a coffee and some souvenir shopping. Then drop into supermarket on way home for some supplies . Weather is predicted to get much worse this afternoon but determined to head out at 11:30 for that birthday drink when pubs open. After that have my storm supplies in . Of course with my throat I can’t tell whether it is a Shiraz or a Merlot. Oh wait, there is a label duh!

After pub visit will catch up on some TV. This on demand deal is sweet. Alicia and some Gallaghers will fill in some hours . If we lose power will simply smash my head on empty wine bottle and get some sleep

Weather is supposed to clear tomorrow and if does plan is Arlington in morning and back to Georgetown in afternoon . And by then hopefully it will be

Wouldn’t you know it . The weather forecasters here didnt go to same clown school our Aussie folk do and actually get it right a lot if times. So rain has set in for day leading into my 40 hour birthday celebration. It’s the only reason I leave home for my birthday . If I could snag a few friends in San Francisco could stretch to 43 hours!

Will update this blog as day progresses and see how I go filling it in – not my strength folks. First up though can splish splash across the road to Jimmy Ts for some typical diner breakfast . As always very friendly people which means I have to talk. One other customer ( well it was 6:30 am) and just my luck he works at Capitol. Discussing rainy day options he suggested a Capitol visit and even gave me a card. Well why not , been there done that already but maybe will see something new . The pubs are not open yet . The problem of course is dressing for the 500 m walk in rain and then entering a climate controlled furnace with a few frisks in my immediate future. Hey, it’s almost my birthday after all 🙂 Did I mention I forgot to pack an umbrella ?

The rain was a bit like Palmer United Party – mainly nuisance value – so set off around 0815 for first tour and was a little dismayed to see about 60 people lined up including school kids. We broke into small groups though so all good and despite having done a tour previously the small group allowed us to go into some small rooms had not been in previously. Sadly the rotunda inside was also full of scaffolding but had seen before and could easily slip in an old photo to fool you but I wouldn’t do that to such a dedicated bunch of ardent admirers. Then took the tunnel to Library Of Congress mainly because it beats walking in the rain. A morning well filled in with some edumacation and once again only Aussie in group so when explaining US politics to them I spoke slowly. Sadly spending so much time in artificial temperatures seems to have freshened up my nagging cold thought had beaten. This can only mean one thing . Time to switch to brandy

So a quick team meeting came up with the not surprising vote of 1-0 to head out in the drizzle and go looking for Sailors at Navy Yard. And then maybe a walk to Jefferson Memorial . Google Maps was designed by a male so naturally when it said 45 mins walk more like 30. Well Hello Sailor is that Blue Jacket Brewery I see? And it is my birthday somewhere. And is raining . Team? Thanks guys

Alas when I stumbled out 3 hrs later it was raining more heavily so no Memorial today. A quick check of the baseball stadium and lo and behold is that the DC Circulator bus across the street? Yay, time to get home and out of these soaking wet clothes . Not a bad effort for a rainy day after all .

For a 57 yr old. Yeah it still the 23rd here ok 😉