tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-70542248702830737372024-03-19T06:51:08.272-05:00Malaysian MeandersThe expat adventures of a Texas family living in Penang, MalaysiaMichele {Malaysian Meanders}http://www.blogger.com/profile/18313351463568423694noreply@blogger.comBlogger326125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7054224870283073737.post-51289563359145314232017-10-07T01:35:00.000-05:002017-10-07T22:33:35.003-05:00Nine Can't Miss Activities in Kauai<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Wild and isolated Na Pali coast<br />(See the teeny tiny person on the beach at the center of the photo?)</i></td></tr>
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In my last post, I mentioned that we had an unusually relaxing vacation on the island of Kauai. As I compiled this list of can't miss activities, I surprisingly realized that we actually did quite a lot. I think the key to not feeling rushed is that we spent a full week <strike>on the island</strike> in paradise. Surrounded by all this natural beauty, it would be a shame to do a quicker trip.<br />
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<i>Na Pali coast photo above: You cannot reach the wild and isolated Na Pali coast by car. Hiking trails and boats are the only way in. When I posted this photo on Facebook, my friend commented that she kayaked to this beach and camped here, relying on that waterfall for her fresh water supply. What a trip that must have been! Another friend viewed the Na Pali coast from above via helicopter. </i><br />
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1. Go kayaking</h3>
There are tons of kayaking opportunities around the island. The most adventurous one would be heading out to the Napali Coast like my friend did. Being the less adventurous sorts, my family opted for a quiet and easy, 90-minute kayaking trip along the Hule'ia River and through a National Wildlife Sanctuary.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Photography tip: Don't get sunscreen on your lens even though it does lend a soft focus look to the picture.</i></td></tr>
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On this excursion, I realized that my paddling technique is horrible, and we ended up taking a rather serpentine path from shore to shore as we headed upriver. If you totally run out of energy, the guide will tie your kayak to his and tow you. <i>Not that it happened to me. </i>Afterwards, we hiked through the jungle to a ropeswing over a pond and on to Hidden Valley Falls where we had a picnic lunch. A motorized boat brought us back to our starting point.<br />
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Along with the Hidden Valley Falls Kayak tour, <b><a href="https://outfitterskauai.com/activities/category/top-10-kauai-things-to-do/" target="_blank">Outfitters Kauai</a> </b>also offers high adventure excursions such as ziplining, downhill mountain biking, stand up paddleboarding and a whale watch sea kayaking tour.<br />
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Other kayaking options on Kauai can be found on the Wailua River through Fern Grotto, the Hanalei River, Kalihiwai River or the Hule'ia Stream.<br />
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2. Ride a Horse</h3>
Did you know that the cattle ranches and cowboys on Hawaii predate the ones in the American West? Spend a few hours on Kauai pretending you're a <i>paniolo</i>, a Hawaiian cowboy. <b><a href="http://www.silverfallsranch.com/" target="_blank">Silver Falls Ranch</a></b> stretches across 300 acres and breeds and trains working cowhorses and cutting horses.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Trail ride at Silver Falls Ranch</i></td></tr>
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Okay, okay, we weren't exactly doing rodeo tricks. It was more like a nice and easy, nose-to-tail trail ride along a stream and through a tropical valley featuring over 150 different palm trees. We even saw a mama feral pig with her little piglets trailing behind her. Along with the 90-minute Hawaiian Discovery Ride that my family went on, Silver Falls Ranch offers rides lasting 2-3 hours that include a waterfall swim and a delicious picnic lunch in a thatched hut.<br />
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3. Take a Hike</h3>
One of the cheapest ways to explore Kauai is on foot. Trails are all over the island. One of the most challenging is the 11 mile <b>Kalalua Trail</b> starting by Ke'e Beach and extending down the Napali coast. This is why we didn't do it. A friend and her teens did the up and down climb along the first 2 miles to Hanakapiai Beach as a day hike. Going beyond this point is only recommended for experienced hikers.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Kalalau Trailhead by Ke'e Beach</i></td></tr>
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Instead, we did a very easy 1 mile hike along the Old Club Med loop in Princeville. (Notice how I've used the word "easy" to describe every single activity we've done so far.) Hanalei Plantation Road ends at a locked gate blocking the road. To the left is an opening for pedestrian access.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Walking along the ruins of the Old Club Med</i></td></tr>
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I don't know how long the Club Med has been closed, but all that's left of the buildings are foundations, some half walls and a few pillars that are all being taken over by the surrounding jungle. I tried to convince my kids that it was actually the derelict ruins of a dinosaur cloning adventure park that went horribly wrong. The trail takes you to a cliff overlooking Hanalei Bay.<br />
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4. Float on a Boat</h3>
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The highlight of our week in Kauai was the catamaran excursion we took to see the Na Pali Coast. I'm not one for open water kayaking, so I much preferred taking it <i>easy</i> (there that word is again) on a motorized vessel. Our tour with<a href="https://www.napalicatamaran.com/" target="_blank"> <b>Na Pali Catamaran</b> </a>started on the north side of the island in Hanalei unlike most of the other Na Pali tours which embark from Port Allen on the southwest side of Kauai. Leaving from Hanalei, the boat only took 15 minutes to reach the legendary Na Pali coast and passed lots of pretty beaches and windsurfing spots. Boats leaving from Port Allen, in comparison, must first pass by 23 uninteresting miles of the Mana Plain before hitting the <i>dry</i> side of Na Pali.<br />
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Looking at photos of the Na Pali coast really does not do it justice. The immense size of the peaks and cliffs is easy to underestimate unless you can make out a small dot of a person on a beach or along a trail for scale.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Heading into the 1,155 ft (352m) Waiahuakua sea cave with a waterfall coming through a hole in the ceiling</i></td></tr>
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If the conditions are right during the calmer summer months, Na Pali Catamaran will head into some of the sea caves that dot the coast. <i>This is an incredible experience! </i>The darkness began to close around us as we bobbed into one cave. Waves crashed on the rock walls, and and the sound reverberated around us. As my eyes began to become accustomed to the low light level, I could make out two passageways that reached deeper into the cave, much too small for our boat to fit through. The water continued to surge in and out through the openings when I was startled by the eerie tones of a conch shell being blown like a horn by one of our guides.<br />
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<b>Ho'olulu cave</b>'s entrance was partially blocked by a waterfall cascading down from the moss covered rocks towering above us. Those who wished to stay dry remained under the boat's canopy, but I rushed to the back so I could feel the water rain down on me. <b>Waiahuakua cave </b>was also graced by a waterfall, but this one emerged from a hole it had worn through the porous, lava rock ceiling. At 1,155 feet (352 meters) long, it's said to be the second longest sea cave in the world. The fourth cave we entered was actually a collapsed grotto, an open ceiling cave. Massive rock walls rose up all around us. With nothing to block it, sunlight streamed down on us from the sky, and a singular slab of lava rock rose above the water as if it were a stage.<br />
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5. Take a dip in the Ocean</h3>
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As long as we were on a boat, we decided to go snorkeling, too. I had made a list of places to snorkel — the extremely calm <b>Lydgate Beach Park</b> on the east side of Kauai, <b>Ke'e Beach</b> on the northwest side or <b>Po'ipu Beach </b>on the south shore. As it turns out, we never made it to Lydgate, only swam at Ke'e and spent all our time looking at the sleeping Hawaiian monk seal at Po'ipu. So where did we go snorkeling? Off the boat during our Na Pali Coast tour. </div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Using a Full Face Snorkel Mask</i></td></tr>
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This is the second vacation where we've used our <b><a href="https://sharklens.com/" target="_blank">Full Face Snorkel Masks</a></b>. It covers the entire face from the forehead down to the chin. The down side to it is that the valve that keeps water out required a teeny tiny bit more lung power to breathe than a regular snorkel tube. The up sides are the 180 degree field of vision and that it feels more natural to inhale via your nose or mouth as usual. I personally prefer it to a regular snorkel mask and tube, but my kids and their kid-sized faces did not love it as much as I did. You can't dive deeper than 8 feet with it, but since I stay on the surface, it didn't matter to me.</div>
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Of course, there's always scuba diving, but that require more effort than I like to put out on vacation. Plus, I think I might freak out under water, hyperventilate, and use up my oxygen tank really fast.<br />
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6. Go to a luau and hula show</h3>
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A trip to the Hawaiian islands isn't complete without dining at a luau and watching a hula show. We thought about doing the <b>Tahiti Nui Lu'au</b> in Hanalei since the small venue holding only 60 people seemed appealing and the food was supposed to be good quality albeit not a lot of selection. However, it only happens on Wednesday nights, so we looked elsewhere.</div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Take a stroll through Smith Tropical Paradise before the luau and show</i></td></tr>
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We ended up at <b>Smith Tropical Paradise</b>. Granted, it's not the most Hawaiian sounding name, but we enjoyed ourselves. The extra bonus for me was getting to walk around the large garden area for about 30 minutes before the show started. After the <i>imu </i>ceremony when the pig is pulled out of the pit in the ground (<i>imu</i>) lined with hot coals and stones where it's been roasting all day, it's time to eat. Each table is called up in turn to the buffet to keep things orderly. I made sure I tried <i>poi </i>which is pounded taro root and a Polynesian staple. Off-gray and the consistency of glue, it wasn't bad, but it wasn't good either. That's just my opinion. Feel free to form your own. I enjoyed the shredded kalua pork, chicken adobo, beef teriyaki and lomi salmon much more. While we dined, a Hawaiian band playing traditional songs kept us entertained. </div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>That gray stuff in the cup is poi (pounded taro root).<br />The dark purple thing next to it is Hawaiian sweet potato.</i></td></tr>
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After dinner, we made our way to the theater where the show began as the night skies darkened. Like the menu, the show highlighted the many cultures that come together to make up the people of Hawaii. </div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Traditional Hawaiian dances</i></td></tr>
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They did the hip-shaking hula, of course, but also the Filipino <i>tinikling </i>dance which requires jumping over bamboo poles as they're tapped back and forth, a Japanese fan dance, a Maori haka war dance, and a breathtaking bit of fire baton twirling. </div>
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7. Play with the kids at Na 'Aina Kai Botanical Gardens' Keiki Day </h3>
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I wanted to visit the very well designed and maintained 240 acre Na 'Aina Kai Botanical Gardens, but the $35 cost of the slow-paced, 90-minute walking tour put me off. Luckily, our visit overlapped with the one Saturday a month <b><a href="http://naainakai.org/keiki-day/" target="_blank">Keiki Day</a> </b>when families with small kids are invited in to enjoy the Under the Rainbow Garden for only $10 per person from 9AM-1PM. </div>
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It's not the same as seeing the whole place, but it was an option that kids ages 10 years and under could happily enjoy. (The older teens stayed in the hotel and slept in... an option they also enjoyed.) A sprayground greeted us at the entrance, and kids were welcome to play in the treehouse, walk through the bamboo forest and frolic on the other playground equipment. It's one of the nicest playgrounds I've ever visited! An unexpected bonus was all the sculptures placed around the garden. Judging by the number of playgroups meeting here, this seemed like a place that locals enjoyed. </div>
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8. Eat Shave Ice</h3>
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Shave ice is a frozen treat that's synonymous with Hawaii. Notice that there's no "d" in "shave ice," by the way. Like eating gelato in Italy, we made sure to have shave ice every day that we were on Kauai. One of my favorite places was <b>Wishing Well Shave Ice</b><i style="font-weight: bold;"> </i>in Hanalei because of its local, organic syrups like the spicy ginger and the honey drizzle. <b>Hee Fat General Store </b>in Kapa'a was another excellent choice. The natural strawberry syrup tasted like real strawberries and not the least bit artificial. My one complaint is that there's nowhere to sit and enjoy the melting cup of shave ice since the serving window is in a gift shop. </div>
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After driving up to Waimea Canyon, we stopped at <b>Jo-Jo's Anuenue </b>on Waimea Road behind the Captain Cook statue. It is not to be confused with the similarly named JoJo's Shave Ice on the main highway at mile marker 0. In addition to traditional shave ice, Jo-Jo's Anuenue also offers snow ice. Huge frozen blocks of milk flavored with syrup are put through the shaving machine to create a treat that's a cross between ice cream and shave ice. This was also the only place where I saw <i>halo halo</i>, a traditional Filipino shave ice topping that's a mix of tropical fruits. The ube, a type of yam, makes it purple. </div>
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9. Hit the Beach</h3>
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If you don't do anything else on Kauai, hit the beach at the very least. Some of the ones on the Na Pali coast are so isolated that the only way there is via water, and so restricted that any type of boats — even kayaks — are prohibited from landing. Open water swimming is the only way to reach stunning <b>Honopu Beach</b>. We are not that type of family. We did not go here.<br />
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Instead, we spent some time at <b>Ke'e Beach</b> at the end of the road on the north side of Kauai. The background is stunning with black lava boulders lining the left side of the beach and the beginning of the Na Pali coast rising up behind it. This lifeguarded beach is ideal for swimming and snorkeling in the summer months when the reef keeps the water calm. Like the rest of Kauai, it's also home to a bunch of wild chickens. It has a shower and restrooms but was extremely crowded when we were there late morning. (Also, I think SE Asia spoiled me because I was sad that there were no enterprising food stands anywhere other than one guy cutting open green coconuts.)<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Pu'u Poa beach in Princeville</i></td></tr>
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Another favorite Kauai vacation memory is hitting <b>Pu'u Poa beach</b> in Princeville at the end of the day just before the sun started sinking into the ocean. At that hour, the beach was practically empty, and Bali Hai point and other mountain ridges behind Hanalei Bay added to the panoramic view. During the winter, you can find expert level surfing conditions here, but the summertime brings calm waters. Public access to the beach is via the small public parking lot to the left of the guard house entrance to the St. Regis Princeville Resort. Then, it's 200 steps down to the beach. Luckily, our hotel, the <b><a href="http://www.westinprinceville.com/" target="_blank">Westin Princeville Ocean Resorts Villa</a></b>, is a sister property to the St. Regis which gave us parking privileges and access to an incredible elevator that takes you down to the beach. Guests of Hanalei Bay Resort can take a hotel shuttle down a paved path to the shore.<br />
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So, that's nine Can't Miss Activities from my <i>very relaxing</i> week in Kauai. This doesn't include exploring <b><a href="http://malaysianmeanders.blogspot.com/2017/08/finding-paradise-in-hanalei.html" target="_blank">Hanalei</a></b> and all the driving around we did to see waterfalls, <b><a href="http://malaysianmeanders.blogspot.com/2017/07/the-grand-canyon-of-pacific.html" target="_blank">Waimea Canyon</a></b>, and <b><a href="http://malaysianmeanders.blogspot.com/2017/09/kauais-south-side.html" target="_blank">south shore sights</a></b>. I guess it's more like 13 Can't Miss Activities. Any way you add it up, Kauai was a fantastic family vacation that you can scale up or down depending on your adventure level.<br />
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<span style="background-color: white;"><span style="color: #666666; font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: 13px;">I've joined with the following linkups. Check them out for more around-the-world travel inspiration.</span></span><br />
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<li style="border: none; margin: 0px 0px 0.25em; padding: 0.25em 0px;"><span style="background-color: white; color: #666666; font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Travel Photo Thursday on <a href="https://www.budgettravelerssandbox.com/nova-scotia-photos-from-instagram/" style="color: #4d469c; text-decoration-line: none;" target="_blank">Budget Travelers Sandbox</a>, <a href="http://www.budgettraveltalk.com/" style="color: #4d469c; text-decoration-line: none;" target="_blank">Budget Travel Talk</a>, <a href="http://tanamatales.com/" style="color: #4d469c; text-decoration-line: none;" target="_blank">Tanama Tales</a>and <a href="http://rachelheller.org/" style="color: #4d469c; text-decoration-line: none;" target="_blank">Rachel's Ruminations</a>.</span></li>
<li style="border: none; margin: 0px 0px 0.25em; padding: 0.25em 0px;"><span style="background-color: white; color: #666666; font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">The Weekly Postcard on <a href="http://www.travelnotesandbeyond.com/" style="color: #4d469c; text-decoration-line: none;" target="_blank">Travel Notes and Beyond</a></span></li>
<li style="border: none; margin: 0px 0px 0.25em; padding: 0.25em 0px;"><span style="background-color: white; color: #666666; font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><a href="https://www.facebook.com/groups/weekendwanderlust?utm_content=buffer20f08&utm_medium=social&utm_source=facebook.com&utm_campaign=buffer" target="_blank">Weekend Wanderlust</a> on <a href="http://justinpluslauren.com/" style="color: #4d469c; text-decoration-line: none;" target="_blank">Justin + Lauren</a>, <a href="http://travellatte.net/" target="_blank">TravelLatte</a>, <a href="https://abritandasoutherner.com/" target="_blank">A Brit & a Southerner</a>, <a href="http://www.buddythetravelingmonkey.com/" target="_blank">Buddy the Traveling Monkey</a>, <a href="http://asoutherngypsy.com/" target="_blank">A Southern Gypsy</a>, and <a href="http://eatworktravel.com/" target="_blank">Eat Work Travel</a></span></li>
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Michele {Malaysian Meanders}http://www.blogger.com/profile/18313351463568423694noreply@blogger.com30tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7054224870283073737.post-23780322888869159242017-09-23T23:50:00.000-05:002017-09-24T00:52:37.211-05:00Kauai's South Side<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgwzpCsI15V3_JOfSnYrsnxA7AGIXd-oK5-yvBWDI1bgx7QGxS5hg1VhE01xLtxOgaXkQoThcEVqd5lzFfZyFKP9nK0IQLpfhDwH0_hHfmWbDrWwoAXd7JIYZmN2ao5O7dL3zKKTzIqVNY/s1600/DSC05083_mm.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="Kauai, blowhole" border="0" data-original-height="1201" data-original-width="1600" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgwzpCsI15V3_JOfSnYrsnxA7AGIXd-oK5-yvBWDI1bgx7QGxS5hg1VhE01xLtxOgaXkQoThcEVqd5lzFfZyFKP9nK0IQLpfhDwH0_hHfmWbDrWwoAXd7JIYZmN2ao5O7dL3zKKTzIqVNY/s640/DSC05083_mm.JPG" title="Spouting Horn" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Spouting Horn Beach Park</i></td></tr>
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The school year is off with a BANG, and I am missing those lazy summer days. Our family trip to Kauai was a departure from our normal vacation mode of cramming in as much sightseeing as possible. On this tropical Hawaiian island, we took things slow and made sure we had time to relax. I already told you all about<a href="http://malaysianmeanders.blogspot.com/2017/08/finding-paradise-in-hanalei.html" target="_blank"> <b>Finding Paradise in</b> <b>Hanalei</b></a> on the north side of the island and how stunning <b><a href="http://malaysianmeanders.blogspot.com/2017/07/the-grand-canyon-of-pacific.html" target="_blank">Waimea Canyon "The Grand Canyon of the Pacific"</a></b> on the west side is. This week, I'm showing you around the south side. Whereas the north side is lush and rainy, the south side of Kauai is drier and sunnier.<br />
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Spouting Horn</h3>
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The blowhole at Spouting Horn Beach Park (pictured at top of post) is a must see place. As the waves roll in, water rushes under a lava shelf and bursts upwards through a hole in the rocks. I enjoyed watching the size of the waves and trying to guess just high high the water would shoot into the air. It's nowhere near as high as the geyser at Yellowstone's Old Faithful, but the cycle is much, much shorter.</div>
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Po'ipu Beach</h3>
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After Spouting Horn, we headed towards Po'ipu Beach because it has lifeguards and was recommended for families with children. Granted, all three kids are taller than I am, but the mama in me still makes me prioritize safety. It's also one of the most popular beaches on the South Shore, and there seemed to be many local families having large gatherings there. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjvV1AFINe09fpg4trfIm_39YNWPODGNLLCBnGJkJZ6LlX74aZBD1iXgI0ilo6XbePNTdqARZv7BzRhcUfDrMtAXyEPMhWvWnzSXmZTYY-o2yBiKCWB_UqyX6glOHz-tdkJXbrh8JIbiMQ/s1600/FullSizeRender.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Kauai, Po'ipu Beach" border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjvV1AFINe09fpg4trfIm_39YNWPODGNLLCBnGJkJZ6LlX74aZBD1iXgI0ilo6XbePNTdqARZv7BzRhcUfDrMtAXyEPMhWvWnzSXmZTYY-o2yBiKCWB_UqyX6glOHz-tdkJXbrh8JIbiMQ/s640/FullSizeRender.jpg" title="Hawaiian Monk Seal" width="640" /></a></div>
