Often in my Finger Lakes Mysteries series, Jesse Graham listens to music as she drives along in “Bert,” her 1968 yellow Volkswagen Beetle. Usually, she is listening to The Beatles. That’s who my best friend Bernadette and I listened to on WBBF as we drove around in her yellow Volkswagen Beetle all those years ago.
Rich and I just got back from a cruise to the United Kingdom and Ireland. One of the stops was Liverpool—home of The Beatles. In 1963, the British press coined the term “Beatlemania,” and I confess to suffering from that. Imagine my delight when we spent a full day touring The Beatles Museum and riding a Magical Mystery Tour bus.
I was so excited when we entered the museum, it wasn’t easy to act naturally. The space was not large and expansive, in fact only a few of us could fit in most of the displays at one time. Sometimes people had to get back because an area was so crowded.
But to see the instruments they played, the costumes they wore, and a mock-up of The Cavern where they packed them in during their early days was a highlight in my life. I had to look at every little thing.
After lunch at a local pub, we hopped on the Magical Mystery Tour bus and drove past their homes and places of interest: where John was introduced to Paul, the church where Paul sang in the choir, and, of course, Penny Lane and Strawberry Fields Forever.
When we stopped for photo ops at the iconic signs for those two places, we had lots of help! We would all take turns taking photos of each other. It worked out great with a little help from my friends.
The Beatles museum and bus tour were amazing, and I was a bit sorry when the day was over. But I feel fine now. And I’ll be back again.
I’ll cherish the memories and just let it be.
If you are a fan, you might notice I’ve referenced many of their songs. How many? Well, why don’t you try to guess? Put your guess in a comment. And then tell me what favorite artist or group you’d like to spend the day with. If it is The Beatles, who was your favorite?
I enjoyed reading about your Beatles tour and experiences, Betty! I can also relate to riding in Bernie’s Volz wagon and listening to WBBF!
Those were the day, right Barb? And riding in Tim’s convertible with the top down one the Hamilton Beach Expressway. Precious memories.
I found 11! I would love to spend a day with a Beatle! Any of them, really, but I think George is my favorite. ❤️
So close!! I love George’s mystical, poignant lyrics. He was an amazing guitarist!!