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We were set to hit the water when we noticed a crowd around a cordoned off area of the beach. Was it some celebrity? It was an endangered Hawaiian monk seal! I guess too many do-gooders become concerned when seals look totally zonked out on the beach and try to get them back into the water. Beaching is normal behavior, and there were signs up saying "Seal is Alive and Well. Seals need to rest on the beach. Do Not Disturb." Along with a hotline number, the sign also posted particulars about this individual. It's a 6 year old female who had been there since 7AM yesterday morning. It was late afternoon when we arrived, so she'd been there about 34 hours already. She was also molting skin. No wonder people mistakenly think something is wrong. The fines for disturbing a Hawaiian monk seal can get up to $25,000, so stay away.<br />
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Koloa Tree Tunnel</h3>
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On our last day, we had time to kill before heading to the airport, so we did a little bit more driving around the island. We headed back towards the South Shore to catch one place we had somehow missed the first time through. Turning off of Highway 50 onto Highway 520, also known as Maluhia Road, between Koloa and Po'ipu, we passed through the famous Tree Tunnel. </div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgSd9kq8nIW4-RmuSY7CSMmIqDdIKf1KphVJ99ufzjQfxpZLF7aVmItNU3FCTcI35P8NirQCbYUHHTr4mFs_2azSz8Jr9X_5vam2ZF6fYQLirVoJ97TQbScRC2UwbewgrxM3CQX0c2Q4Nc/s1600/Koloa+Tree+Tunnel.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="Kauai" border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgSd9kq8nIW4-RmuSY7CSMmIqDdIKf1KphVJ99ufzjQfxpZLF7aVmItNU3FCTcI35P8NirQCbYUHHTr4mFs_2azSz8Jr9X_5vam2ZF6fYQLirVoJ97TQbScRC2UwbewgrxM3CQX0c2Q4Nc/s640/Koloa+Tree+Tunnel.jpeg" title="Koloa Tree Tunnel" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Koloa Tree Tunnel</i></td></tr>
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In the early 1900's, a man named Walter Duncan McBryde had a whopping 500 eucalyptus trees leftover after landscaping his homestead. He donated them to the county, and they were planted alongside the road. Over the years, the trees have gown until they tower over the road with their branches intertwining at the top to form a tunnel.</div>
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Beach House Restaurant</h3>
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Hubby's boss declared Beach House Restaurant as his absolute favorite place to eat on the island, so I wanted to pass along the recommendation to you. Our trusty <i>Ultimate Kauai Guidebook </i>also described it has having the "best oceanfront location on the island." It's supposed to have an amazing view at sunset. Alas, I have no photos because we did not dine there. In addition to it being too early for dinner, our bellies were too full of shave ice. Reservations are recommended, and the prices put this into the splurge category for me.<br />
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One of my friends bought a timeshare on the south shore, and I can definitely see the appeal. Who wouldn't want to return to this incredible island again and again?</div>
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<span style="color: #666666; font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">I've also joined with the following linkups. Check them out for more around-the-world travel inspiration.</span><br />
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Michele {Malaysian Meanders}http://www.blogger.com/profile/18313351463568423694noreply@blogger.com18tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7054224870283073737.post-8197335344590518942017-09-01T18:42:00.001-05:002017-09-01T19:30:54.230-05:00I Left My Heart in Houston<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFAU8YoXYAPAa88t_7XD4sqXv_8BBR6K5hi6D4XgK-LMv5DjSYalxsM3Ey_AdEf0wpQuh3fKiBZyWFFaugT3Fb9qYLY7daBdLC4zzV5Pyt3dTMTg2zXo8REm_yiOl0gAVXISkVVSMG-T0/s1600/FullSizeRender.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFAU8YoXYAPAa88t_7XD4sqXv_8BBR6K5hi6D4XgK-LMv5DjSYalxsM3Ey_AdEf0wpQuh3fKiBZyWFFaugT3Fb9qYLY7daBdLC4zzV5Pyt3dTMTg2zXo8REm_yiOl0gAVXISkVVSMG-T0/s640/FullSizeRender.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Full color photo on a cloudy day</i></td></tr>
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Ever since I took my Girl Scout troop on a trip to Houston at the beginning of August, I've been meaning to tell you about it. But this isn't the happy post I was planning on writing. With all the catastrophic flooding caused by Hurricane Harvey this week, that fun trip seems like it happened an eternity ago.<br />
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Houston is my hometown. It's where I grew up. It's where I went to university. I met and married my husband there. He's a Houston boy, too. My parents and in-laws are there. My mom-in-law was born in Houston back in the 1940's and has witnessed so much change in that time. Thankfully, they've been spared from the flooding. My husband's aunt and all his cousins have not been as fortunate. Their homes may be flooded, but at least they are safe.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Houston keeps reinventing itself.<br />The very cool McGovern Centennial Park is only 3 years old.</i></td></tr>
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Houston has been through hurricanes and floods before. Houston is strong. Houston will recover.<br />
But my heart is breaking seeing all the photos on Facebook from my friends and family there. I wish I could be there to help. These past few days, my mind has been in Houston. If the roads are passable, we're driving there over this upcoming long holiday weekend. Then, I can be there both in body and spirit.<br />
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I strongly believe that travel is an important component of personal development. It expands your world view and lets you experience first-hand how other live. However, I don't think you necessarily need to grab a passport to get the benefits. Sometimes, all you need to do is hop in a car and drive to a place that's different than wherever you call home. That's why I wanted to take my troop of 11- and 12-year-old girls to Houston which is a mere 3-4 hour drive from Austin, Texas where we live. We hit different parts of the city — not just the pretty, visitors bureau-approved sites.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>One of the many chemical and petroleum refineries in Houston</i></td></tr>
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Unlike the rolling terrain of the Texas Hill Country that extends west of Austin, Houston is flat. Flat as a pancake flat. Back in university, I was driving around Houston with my friend from Pennsylvania. As we reached the top of one of its massive freeway interchanges, she looked at the landscape surrounding us and commented, "Wow. I didn't realize just how flat Houston is." All that flatness makes it hard for Houston to drain. I never saw a rushing river when I grew up in that town. Just miles of lazy bayous and creeks.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Houston is flat.<br />McGovern Centennial Garden in Herman Park</i></td></tr>
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On our troop trip, we stopped on the west side of town to pick up delicious and cheap food from <a href="http://www.theoriginalmarinisempanadahouse.com/" target="_blank">The Original Marini's Empanada</a> house. That restaurant is now just beyond the edge of the Mandatory Evacuation Zone a full one week after the torrential hurricane rains started falling. Our little caravan continued east on the Westpark Tollway heading into town. At one point in the drive, the road dipped down under another freeway, and the other chaperone commented on the flood level marker by the side of the road. These handy rulers let you know how deep the water. Looking at how it reached up to 14 feet high, she asked in disbelief if it ever got that bad. In Austin, the only problem areas during floods are low water crossings — never a main thoroughfare freeway. Thinking back to the 2015 Memorial Day Houston Flood, I assured her that it really was a danger. From photos that I've seen this past week, some roads must have had water 12 feet deep. I'm hoping that flood level marker saved a few lives. As they keep saying on the news, "Turn around. Don't drown."<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Happy days feeding the sea gulls</i></td></tr>
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The Girl Scout troop spent one day in Galveston Island. As part of their trip prep, I asked them what was the significant event that took place there in 1900. The answer is the Galveston Hurricane which still holds the record for deadliest natural disaster in US History. A 15-foot storm surge wiped out numerous buildings and homes on September 8, 1900, killing an estimated 6,000 to 12,000 people (counts vary). To guard against a similar calamity in the future, civil engineers came up with a plan to raise the city by 17 feet and constructed a seawall to protect against high waves. The design has, for the most part, protected Galveston, but it still endures floods when Category 4 or 5 hurricanes score a hit. For lunch, we stopped at <b><a href="http://galvestonstardrug.com/" target="_blank">Star Drug Store</a> </b>which was the first desegregated lunch counter in Galveston. The girls noticed that the high water mark of a more recent hurricane was a few feet above our heads. At the time, it was hard to imagine that much water inundating the island.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Looking out from the top of the San Jacinto Monument at the Battleship Texas, <br />refineries and the Houston Shipping Channel.</i></td></tr>
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On our last day, we headed out to the <b><a href="http://www.sanjacinto-museum.org/" target="_blank">San Jacinto Monument</a></b> which marks the battlefield where Texas won its independence from Mexico. Many people remember the Alamo which the Texian army lost, but few who are not required to study Texas history remember San Jacinto. The monument overlooks the <b><a href="https://tpwd.texas.gov/state-parks/battleship-texas" target="_blank">Battleship Texas</a></b> which last saw duty in World War II and the 50-mile-long <b>Houston Shipping Channel</b>. Our lunch table at the <b><a href="http://www.monumentinn.com/" target="_blank">Monument Inn</a></b> gave us practically front row seats to watch the massive container ships and barges making their way to and from the <b>Port of Houston</b>. The port is 25 miles long and is the busiest port in the USA measured by tons of foreign cargo. Most Volkswagons and Audis sold in North America are unloaded here. After lunch, we drove along the Pasadena Freeway which is lined with one petrochemical refinery after another. (It's also the opening sequence of John Travolta's <i>Urban Cowboy</i> movie.) We passed one small neighborhood which <i>The New York Times </i>had that weekend featured in its Daily 360 as <a href="https://www.nytimes.com/video/us/100000005325491/toxic-trespassing-in-texas-manchester-houston-air-pollution.html?mcubz=3" target="_blank">"A Toxic Part of Texas"</a> and called "one of the most polluted neighborhoods in America."<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiyZllBjnOnI90YXrTlWuXCu7srZr_wZcmyjDDooZyqgeKV6k3lzOg_EjaTaVAkjoUnuJfEK0lB9QA8_FSxwi41yQuuieFYRvCR9KvLFfOhM-HLIoH_h7DC_Rsq25EfTB7Fl94VXPnkmHo/s1600/FullSizeRender+%25282%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="1536" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiyZllBjnOnI90YXrTlWuXCu7srZr_wZcmyjDDooZyqgeKV6k3lzOg_EjaTaVAkjoUnuJfEK0lB9QA8_FSxwi41yQuuieFYRvCR9KvLFfOhM-HLIoH_h7DC_Rsq25EfTB7Fl94VXPnkmHo/s400/FullSizeRender+%25282%2529.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Pastries, cakes and bread from El Bolillo</i></td></tr>
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Our last stop in Houston was <b><a href="http://www.elbolillo.com/home" target="_blank">El Bolillo</a></b> bakery. What a place! Our eyes practically popped out of our heads at the self-serve display cabinets on every wall filled with Mexican pastries. It felt like we had been transported to Mexico. We were the only non-Hispanics in the building, and the sound of Spanish filled the air. One girl from my troop asked how much the churros were, but the 6 weeks of Spanish instruction they had received last year in middle school was not enough for the troop to figure out what the employee replied. This very same bakery made the news during Huricane Harvey. Trapped inside the building for 2 days by flood waters, four employees kept their mind off their worries by baking 4,400 pounds (1996 kg) of flour into pan dulce (sweet breads). When the owner was finally able to rescue them, they brought the abundance of baked goodies to various emergency shelters in Houston. (The girls have wondered what happened to the tiny stray kittens we found in the parking lot. I have optimistically claimed that they've all been rescued.)<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Underground passageway at the Museum of Fine Arts Houston</i></td></tr>
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I feel like I left part of my heart in Houston. I spent last weekend worried about my family there, especially when Facebook posts by childhood friends mentioned a tornado that touched down a couple miles from my parents' home. One of my husband's cousins posted pictures of wading through chest high water to rescue their dog, and another one shared a video of rescuing their cats in a small boat. I'm hoping that we can be of help when we visit.<br />
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If you are looking for a way to aid the people who have been impacted all over Texas by Hurricane Harvey, please consider making a donation to my fundraiser page at Austin Disaster Relief Network. They are partnering with the Red Cross to provide immediate assistance to evacuees, and they also have a program to help with the long-term recovery of these hard hit areas.<br />
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<a href="https://donate.adrn.org/fundraiser/1081475?is_new=true" target="_blank">Click here for Fundraiser page for Austin Disaster Relief Network</a></h4>
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At the very least, I hope that you keep all the people who have been affected by this hurricane in your thoughts. </div>
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<span style="color: #666666; font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">I've also joined with the following linkups. Check them out for more around-the-world travel inspiration.</span><br />
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<li><span style="color: #666666; font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">The Weekly Postcard on <a href="http://www.travelnotesandbeyond.com/" target="_blank">Travel Notes and Beyond</a></span></li>
<li><span style="color: #666666; font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Weekend Wanderlust on <a href="http://justinpluslauren.com/" target="_blank">Justin + Lauren</a></span></li>
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Michele {Malaysian Meanders}http://www.blogger.com/profile/18313351463568423694noreply@blogger.com17tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7054224870283073737.post-82370188587443155732017-08-04T13:08:00.001-05:002017-08-04T13:09:14.603-05:00Finding Paradise in Hanalei<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7yvvJsFu-oBDStw6DF_yRnY_P_m_RNTjaxevGcrHkT6KftY3UoSLs4UHjOw79WvAEkien61m1cjOipGdY61MDr2HbgR2CgKvqC5kpYlqPkY0EcXmjqg6UrjqPs5GwRrs2YN45RDlYpJw/s1600/Hawaii+2017+Hanalei+Clouds_mm.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1201" data-original-width="1600" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7yvvJsFu-oBDStw6DF_yRnY_P_m_RNTjaxevGcrHkT6KftY3UoSLs4UHjOw79WvAEkien61m1cjOipGdY61MDr2HbgR2CgKvqC5kpYlqPkY0EcXmjqg6UrjqPs5GwRrs2YN45RDlYpJw/s640/Hawaii+2017+Hanalei+Clouds_mm.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>The little town of Hanalei</i></td></tr>
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I know it sounds so trite, but I think I've found paradise. I shouldn't tell you where it is so that I can keep it a secret, but I can't help but share its name. It's a little town on Kauai's North Shore called Hanalei.<br />
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I still can't pinpoint exactly what it is about Hanalei that enthralls me so. We didn't actually stay there during our visit to Kauai. Other than it being our launching point for out Na Pali Coast boat outing, we didn't do anything major there either. Yet, it's lodged itself firmly in my heart as my favorite places on the island.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Windsurfing on Kauai's North Shore</i></td></tr>
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We stayed in the next town over, Princeville. Princeville was fine. It's a master-planned community with resort hotels, golf courses, and lots of vacation homes. Take away its sea cliff setting and mountain view, and it could be any upscale suburban neighborhood in America. Hanalei is something else. It seems to have developed organically over time instead of springing forth fully formed like Princeville.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="font-size: 12.8px;"><i>Taro fields seen from the Hanalei Valley Lookout</i></td></tr>
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The first glimpse people often have of Hanalei is from a well marked lookout along the Kuhio Highway. One this side of the island, the first part of the highway runs along an inland path with the mountains rising up in the distance on one side and greenery along the road hiding your view of anything else. Then, you pull over at the lookout on the <i>mauka </i>(toward the mountain) side of the road, take a few steps from the car, and are treated to a sweeping, postcard-perfect view of the valley below. Taro fields make a verdant patchwork quilt across the land cut through by the Hanalei River. People have farmed this area for centuries. Today, 900 acres of the valley are set aside as a national wildlife refuge and are home to several species of native birds.</div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Watch out for Hawaii's state bird</i></td></tr>
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For a view overlooking the curved bay -- "Hanalei" means "crescent" in Hawaiian -- we drove along Hanalei Plantation Road on the <i>makai</i> (toward the sea) side of the highway until it dead-ended. A locked gate keeps vehicles from going further, but there's an open pedestrian gate just to the left. From there, it's a short and easy half mile hike through the ruins of the old Club Med. All that's left of the buildings are the concrete foundations with a few pillars and half walls. I tried to convince the kids that it was the remains of an ill-fated, living dinosaur themed vacation resort. Part of the movie <i>South Pacific</i> was filmed on this spot which served as the Frenchman's estate. </div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i style="font-size: 12.8px;">Hanalei Bay as seen from the ruins of the old Club Med</i></td></tr>
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After the lookout and Hanalei Plantation Road, the road descends through a couple of switchbacks and crosses a narrow bridge built in 1912. This one lane bridge is the first of seven between here and the end of the road at Ke'e Beach. After this, the road runs along the coastline with beaches popping into view every few miles. </div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>American Gothic style Wai'oli Hui'ia Church</i></td></tr>
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If I had to guess, I'd say it was the serenity I felt in Hanalei. The relaxed vibe. The cool calmness. Maybe it's because I had reached the sweet spot in a vacation where I'd recovered from the jetlag yet still had most of our trip stretching ahead of me. Maybe it's because no one else seemed to be in a rush either. They were living on island time. Maybe it's because I had the best shave ice in my life -- the sweet tropical flavor of lilikoi (passion fruit) tempering the spicy bite of the ginger syrup, all covered with a drizzly of honey. </div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Wishing Well Organic Shave Ice</i></td></tr>
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Whatever the reason, I need to return to Hanalei some day to see if I can figure it out.</div>
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Michele {Malaysian Meanders}http://www.blogger.com/profile/18313351463568423694noreply@blogger.com10tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7054224870283073737.post-16949856765775030562017-07-29T03:03:00.001-05:002017-07-30T01:02:13.142-05:00The Grand Canyon of the Pacific<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_y5ikz2kbYIWflII_TDPT7VzVGNCRiJngPNFb3NZFMWhTpTeVO8zu2yLsTQmhNk49_RdPr-KDKJvOSP8GnOhZn0MbvTlSlYQHWT3GXvPStfYaMC8SF5xxHofNlElEWsc83MW-AevUleI/s1600/Hawaii+2017+Kauai_WaimeaCanyonLookout.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1201" data-original-width="1600" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_y5ikz2kbYIWflII_TDPT7VzVGNCRiJngPNFb3NZFMWhTpTeVO8zu2yLsTQmhNk49_RdPr-KDKJvOSP8GnOhZn0MbvTlSlYQHWT3GXvPStfYaMC8SF5xxHofNlElEWsc83MW-AevUleI/s640/Hawaii+2017+Kauai_WaimeaCanyonLookout.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Stunning view from the Waimea Canyon Lookout</i></td></tr>
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Every single person I know who visits Kauai, the oldest of the Hawaiian islands, can't help exclaiming over what a gorgeously scenic place it is. Of all the sites, <b>Waimea Canyon</b> is a standout. Nicknamed "The Grand Canyon of the Pacific," it is about 10 miles (16 km) long and 3000 feet (900 m) deep. The photo above doesn't do justice to this panoramic view. When in the midst of something so massive, a person can feel like just a speck. </div>
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Gazing out from the lookout, I was in awe at the bevy of contrasts. Lush green vegetation is interspersed with bare areas revealing Kauai's trademark red dirt. Instead of the one long channel that I was expecting, it was a mix of numerous peaks and valleys.<br />
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Looking down, birds glided below us. We were that high up! I found a waterfall far off in the distance and traced a river as it wound its way between the peaks. Mount Waialeale to the east is one of the wettest places on Earth, and its runoff carved out the many intersecting valleys that make up Waimea Canyon. Eventually, they combined together to form the Waimea River, one of the longest rivers in Hawaii. There are tons of hiking trails throughout this area, but we elected to just see what we could via car.</div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Kauai's signature red dirt</i></td></tr>
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On the twisting drive up to the lookout, one of the most striking sights was a short waterfall, probably only 8 or 10 feet tall, that was surrounded by Kauai's infamous red dirt. In the Hawaiian language, "waimea" means "reddish water." The island is so old that the volcanic soil, high in iron, has eventually oxidized and turned to rust. If you ever visit, be sure to buy one of the iconic souvenirs, a T-shirt dyed red in a bucket of dirt. When Hurrican Iniki hit in 1992, a screen printing shop discovered that their inventory of white shirts had been stained red by the dirt that covered everything in the hurricane's aftermath. Instead of calling it a loss, they embraced the damage and sold the shirts with the "Red Dirt Shirt" gimmick. You could say that life gave them lemons, and they made lemonade! Supposedly, a 5 gallon bucket of dirt is enough to stain 500 shirts. Be careful with your clothes out there. </div>
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We continued further uphill along Kokee Road in anticipation of what's reported to be one of the most stunning ocean views on the island. We were headed towards the highest elevation in Kauai accessible by car. At the end of the road is <b>Puu o Kila Lookout</b> which offers a sweeping view of the Kalalau Valley along the famous Na Pali Coast. </div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgwEwMFPoHrteW4pRJZQo6LP4D3LNvfaUMuN7-3TE4Epksfsh6hpdRAP5u-TixXVM2fqsjxFcglnUcCj6ydgY51zWo0s3YeDl40QK8V_GavjLfui4hUfX0i8cDraC6VFyvy-PD5bZ7VZYs/s1600/DSC05075_mm.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1201" data-original-width="1600" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgwEwMFPoHrteW4pRJZQo6LP4D3LNvfaUMuN7-3TE4Epksfsh6hpdRAP5u-TixXVM2fqsjxFcglnUcCj6ydgY51zWo0s3YeDl40QK8V_GavjLfui4hUfX0i8cDraC6VFyvy-PD5bZ7VZYs/s640/DSC05075_mm.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>What we saw at Puu o Kila Lookout</i></td></tr>
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You might say that I was completely underwhelmed. We actually weren't very surprised. It had been a sunny day as we started up the canyon road from Waimea Town, famous for being the first place on the Hawaiian Islands where Captain James Cook landed in 1778. He is the first European in recorded history to have made contact with the Hawaiians. </div>
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As the road rose higher, a few droplets of rain started falling. By the time we got out of the car at Puu o Kila lookout, we were donning raincoats and grabbing umbrellas. When the trade winds are blowing from the ocean towards land, the moisture get trapped in the valley and turns into a massive cloud. The winds have been known to quickly shift the other way. When they do, the moisture is channeled down the valleys and pushed out to sea to clear up. We weren't patient enough to wait around in case if we got lucky. Later, a boat operator told us that some people plan multiple trips to the top of Puu o Kila Lookout just to make sure they catch it at when it's clear. Between 8AM and 11AM are supposed to be the times when you are most likely to have a good view. </div>
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When the winds are blowing the right way, this is what people see. What a difference!</div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzuIfg0hYdEUx6M7qOEvbWtYNAxz_FaY_LIDb3kwlDKnYEzzdKU3ttz1Z7vMEyNvM3PCy8al_VwrsjXTX53BgHOCDmKPiz5-M7T7x95ZAgMxTOgm-4rEP7t1L5WN9ir4xaiXF6zAtDbEI/s1600/9205086243_d2d2754dcf_z.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="400" data-original-width="640" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzuIfg0hYdEUx6M7qOEvbWtYNAxz_FaY_LIDb3kwlDKnYEzzdKU3ttz1Z7vMEyNvM3PCy8al_VwrsjXTX53BgHOCDmKPiz5-M7T7x95ZAgMxTOgm-4rEP7t1L5WN9ir4xaiXF6zAtDbEI/s640/9205086243_d2d2754dcf_z.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Puu o Kila Lookout on a clear day<br />Photo credit: <a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/alexschwab/9205086243/" target="_blank">Alex Schwab</a></i></td></tr>
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No wonder people drive out multiple times to try to catch this sight. The lookout marks the end of the road on the western side of the island. No roads completely encircle Kauai. It's an 80.5 mile drive to reach where the road ends on the north coast. By the end of our week on the Garden Island, we had driven every single lush mile between Pu'u O Kila Lookout and Ke'e Beach.</div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSK_YJlzXJFg-_RdmH6o_bgBNRmmq34SpD-mAUeWm6kyupOoAgAroZ09nAXDnetjcCb0OvjfZfFTnpG2-DFla30jM58tbTD5kDTVRJ3ClNtWd8Lk28zFhZwXp_wKemomtfMiXKHNdl9Bo/s1600/Puu+o+Kila+to+Kee+map.PNG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1245" data-original-width="1600" height="496" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSK_YJlzXJFg-_RdmH6o_bgBNRmmq34SpD-mAUeWm6kyupOoAgAroZ09nAXDnetjcCb0OvjfZfFTnpG2-DFla30jM58tbTD5kDTVRJ3ClNtWd8Lk28zFhZwXp_wKemomtfMiXKHNdl9Bo/s640/Puu+o+Kila+to+Kee+map.PNG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i><a href="https://www.google.com/maps/dir/Pu%E2%80%99u+O+Kila+Lookout,+Pihea+Trail,+Kapaa,+HI+96746/Ke'e+Beach/@22.0498061,-159.6815926,11z/data=!4m14!4m13!1m5!1m1!1s0x7c06ff2e4f1c106b:0x607e23590381a3de!2m2!1d-159.6309011!2d22.1478531!1m5!1m1!1s0x7c06f9f3c4e6f35b:0xc24870f1c7a2009d!2m2!1d-159.5798426!2d22.2235082!3e0" target="_blank">Google Maps</a></i></td></tr>
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In between is wilderness. People lived in the valley until 1919, but it no longer has permanent residents -- just hikers and backpack campers. The rugged Na Pali Coast is deemed too difficult to conquer with heavy, roadbuilding machinery. That's part of why this area's natural beauty has been so perfectly preserved, and the towns along the west and north remain small and quaint. </div>
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<b>TIP: </b>The only place on Kauai where I found mountain apples for sale was the fruit stand by the Waimea Canyon Lookout parking lot. In Malaysia, they are called rose apples and also hard to find there. The taste is similar to an Asian pear but much juicier. It's so refreshing! Be sure to try it if you have the chance. </div>
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Michele {Malaysian Meanders}http://www.blogger.com/profile/18313351463568423694noreply@blogger.com28tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7054224870283073737.post-20571528003596176572017-07-21T23:44:00.000-05:002017-07-22T00:20:35.150-05:00Missiles, Mammoths and Mount Rushmore<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiywMEuO2XwZLgqa8PIrI5_v9tVx7wulKA7DEBlMJCqC2Rzdt-QakTHtE3Um9cZ8JgF-0JLL6dZT2P2Eok0ptErPPGR_zztOkbw6rbtnRfyhR6YOf6-0luMIPmmyqoQ0-2Yxk7-sshjQFw/s1600/MountRushmore_GeorgeAbe.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1284" data-original-width="1284" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiywMEuO2XwZLgqa8PIrI5_v9tVx7wulKA7DEBlMJCqC2Rzdt-QakTHtE3Um9cZ8JgF-0JLL6dZT2P2Eok0ptErPPGR_zztOkbw6rbtnRfyhR6YOf6-0luMIPmmyqoQ0-2Yxk7-sshjQFw/s400/MountRushmore_GeorgeAbe.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Jefferson and Roosevelt are hiding from me</i></td></tr>
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Have you ever been to Rapid City, South Dakota? Have you even <i>heard</i> of Rapid City? I only found out that this place existed when I began researching where we should stay while visiting the iconic Mount Rushmore. It turns out that it's a great base for a three-day exploration of some rather incredible sights from Ice Age mammoths to Cold War missiles.<br />
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Day 1</h4>
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Minuteman Missile National Historic Site</h3>
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In sharp contrast to this year's headlines questioning why Donald Trump and Vladimir Putin are so chummy with each other, step back in time to the Cold War era when the USA and USSR had nuclear missiles pointed at each other in a strategy called "Mutual Assured Destruction" (MAD). Translation: Whoever launches their missiles first dies second. </div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="font-size: 12.8px;"><i>Gazing down at a deactivated nuclear missile</i></td></tr>
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Driving across the prairie, I would have never guessed at how much lethal power — the type that would bring catastrophe upon the human race — was hidden away from sight from 1963 to the 1990s. We took exit 116 off of I-90 and drove about a half mile to small, unassuming area surrounded by a chain link fence. A glass dome topped a 12 foot wide, 80 foot deep silo made of reinforced concrete and a steel plate liner. Inside it sat one of the 1000 Minuteman Intercontinental Ballistic Missiles that were once spread across the plains. Don't worry. It no longer contains its 1.2 ton nuclear warhead. If you want to do more than run out and snap a photo, there's a sign listing a phone number to call to listen to a recorded audioguide.<br />
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A visitors center is located on I-90 by the eastern edge of Badlands National Park. If you want to visit the underground Launch Control facility, you must make reservations ahead of time online or by phone. Same day tours are not available.<br />
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Badlands National Park</h3>
Badlands National Park is an otherworldly landscape that will make you feel like you're exploring some planet other than Earth. It was strange how the terrain was seemingly unremarkable and covered in grassland, then suddenly plunged down to reveal layered rock formations.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>The Door Trail is an easy hike with a spectacular view.</i></td></tr>
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Our first stop was the Ben Reifel Visitors Center to learn more about the area and see some of the fossils visitors have discovered while visiting the park. The Door Trail and Window Trail are both very easy hikes with the big payoff of a spectacular view. For lunch, we stopped at the Cedar Pass Lodge where I dined on hearty Sioux Tacos made of fluffy Indian fry bread, refried beans and bison meat. Afterwards, we slowly drove the 23-mile Badlands Loop Trail to the Pinnacles Entrance, taking time to stop at the many scenic viewpoints. If you see cars pulled over by the side of the road when there's no official viewpoint, they have probably spotted some of the park's wildlife including bison, bighorn sheep, pronghorn antelope and adorable prairie dogs.<br />
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To read more about our time at Badlands National Park, see <a href="http://malaysianmeanders.blogspot.com/2015/08/great-day-in-badlands.html" target="_blank">Great Day in the Badlands</a> and <a href="http://malaysianmeanders.blogspot.com/2015/08/badlands-door-trail-short-hike-with-big.html" target="_blank">Badlands Door Trail: Short Hike with a Big View</a>.<br />
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Wall Drug</h3>
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It's hard to miss the numerous roadside signs pointing passerbys to quirky Wall Drug, an 80-year-old highway rest stop that now encompasses a whopping 76,000 square feet. This was our kids' reward for being good sports during our Badlands visit. My daughter's friends thought this place was a tourist trap, but my family liked it so much that we visited twice. </div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Sit astride the jackelope</i></td></tr>
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Cool off with ice cream or grab a goodie from the bakery. If you want something more substantial there's burgers or pizza as well as a cafe restaurant. An animatronic T-rex roars to life every 15 minutes, and during the summer months, youngsters can splash in the Train Station Water Show. Pan for gold, try your hand at the shooting gallery or play the games in the video arcade. Most of all, there are more souvenirs than you can possibly imagine. </div>
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For more information about Wall Drug, read <a href="http://malaysianmeanders.blogspot.com/2015/09/wonderfully-wacky-wall-drug.html" target="_blank">Wonderfully Wacky Wall Drug</a>.<br />
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Day 2</h4>
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Mammoth Site of Hot Springs</h3>
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How exciting would it be to watch paleontologist unearth a woolly mammoth from the ground? How about if it was 61 mammoths? That's why I call this place "The Old Mammoth Burial Ground." Go back in time at the Mammoth Site of Hot Springs, located about an hour drive south of Rapid City. (Note: Do not confuse this with Yellowstone's Mammoth Hot Springs).</div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_aYkJ1JAVhJIGG5TbwaFUjfBHbueQwNBdGP0czeYfJDB94zOVksXfWDo1MRTC5ElUvNd-uxgK6DWYBJSZdCnpy6DNThLoFNCfJ_CbwI7mZXo5tufsxD8Fqb3aOVjwsREpcf1juRAS5XQ/s1600/Western+USA+2015+Pics+401_mm.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1201" data-original-width="1600" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_aYkJ1JAVhJIGG5TbwaFUjfBHbueQwNBdGP0czeYfJDB94zOVksXfWDo1MRTC5ElUvNd-uxgK6DWYBJSZdCnpy6DNThLoFNCfJ_CbwI7mZXo5tufsxD8Fqb3aOVjwsREpcf1juRAS5XQ/s640/Western+USA+2015+Pics+401_mm.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>How many tusks can you spot? I see at least 3 pairs. </i></td></tr>
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Searching for fresh water and vegetation during the last Ice Age, animals were drawn to this 60-foot deep pond which was fed from below by a hot spring. Its steep sides trapped the animals within the pond where they died and were buried over the years by the sedimentation that eventually filled in the entire pond. While excavating for a housing development in 1974, people stumbled across these ancient bones. Now, the entire pit is sheltered by a climate controlled building. Active excavations take place every June and July, although the dig site is open year round for guided tours. The Exhibit Hall contains lifesize replicas of the different animals discovered at the Mammoth Site, and the laboratory has windows in the hallway so you can watch the scientists at work. There are also a limited number of spots in the Junior Paleontologist Excavation Program for kids 4-12 years old as well as an Advanced Paleontogist Excavation Program for people 10 years and older. If you're not doing the excavation program, allot 1-2 hours for this visit.</div>
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For more information, see their website at <a href="http://mammothsite.com/" target="_blank">http://mammothsite.com/</a>.</div>
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<h3>
Wind Cave National Park</h3>
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Wind Cave got its name from the wind that either blows out of or sucks into the cave opening due to changes in barometric pressure. This large cave is unusual because of its rare boxwork cave formations. While you can do the above ground hiking trails and nature walks on your own, entry into the cave is by guided tour only. </div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzXbmVDrEdch7BYzjfyuFnbcVj-kPIgAk0l11SzTMDYNhnRbMISNEJr_1TvsufauW-20beNjMK0JgV04Oo28ZmJZUBUukUwlElQu2KN9XgiGLs_5QoahEfC4D_nldlfx2BYiGdXZZVfqg/s1600/Wind+Cave+NP+Boxwork.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzXbmVDrEdch7BYzjfyuFnbcVj-kPIgAk0l11SzTMDYNhnRbMISNEJr_1TvsufauW-20beNjMK0JgV04Oo28ZmJZUBUukUwlElQu2KN9XgiGLs_5QoahEfC4D_nldlfx2BYiGdXZZVfqg/s640/Wind+Cave+NP+Boxwork.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Rare boxwork cave formations (Photo credit: National Parks Service Photo)</i></td></tr>
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For more information, see the <a href="https://www.nps.gov/wica/index.htm" target="_blank">National Parks website.</a> </div>
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<h3>
Needles Highway</h3>
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Want to see cool rock formations without going underground? Take SD-87 North through Custer State Park (vehicle entrance fee required) to where the road turns west and starts twisting and turning. The 14 mile long Needles Highway has pig-tail shaped bridges, narrow rock tunnels and towering granite pinnacles with names like Cathedral Spires and Needle's Eye. At the end of the scenic highway, we did an easy hike around Sylvan Lake.</div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Top: Narrow crevasses and the Needle's Eye<br />Bottom: Cathedral Spires</i></td></tr>
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While in Custer State Park, we spotted numerous bison both off in the distance as well as walking along the road. Blue Bell Lodge, located just after the park entrance, is a rustic log building where we had a nice lunch. This is your chance to try Rabbit & Rattlesnake sausage. (Confession: No one in my family ordered it.) </div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjCG0i2gFNucSagTrlN2y5wCQDcMubebbHHMSvPR1bfer4BBqKLU2QGhCyI-ryql_SeEV4vKatN7xJHbNNlrASDKI4GYblDoizhvEOpZTrwJsa9lXpOGt104IwIdr_Ex2bxvk0yy8oFmYQ/s1600/Western+USA+2015+Pics+429_mm.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1201" data-original-width="1600" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjCG0i2gFNucSagTrlN2y5wCQDcMubebbHHMSvPR1bfer4BBqKLU2QGhCyI-ryql_SeEV4vKatN7xJHbNNlrASDKI4GYblDoizhvEOpZTrwJsa9lXpOGt104IwIdr_Ex2bxvk0yy8oFmYQ/s640/Western+USA+2015+Pics+429_mm.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Bison herd in Custer State Park</i></td></tr>
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<h3>
Fort Hays Chuckwagon Supper</h3>
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We ended the day at Fort Hays Old West Town and Dinner Show. Have you seen the movie <i>Dances with Wolves</i>? Many buildings from the original film set are located here. We arrived around 5PM to give us time to stroll through the film set as well as visit the workshops in the Old West Town. We watched guys press tin rounds into pie plates, pound metal into knife blades and twist twine to make rope. My girl always likes getting pressed pennies as a souvenir. This is the first time we've seen it done with a belt-driven line shaft from a steam engine, though.</div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxhaVxtoBeFh9WJNll-LWWYCqA7mr-ICNJAxvTDhjXf86s2ASXSlBJiBKVOgU-_89JJAU_VsTSFUmVCcsimdV4cLgWrn4Qo3DtAlBNpSobo9xu-vwg3AdpG1Z7Cdu6djjhWszRoqJBa8s/s1600/Western+USA+2015+Pics+519_mm.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1201" data-original-width="1600" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxhaVxtoBeFh9WJNll-LWWYCqA7mr-ICNJAxvTDhjXf86s2ASXSlBJiBKVOgU-_89JJAU_VsTSFUmVCcsimdV4cLgWrn4Qo3DtAlBNpSobo9xu-vwg3AdpG1Z7Cdu6djjhWszRoqJBa8s/s640/Western+USA+2015+Pics+519_mm.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Holding a tin round in the 100-year-old lathe to transform it into a pie plate. </i></td></tr>
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Doors open to the Dining Hall at 6:15PM. We were seated at long tables and served a traditional chuckwagon dinner on tin plates. Afterwards, the musicians took the stage for an hour long show. </div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjP_oryI7MtJRcQq6v0fwCSRA1Ah1nzAvuQ_0Bk6o22RlnZJDpgSnaDoga5h-TfGpsp4FHhduHDs6JBRmZCJ8QHsueIuCSg51RbPFZiuJutfV6t-vuxXsr2TyE-Vx-uGbPPJNh-5NyXg0U/s1600/Western+USA+2015+Pics+529_cropped_mm.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="633" data-original-width="1600" height="252" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjP_oryI7MtJRcQq6v0fwCSRA1Ah1nzAvuQ_0Bk6o22RlnZJDpgSnaDoga5h-TfGpsp4FHhduHDs6JBRmZCJ8QHsueIuCSg51RbPFZiuJutfV6t-vuxXsr2TyE-Vx-uGbPPJNh-5NyXg0U/s640/Western+USA+2015+Pics+529_cropped_mm.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>They play both kinds of music... country AND western. </i></td></tr>
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It seemed like there were a hundred tour buses here, but the place did a good job of serving everyone quickly. For more information, see their <a href="http://mountrushmoretours.com/fort-hays-old-town-square/" target="_blank">website</a>.</div>
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Day 3</h4>
<h3>
Outdoor Art in Rapid City.</h3>
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I was really surprised to stumble upon Art Alley which was filled with the type of street art I'd expect in a big, urban city. Every accessible surface seemed to be covered with art. Hopefully, people don't ruin it with random graffiti tagging. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdANi7JWMo3DwjA7RJS_oNBCcFG5fOQDBNRkxcWkhQBE5dSYcGY1dB8oVilwrcWJxvV-bNY0i2aRjkG4kG-8DAIbAWu8uGjCjGEnWWV4uys9Wwi700Fo1Tg6ulCr9fH0U4Oc7AJLFNJOE/s1600/IMG_3158_mm.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1201" data-original-width="1600" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdANi7JWMo3DwjA7RJS_oNBCcFG5fOQDBNRkxcWkhQBE5dSYcGY1dB8oVilwrcWJxvV-bNY0i2aRjkG4kG-8DAIbAWu8uGjCjGEnWWV4uys9Wwi700Fo1Tg6ulCr9fH0U4Oc7AJLFNJOE/s640/IMG_3158_mm.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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For more photos, see <a href="http://malaysianmeanders.blogspot.com/2015/09/art-alley-rapid-citys-hidden-treasure.html" target="_blank">Art Alley: Rapid City's Hidden Treasure</a>. </div>
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The city also has an official public art project called <a href="https://www.visitrapidcity.com/things-to-do/city-presidents#.VfS1yPlVhXt" target="_blank">City of Presidents</a>. Life size bronze statues of all the US Presidents are placed around downtown Rapid City.</div>
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<h3>
Mount Rushmore National Memorial</h3>
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Finally, the main reason why people are drawn to this part of the country... the iconic Mount Rushmore with its 60-foot tall heads of remarkable US Presidents. You can see it from miles away. </div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDFT1va4Nk9nVMd-ZRiZ7o2UyJR9o6kpqwmS9DCqrKUmn50CQvbRKrJE0RvO9iktqwv3-rE3mmL2WX5ckRMOUB0DSnPSPWVkoMMObKQxSPjDId7sgyeI-Tmqj8V32I2gDBX0nd8J_ASbU/s1600/Western+USA+2015+Pics+537_mm.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1201" data-original-width="1600" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDFT1va4Nk9nVMd-ZRiZ7o2UyJR9o6kpqwmS9DCqrKUmn50CQvbRKrJE0RvO9iktqwv3-rE3mmL2WX5ckRMOUB0DSnPSPWVkoMMObKQxSPjDId7sgyeI-Tmqj8V32I2gDBX0nd8J_ASbU/s640/Western+USA+2015+Pics+537_mm.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>George Washington, Thomas Jefferson, Teddy Roosevelt and Abraham Lincoln immortalized in stone. </i></td></tr>
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At the very least, park your car, pay the entrance fee and grab a photo of you on the Avenue of Flags with Mount Rushmore behind you. </div>
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If you have one or two more hours, make a stop at the Visitors Center to get an idea of why Mount Rushmore was built and the methods that were used to precisely blast the stone before chiseling in the details. The Needles which we had seen the previous day were the original proposed site, but the sculptor rejected it because the stone was too eroded. Construction ran from 1927 to 1941 and involved more than 400 workers. Mount Rushmore was originally supposed to include the presidential torsos, but there was not enough funding to complete the project as planned.</div>
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Afterwards, walk along the 0.6 mile Presidents Trail to see the monument from different angles. At one point on the path, it seems like Jefferson and Roosevelt are hiding (see first photo in post). I really enjoyed the Sculptor's Studio and seeing the small scale models used by Gotzum Borglum to determine what the the massive sculpture would look like. In fact, I think my husband may have the same bone structure as ole Abe Lincoln. </div>
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<h3>
Rushmore Tramway Adventures</h3>
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When traveling with kids, it's a good idea to add a little fun to the activities. Rushmore Tramway Adventures, located just a couple of miles from Mount Rushmore, perfectly fit the bill. We took the chairlift to the top of the mountain and walked around for a bit before taking the 2000-foot-long Alpine Slide back down. Afterwards, two of the kids raced each other on the 800 foot inclined zipline. </div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYZ6-pkTjwiB90GEIfnBM4zHzQcf1aXVEv3TAFuu6hDzJpg3Xr1rDoco_fsXldGEaK7pwLxqZ-TIjDSPymu_eXN7J9eElNZmgQ2nwD9y1r0x5qrHGX3Qq9N0JeL5KzLpq-Hr5A_5QvRH4/s1600/Western+USA+2015+Pics+KeystoneMountainCollage_mm.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="900" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYZ6-pkTjwiB90GEIfnBM4zHzQcf1aXVEv3TAFuu6hDzJpg3Xr1rDoco_fsXldGEaK7pwLxqZ-TIjDSPymu_eXN7J9eElNZmgQ2nwD9y1r0x5qrHGX3Qq9N0JeL5KzLpq-Hr5A_5QvRH4/s400/Western+USA+2015+Pics+KeystoneMountainCollage_mm.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Chairlift, alpine slide and zipline at Rushmore Tramway Adventures</i></td></tr>
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A two hour zipline tour, a jump tower and an aerial ropes course are also part of the adventure park. Too bad we didn't have more time to spend here.</div>
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For more information, see the <a href="http://www.rushmoretramwayadventures.com/" target="_blank">Rushmore Tramway Adventures website</a>.<br />
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<h3>
Crazy Horse Memorial</h3>
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One of the controversies surrounding Mount Rushmore is that it is built on what was traditional Lakota Native American tribal land. A Lakota chief campaigned to have the likeness of Crazy Horse, a Lakota warrior, included among the presidents. Obviously, he did not get his way. </div>
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The chief eventually invited sculptor Korczak Ziolkowski who had be working on Mount Rushmore to carve a separate memorial to Crazy Horse on the sacred Thunderhead Mountain located 17 miles (27 km) from Mount Rushmore. This privately funded project began in 1948 and still continues. In fact, it looked very, very far from completion. When finished, it will be the world's largest sculpture. The eyes themselves are 17 feet wide. In contrast to the hundreds of workers for Mount Rushmore, the Crazy Horse Memorial only has a few people at work on the mountain. </div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhwkPHJVgN88SgOUbDbUJCmBwWMEskH6hGn0-M38cWFsTKQVAE_zwmkR8gqmYv3Fo4rqVyaHYw7bgIfF2NzJmQWjtOoo9sb3EkF8JpzVAiDvZMbThEY0NMogjwqFAHyR7SUyBcrnvf44NU/s1600/Western+USA+2015+Pics_CrazyHorseCollage_mm.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="904" data-original-width="904" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhwkPHJVgN88SgOUbDbUJCmBwWMEskH6hGn0-M38cWFsTKQVAE_zwmkR8gqmYv3Fo4rqVyaHYw7bgIfF2NzJmQWjtOoo9sb3EkF8JpzVAiDvZMbThEY0NMogjwqFAHyR7SUyBcrnvf44NU/s640/Western+USA+2015+Pics_CrazyHorseCollage_mm.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Top: The incomplete Crazy Horse Memorial today<br />Bottom: A scale model of the sculpture, and an image of the final sculpture superimposed upon the mountain</i></td></tr>
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Even though it is unfinished, this memorial still has a million visitors each year. The Visitors Center includes the Indian Museum of North America, Ziolkowski's home and studio, a restaurant and a marketplace where I bought some handmade jewelry and an ocarina. </div>
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For more information, see the <a href="https://crazyhorsememorial.org/" target="_blank">Crazy Horse Memorial website</a>.</div>
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<h4>
Lodging</h4>
We stayed at the <a href="http://www.alexjohnson.com/" target="_blank">Hotel Alex Johnson</a> near the town square of Rapid City. Just as construction began on Mount Rushmore, Mr. Johnson had the foresight to build a fine hotel for the hordes of tourists he knew would visit the monument. Furthermore, this place is <i>haunted. </i>Channel your inner ghostbuster by booking Room 812 where ghostly activity is said to occur. <br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXx2B9-5W3mXsiinGsDj411xfyTjvBM1H1mYYOgNPK2Y_oqeSzzxP9kdOZ5rSfkYHiewuksVtkxH1PbtcFBq0_Eyz25ArJ0V8xBY-vutGuBAJckwWuDm4An8-kX5YIsr6ibmBTFtDvX0A/s1600/Western+USA+2015+Pics_HotelAlexJohnsonCollage_mm.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="704" data-original-width="704" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXx2B9-5W3mXsiinGsDj411xfyTjvBM1H1mYYOgNPK2Y_oqeSzzxP9kdOZ5rSfkYHiewuksVtkxH1PbtcFBq0_Eyz25ArJ0V8xBY-vutGuBAJckwWuDm4An8-kX5YIsr6ibmBTFtDvX0A/s400/Western+USA+2015+Pics_HotelAlexJohnsonCollage_mm.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Top: Lobby of the Hotel Alex Johnson<br />Bottom: Stone decor on the outside of the building</i></td></tr>
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Book a room at <a href="http://www.alexjohnson.com/" target="_blank">http://www.alexjohnson.com</a><br />
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<h4>
Have you visited Rapid City or any of these places?</h4>
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<span style="color: #666666; font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">I've also joined with the following linkups. Check them out for more around-the-world travel inspiration.</span><br />
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<li><span style="color: #666666; font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Travel Photo Thursday on <a href="http://www.budgettravelerssandbox.com/magical-sunrise-shots/" target="_blank">Budget Travelers Sandbox</a>, <a href="http://www.budgettraveltalk.com/" target="_blank">Budget Travel Talk</a>, <a href="http://tanamatales.com/" target="_blank">Tanama Tales</a> and <a href="http://rachelheller.org/" target="_blank">Rachel's Ruminations</a>.</span></li>
<li><span style="color: #666666; font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">The Weekly Postcard on <a href="http://www.travelnotesandbeyond.com/" target="_blank">Travel Notes and Beyond</a></span></li>
<li><span style="color: #666666; font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Weekend Wanderlust on <a href="http://justinpluslauren.com/" target="_blank">Justin + Lauren</a></span></li>
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Michele {Malaysian Meanders}http://www.blogger.com/profile/18313351463568423694noreply@blogger.com31tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7054224870283073737.post-87360493767020690392017-07-15T01:12:00.000-05:002017-07-15T22:35:24.606-05:00The Time I Drove a Horse-Drawn Wagon and Other Pioneer Tales<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_YTaaV36ukI_vGF2U320skExaQMWRBjXGvAHgjlmicbOMkboFfidZUG2xEtDqh-k7OlLg65ts2TqNxCHK7vvzcTUWu8q8XBtmbeEYV8zsa81lmBjsXxoZnIi2A7Xwq7oT3oT6lgsDKVw/s1600/IMG_2941_mm.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1600" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_YTaaV36ukI_vGF2U320skExaQMWRBjXGvAHgjlmicbOMkboFfidZUG2xEtDqh-k7OlLg65ts2TqNxCHK7vvzcTUWu8q8XBtmbeEYV8zsa81lmBjsXxoZnIi2A7Xwq7oT3oT6lgsDKVw/s400/IMG_2941_mm.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Mama horse and her newborn foal</i></td></tr>
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I was a bookish kid who was completely enthralled by <i>The Little House on the Prairie </i>series written by Laura Ingalls Wilder. While there was also the TV show based on the novels that depicted pioneer life, it was the books that kept drawing me in. Laura's storytelling is so vivid that my young mind was convinced it was an autobiography, not made up tales based on her childhood in the American frontier. I wanted to be just like Laura.<br />
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I remember pulling out my student atlas, flipping to the page for South Dakota and finding De Smet on the map. There it was. A tiny dot that represented the little town where the last few books of the series are set. And I'd sit there and wonder what that town looked like. When we started planning our Great Big Western USA roadtrip, I explained to my husband that De Smet was "only a four hour<i> </i>detour<i>" </i>from the Badlands/Mount Rushmore stop on our itinerary. I begged. I pleaded. I explained how we were never going to be that close to Laura's little town on the prairie. I channeled all the stubbornness that my inner-Laura could muster. So, that's how I finally found my feet firmly planted in the real life, 21st century De Smet, South Dakota. It's still a small town of only 1100 people, and a visit there is like being transported back in time.<br />
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Ingalls Homestead</h3>
My family's favorite place in De Smet is the <b><a href="http://www.ingallshomestead.com/" target="_blank">Ingalls Homestead</a></b>. This place has so many hands-on pioneer activities that you don't need to be a <i>Little House </i>fan to enjoy yourself. Located one mile from town, this is the actual homestead that the Ingalls family moved onto in May 1880. Back then, the USA encouraged westward expansion by offering ownership of 160 acres free to citizens as long as a person lived on it for 5 years, built a house on it and farmed part of the land. Visitors are free to wander around and explore the homestead at their own pace.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>My girl takes the reins</i></td></tr>
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We started our visit with a ride in the horse-drawn covered wagon out to the one room schoolhouse on the edge of the property. My childhood dream came true when the man in charge asked if anyone wanted to take the reins! My hand shot up to volunteer — no matter that everyone else raising their hand was a kid. Everyone who wanted to had a chance to take control of the pair of horses pulling us along. It was glorious to take those leather straps in hand and feel every movement of the horses' heads as we trotted along the trail. While the few minutes it took to reach the schoolhouse were quite fun, I might feel differently if it we were traveling 600 miles in it as the Ingalls family did when they moved from Wisconsin out to their little house on the prairie near Independence, Kansas.<br />
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The schoolhouse was originally built in 1889 by nearby Lake Thompson. Laura never taught here, but one of her students became one of the school's early teachers. Kids got to put on bonnets and hats, and a guide explained what school was like over a century ago. I played the role of the problem student and had to stand at the front of the classroom with my nose pressed firmly to the chalkboard.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Laura Ingalls childhood home outside, De Smet, the little town on the prairie</i></td></tr>
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The other highlight of my visit to the Homestead was the replica of the Ingalls home. It was recreated based on Laura's description in her novels and the official homestead papers. Pa reported that the original 14x20 foot house was built in two stages, and then a 12x16 foot addition was later added. I walked into the house and looked around at the tiny 140 square foot portion that comprised the first stage. It was so small. I thought of how sharing one hotel room drives me a little bonkers whenever my family takes trips, and I began to be a little thankful that I wasn't just like Laura after all.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjd0hs3slSvA1j3LDRAp5BEsEIwe_3_xLVXkGSJQaCmby2EABVMPzeuY65opPSre3Nchq29EAdRZga2a40e5f6mMrauRZdaPaQCcy473Y0YnYz3YZX9ibxDmyOFKflujoZM9AoYNv7NGD4/s1600/Western+USA+2015+Pics_LittleHouseCollage_mm.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="604" data-original-width="604" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjd0hs3slSvA1j3LDRAp5BEsEIwe_3_xLVXkGSJQaCmby2EABVMPzeuY65opPSre3Nchq29EAdRZga2a40e5f6mMrauRZdaPaQCcy473Y0YnYz3YZX9ibxDmyOFKflujoZM9AoYNv7NGD4/s640/Western+USA+2015+Pics_LittleHouseCollage_mm.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Inside the Ingalls cabin</i></td></tr>
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The little house brought to life details from Laura's books. The beds were filled with dry grass, and a red and white tablecloth covered the table. A what-not shelf stands in the corner calling to mind the one that Pa built for Ma after finding out it was considered very fashionable. Unlike many places filled with antiques, visitors were welcome to touch the objects in the cabin. They didn't even mind my girl playing the pump organ similar to the one that Pa and Laura bought her sister Mary when she returned from attending the Iowa School for the Blind. Outside, you can try your hand at washing clothes in a tub with a washboard, putting them through the wringer and hanging them up to dry. Pioneer laundry day seems fun... as long as you only have to do it for a few minutes.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>This Holstein calf named Bright is only a few days old. </i></td></tr>
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A hay roof barn similar to the one that Pa built was a short distance from the house. Inside, we found a calf that had been born earlier that week, a litter of kittens and a chicken coop. You can imagine how much the kids enjoyed the barn!<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiag2uZdmmfXcrS0x43ZlcTW3cRR-G_rbLwhEWp03dYHrLZ_elF0p8nFnOwyCVzqyKGE-rzbTWJjdZCI4hGedU7EehymYtoJRBA9_GWX-cmzYC9MqvYJudUVmwr5XzMyRoMerNM1Si65V4/s1600/Western+USA+2015+Pics+032_mm.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1201" data-original-width="1600" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiag2uZdmmfXcrS0x43ZlcTW3cRR-G_rbLwhEWp03dYHrLZ_elF0p8nFnOwyCVzqyKGE-rzbTWJjdZCI4hGedU7EehymYtoJRBA9_GWX-cmzYC9MqvYJudUVmwr5XzMyRoMerNM1Si65V4/s640/Western+USA+2015+Pics+032_mm.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>A sod house hidden in the hillside</i></td></tr>
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The sod house was another place on the homestead I was eager to see. The Ingalls lived in a little dugout sod house in <i>On the Banks of Plum Creek </i>which takes place near Walnut Grove, Minnesota before they settle in De Smet. So although they never had a sod house on the homestead, one has been built there to give visitors an idea of what it is like. It was carved into the hillside and difficult to spot until we walked down the trail. I can definitely see its advantage if someone is short on building supplies on the treeless prairie since only the front wall had to be built. Still, it felt dark and a little claustrophobic to have to live there day in and day out.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Trying out the carriage</i></td></tr>
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Pioneer modes of transportation were in one of the buildings just past the Ingalls homestead house. Hubby and I sat next to each other on the sleigh as I told him how I always thought it was so romantic that Almanzo Wilder picked up Laura each weekend from her horrid teaching job at the Brewster school so she could visit home. Hubby claims that Almanzo recognized a good opportunity to get some unchaperoned alone time with the gal he was smitten with. We also tried sitting in the carriage. While I fit in quite comfortably, hubby realized he was about a foot too tall to sit upright. I guess everything was tiny back in the pioneer days.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Ponies!</i></td></tr>
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Outside, kids lined up to take turns riding on the ponies and driving the pony cart.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Practicing our lasso skills</i></td></tr>
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Considering how difficult it was to lasso this fake cow that was not moving, I have much more respect for anyone who can lasso a running cow while riding a horse.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPqpxw-ONLjeyj1Nigl2sWIMsFjtQM_PMqysDjGTpqM45jbUnKMgmMB97k4n8gdZr-KvNnnWEPA4eUqYLDbkdnyMYlhGt1CCN0kjh3IoGUJdi0j_64vv63AlPMRdtfTL6RwuKRk9XeZ4I/s1600/Western+USA+2015+Pics+144_mm.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1600" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPqpxw-ONLjeyj1Nigl2sWIMsFjtQM_PMqysDjGTpqM45jbUnKMgmMB97k4n8gdZr-KvNnnWEPA4eUqYLDbkdnyMYlhGt1CCN0kjh3IoGUJdi0j_64vv63AlPMRdtfTL6RwuKRk9XeZ4I/s400/Western+USA+2015+Pics+144_mm.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Twisting hay</i></td></tr>
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In <i>The Long Winter</i>, Laura tells of the many ways the people of De Smet struggled to make it through an unusually harsh winter with little supplies since the snow kept the trains from reaching their town. After running out of coal and wood for fuel, the family resorts to twisting hay into sticks to throw on the fire. The tighter the twist, the longer the hay stick would last. My sticks were so loose that they would have gone up in a puff of smoke quickly. We also had a chance to grind seed wheat into flour with a hand-cranked coffee grinder just as the people of De Smet did when Almanzo and his friend Cap Garland rescued the town from sure starvation by risking their lives to bring in 60 bushels of seed wheat from a farmer 20 miles outside of town.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEim5zqcKz8hv5WCqXgVVGwF_B4pyEoFGmHOCeH6G34FWVuV5ymHk14CneV-yzS4UZiENlORecq651amIikoAwSqsB-CyfWzpyvGcOQL4MQLJYc_PYUvCZpRlIq-24_tmzZeqlVn1vcM2cQ/s1600/IMG_2940_mm.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1600" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEim5zqcKz8hv5WCqXgVVGwF_B4pyEoFGmHOCeH6G34FWVuV5ymHk14CneV-yzS4UZiENlORecq651amIikoAwSqsB-CyfWzpyvGcOQL4MQLJYc_PYUvCZpRlIq-24_tmzZeqlVn1vcM2cQ/s400/IMG_2940_mm.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Corn cob dolls</i></td></tr>
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On a merrier note, we also made corn cob dolls just as Laura and her sisters used to do. It's pretty much what it sounds like. After stripping the kernels from the cob with an old-fashioned corn sheller, a piece of calico is wrapped around the cob and tied with string. Ta-dah! This is what pioneer kids played with. No wonder Laura treasured her rag doll, Charlotte, so much.<br />
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<h3>
The Surveyors House</h3>
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After a few hours at the Ingalls Homestead, we headed into town for a guided tour by the <b><a href="http://www.discoverlaura.org/historic-home-tours.html" target="_blank">Laura Ingalls Wilder Memorial Society</a></b>. First up was the Surveyors' House where the Ingalls family lived for the winter when they first arrived in De Smet in 1879 as described in <i>By the Shores of Silver Lake</i>. Unlike the houses on the homestead which are recreations, this the actual Surveyor's House that has survived more than a century since the family lived there. </div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxWVvAIalKaGCe2wqDPpyqDUdFpVc4bm8zYwH0JaUUP6Tbbs3RQV4VNCX2T-HVbCFfVubaShlxbUD9Mhze8-zEzUHBSxOUrY3eqeq9FI8c9g4ozSY0nabD_CMJfxNsZb3MopeVjWay5pE/s1600/Western+USA+2015+Pics+169_mm.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1201" data-original-width="1600" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxWVvAIalKaGCe2wqDPpyqDUdFpVc4bm8zYwH0JaUUP6Tbbs3RQV4VNCX2T-HVbCFfVubaShlxbUD9Mhze8-zEzUHBSxOUrY3eqeq9FI8c9g4ozSY0nabD_CMJfxNsZb3MopeVjWay5pE/s640/Western+USA+2015+Pics+169_mm.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>The Surveyors' House where the Ingalls family lived in 1879.</i></td></tr>
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Pa worked for the railroad at the time, and the surveyor offered the house to him since the surveyor was leaving for the winter and needed someone to keep an eye on the railroad equipment. The costumed guide knew her audience well and made sure to quote Laura's book when pointing out various parts of the house. She started by telling us of Laura's excitement in living in such a fine, large house, and I was just as enthralled by the home as Laura was. I was standing in a real house that had been home to the real Laura. Compared to the homestead half-house that they would live in next, the Surveyors' House indeed seemed enormous. </div>
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De Smet's First Schoolhouse</h3>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEicPbcR-gWM36DOshL5fb6gaIqlBuvGDRwsm37rOa-rKzAATFufIaxzRnYlC76KeGkfv0sCrVjhDXG16b9BOJq4f1SkMCxMJg0tD5LV00_J0uwTj0gjUE5rNaGZAg2aLqkzBJRrH2bx0Q0/s1600/Western+USA+2015+Pics+188_mm.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1201" data-original-width="1600" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEicPbcR-gWM36DOshL5fb6gaIqlBuvGDRwsm37rOa-rKzAATFufIaxzRnYlC76KeGkfv0sCrVjhDXG16b9BOJq4f1SkMCxMJg0tD5LV00_J0uwTj0gjUE5rNaGZAg2aLqkzBJRrH2bx0Q0/s640/Western+USA+2015+Pics+188_mm.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Laura and her younger sister, Carrie, attended this school</i></td></tr>
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The next stop on the tour is De Smet's first school. Laura and her younger sister, Carrie, attended the school until Laura left to become a teacher at the ripe age of 15 years. She would return as a student whenever she didn't have a teaching job, but Laura never did graduate from high school since she quit to marry to Almanzo. </div>
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<h3>
The Brewster School</h3>
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A replica of the the Brewster School where Laura had her first teaching job sits next to the De Smet schoolhouse. </div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWL0XFnIXAKiVZ6_jCJxNvWwPqjQ4TzurSSRGIcUobl_8_XsxNRML_6ut_jNUF4BLS3yT-4G6QPmosHZPedOJk2Llod26nXWGQWFm7jAYBqetdw5dX8igs5BoHBamRpwncZU6jIvrT7lA/s1600/Western+USA+2015+Pics+190_mm.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1201" data-original-width="1600" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWL0XFnIXAKiVZ6_jCJxNvWwPqjQ4TzurSSRGIcUobl_8_XsxNRML_6ut_jNUF4BLS3yT-4G6QPmosHZPedOJk2Llod26nXWGQWFm7jAYBqetdw5dX8igs5BoHBamRpwncZU6jIvrT7lA/s640/Western+USA+2015+Pics+190_mm.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Inside the Brewster School</i></td></tr>
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This building seemed miniscule compared to the De Smet schoolhouse. Wanting to help pay for the tuition to send Mary to the School for the Blind in Iowa, Laura put up with what must have been a miserable time for her. Away from her family for the first time, Laura lived with the Brewsters 12 miles from De Smet. Her students were unruly, and some were taller than her. One night, she awoke to find Mrs. Brewster threatening Mr. Brewster with a knife. Apparently, living on the prairie drove some people crazy. </div>
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<h3>
The Ingalls Home</h3>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9MhizctDE9fsgNkTML-5iD2Gb9SBsRPa7segxr8AZ3IKSgEvrOzC09CN7SzBDqsrDzsOnQe6FDeKKb_eJnCAwDUVu3ZPNqxoNZFjf5V4X-Cj1tcAubZRUng81Z6UMcrQeU8KOTc_DqFE/s1600/Western+USA+2015+Pics+181_mm.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1201" data-original-width="1600" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9MhizctDE9fsgNkTML-5iD2Gb9SBsRPa7segxr8AZ3IKSgEvrOzC09CN7SzBDqsrDzsOnQe6FDeKKb_eJnCAwDUVu3ZPNqxoNZFjf5V4X-Cj1tcAubZRUng81Z6UMcrQeU8KOTc_DqFE/s640/Western+USA+2015+Pics+181_mm.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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The last stop on the guided tour is the Ingalls Home and Museum. Three years after Laura and Almanzo married, Pa built a house in town and moved the rest of the family to live in De Smet. Ma, Pa and the blind Mary would live out the rest of their lives in this house. Sisters Carrie and Grace moved away for a while but returned to care for Mary after Ma died. Like the homestead house, this home also held a pump organ which visitors were welcome to play. For me, the most fascinating object in the home was the telephone which Mary used to chat with friends. Imagine a life that spans everything from traveling through the American West in a covered wagon to having electricity and using a telephone. </div>
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The Loftus Store</h3>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhuhcUFSuQUwbcfOL07Ko9KY6GPR1qQ7SywyAVfWwRfEGw5mRy1avlhxTUkjO9Rcz_vg5neIXOPsOooAJmPxUZlb_UpxtRIrUfoa28uvbrlElQNy1hirgMna6WBEOZP3el8Dp66UZazFCM/s1600/Western+USA+2015+Pics+228_mm.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1201" data-original-width="1600" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhuhcUFSuQUwbcfOL07Ko9KY6GPR1qQ7SywyAVfWwRfEGw5mRy1avlhxTUkjO9Rcz_vg5neIXOPsOooAJmPxUZlb_UpxtRIrUfoa28uvbrlElQNy1hirgMna6WBEOZP3el8Dp66UZazFCM/s640/Western+USA+2015+Pics+228_mm.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>The Loftus Store on the main street of De Smet</i></td></tr>
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The <b><a href="http://www.loftusstore.com/" target="_blank">Loftus Store</a></b> on Calumet Avenue, De Smet's main thoroughfare, is one of two buildings still standing from the time of Laura's stories. She used to shop at this store and wrote of Mr. Loftus helping to provide wheat to the people of De Smet during the Long Winter. With prairie dresses and bonnets hanging up for sale, you can almost imagine that you are back in pioneer times. You can even buy your own tiny bag of Loftus Wheat as a souvenir.</div>
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<h3>
Laura Ingalls Wilder Pageant</h3>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQcRHbdgBJhBd1AeDdQFEKJon_8vNuQJCDWw_zgbbX5RKBmMRdBs2M8dkZRfdf09PUvh1HpfqzDPDCU9RDDc_FaIQs9B0RDmrBxWn8k3W_pRIA3ihGRYCoMTxUdS-D70bGV2j-KoK7pFI/s1600/IMG_3038_mm.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1600" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQcRHbdgBJhBd1AeDdQFEKJon_8vNuQJCDWw_zgbbX5RKBmMRdBs2M8dkZRfdf09PUvh1HpfqzDPDCU9RDDc_FaIQs9B0RDmrBxWn8k3W_pRIA3ihGRYCoMTxUdS-D70bGV2j-KoK7pFI/s400/IMG_3038_mm.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>By the Shores of Silver Lake</i></td></tr>
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Every July for the last four decades, the people of De Smet have come together to put on the <b><a href="http://www.desmetpageant.org/" target="_blank">Laura Ingalls Wilder Pageant</a></b>. They pick a different novel each year to feature in this family friendly, outdoor play. What a wonderful way to end our time in De Smet! After a day filled with walking in Laura's footsteps, seeing the story that I loved as a child come to life before me was a real treat. Since the rest of the family was not as well versed in Laura lore, I also hoped that it would provide a framework for where we had spent the day. </div>
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Where to Stay</h3>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgpgum5YnrjUeHdQwnushIdewC-v2wzpjnts3zyLxt0sOAWr99PAvM6qO6xVth-5z95wyosg69-L_tcVSfZcqeSRYW6B821aGOgQ9mqlnhtAusm2mc1-egsSnGVHr77suQqLWkJcGgFyF4/s1600/IMG_2982_mm.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1201" data-original-width="1600" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgpgum5YnrjUeHdQwnushIdewC-v2wzpjnts3zyLxt0sOAWr99PAvM6qO6xVth-5z95wyosg69-L_tcVSfZcqeSRYW6B821aGOgQ9mqlnhtAusm2mc1-egsSnGVHr77suQqLWkJcGgFyF4/s640/IMG_2982_mm.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Heritage House Bed and Breakfast</i></td></tr>
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We spent the night at the <b><a href="https://heritagehousesd.com/" target="_blank">Heritage House Bed and Breakfast</a></b>.<b> </b>This former bank is located on De Smet's main thoroughfare, across the street from where Pa Ingalls dry goods store used to be located. We stayed in Laura's Loft, a very spacious suite, especially in comparison to the homestead house which the Ingalls family called home for so many years. The two bedrooms and loft easily accomodated the 5 of us, and no one had to sleep in the adjacent sitting room. The included breakfast is delicious, and you'll feel extra fancy since it's served on fine china. I highly recommend this place (as long as you don't mind carrying your suitcase up a few flights of stairs).</div>
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After all these years, De Smet, South Dakota is no longer just a dot on the map or a place in my imagination. This visit is a must-see for any fan of Laura Ingalls Wilder.</div>
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Recommended Reading</h3>
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<i><a href="https://www.amazon.com/Wilder-Life-Adventures-Little-Prairie-ebook/dp/B00475AXD8/ref=sr_1_3?ie=UTF8&qid=1500098332&sr=8-3&keywords=wilder+life" target="_blank">The Wilder Life: My Adventures in the Lost World of Little House on the Prairie</a></i> by Wendy McClure</div>
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Written by a true Laura Ingalls Wilder fan, this book takes an irreverent look at one woman's spirited quest to reconnect with the <i>Little House </i>books that enthralled her as a child.</div>
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<i><a href="https://www.amazon.com/Pioneer-Girl-Laura-Ingalls-Wilder/dp/0984504176/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1500098545&sr=8-1&keywords=pioneer+girl" target="_blank">Pioneer Girl: The Annotated Autobiography</a></i> by Laura Ingalls Wilder</div>
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Published for the first time in 2014, this is Laura's original autobiography which she eventually reworked into the fictional <i>Little House</i> series. For anyone who, like me, wants more details about what was real and what was made up, the extensive annotations will clarify it for you. Read how events were rearranged and embellished to enhance the narrative arc of the series. Bonus: read about Pa's run in with serial killers on the prairie and the vigilante justice that ensued.</div>
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<h4>
Do you have a cherished childhood role model that you've revisted as an adult?</h4>
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<span style="color: #666666; font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">I've also joined with the following linkups. Check them out for more around-the-world travel inspiration.</span><br />
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<li><span style="color: #666666; font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">The Weekly Postcard on <a href="http://www.travelnotesandbeyond.com/" target="_blank">Travel Notes and Beyond</a></span></li>
<li><span style="color: #666666; font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Weekend Wanderlust on <a href="http://justinpluslauren.com/" target="_blank">Justin + Lauren</a></span></li>
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Michele {Malaysian Meanders}http://www.blogger.com/profile/18313351463568423694noreply@blogger.com19De Smet, SD 57231, USA44.3874696 -97.55035409999999344.364774600000004 -97.590694599999992 44.4101646 -97.5100136tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7054224870283073737.post-90958532052715338662017-06-09T18:05:00.001-05:002017-06-09T18:05:38.865-05:00Outdoor Fun in Jackson Hole<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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I'll admit that visiting Jackson Hole, Wyoming and Grand Teton National Park was a post-Yellowstone Park afterthought. We were in the area... so, why not? Located just south of Yellowstone, this area holds its own against its more famous neighbor. As soon as Jackson Lake came into view with the Teton Mountain range rising up behind it, I knew that we were in for a scenic treat. Our few days based in Jackson Hole were filled with all sorts of outdoor adventures followed by evenings relaxing in town. It's an admittedly touristy place, but all the wide open space keeps it from ever feeling overly crowded.</div>
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Fur trappers and mountain men first entered this valley between the Teton and Gros Ventre mountain ranges by descending its steep slopes, feeling as if they were climbing into a massive hole. The area is named after David Edward "Davey" Jackson, a beaver trapper who was one of the first white men to spend an entire winter in this valley in the 1820's. It would be another 50 more years before Jackson Hole was regularly inhabited year-round.</div>
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<b>FUN FACT: </b>The area is expecting record high crowds on August 21, 2017. Why? It's a prime viewing area for a total eclipse of the sun beginning at 10:17AM and peaking at 11:35AM.</div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Clear water fills 250 foot deep Jenny Lake</i></td></tr>
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Boat across Jenny Lake and hike up to Inspiration Point</h3>
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There's a 2.5 mile trail along the shores of Jenny Lake from the Visitor's Center to the dock on the lake's western edge, but we chose the 12-minute <a href="http://www.jennylakeboating.com/" target="_blank">shuttle boat </a>as the quickest way to reach the trailhead. From the dock, signs point to a family friendly hike up to <b>Hidden Falls</b> and <b>Inspiration Point</b>. The 2.2 mile roundtrip trail has an elevation gain of 450 feet through a tall conifer forest and rewards hikers with a gorgeous, panoramic view of the lake on one side and the Tetons on the other.</div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Up at Inspiration Point. That tiny white object near my shoulder is the shuttle boat crossing Jenny Lake.</i></td></tr>
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Horseback Riding at Spring Creek Ranch</h3>
Dude ranches are quite popular in this area, and nothing makes you feel more like a cowboy than riding on a horse. Our nose-to-tail, one-hour ride took us up to a ridgeline on East Gros Ventre Butte where we could look down on the town of Jackson and still marvel at glorious views of Grand Teton itself.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Photo credit: Dusty Stables Photography</i></td></tr>
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Before our ride, we had lunch at <b><a href="http://www.springcreekranch.com/dining/the-granary/" target="_blank">The Granary</a></b>, located on site at Spring Creek Ranch. Perched 1000 feet above the valley floor, it has spectacular views out the window — one of the best in America according to <a href="http://opentable.com/">OpenTable.com</a>. Plus, the food was tasty, and the prices were comparable to other places in town. (Overall, I felt sticker shock at how expensive a casual meal costs in Jackson Hole. So, this practically felt like a bargain considering the service and scenery.)</div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>The excellent view from The Granary Restaurant</i></td></tr>
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Raft down the Snake River</h3>
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Our horseback ride and meal was part of the Paddles and Saddles package offered by <b><a href="http://www.jhww.com/horseback-riding-and-whitewater-rafting/" target="_blank">Jackson Hole Whitewater</a></b>. The other part of the activity was heading down the Snake River either on a Class III Whitewater Rafting trip or a Scenic Float Trip. My friend took both her young elementary school kids and her mom on the 8-mile rafting trip, and all three generations loved it. They had a choice of sitting on the side to help paddle or in the middle to just hold on. Every section of whitewater rapids is followed by a calm stretch of river.</div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Rafting along the Snake River</i></td></tr>
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I am a total wimp, so I signed my family up for the 13-mile Scenic Float trip. As promised, it is incredibly calm and relaxing. The peaceful waters allowed me to focus on the guide and his vast knowledge of our surroundings. A sack lunch of sandwiches, chips and a cookie was included as part of the float. Best of all, we saw lots of wildlife along the shores and up in the trees, including numerous bald eagle sightings. High powered binoculars are available on the raft, but it seems that my kids were more interested on looking at each other close up with them than looking beyond the boat.</div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Bald Eagle sighted along the Snake River</i></td></tr>
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Take a ride on the Jackson Hole Aerial Tram</h3>
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People are spoilt for choice for high up views all around the valley. One of the best is reached by taking the <a href="https://www.jacksonhole.com/summer-tram.html" target="_blank"><b>Jackson Hole Aerial Tram</b></a> from Mountain Resort to the top of Rendezvous Mountain. The huge tram holds 100 people and takes 12 minutes to climb 4,139 vertical feet (1262 meters) along 12,463 feet (3,799 meters) of cable.</div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Heading upwards on the Jackson Hole Aerial Tram</i></td></tr>
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The top was windy but a great place for tons of photo opportunities. Since we took the tram up at the end of the day, we made especially sure not to miss the last tram down. No way did we want to spend the night up there! Too bad that we didn't have time to enjoy the <a href="https://www.jacksonhole.com/waffles.html" target="_blank">waffles at Corbet's Cabin</a> at the top.</div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>The top of Rendezvous Mountain</i></td></tr>
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Climbing the Ropes Course at Mountain Resort</h3>
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While most of Mountain Resort seemed to be filled with shops and restaurants (some only open during the winter ski season), the kids were immediately drawn to the Ropes Course after we came back down on the tram. </div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Ropes Course at Jackson Hole Mountain Resort</i></td></tr>
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The <b><a href="https://www.jacksonhole.com/grand-adventure-park.html" target="_blank">Grand Adventure Park</a></b> of the Mountain Resort also includes a mountain biking trail, rock climbing wall and a drop tower. </div>
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Explore the town of Jackson</h3>
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As I said at the beginning, Jackson Hole is undoubtedly a touristy town. Gift shops, restaurants and ice cream parlours catering to visitors abound. Yet, it's a different feeling than, for example, being crammed into the narrow passageways of Venice. There's so much soaring openness that it seems that there's room for everyone. </div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Famous antler arches on the corners of the Town Square</i></td></tr>
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One of the iconic places in Jackson Hole is the Town Square with an archway fashioned out of elk antlers on each corner. The National Elk Refuge is located just a mile from the square. Every year, the local Boy Scout troop collects the antlers that are shed each winter and auctions them off as a fundraiser. No animals are harmed. Each antler goes for about $2, and each arch is made of approximately 2,000 antlers. </div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">My mom-in-law and her sister in Jackson Hole in 1950</td></tr>
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One of our favorite stores in town is the <b><a href="https://www.jacksonholetoystore.com/" target="_blank">Jackson Hole Toy Store</a></b>. The proprietor is one of those people who truly has a passion for his work. There's a unique selection of international toys that I don't see at my nearby Toys'R'Us. Since we last visited, they've added a wireless shooting gallery with 40 targets located around the store. That sounds like so much fun!</div>
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<br />Go down the Alpine Slide</h3>
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Alas, we didn't get around to everything on our To Do list while in Jackson Hole. Another friend highly recommended the <a href="https://snowkingmountain.com/activities/alpine-slide/" target="_blank"><b>Alpine Slide</b> at Snow King Mountain Resor</a>t. Perhaps you can give it a go and tell me if you enjoyed it.</div>
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Where to Stay</h3>
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My family of five easily fit into one of the suites at <b><a href="http://lexingtonhoteljacksonhole.com/" target="_blank">The Lexington</a></b> located just a few blocks from the Town Square. A tasty breakfast was included, and I really liked that they had multiple USB outlets on the desk for us to charge all our devices. The kids had a blast at the small indoor pool, too. </div>
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I can tell you one thing for sure. We slept <i>very well</i> each night as we recuperated from a day packed with activity.</div>
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Michele {Malaysian Meanders}http://www.blogger.com/profile/18313351463568423694noreply@blogger.com18tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7054224870283073737.post-65980665956240365702017-05-14T00:18:00.000-05:002017-05-20T05:37:18.233-05:00Under the Thames<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhVkl-7oJoczrXKoL0plYK3NDzS4P2R1H-C0571WesJSNTZMdSBxgrvpUVRCbob1ZrQ-_Oemtyu6lcWKr4Wvq7SByY9l5dPURtXN8BQ24i3Aux9tZtnvB5I_xM7eL7a2BjgClnTcX4i5MU/s1600/England+2016+1198_mm.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhVkl-7oJoczrXKoL0plYK3NDzS4P2R1H-C0571WesJSNTZMdSBxgrvpUVRCbob1ZrQ-_Oemtyu6lcWKr4Wvq7SByY9l5dPURtXN8BQ24i3Aux9tZtnvB5I_xM7eL7a2BjgClnTcX4i5MU/s640/England+2016+1198_mm.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>50 feet below the surface of the River Thames</i></td></tr>
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I like to visit oddball attractions when we travel. London is no exception. That's how my family came to find ourselves taking a walk under the Thames. Sure, some people head straight for Westminster Abbey or the Tower of London. Not us. On our first full day in this historic town, our first stop was the <b>Greenwich Foot Tunnel</b>.<br />
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Taking three years to construct, the pedestrian tunnel opened in 1902 as a more reliable replacement for the ferry service that transported dock workers who lived on the south side of the Thames. The south entrance is near the Cutty Sark in Greenwich, and the north section is near Island Park and Canary Wharf on the Isle of Dogs. This cast iron tunnel is 1,215 feet long, 9 feet in diameter, and rests 50 feet under water. Portions of the tunnel's walls are covered with 200,000 white tiles. Damaged during World War II and subsequently restored, the section pictured above is a little narrower because of the concrete and steel reinforced lining .<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Glass-domed tunnel entrance (left) on the south side with the colorful Helter Skelterr slide (right).</i></td></tr>
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Entrances on either side of the river are in glass-dome covered buildings that house a wide staircase spiraling around the largest lift I've ever seen. At first, I thought perhaps it was used to get horse-drawn buggies into the tunnel. It was that huge! Nope. It's just for people... and now cyclists, too. In these modern times, the Greenwich Foot Tunnel is part of the National Trail footpath and part of the UK's National Cycle Route 1.<br />
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If walking through a tunnel under the River Thames, from one bank to another, isn't enough of a draw for you, maybe this fantastic view from the northern Isle of Dogs entrance looking towards Greenwich is enough incentive.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Old Royal Navel College on the south side of the Thames</i></td></tr>
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Are you drawn to unusual sites when you travel?</h4>
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Michele {Malaysian Meanders}http://www.blogger.com/profile/18313351463568423694noreply@blogger.com15tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7054224870283073737.post-52209606461497592232017-05-06T01:28:00.000-05:002017-05-08T01:10:11.034-05:00Close Encounters on Devils Tower<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_U4jybB-dLkvDgq-XgAdEyygwvrNcqBYlYoYbDop1AgAsKjlecwEAUPkhFf2e9BXbd787U2WoU2C2wabhc1WwCUt3HowZjLXUbt3QDe3YZuiCbxKI0EDCTpkxKsKDrGN5r7YXevkroak/s1600/DevilsTower.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_U4jybB-dLkvDgq-XgAdEyygwvrNcqBYlYoYbDop1AgAsKjlecwEAUPkhFf2e9BXbd787U2WoU2C2wabhc1WwCUt3HowZjLXUbt3QDe3YZuiCbxKI0EDCTpkxKsKDrGN5r7YXevkroak/s400/DevilsTower.JPG" width="300" /></a></div>
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Two men loom large in my mind when I think of Devils Tower — Richard Dreyfus and Frank Sanders. Steven Spielburg's <i>Close Encounters of the Third Kind </i>was one of the hit movies that came out in 1977. (A little cult classic called <i>Star Wars</i> was another.) I watched it in the theater during some friend's birthday sleepover party and spent the rest of the <strike>night</strike> decade worrying that I'd be abducted by aliens. I clearly remember spreading out my sleeping bag under my friend's baby grand piano in hopes that it would offer a small measure of protection in the event of an extra-terrestrial visitation. Richard Dreyfus' character briefly encounters a UFO and is then strangely compelled to keep building models of an unusual, mountain-like image he sees in his mind. An iconic scene occurs at the dinner table when<a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cdkS0TgEG30" target="_blank"> he heaps mashed potatoes onto his plate as his puzzled family looks on</a>, then sculpts the mound with his fork.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Credit: giphy.com</i></td></tr>
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"This means something. This is important," he tells his wife and kids. They all think he's going bonkers. The movie culminates with the government, Dreyfus, and other civilians who have been having similar visions gathering at Devils Tower, Wyoming to meet up with dozens of UFOs and a massive mothership. This movie made such an impression on my young mind, and for years, you could freak me out by humming the signature five-note musical phrase from the movie. For a long time though, I thought Devils Tower was a fictional place in a sci-fi movie, as real as the Planet Tatooine.<br />
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Fast forward to a couple summers ago when I was plotting out the route for our <a href="http://malaysianmeanders.blogspot.com/2015/08/our-great-big-western-usa-roadtrip.html" target="_blank">Great Big Western USA Roadtrip</a>. On the map between Mount Rushmore and Yellowstone National Park, I noticed the words "Devils Tower" just north of Interstate 90W. Suddenly, the notion seized me that I <i>had </i>to visit Devils Tower with as much power as it had drawn Dreyfus. I was excited to see the place that had <strike>scared</strike> fascinated me as a child.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi123jAhApqo7m6NAegrBtEqAfm8oJZKOvYGn3q-P98-jDHhyphenhypheny7pBJjsELeYbHAEuhktY_68vwbgBEEI5_RD6xQvh4zDHE71zzpR17vGRL5eL12uV2N6-QZT5WBeRUjT8fY5ipOAlH_zDI/s1600/Western+USA+2015+Pics_IMG+3364_DevilsTowerCloseup_mm.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi123jAhApqo7m6NAegrBtEqAfm8oJZKOvYGn3q-P98-jDHhyphenhypheny7pBJjsELeYbHAEuhktY_68vwbgBEEI5_RD6xQvh4zDHE71zzpR17vGRL5eL12uV2N6-QZT5WBeRUjT8fY5ipOAlH_zDI/s640/Western+USA+2015+Pics_IMG+3364_DevilsTowerCloseup_mm.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Devils Tower is 867 feet (265 meters) from the base to the summit.</i></td></tr>
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Devils Tower (note that there is <i>not</i> an apostrophe in the official name) is a geological wonder in the Black Hills of Wyoming that President Teddy Roosevelt designated as America's first national monument in 1906. Although most of the surrounding area is made of sedimentary rock, Devils Tower is made of igneous rock (hardened magma). Modern geologist don't completely agree on how the tower was formed. One theory is that it's the volcanic plug of an extinct volcano which eroded away in the prehistoric ages. Native American folklore has various legends about what they call <i>Bear Lodge</i> with the re-occurring theme that a giant bear repeatedly scraped its claws on the rock attempting to reach children who had escaped to the top of the massive rock. Looking at the hexagonal columns that run all the way up the tower, I can imagine how local tribes pictured it as a giant scratching post.<br />
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Or perhaps God made a giant pile of mashed potatoes and sculpted it with his fork?<br />
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As much of an impact as <i>Close Encounters of the Third Kind </i>had on me, encountering Frank Sanders, the 66-year-old proprietor of the Devils Tower Lodge, is what elevated my visit to Devils Tower to being one of the outstanding memories from our roadtrip. I initially booked a cabin at Devils Tower Lodge because I wanted something family friendly located close to this U.S. National Monument. The TripAdvisor reviews clearly indicated that the lodge was a haven for climbers, but we found it equally as welcoming to those who plan on staying closer to the ground.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEipyF0tDwnGYVhicNs3aD0UVPzjZ4ByC5teibaFrYpHJgFXuHM8uOEPCmbDrEcFfHn6K2hpJ0PNaLLd3TuhEMv8jHpdHmRJC4e-6B6pgdQ_ev73r9qEyPH1SuRrn67A4Qwaoyk_LkPzcn0/s1600/Western+USA+2015+Pics+684_DevilsTowerLodge_mm.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEipyF0tDwnGYVhicNs3aD0UVPzjZ4ByC5teibaFrYpHJgFXuHM8uOEPCmbDrEcFfHn6K2hpJ0PNaLLd3TuhEMv8jHpdHmRJC4e-6B6pgdQ_ev73r9qEyPH1SuRrn67A4Qwaoyk_LkPzcn0/s640/Western+USA+2015+Pics+684_DevilsTowerLodge_mm.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Our cabin at Devils Tower Lodge within view of the tower.</i></td></tr>
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We arrived after dinner as the light was beginning to fade from the area. As we checked in at the entrance gate of the park, I could hear the nightly outdoor showing of <i>Close Encounters</i> from the nearby <a href="http://www.devilstowerkoa.com/" target="_blank">KOA campground</a>. The cabin itself was roomy and comfortable with two bedrooms, a sleeper sofa in the living room, a kitchenette, and a full bathroom with a view of Devils Tower from the shower and deck.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgz_wbkKtsem9AtFKAjVXchlLoCCM34caFGo1c8spOZQ1uTLwKbTqr4ngUq-TGBSQYkL66Hum_T9FkzZwRvoy4Hkj907pY02G5gLI0flWcPJww8M3M3mF2YqEYxi-e5EtnSCQ-MyA-nddU/s1600/Western+USA+2015+Pics+654_StarryNightTrees_mm.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgz_wbkKtsem9AtFKAjVXchlLoCCM34caFGo1c8spOZQ1uTLwKbTqr4ngUq-TGBSQYkL66Hum_T9FkzZwRvoy4Hkj907pY02G5gLI0flWcPJww8M3M3mF2YqEYxi-e5EtnSCQ-MyA-nddU/s640/Western+USA+2015+Pics+654_StarryNightTrees_mm.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>The dark night sky over Devils Tower (peeking just over the trees on the left third of this photo).</i></td></tr>
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My first pleasant surprise was the breathtaking night sky. Having spent all my life living in either a city or the suburbs, I never fully understood the phrase "a blanket of stars" until we visited Acadia National Park less than a decade ago. Since that time, I've craved seeing a night sky like that. My hopes had been dashed by cloudcover when we'd visited other dark sky sites like Uluru/Ayers Rock. The sky over Devils Tower enraptured me. I swear that I saw a satellite, or perhaps it was the International Space Station, speeding across the sky above us, too high and too fast to be an aeroplane. I saw the Milky Way. I wished that that I had something better than a point-and-shoot camera to capture it all. Since our cabin was a distance away from the main lodge, I almost felt as if my family had this incredible sky all to ourselves. I wanted to stay up all night gazing upwards but finally convinced myself to get some sleep.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgPU2sJdw36Ka8XB34GCOMH9KTqO0tbv0EWaWWTW48W642MnASx0bLG_qHskddxhj_K6ZPIbRd-OUCR5vmz7FGCD9RU-EXMxreMfrn3jlAjYAHvmkPK3CoWADgYQ6nYYquFWRi5J1rXo0s/s1600/Western+USA+2015+Pics+659_mm.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgPU2sJdw36Ka8XB34GCOMH9KTqO0tbv0EWaWWTW48W642MnASx0bLG_qHskddxhj_K6ZPIbRd-OUCR5vmz7FGCD9RU-EXMxreMfrn3jlAjYAHvmkPK3CoWADgYQ6nYYquFWRi5J1rXo0s/s640/Western+USA+2015+Pics+659_mm.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Dawn's early light spilling onto Devils Tower</i></td></tr>
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I woke up at sunrise the next morning and left the rest of the family sleeping snug in their beds as I hopped in the minivan to explore Devils Tower National Monument. The sun's rays slowly crept across the side of the tower, and I drove around wanting to see it from all angles (as Richard Dreyfus had suggested). I spent most of the time in solitude, only seeing one other person off in the distance as I took in the way the morning greeted the tower. All the parking spaces by the park headquarters were empty. It truly seemed like it was just me and the tower.<br />
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After my family awoke, we headed over to the main lodge for breakfast. There were plenty of people gathered around the long, communal table with a window that looked out at Devils Tower. Most of them were either professional climbing guides who worked for Frank or climbing guests who were fueling up for the day. Some were experienced and others were newbies. Those hexagonal columns make Devils Tower one of North America's best crack climbing areas. Some cracks are just wide enough to squeeze in a few fingers, and others are wide enough for a climber's body. Watching the IMAX movie, <i>National Parks Adventure</i>, I remember one scene on Devils Tower where the climber presses outwards with both legs, nearly doing the splits, while clutching a rope to haul herself up the tower.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6FtW_xxtck3E57XjJjkiV76ZTDkbJvCCf1pUbAq10G-U5z0Y6TYVxaGU0Zi6CMsv0VflWJBMQeb3Q0533MIPm0A6A9GvFHCnr6LlnIbLCkDbBp87zhqpTLEwJl_TVN1RND80edvJOOXM/s1600/Western+USA+2015+Pics+751_RockClimbers2_mm.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6FtW_xxtck3E57XjJjkiV76ZTDkbJvCCf1pUbAq10G-U5z0Y6TYVxaGU0Zi6CMsv0VflWJBMQeb3Q0533MIPm0A6A9GvFHCnr6LlnIbLCkDbBp87zhqpTLEwJl_TVN1RND80edvJOOXM/s640/Western+USA+2015+Pics+751_RockClimbers2_mm.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>A few of the many climbers ascending Devil's Tower</i></td></tr>
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Since he first climbed it in his 20's in 1972, Frank has climbed the Tower more than 2000 times. In 2008 when he was 56-years-old, Frank summitted Devils Tower 365 times. Because of illness or weather, he couldn't go out every single day, so he would double up on climbs on the good days. In his younger days, he set a record by climbing bottom to top 16 times in one day.<br />
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The walls of the lodge were covered in framed photos of the Tower autographed by the many people Frank and his guides had brought to the top. Whereas the Tower must surely be familiar to Frank and his team, they get to experience the wonder of discovering it the first time whenever they guide a climber to the top. They enable people to follow a dream and check an item off the bucket list. What an invigorating life that must be!<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiW_JcHOUVAaqKx6zPQ5kFr1RkFhBmDW4VsbiMhrBUf1G1jbIU-tARAiMhDbVWqcZ2ACYeo5cQlGrbxBEp2msP76F7NnyWY6_GjgzeE5BjL_NrqbgYni5Zx2LWTSYWEAbRjfTVHw_EGeFs/s1600/Western+USA+2015+Pics_IMG_3323_DevilsTowerPiano_mm.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiW_JcHOUVAaqKx6zPQ5kFr1RkFhBmDW4VsbiMhrBUf1G1jbIU-tARAiMhDbVWqcZ2ACYeo5cQlGrbxBEp2msP76F7NnyWY6_GjgzeE5BjL_NrqbgYni5Zx2LWTSYWEAbRjfTVHw_EGeFs/s640/Western+USA+2015+Pics_IMG_3323_DevilsTowerPiano_mm.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Tickling the piano keys with Frank at Devils Tower Lodge</i></td></tr>
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My family were just some of the many guests staying at the lodge, but Frank made us feel special. I suspect he has the knack of making everyone feel that way. He has a way of talking that made me feel that we were not merely chatting. He <i>imparts knowledge</i> with his sonorous voice, and we were the fortunate recipients of the information. He speaks as if everything he says is part of a well-rehearsed, captivating TED talk. He comes across as a man with life lessons to share. He doesn't merely tell stories; he is part of the tradition of oral history. If there was ever a wise man on a mountain, that man would be Frank Sanders. I can't remember the specifics of what we spoke about, but I remember the sense that I had met a man who had discovered and was leading an intentional life of meaning. A life where every day was filled with pursuing his passion — climbing that mountain and sharing it with others.<br />
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When we picked up our cabin key the previous night, Frank inquired if any of us played the piano and invited us to play a tune after our morning meal. After breakfast, he listened as my daughter played a song on a piano surrounded by shelves and shelves of books. Then, Frank taught her a simple blues chord progression. She repeated it a few times, and he joined her in a duet by playing the melody.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjef7yADY7HIkV35m55aa0kdi9T2ufgKHUt2f69lNFQE4ElF_nV9_pIKaqE0fK5zJDAx8p8fh3WB1r4WQz2l5aYEd1WlHKW_ngsK_PClVKC3Ap_WaEOPcbssvRx3hWCIDUsXrkHPFFCtFo/s1600/Western+USA+2015+Pics+_IMG+3334_Bouldering_mm.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjef7yADY7HIkV35m55aa0kdi9T2ufgKHUt2f69lNFQE4ElF_nV9_pIKaqE0fK5zJDAx8p8fh3WB1r4WQz2l5aYEd1WlHKW_ngsK_PClVKC3Ap_WaEOPcbssvRx3hWCIDUsXrkHPFFCtFo/s640/Western+USA+2015+Pics+_IMG+3334_Bouldering_mm.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Practicing bouldering skills</i></td></tr>
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I mentioned that I had read he had an indoor rock climbing gym and asked if the kids could use it. Sure enough, he took us to it, turned on some Led Zeppelin, and told us that often times, there's not a direct route straight up the tower. Climbers have to know how to go sideways follow the path. Sounds like a good metaphor for living life.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMmebl4ZKQVZSiDboJBOasqcFs0TDIPlwJhRmBCsPjl21jH5RKcJ18DWYrzymM690C_ykjAq24cHQibushkDUUxEg8AYIJHctEJ-iR3bdB4mWxEhJPRdlH2Ej2n6NFPuVB1ngsj6q05p4/s1600/Western+USA+2015+Pics_IMG+3340_Slackline_mm.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMmebl4ZKQVZSiDboJBOasqcFs0TDIPlwJhRmBCsPjl21jH5RKcJ18DWYrzymM690C_ykjAq24cHQibushkDUUxEg8AYIJHctEJ-iR3bdB4mWxEhJPRdlH2Ej2n6NFPuVB1ngsj6q05p4/s400/Western+USA+2015+Pics_IMG+3340_Slackline_mm.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Practicing balance on the slackline.</i></td></tr>
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We next headed outdoors where Frank handed my kids a pair of ski poles and instructed them to hop up on the slackline. A slackline is like a tightrope except that it has more give and bounce, almost like a narrow trampoline. Practicing on one is supposed to improve climbing skills since it develops balance, coordination and core strength. You also have to learn to focus, much as you do when clinging to a mountainside. Maybe all that time on the slackline and Tower is why Frank seems so Zen and self-aware.<br />
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We checked out of the lodge, packed all suitcases and backpacks into the minivan and headed to the National Parks Service park headquarters and the trail around the base of Devils Tower. By this late morning hour, the crowds had already descended upon the park. The peacefulness I had experienced just after sunrise had completely evaporated. While the paved trail was rather easy and even, I was still surprised to see visitors dressed in flowing maxi dresses and flip-flops, as if they were headed to a day at the shopping mall instead of into nature. My kids and I peered up the sides of the tower, trying to identify anyone we had eaten breakfast with. There were so many groups climbing up, and they seemed so small that it was hard to distinguish who we knew. About an hour after we had arrived, we were on our way, heading westward towards the town of Cody, a gateway to Yellowstone National Park.<br />
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I'm not the only one to fall under the spell of Frank Sanders and Devils Tower. As I began to research this blog post, I came across so many references to him. A few weeks before our visit, the movie <i>Frank and the Tower</i> premiered at the 2015 <a href="http://5pointfilm.org/" target="_blank">5Points Adventure Film Festival.</a> He's been interviewed by <i>The Denver Post</i>, <i>Outside Magazine</i>, and <i>Climbing Magazine </i>as well as the PBS television series <i>Painting and Travel</i>. He even has a cameo appearance sitting by the lodge slackline on the <i>National Parks Adventure </i>IMAX movie.<br />
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Meeting Frank and staying at Devils Tower Lodge significantly impacted my fond memories of my family's visit to this park. It lent it a depth that I don't think I would have discovered milling around with the masses along the base trails and in the headquarter museum. I have Richard Dreyfus and Steven Spielburg to <strike>blame</strike> thank for making Devils Tower such a big part of my childhood memories. And I have Frank Sanders to thank for transforming it into one of my fondest travel memories in adulthood.<br />
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(In case if you were wondering, no UFOs were encountered by me on our visit. Thank goodness!)<br />
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<b>IF YOU GO:</b><br />
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<ul>
<li>For information about Devils Tower Lodge and hiring a professional climbing guide there, see <a href="http://www.devilstowerclimbing.com/lodging/index.html" target="_blank"><b>Devils Tower Climbing</b></a>.</li>
<li>For information about the park run by the U.S. National Parks Service, see <a href="https://www.nps.gov/deto/index.htm" target="_blank"><b>Devils Tower National Monument</b></a>.</li>
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</ul>
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Michele {Malaysian Meanders}http://www.blogger.com/profile/18313351463568423694noreply@blogger.com19tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7054224870283073737.post-18415477309368824892017-04-21T15:24:00.000-05:002017-04-22T00:50:39.137-05:00Everglades National Park: Focus on the Details<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjc4MwxiW691Q25uNniAcx0_4F7MkT-i5Gtg1Zw69cnhEFQ75N97oYloa63WfnozjjMSoeN1J3FPZR_915GrZiav6TAkxs2AqmLgGe72B-gN3Xdkqb1lUw0NBf1WYITUdId0ohXE96dKHk/s1600/EvergladesMaleGator_mm.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjc4MwxiW691Q25uNniAcx0_4F7MkT-i5Gtg1Zw69cnhEFQ75N97oYloa63WfnozjjMSoeN1J3FPZR_915GrZiav6TAkxs2AqmLgGe72B-gN3Xdkqb1lUw0NBf1WYITUdId0ohXE96dKHk/s400/EvergladesMaleGator_mm.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Alligator lurking in the Everglades</i></td></tr>
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Most U.S. National Parks wow visitors with the massive, awe-inspiring scale of its landmarks. Stand on the brink of the Grand Canyon and gaze down at its depth Cast your eyes upwards to take in the height of towering Sequoia trees. Admire how Yellowstone Valley is framed by Bridalveil Falls plunging downwards on one side and the imposing El Capitan on the other. Breathe deep and greet the day as the sun's rays touches the United States for the first time every morning atop Acadia's Cadillac Mountain. These are the grand vistas visitors expect from national parks.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhAC_6PBf060JCj3O9huHmGHdRMN_YZj_XXVTzwRLCLqbgsYz75kYWoPZVPfFyYTCbIEohX1CL4XGXma2f_2U7d2qXmAI4KsFr2WGNpJdATnubZyooZnumpJUgP3iG25tCKqzCSr1_oEno/s1600/EvergladesRainStorm_mm.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhAC_6PBf060JCj3O9huHmGHdRMN_YZj_XXVTzwRLCLqbgsYz75kYWoPZVPfFyYTCbIEohX1CL4XGXma2f_2U7d2qXmAI4KsFr2WGNpJdATnubZyooZnumpJUgP3iG25tCKqzCSr1_oEno/s640/EvergladesRainStorm_mm.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Patchy rainstorm over the Everglades</i></td></tr>
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<b>Everglades National Park </b>in the southern tip of Florida is different. There, it's all about focusing on the details. A cursory look around shows you miles and miles of grass spreading out into the distance with tree lined channels breaking the monotony here and there. If you are impatient, you'll think you've seen all that needs to be seen after a few minutes.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUOBeEGxa-_ZDYyzz6Ayb_pwjr1JQGArqB6dxQdp1vNeIRPc57MIcEEZDvL7LoHuuAP-YFwnYh4-DFzHTlHR8Mrc9435RI_ig8VcrufBqxLtDOmT2LSH6GhO6RaM1HnGKFtrNdOUTGRbM/s1600/EvergladesFlockFlight_mm.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUOBeEGxa-_ZDYyzz6Ayb_pwjr1JQGArqB6dxQdp1vNeIRPc57MIcEEZDvL7LoHuuAP-YFwnYh4-DFzHTlHR8Mrc9435RI_ig8VcrufBqxLtDOmT2LSH6GhO6RaM1HnGKFtrNdOUTGRbM/s640/EvergladesFlockFlight_mm.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Birds taking flight</i></td></tr>
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Starting in Miami, we drove west on SW 8th Street for almost an hour. After exiting the city, the road was as straight as a ruler and as flat as can be. A huge canal ran along one side of the road with acres of swampy grassland behind it. Trees lined the other side of the road, and we had trouble figuring out which was the native landscape -- the trees, the grassland, or both. Every now and then, roadside attractions advertising gator encounters, shows and airboat tours popped up along the way. As my daughter noticed, you could see an alligator in the wild, view one in a cage or eat one in nugget form. Step right up, folks! You won't believe your eyes.<br />
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I'll admit that it was the airboats that drew me to the area. I wanted to feel the rush of wind on my face as we skimmed over the water, propelled forward by the massive fan on the back of the boat. Some of the operations along the road looked designed for large groups. Numbered docks and huge boats sat waiting for the crowds. I wanted something less touristy. Is that possible? To do the same exact activity as the masses but somehow make it more unique?<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJtXOTH8Py-rkpU8vXvwgkz8blAThT-Atnc_C4MTtXAj5LV4kUs0lJwBxttXW2AtsCEnEnwAWMWZTnRePyH1a5aOs30MhU-YyMcFddW3b1S3FkS1Z2ezempIzFzmEp55ZpZN_hMs-0zU4/s1600/EvergladesAirboat+1_mm.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJtXOTH8Py-rkpU8vXvwgkz8blAThT-Atnc_C4MTtXAj5LV4kUs0lJwBxttXW2AtsCEnEnwAWMWZTnRePyH1a5aOs30MhU-YyMcFddW3b1S3FkS1Z2ezempIzFzmEp55ZpZN_hMs-0zU4/s640/EvergladesAirboat+1_mm.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>River of Grass Airboat Tour</i></td></tr>
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We opted for a private tour with <a href="https://www.theriverofgrass.com/" target="_blank">Everglades River of Grass Adventures</a> and was very glad we did. After meeting a tour rep at a gas station, we followed him to an unmarked location where the small airboat waited for us. Leading up to the vacation, my husband kept referring to our would-be captain as "Bubba" whereas I kept calling it "Alistair and Jeeve's Bespoke Everglades Tour." Neither of us was right. Captain Steve was at the helm.<br />
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<i>Tip</i>: Pull back long hair and wear glasses or sunglasses. Also, keep your lips closed and don't smile while the boat is speeding along unless you want a mouthful of bugs and grass. Ear protection was provided by our tour company. </blockquote>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgl7pwlJsyBzjvRX-BXMD1Vaq9PBQOvistuGBeaiWtQBVjbJFu_BCOxoDh6VYqsjXshtW84xBrPQlOpWVa4UWQl6ly4d6BxTrqpt23F4GIJrEDfhjxu5wMW6vcvRLzugdAdMH1Jzr0v6Oo/s1600/EvergladesMaleGatorBoat_mm.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgl7pwlJsyBzjvRX-BXMD1Vaq9PBQOvistuGBeaiWtQBVjbJFu_BCOxoDh6VYqsjXshtW84xBrPQlOpWVa4UWQl6ly4d6BxTrqpt23F4GIJrEDfhjxu5wMW6vcvRLzugdAdMH1Jzr0v6Oo/s640/EvergladesMaleGatorBoat_mm.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>This bit of grass is this alligator's permanent home.</i></td></tr>
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I never could quite figure out how Steve knew where we were or where he was going. It all looked the same to me. I could see no other landmarks other than a multi-story building waaaaaaay far away on the edge of the Wildlife Management Area. Steve has been riding around this area day after day, year after year. He knew it like the back of his hand and could take us directly to an animal's minuscule territory as if it were a street address. We rode around the Everglades and, other than one brief encounter, never saw any other people in this wide, open space.<br />
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Knowing that most visitors are interested in alligators, he first took us to a little patch of grass where a male and female alligator live. The nine-foot male was lying out in the open, but the female was hidden away. Do you know one way of determining how long an alligator is? The distance between its nose and eyes in inches is equal to the total length of the alligator in feet. This method is best used on alligator skulls when the rest of the skeleton is missing. I do not advise novices try this on living alligators.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWWwwD6Ttnw7KDv7npHUp5xx4MMebr9OHC8jt_9pIhG0l9zKs7SQTx1TF7rhUHPMjvrSE-gaadFf9QGlOS91Zh2KLpqU_miwoDWk61N8qk2zlMyFigrK0gWn9dYwVHhNgPxccrLjRFKCk/s1600/EvergladesCanal_mm.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWWwwD6Ttnw7KDv7npHUp5xx4MMebr9OHC8jt_9pIhG0l9zKs7SQTx1TF7rhUHPMjvrSE-gaadFf9QGlOS91Zh2KLpqU_miwoDWk61N8qk2zlMyFigrK0gWn9dYwVHhNgPxccrLjRFKCk/s640/EvergladesCanal_mm.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>One of the man-made canals that run through the Everglades</i></td></tr>
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I felt as if the Everglades was slowly revealing itself to us as we rode around for 90 minutes. Gradually, variations emerged even though we were in the midst of what I had previously judged as a monotonous landscape. If I looked straight out, all I saw was waving grass, and I half expected to see cattle grazing on it. But if I cast my gaze downwards, I noticed that shallow water surrounded us between the blades of grass. It was a strange sensation to feel that we were on a boat but moving over solid land. Suddenly, we'd reach a part without any grass to slow us down, and the boat would pick up speed. Next thing I knew, we were in a canal lined with pond apple trees which I initially mistook for mangroves. How did I not see the trees in the distance? I'm not sure. It's as if they weren't there, and then, all of a sudden, they were.<br />
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In the 20th century, canals and levees were installed all across the area to control flooding and provide water for agricultural needs. Thankfully, some of this ecosystem is protected by its National Park and Wildlife Management status, or else I'm sure greedy developers would be tempted to "drain the swamp" and build houses, golf courses, and business on this land.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOa_w5lgfch6W1GP7boB9EknG3F_roDyO_t-I2tow7VLqcSszoWkUtCURAHGelF8eTyIjQqeGv-QHFdFUez2e-tJlqryENo6KDqGDiSmNqKJja-RHwuj0MUHK5JS2MorJbptB8nc796Jk/s1600/EvergladesPurpleGallinule_mm.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOa_w5lgfch6W1GP7boB9EknG3F_roDyO_t-I2tow7VLqcSszoWkUtCURAHGelF8eTyIjQqeGv-QHFdFUez2e-tJlqryENo6KDqGDiSmNqKJja-RHwuj0MUHK5JS2MorJbptB8nc796Jk/s400/EvergladesPurpleGallinule_mm.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Male Purple Gallinule </i></td></tr>
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Along with the at least 25 alligators that we saw, Steve pointed out birds and flowers. I still marvel at how he knew <i>exactly</i> where animals lived. We'd be speeding along, then he'd slow the boat to a stop to point a nesting pair of colorful <i>Purple Gallinule</i> birds. The male hopped up on the running board of the boat while the female remained on the nest. Despite its bright colors, these birds seemed to fade into the surrounding dark water and vibrant greenery.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjTP0aO0hcmn8N3148qIBFVKbLNpVxEp9mKV2bJu5KaxmcEAcRDlqo62SXFtNXLe2hl-inNuuzpQFlpWt2dX4S12bdp_9M4VnvYwOExCo6JTpptRIKTpdzD2IhbS5999i74f0tXQS3IRHo/s1600/EvergladesBabyGators_mm.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjTP0aO0hcmn8N3148qIBFVKbLNpVxEp9mKV2bJu5KaxmcEAcRDlqo62SXFtNXLe2hl-inNuuzpQFlpWt2dX4S12bdp_9M4VnvYwOExCo6JTpptRIKTpdzD2IhbS5999i74f0tXQS3IRHo/s640/EvergladesBabyGators_mm.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>A big ole heap of baby alligators</i></td></tr>
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Next, Steve took us to a spot where a first-time mama alligator had laid her eggs a few weeks ago. Being new at it, she picked a place that didn't have enough shade, and she had abandoned her nest of baby alligators to find a place where she wouldn't literally bake in the sun. Steve said that the previous week, this nest had about double the number of babies, and that nature was taking its course by letting them die off. Unlike adults, these small babies had yellowish stripes on their bodies. When Steve threw a bit of meat into the water, they swarmed after the chunk and instinctively started death rolling with it. That chunk of meat didn't stand a chance.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiF-MtKtrpnaxlZ2xRXi1rXnp3hVEmfzYoYUPRByAfxHJpvkGT9HmDiSflPaAT4Hal_G0q2avXSwy6hOSMxjysWm3tBCsekBZooulpJ3Y9sm45Rd837nD2jlj6WmJuT31iQ7XNIb2qXaCE/s1600/EvergladesGator_mm.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiF-MtKtrpnaxlZ2xRXi1rXnp3hVEmfzYoYUPRByAfxHJpvkGT9HmDiSflPaAT4Hal_G0q2avXSwy6hOSMxjysWm3tBCsekBZooulpJ3Y9sm45Rd837nD2jlj6WmJuT31iQ7XNIb2qXaCE/s640/EvergladesGator_mm.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Alligator next to the pathway at Everglades National Park</i></td></tr>
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We made sure to stop at the Shark Valley Visitors Center at Everglades National Park, too. Electing to skip the <a href="http://www.sharkvalleytramtours.com/tram-tours/" target="_blank">2-hour guided tram tour</a>, we explored the area on foot. Staying on the path is very important as alligators lurk in the surrounding swamp. Sometimes, it was difficult to stay the recommended distance away as the gators were lying <i>right next to the path.</i><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEghop-BkKMxYhIXISQmx34LstvmW2vPggbF4h7tP0aNIPBcdpH4c1CPe_XyeCFK6o0Q4DJE0QwSHjlwGToJK4FuWJgPLR1qh0vQBKdGzYHI__ZKUf4YjjX48b0k7QMHUZsuPx8_QCR0E3M/s1600/EvergladesTricoloredHeron_mm.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEghop-BkKMxYhIXISQmx34LstvmW2vPggbF4h7tP0aNIPBcdpH4c1CPe_XyeCFK6o0Q4DJE0QwSHjlwGToJK4FuWJgPLR1qh0vQBKdGzYHI__ZKUf4YjjX48b0k7QMHUZsuPx8_QCR0E3M/s400/EvergladesTricoloredHeron_mm.JPG" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Tricolored Heron</i></td></tr>
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The Everglades is a great spot for birding, and I saw numerous birders with their tripods and big camera lenses trying to check off different species.<br />
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The most interesting sight was of a black bird standing mostly submerged in the water with only its long neck and head rising above the surface. I think it may have been an <i>Anhinga</i> cormorant. The next thing we new, it sank further until it disappeared under water. We stood watching for awhile, but it didn't come back up. I had no clue that birds could hold their breath for that long! (Or maybe it died. Who knows?)<br />
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I'm no expert, so I took photos of anything and everything, then relied on the internet to try to identify each photo's subject. (In other words, don't quote me.)<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMI3MJqpK3kXbTxVT11154xAjzECAMlKvesHGO-zyG7pKrFn4In7VFn-WqSuv9NOt4mj817S6CI7wvRDSOcUqM5o76zkg5hvSCc04V67Lo_9_nHwt1ReKjWFxAJmJVi1DaYIQyh9O8ru8/s1600/EvergladesSnowyEgret_mm.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMI3MJqpK3kXbTxVT11154xAjzECAMlKvesHGO-zyG7pKrFn4In7VFn-WqSuv9NOt4mj817S6CI7wvRDSOcUqM5o76zkg5hvSCc04V67Lo_9_nHwt1ReKjWFxAJmJVi1DaYIQyh9O8ru8/s400/EvergladesSnowyEgret_mm.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Snowy Egret</i></td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVe4_-i_6bWUT5La_D-DGOVGjuObcDvkhsFxtx_awkT6URmkKnmDeQ6SUEm-HWAz8bXaGohXybC3KxYzqK75v4RGhakCJWlgpLSp8y68gPGKZ6ntrzdSWofU3zHT8pQUjJP0VjN8qAkOo/s1600/EvergladesWhiteIbis.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVe4_-i_6bWUT5La_D-DGOVGjuObcDvkhsFxtx_awkT6URmkKnmDeQ6SUEm-HWAz8bXaGohXybC3KxYzqK75v4RGhakCJWlgpLSp8y68gPGKZ6ntrzdSWofU3zHT8pQUjJP0VjN8qAkOo/s640/EvergladesWhiteIbis.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>White Ibis</i></td></tr>
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Take this <i>White Ibis</i>, for example. I'm not 100% sure it's a White Ibis... because it's not completely white like most of the pictures I found on the web. However, it did match some White Ibis photos on the internet.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgHeA5sLAxef6kgL2r9rwF8CAhgI8ronFkf9wYMCyjts8g5GYAGQr2RWmTqZxuULtIiiai_ZwTEsZQIss8go977G3zL5jOU9oMEYt427kUzeTfxac2_WXYsdyYUZbXud9JvNehAxYgra_o/s1600/EvergladesBird.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgHeA5sLAxef6kgL2r9rwF8CAhgI8ronFkf9wYMCyjts8g5GYAGQr2RWmTqZxuULtIiiai_ZwTEsZQIss8go977G3zL5jOU9oMEYt427kUzeTfxac2_WXYsdyYUZbXud9JvNehAxYgra_o/s640/EvergladesBird.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Do you know what this is? I don't.</i></td></tr>
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I never could identify other birds. I poked around on the internet for a while researching the one in the photo above and then decided that my time was better spent sleeping. Please enlighten me in the comment section below if you know what this is.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEji-P4HQ1leCP5pDsO_Hlj-tLvCdhJAmj001UFCigLk2YkWrSmwfYxxrwlqdemKKfy9FffchsTRWRkS2PsIh40OK91Db0dD9_4nlc13veq-4y6WI0qc_LPYFfE-vomSV4Lzjv8PfzG_tyI/s1600/EvergladesTurtle_mm.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEji-P4HQ1leCP5pDsO_Hlj-tLvCdhJAmj001UFCigLk2YkWrSmwfYxxrwlqdemKKfy9FffchsTRWRkS2PsIh40OK91Db0dD9_4nlc13veq-4y6WI0qc_LPYFfE-vomSV4Lzjv8PfzG_tyI/s640/EvergladesTurtle_mm.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Turtle</i></td></tr>
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There were other creatures, too, like turtles and lizards.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZhDjseNDcyMIIbmaI4kSQ_i0seAihM3q-5olQ_hM27QMF8PetYZk_Rror4uGA_PwGWHoCbdOBoSZ3JI7EC7NS7nLou47UWOIQ__HAcMHXfjKO1XCQyJAJ8xM2LcP5xhVnxX3_hzKY9GU/s1600/EvergladesLizard_mm.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZhDjseNDcyMIIbmaI4kSQ_i0seAihM3q-5olQ_hM27QMF8PetYZk_Rror4uGA_PwGWHoCbdOBoSZ3JI7EC7NS7nLou47UWOIQ__HAcMHXfjKO1XCQyJAJ8xM2LcP5xhVnxX3_hzKY9GU/s640/EvergladesLizard_mm.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Check out that neck on the lizard!</i></td></tr>
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Make sure you watch where you step.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgcB8xDVpNWnSo4YVtR6mZ0Fy1W1uqTU0OEuxkcGa5oyWpF2BwndojE52y7_phqeq21Ha-k9Lh49e9UCtF2_l2FNMV5iR2MvMiHOQ7CGvUqjV8EATTSwIBuvIkirCtQi4nkJqVPP_A0BQc/s1600/EvergladesWarningSign.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgcB8xDVpNWnSo4YVtR6mZ0Fy1W1uqTU0OEuxkcGa5oyWpF2BwndojE52y7_phqeq21Ha-k9Lh49e9UCtF2_l2FNMV5iR2MvMiHOQ7CGvUqjV8EATTSwIBuvIkirCtQi4nkJqVPP_A0BQc/s640/EvergladesWarningSign.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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Once you step off the paved asphalt tram road, the trail gets a bit treacherous. Ankle-turning solution trails are all over the ground.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Solution holes big enough to swallow a foot.</i></td></tr>
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The Everglades is definitely one of those places that I didn't appreciate until I visited it for myself. It was so much more than I expected. Just make sure to focus on the details.<br />
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<h4 style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; color: #111111; font-family: 'PT Serif'; font-size: 28px; font-weight: normal; line-height: 1.3; margin: 0px 0px 20px; padding: 0px;">
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I've joined up as one of the co-hosts of <b>Weekend Travel Inspiration.</b><br />
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<span style="color: #666666; font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">I've also joined with the following linkups. Check them out for more around-the-world travel inspiration.</span><br />
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<li><span style="color: #666666; font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Travel Photo Thursday on <a href="http://www.budgettravelerssandbox.com/seouls-urban-gardens-photo-essay/" target="_blank">Budget Travelers Sandbox</a>, <a href="http://www.budgettraveltalk.com/" target="_blank">Budget Travel Talk</a>, <a href="http://tanamatales.com/" target="_blank">Tanama Tales</a> and <a href="http://rachelheller.org/" target="_blank">Rachel's Ruminations</a>.</span></li>
<li><span style="color: #666666; font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">The Weekly Postcard on <a href="http://www.travelnotesandbeyond.com/" target="_blank">Travel Notes and Beyond</a></span></li>
<li><span style="color: #666666; font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Weekend Wanderlust on <a href="http://justinpluslauren.com/" target="_blank">Justin + Lauren</a></span></li>
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Michele {Malaysian Meanders}http://www.blogger.com/profile/18313351463568423694noreply@blogger.com16tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7054224870283073737.post-14785487267823429312017-04-04T01:02:00.000-05:002017-04-04T01:02:04.089-05:00Keeping it Real<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_umz-XXH5AVYHXWiUJOsQfN1BrYf1s0PzxFRsBrk2E2x7fneOTs1M-BOuIodSENQ9zwEvqmB4CrZZE8Kx8PPrCR-cj7cR-6Eg46tXmX0LlJM3eqULOiVnZKYiGdge30sv1-P48m7cRg0/s1600/DSC04606.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_umz-XXH5AVYHXWiUJOsQfN1BrYf1s0PzxFRsBrk2E2x7fneOTs1M-BOuIodSENQ9zwEvqmB4CrZZE8Kx8PPrCR-cj7cR-6Eg46tXmX0LlJM3eqULOiVnZKYiGdge30sv1-P48m7cRg0/s640/DSC04606.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Slumped on a bench instead of looking around</i></td></tr>
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My friends tell me that my kids are lucky to be so well traveled. If you read my previous post about <a href="http://malaysianmeanders.blogspot.com/2017/04/villa-vizcaya-old-world-opulence-in.html" target="_blank">Villa Vizcaya - Old World Opulence in the Heart of Miami</a>, then you know more about Vizcaya than my kids do. My daughter will most likely get around to reading the Vizcaya post, but my boys never read this blog because, as they claim, they experienced it in real life.<br />
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We had just disembarked from our cruise that morning after staying up late the night before for a special 10:45PM, Thursday night release of the live action <i>Beauty and the Beast</i>. If you've ever been on a cruise, you know that they kick you out of the cabins super early so that they can prep for the next round of guests. The whole family was sleep deprived.<br />
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In any case, the kids could not muster up any interest in all the elegance surrounding them. When we were upstairs in the villa, they parked themselves on a bench in the passageway and didn't move. (I suppose this is better than having them touch <i>every single breakable antique </i>which is what I had to watch for when they were younger.)<br />
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They perked up in the fresh air of the Formal Gardens, drawn towards a Maze Garden where the hedges only reached as high as their thighs. So, it wasn't a total wash. </div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Entering the Secret Garden</i></td></tr>
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<br />I just wanted to keep it real in case if you envisioned my kids being completely enthralled by everything we visit. I suppose they did repeatedly thank us for taking them on the cruise, so that's something. <br />
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If only I had figured out the <i>Iron Man 3 </i>connection beforehand.<br />
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<h4>
What do you do to keep kids engaged?</h4>
Michele {Malaysian Meanders}http://www.blogger.com/profile/18313351463568423694noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7054224870283073737.post-92049391252004551462017-04-01T17:16:00.001-05:002017-04-02T01:27:07.755-05:00Villa Vizcaya - Old World Opulence in the Heart of Miami<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgyIXnapMgZHSZdr8tjsOAxbcIz3tnpL0YXs-g51ec0I19BbDmSjpChGQ_XV5Gi6qLbNDq3Ytcbov8VMvCe__d1lDOMHVoy40s86PtF_mFY26Oxechp1Xpe5PzZ2mEnf3CVwHM80LQpgeU/s1600/Vizcaya+1_mm.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgyIXnapMgZHSZdr8tjsOAxbcIz3tnpL0YXs-g51ec0I19BbDmSjpChGQ_XV5Gi6qLbNDq3Ytcbov8VMvCe__d1lDOMHVoy40s86PtF_mFY26Oxechp1Xpe5PzZ2mEnf3CVwHM80LQpgeU/s640/Vizcaya+1_mm.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Vizcaya as seen from the Boat Landing</i></td></tr>
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The great Jay Gatsby would approve of Vizcaya. I can picture it as his temporary home when escaping the unseemly cold that wraps itself around Long Island and his mansion in West Egg during the winter months. Vizcaya was built to impress. It screams Old World opulence and money that has been passed down for generations. Its antique-filled rooms and stately formal gardens mentally transport visitors to Europe despite the fact that they are just across the bay from Miami's famed South Beach.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>The Tea House and part of The Barge</i></td></tr>
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In real life, this villa was quickly built over the course of two years by agricultural industrialist James Deering. He officially kicked off taking up residence in Vizcaya on Christmas Day 1916 with a ceremony involving cannons, gondolas and friends dressed as Italian peasants. Despite that extravagance, Deering was reportedly a circumspect and reserved man who was excited by only two things — Vizcaya and Webster's Dictionary. Deering and his artistic director, Paul Chalfin, envisioned Vizcaya as an 18th century Italian villa with themed rooms furnished with antiques suggesting that they had been accumulated by the family over generations. In fact, they were all purchased by Chalfin to create the illusion of old wealth.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>The central couryard was originally open to the sky to improve air flow throughout the villa.</i></td></tr>
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Deering's father, William Deering, was the founder of Deering Harvester Company which produced machinery that allowed Midwestern United States farmers to harvest grain at the amazing speed of an acre every hour. By the end of the 1800s, the Deerings were one of the wealthiest families in America. James Deering was a world traveler, cultural ambassador, socialite and arts connoisseur. In 1910, he was awarded the Legion of Honour for promoting agricultural technology in France. Four years later, he retired and chose the the shores of Miami's Biscayne Bay to be the site of his winter home.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>East Loggia that faces the bay where guests arriving by boat would have entered</i></td></tr>
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Although built to appear from another century, Deering embraced modern technology and hid it throughout the design of the building. The main home is built largely from reinforced concrete covered in a facade of Cuban limestone and Floridian coral architectural trim. Two elevators carried guests from one floor to another, and dumb waiters (food elevators) transported dishes of prepared food from the upstairs kitchen to the downstairs serving pantry. Vizcaya also has a water filtration system, central vacuum cleaning system and a partially automated laundry room dating back to its original construction in the 1910s. There's even an annunciator system that permitted Deering and his guests to call the household staff (16-18 people) whenever they needed something.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1VoCsuIU-sdDqf_2EXK-VoEa16N7arpOCc8wNWsDzDbb4r8SIYlNwCKXNf5soxN-iSiJrJTtIRZVklR4z6hSsbm3DAUztf6CqmC3KdEf6HSvEHBKurp34_sCko3MLg46l_fHRtkuLbS4/s1600/Vizcaya_ServingPantry_mm.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1VoCsuIU-sdDqf_2EXK-VoEa16N7arpOCc8wNWsDzDbb4r8SIYlNwCKXNf5soxN-iSiJrJTtIRZVklR4z6hSsbm3DAUztf6CqmC3KdEf6HSvEHBKurp34_sCko3MLg46l_fHRtkuLbS4/s640/Vizcaya_ServingPantry_mm.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Downstairs Serving Pantry complete with refrigerators and a dumbwaiter.</i></td></tr>
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Deering was a bachelor who built Vizcaya as a place to entertain guests. In addition to family and friends, his visitors here included silent film star Lillian Gish and President Warren Harding. Vizcaya was his residence from the end of November to the middle of April when he presumably moved back to his primary home on Lake Shore Drive in Chicago. With homes in Paris, New York and the Illinois countryside, he was spoilt for choice for where to lay his head.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2v0Za6p_p4JbNSo6AUky-6fDuxY1IGWYOI-UmngVvYT7s-YmqlRHY3F-aq2p5BbtCTkrXpstsUdMX_rBd1HkC1ih3j0-kcb0on3hMl89w7gvmEWnWfkVezGsFvFDbUCG4V-rIGjCE0K8/s1600/Vizcaya_LivingRoom_mm.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2v0Za6p_p4JbNSo6AUky-6fDuxY1IGWYOI-UmngVvYT7s-YmqlRHY3F-aq2p5BbtCTkrXpstsUdMX_rBd1HkC1ih3j0-kcb0on3hMl89w7gvmEWnWfkVezGsFvFDbUCG4V-rIGjCE0K8/s640/Vizcaya_LivingRoom_mm.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>The Living Room</i></td></tr>
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Situated facing the water, the Living Room was also known as Renaissance Hall because many of the items are from that period of European history (1300s-1600s). A man with such a room must certainly have refined and cultured tastes, don't you think? Many of these antiques were altered to better suit the home's modern design. Two electric light fixtures are affixed to tall, ancient Roman marble columns. Above the organ keyboard, the religious painting from the 1600s has been cut in half to function as doors that open to reveal the organ's pipes.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhK6PeZLS2Dv-3L32Sxjg4cL3t7XIsIoV8ZGxTdwKAcAEkVU5uKbK6mRQLNxr7AG1EuQSjTIuGSCVI6pSmwXr68iM0uk2HUD7WeHa5CEXdNKfW6Tc0TWCwg54W3RA3szg4GJU-6HWK14Og/s1600/Vizcaya_ReceptionRoom_mm.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhK6PeZLS2Dv-3L32Sxjg4cL3t7XIsIoV8ZGxTdwKAcAEkVU5uKbK6mRQLNxr7AG1EuQSjTIuGSCVI6pSmwXr68iM0uk2HUD7WeHa5CEXdNKfW6Tc0TWCwg54W3RA3szg4GJU-6HWK14Og/s640/Vizcaya_ReceptionRoom_mm.JPG" width="480" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>The Reception Room</i></td></tr>
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The decorative ceiling of the Reception Room was purchased by Deering in Europe, and the rest of the room was designed around it. The curving, flowing lines of the wall panels, mirror and furnishings harken back to the Rococo style of the 1700s.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEif3R4coOay94GATCllogrbgMwVw_GPQuAkoi8_cTsFi8hAV4vipgr4tk0uQ_eOnz5zyIezp_XjRbOcpeqTMqW2D7rmzkgEnCarobvvC7hfYAxxkgfpiNsRhGrijciZMTcrMiYu4Hcai6g/s1600/Vizcaya_EnclosedLoggia_mm.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEif3R4coOay94GATCllogrbgMwVw_GPQuAkoi8_cTsFi8hAV4vipgr4tk0uQ_eOnz5zyIezp_XjRbOcpeqTMqW2D7rmzkgEnCarobvvC7hfYAxxkgfpiNsRhGrijciZMTcrMiYu4Hcai6g/s640/Vizcaya_EnclosedLoggia_mm.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Enclosed Loggia</i></td></tr>
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The Enclosed Loggia is my favorite room in the house for the very reason that Deering intended it for. It is a visual connection between the indoors and the outdoors providing a fantastic view of the formal gardens. The top arches of the windows feature sea horses and a Caravel ship, two symbols that Deering had incorporated throughout Vizcaya. Opposite these windows, the gates that lead into the Courtyard were originally part of the Palazzo Pisani in Venice. <br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjv6-1Sza6dx3G0LvZ4EeY9qbFmdfMlWttvcIZuKnuiXtGLCoyZ__ONZn4tPxlYj_o8aUsTnwnXaFzmI9XwzfOCubATCqirC2jpy1lPMuUmksnlmAm9Lc3zMvWrSqYvKWj-Xt49kFBl_YI/s1600/Vizcaya_CathayRoom_mm.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjv6-1Sza6dx3G0LvZ4EeY9qbFmdfMlWttvcIZuKnuiXtGLCoyZ__ONZn4tPxlYj_o8aUsTnwnXaFzmI9XwzfOCubATCqirC2jpy1lPMuUmksnlmAm9Lc3zMvWrSqYvKWj-Xt49kFBl_YI/s640/Vizcaya_CathayRoom_mm.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>The Cathay Bedroom</i></td></tr>
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Designer Paul Chalfin named this the Cathay Bedroom after the name that Marco Polo gave China. In fact, he gave all the rooms colorful and descriptive names to set the mood for each one. So much better than being told as a guest that you're staying in "Room 202" or "the room at the top of the stairs and to the left." He decorated the Cathay Bedroom in the Chinoiserie style, the 18th century colonial-era European interpretation of Chinese artistic traditions. The bed in this room is specifically designed by Chalfin to be how a Venetian would have imagined a Chinese couch.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjK6oNDyU37t0O5LfVTfURvYSmXFiLqOoHTLAYqETdUsYoMaRVe1UKOvaWeiKP7NKXTplzvmRVuwZOgJYNkn-9CELheRwWEyGLUkLu67cflGNvEMEztEUp95njz7k3wVkPO-zjOWhQPgyA/s1600/Vizcaya_BelgiosoRoom_mm.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjK6oNDyU37t0O5LfVTfURvYSmXFiLqOoHTLAYqETdUsYoMaRVe1UKOvaWeiKP7NKXTplzvmRVuwZOgJYNkn-9CELheRwWEyGLUkLu67cflGNvEMEztEUp95njz7k3wVkPO-zjOWhQPgyA/s640/Vizcaya_BelgiosoRoom_mm.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Belgioioso Bedroom</i></td></tr>
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The Belgioioso Bedroom sits in the North Tower high above the rest of the house with a panoramic view of Biscayne Bay. The Countess of Belgioioso was a prominent figure in early 1800s Milan. Long dead by the time this room was created, she would have felt right at home as it is furnished in the style popular when she was alive.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKZb36hwn-xjf7bpMZUsKA55xp5PsZHFHuAq0LoOJolJpyXj-w0PQvuFOi5S33XKJ5kuWdjyWZgwfRZhS4HUGBEDlf-CqSOBSt30X5VE3FKQerMXEnDJqox8nfYZ3qWH82-6y61DuEiT0/s1600/Vizcaya_DeeringBedroom.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKZb36hwn-xjf7bpMZUsKA55xp5PsZHFHuAq0LoOJolJpyXj-w0PQvuFOi5S33XKJ5kuWdjyWZgwfRZhS4HUGBEDlf-CqSOBSt30X5VE3FKQerMXEnDJqox8nfYZ3qWH82-6y61DuEiT0/s640/Vizcaya_DeeringBedroom.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>James Deering's bedroom</i></td></tr>
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Deering occupied the bedroom on the second floor facing the water. Designed in the Empire style associated with Napoleon, it seemed much more restrained and less flamboyant than all the guest rooms. The tub in the adjoining bathroom delivered both fresh and saltwater.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0u_tmAZL8n8fXV0IufczWXU7HbvhSqybARfUHDKFll8cR-IxXDqbuOWqzrmoPWR13NSKjf28Snvcm_rA5dtKEaleqWRt3bHbnyBLVDe-6ZLSuw778oPx_GAMV7qjcpsvxxakWX1UpgaU/s1600/Vizcaya_DeeringBedCloseup_mm.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0u_tmAZL8n8fXV0IufczWXU7HbvhSqybARfUHDKFll8cR-IxXDqbuOWqzrmoPWR13NSKjf28Snvcm_rA5dtKEaleqWRt3bHbnyBLVDe-6ZLSuw778oPx_GAMV7qjcpsvxxakWX1UpgaU/s640/Vizcaya_DeeringBedCloseup_mm.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Close up of Deering's bed</i></td></tr>
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While the colors and style of Deering's bedroom seemed more muted than elsewhere in the house, I couldn't help but notice the tableaus depicted in bright gold along the bedframe. There was also a giant water stain on the silk covered walls.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiobtzWmbiSdDH6dIk4p11qQom_pBKOMBeDuQYYo2Ja4Jv6Yp2BcMcL7DwuAyiqhffjSN-jBpsiW8tEN1GJ28VrIZzNl2wwpUNWwhnUbClPKANJ1Go5RzfxcG-RfbXSByhvDwRxlXFEc0w/s1600/Vizcaya_Espagnolette_mm.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiobtzWmbiSdDH6dIk4p11qQom_pBKOMBeDuQYYo2Ja4Jv6Yp2BcMcL7DwuAyiqhffjSN-jBpsiW8tEN1GJ28VrIZzNl2wwpUNWwhnUbClPKANJ1Go5RzfxcG-RfbXSByhvDwRxlXFEc0w/s640/Vizcaya_Espagnolette_mm.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Espagnolette Bedroom</i></td></tr>
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The Espagnolette Bedroom connects with Deering's bedroom through a shared bathroom and private balcony. According to Chalfin, "There was always the flutter of scandal about Deering and his women." A bachelor until the end, Deering is said to have had a rather long relationship with a mistress who traveled with him and stayed at Vizcaya. Although the current definition of "espagnolette" is a piece of French door hardware, it used to refer to a style of Spanish dress featuring a low neckline. Shocking! The espagnolette style was popularized in France in the 1800s by the painter Jean-Antoine Watteau whose fantasy garden paintings inspired the decor of this bedroom.<br />
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<tr><td><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxub0bFWCtbSOTaCRO56tzODrSZ_cqcN_bgpq77Iplno7qd-f-xTIBOo8DQJJ6bsG-tOhysDeaKP0M9Osxqep3UPYOZT7pwADALHidd1bQSeHSPRgLcaWwWwtDTPj_YW5DiafDHgaIbS0/s1600/Vizcaya_FrogFountain_mm.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxub0bFWCtbSOTaCRO56tzODrSZ_cqcN_bgpq77Iplno7qd-f-xTIBOo8DQJJ6bsG-tOhysDeaKP0M9Osxqep3UPYOZT7pwADALHidd1bQSeHSPRgLcaWwWwtDTPj_YW5DiafDHgaIbS0/s640/Vizcaya_FrogFountain_mm.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="font-size: 12.8px;"><i><span style="font-size: x-small;">Frog fountain on the South Terrace leading to the Formal Garden</span></i></td></tr>
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My favorite part of the entire estate is the Formal Gardens. There were many photo shoots going on while we were there. Some seemed to be for weddings or debutantes whereas another was definitely a fashion shoot with a rack of enviable clothes. Although the house was finished in 1916, the gardens were not completed until 1922.<br />
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Deering left the mangroves along the shoreline and the Rockland Hammock native forest surrounding the formal gardens undisturbed, distinguishing himself as one of Miami's early environmentalists. The Garden Mound and Casino (small, ornamental house) rising up at the far end of the formal gardens shielded visitors' eyes from the wilderness just beyond the boundaries.<br />
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<tr><td><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhx4BHWHuc4zPpN0a-yHx6TaN9qu9xZzvBvfPvaFALDh9EIU5GPnmrqoD-eOb-gGlfBR4URbl9BINLOoXj78txhI2JaszeK2K1NpXk3tTPUlNYJg568NIZQUZWz3fl3JOpKvqtGhGKyHBY/s1600/Vizcaya_GardenCenterIsland_mm.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhx4BHWHuc4zPpN0a-yHx6TaN9qu9xZzvBvfPvaFALDh9EIU5GPnmrqoD-eOb-gGlfBR4URbl9BINLOoXj78txhI2JaszeK2K1NpXk3tTPUlNYJg568NIZQUZWz3fl3JOpKvqtGhGKyHBY/s640/Vizcaya_GardenCenterIsland_mm.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="font-size: 12.8px;"><i><span style="font-size: x-small;">The Center Island of the Formal Gardens</span></i></td></tr>
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Although the gardens were European in style, they incorporated native and subtropical plants suitable for the Miami's heat and humidity.<br />
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<tr><td><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg42Pqj7EvG8bmRtIvUsQlvH2198oTWfYUsT9zPZwgb2Q7uhF4IfipZg_i2qNuevDUHHGP9Nml3WH_rrAQJVmr6cejver3wS9b1EbrpmXHGAmbjOh6vqAiTixWe6Z-064shym-Z87fDUaw/s1600/Vizcaya_FormalGardens_mm.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg42Pqj7EvG8bmRtIvUsQlvH2198oTWfYUsT9zPZwgb2Q7uhF4IfipZg_i2qNuevDUHHGP9Nml3WH_rrAQJVmr6cejver3wS9b1EbrpmXHGAmbjOh6vqAiTixWe6Z-064shym-Z87fDUaw/s640/Vizcaya_FormalGardens_mm.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="font-size: 12.8px;"><i><span style="font-size: x-small;">French-style parterre executed with subtropical plants</span></i></td></tr>
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In addition to all the plants, Colombian landscape architect Diego Suarez incorporated fountains, sculptures and architectural elements.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiM1tF22L52bSoHYVOn-uBbwNpmn9-_NwOjAr7tPRWUKUTCKX_7v3z2U6iHyIk-j3ZJ-DvC5ZJ0E0Kij1y5coAsdiNEdTEPofVWZwcu8Me6c2CzMXIA07xETC_HRfKAMRi0XXZH-8Qr1Kg/s1600/Vizcaya_Statue_mm.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiM1tF22L52bSoHYVOn-uBbwNpmn9-_NwOjAr7tPRWUKUTCKX_7v3z2U6iHyIk-j3ZJ-DvC5ZJ0E0Kij1y5coAsdiNEdTEPofVWZwcu8Me6c2CzMXIA07xETC_HRfKAMRi0XXZH-8Qr1Kg/s640/Vizcaya_Statue_mm.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Along the Statuary Walk</i></td></tr>
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Deering died in September 1925 while returning to the United States aboard the steamship <i>SS City of Paris</i>. His two nieces inherited Vizcaya which was hit by a major hurricane a year later. In addition to leveling Miami's South Beach and paving the way for an Art Deco building spree there, the hurricane caused major damage to Vizcaya. Over the years, the nieces sold off the outer gardens and surrounding land to pay for maintenance and repairs. In 1952, they sold the remaining 50 acres to Miami-Dade County for $1 million and donated all the interior furnishings. Keep in mind that Deering spent $26 million in the early 1900s to build the estate. A year later, the restored villa was opened to the public as a museum, notable because everything is original to the building. In 1994, it was designated as a National Historic Landmark.</div>
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If all this isn't enough to convince your kids to look forward to visiting Vizcaya, the exterior also served as <a href="https://moviemaps.org/locations/23q" target="_blank">Aldrich Killian's mansion in </a><i><a href="https://moviemaps.org/locations/23q" target="_blank">Iron Man 3</a>. </i> </div>
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For current information on visiting Vizcaya, see the<a href="http://vizcaya.org/visit.asp" target="_blank"> official website</a>.<br />
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I've joined up as one of the co-hosts of <b>Weekend Travel Inspiration.</b><br />
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<li>Visit some of the other wonderful travel bloggers, read their posts, and leave a comment. It would be great if you could comment on 2-3 posts.</li>
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<li>Don’t forget to check out my amazing co-hosts and their pages: <a href="http://www.reflectionsenroute.com/" target="_blank">Reflections Enroute</a>, <a href="http://www.contentedtraveller.com/" style="-webkit-transition: all 0.3s ease-in-out; background-color: transparent; box-sizing: border-box; color: #478fb3; outline: none; text-decoration: none; transition: all 0.3s ease-in-out;" target="_blank">ContentedTraveller</a>, <a href="http://www.albomadventures.com/" style="-webkit-transition: all 0.3s ease-in-out; background-color: transparent; box-sizing: border-box; color: #478fb3; outline: none; text-decoration: none; transition: all 0.3s ease-in-out;" target="_blank">Albom Adventures</a>, <a href="http://www.safari254.com/" style="-webkit-transition: all 0.3s ease-in-out; background-color: transparent; box-sizing: border-box; color: #478fb3; outline: none; text-decoration: none; transition: all 0.3s ease-in-out;" target="_blank">Safari 254</a>, and <a href="http://www.familiesgotravel.com/" style="-webkit-transition: all 0.3s ease-in-out; background-color: transparent; box-sizing: border-box; color: #478fb3; outline: none; text-decoration: none; transition: all 0.3s ease-in-out;" target="_blank">FamiliesGo</a>.</li>
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<span style="color: #666666; font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">I've also joined with the following linkups. Check them out for more around-the-world travel inspiration.</span><br />
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<li><span style="color: #666666; font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Travel Photo Thursday on <a href="http://www.budgettravelerssandbox.com/korea-hwaeomsa-temple-a-photo-essay/" target="_blank">Budget Travelers Sandbox</a>, <a href="http://www.budgettraveltalk.com/" target="_blank">Budget Travel Talk</a>, <a href="http://tanamatales.com/" target="_blank">Tanama Tales</a> and <a href="http://rachelheller.org/" target="_blank">Rachel's Ruminations</a>.</span></li>
<li><span style="color: #666666; font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">The Weekly Postcard on <a href="http://www.travelnotesandbeyond.com/" target="_blank">Travel Notes and Beyond</a></span></li>
<li><span style="color: #666666; font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Weekend Wanderlust on <a href="http://justinpluslauren.com/" target="_blank">Justin + Lauren</a></span></li>
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Michele {Malaysian Meanders}http://www.blogger.com/profile/18313351463568423694noreply@blogger.com29tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7054224870283073737.post-75332947341722686382017-03-25T19:05:00.001-05:002017-04-01T17:17:46.134-05:0036 Hours in Miami<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFziiImmXsF6_RYGCPa5cv3WHp5amsAqrGtLsje9JPpC5mQlRKEy6F3juwPFdCrv5sKhzVKQtJ_HAg_Fr34KIP-2ITGqOE6zSfDWHISN7n-4B8jN-bPkAS5t6CxX7oIvy76KQds6Fzx2U/s1600/Vizcaya+2_mm.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="" border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFziiImmXsF6_RYGCPa5cv3WHp5amsAqrGtLsje9JPpC5mQlRKEy6F3juwPFdCrv5sKhzVKQtJ_HAg_Fr34KIP-2ITGqOE6zSfDWHISN7n-4B8jN-bPkAS5t6CxX7oIvy76KQds6Fzx2U/s640/Vizcaya+2_mm.JPG" title="Villa Vizcaya" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>On the shores of Biscayne Bay</i></td></tr>
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Miami is a special place for me. It's where my husband and I spent our wedding night nearly 25 years ago. Our honeymoon was a Caribbean cruise departing from Miami followed by a week at Walt Disney World. We were the type of couple who literally left for their honeymoon directly from the wedding reception. We arrived in Miami late at night, checked into our hotel by the airport and then shipped out the next morning. For last week's Spring Break Caribbean cruise — this time with our 3 kids along — we decided to arrive early to spend a bit more time sampling what the Miami area has to offer.<br />
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Everglades National Park</h2>
Sloughy marshes as far as the eye can see, crocodiles, manatees, and tropical wading birds. That's what comes to mind whenever I think of the Everglades, and I longed to finally see it with my own two eyes. I've also been wanting to ride on an airboat, so that's how I focused my search.<br />
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Everglades National Park stretches 1.5 million acres (6110 km²) across the bottom tip of Florida, making it the third largest U.S. National Park. Most of it is not easily accessible by car, but the trails by its four visitors centers give a sampling of the Everglades ecosystem.<br />
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Shark Valley Visitors Center is an easy one hour drive west of Miami on the straightest, flattest road we've ever been on. We began to wonder at the name "Shark Valley" as we were supposedly too far inland for sharks and the monotonous topography made it impossible to imagine where a valley may be located. The "valley" is a slight depression that channels water into the Shark River which empties into the Gulf of Mexico at a spot where sharks are known to hang out. While you must beware of crocodiles in Shark Valley, there are no actual sharks.<br />
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After parking at the Visitors Center, taking the 2-hour guided tram tour or bicycling is the best way to explore the main 15 mile loop trail leading into the park. <br />
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<b><u>Park Entrance Fee</u>:</b><br />
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<li>$25 per car</li>
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<b><a href="http://www.sharkvalleytramtours.com/tram-tours/" target="_blank">Shark Valley Tram Tour</a>:</b><br />
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<li>$25 for adults </li>
<li>$19 for Seniors (62+ years)</li>
<li>$12.75 for children 3-12 years old</li>
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<b><u>Bicycle Rental</u></b>:<br />
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Being cheapskates and short on time after sleeping in that morning, we decided to walk. This means that we only made it about 1 mile down the trail and back, not the entire 15 miles. Those who do make it to the midpoint of the 15 mile trail are rewarded with a 45-foot high observation tower lending views of 20 miles around.</div>
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Still, we managed to see numerous crocodiles, some of whom were laying mere inches from the trail. A few baby crocodiles rested in one shady pool of water. Birds were everywhere. </div>
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Each of the four visitors centers seem to have different things to see and experience. For more information about the Ernest F. Coe Visitors Center and the Flamingo Visitors Center (with possible manatee sightings), see <a href="http://www.theworldisabook.com/24764/exploring-everglades-national-park/" target="_blank">this blog post by <b>The World is a Book</b></a>.</div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Airboat ride across the Everglades</i></td></tr>
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Airboat Ride</h2>
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Seeing the Everglades by airboat was at the top of my list for things to do while staying in Miami. We booked a private tour at <a href="https://www.theriverofgrass.com/" target="_blank">Everglades River of Grass Adventures</a> since it was the top-rated one on TripAdvisor. They did not disappoint. </div>
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Looking around at the landscape, everything seemed the same initially. Tall grass waved in the wind as far as I could see. Luckily, our guide, Steve, knew the area like the back of his hand. Alligators are very territorial, and he took us directly to the little clumps of grass that they called home. It was as if Steve knew their house number. He knew exactly where a pair of colorful Purple Gallinule swamp hens were nesting as well as a place where a first-time alligator mama had abandoned her babies in a search for more shade and water. The featureless landscape began to reform itself into a series of canals separated by navigable marshland and wildlife habitats when Steve was at the helm. </div>
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Best of wall, the wind whipped our hair and roared in our ears as we sped over the grass. Be sure to bring glasses/sunglasses and tie back long hair! And for goodness sakes, keep your mouth closed unless you want to catch bugs and bits of flying grass in it. (The tour did provide ear protection for us.) It was loud and exhilarating!</div>
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Dining on Cuban food at Versailles</h2>
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We had dinner that night in the heart of Little Havana. <b><a href="http://www.versaillesrestaurant.com/" target="_blank">Versailles</a></b> is known for both its Cuban food and as a gathering place for Cuban-American exiles. The main restaurant seats 370 people and its walls are covered with ornate mirrors. Presumably, that's how this Cuban restaurant ended up with a name associated with France. Arriving at 6:30PM on a Saturday, we were seated in just a few minutes. I picked it because it supposedly serves one of the best Cuban sandwiches in Miami, but we ended getting dinner sampler plates. The food was filling, delicious, and amazingly affordable. It's a winner all around.</div>
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The walk-up coffee window is known for its <i>cafe con leche. </i>Judging by the line, it's very popular. I really wanted to try it but knew that I wouldn't go to sleep for hours if I did. (If this had been the type of Miami Spring Break vacation where I'd be clubbing all night, I would have totally drank it up.)</div>
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The Versailles Bakery is located next door. We took a number and perused the bakery cases as we waited for our turn to order. Cookies, pastries, cakes as well as <i>empanadas</i> and other savory offerings tempted us. Stuffed from dinner, we ordered a few desserts to take back to our hotel room to enjoy later.</div>
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Breakfast/Lunch at Charlotte Bakery</h2>
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The next morning, we headed to Miami's South Beach for a late breakfast at <b><a href="http://www.charlottebakeryinc.com/home.html" target="_blank">Charlotte Bakery</a> </b>which serves up the flavors of Argentina, Venezuela, Columbia and Chile. With all the Spanish language flying around between the patrons and the people behind the counter, I felt far away from Trump's America. Making a choice with the variety of a<i>repas </i>(cornmeal flatbreads), <i>empanadas, </i>and filled pastries and rolls was difficult since everything looked so yummy. For the less adventurous eaters (<i>e.g.</i> my kids), they offer croissant French toast and Belgian waffles, too. The line moved slowly, and the limited seating was tight, but I really enjoyed our delicious meal there.</div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEir9SL_A24cDKJSi-cBeyllo0YF2IoOqCHxZJFcgIW1x7tDVGpv2tU3gPAUWo88B4uLYPDEmIcGey4suI-LnwENZrPLIocHopKlmlt4BLchbT6NpEHyVWrjxoVtl8s_zYh3_9B0EfY9iBE/s1600/MiamiArtDeco_Cavalier_mm.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEir9SL_A24cDKJSi-cBeyllo0YF2IoOqCHxZJFcgIW1x7tDVGpv2tU3gPAUWo88B4uLYPDEmIcGey4suI-LnwENZrPLIocHopKlmlt4BLchbT6NpEHyVWrjxoVtl8s_zYh3_9B0EfY9iBE/s640/MiamiArtDeco_Cavalier_mm.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">One of the many Art Deco buildings in Miami's South Beach</td></tr>
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Art Deco architecture in South Beach</h2>
After being decimated by a hurricane in 1926, Miami rebounded with a building boom that lasted until the outbreak of World War II. Much of the new construction was in the chic Art Deco style which featured clean shapes, bold lines, and bright colors. Today, the one-square mile area of South Beach which makes up Miami Art Deco National Historic District has over 800 buildings in this style. I would have loved to take a stroll down Ocean Drive across from Lummus Park to enjoy seeing these architectural gems at a leisurely pace, but we were pressed for time with a cruise ship to catch. Instead, I rolled down the car window and took it all in as we drove by.<br />
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One of my favorite photos is of The Cavalier Hotel at 1320 Ocean Drive because of the stucco friezes on the front of the building. They exemplify the Art Deco Rule of Three and are inspired by the excavation of Chichen Itza and the opening of King Tut's tomb, both of which were big news at the time this hotel was designed.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgyIXnapMgZHSZdr8tjsOAxbcIz3tnpL0YXs-g51ec0I19BbDmSjpChGQ_XV5Gi6qLbNDq3Ytcbov8VMvCe__d1lDOMHVoy40s86PtF_mFY26Oxechp1Xpe5PzZ2mEnf3CVwHM80LQpgeU/s1600/Vizcaya+1_mm.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="" border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgyIXnapMgZHSZdr8tjsOAxbcIz3tnpL0YXs-g51ec0I19BbDmSjpChGQ_XV5Gi6qLbNDq3Ytcbov8VMvCe__d1lDOMHVoy40s86PtF_mFY26Oxechp1Xpe5PzZ2mEnf3CVwHM80LQpgeU/s640/Vizcaya+1_mm.JPG" title="Vizcaya" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>View of Villa Vizcaya from the boat landing on Biscayne Bay</i></td></tr>
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Villa Vizcaya - a little part of Italy in the middle of Miami</h2>
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We had plenty of time to kill between our early morning debarkation from the cruise and our late afternoon flight. Instead of sitting around the airport, we rented a car and took a short 15 from the Port of Miami cruise terminal to gorgeous <b><a href="http://vizcaya.org/" target="_blank">Villa Vizcaya</a></b>. Built between 1914 and 1922 as the winter home of James Deering, heir of the Deering Harvester fortune, Vizcaya looks as if it's located somewhere in northern Italy instead of in Florida. No wonder that so many photo shoots were going on in the formal gardens. It's quite a setting that some people call it the "Hearst Castle of the East." </div>
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The main home and gardens are a collection of inspirations from various Italian Renaissance villas executed with Cuban limestone and Floridian coral architectural trim. Inside, the furniture and decor are meant to suggest an accumulation of artifacts and belongings over the course of centuries. Today, it is a museum owned by Miami-Dade county and open to the public.</div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.thewynwoodwalls.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/02/aAVAF3627.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="304" src="https://www.thewynwoodwalls.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/02/aAVAF3627.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Photo credit:<a href="http://www.thewynwoodwalls.com/walls/avaf" target="_blank">thewynwoodwalls.com</a></i></td></tr>
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Exploring Street Art at Wynwood Walls</h2>
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An area full of abandoned, windowless warehouses transformed itself into a giant canvas for street art in Miami. Begun in 2009, Wynwood Walls pulls from both American and international artists who represent the spectrum from old school grafitti to the most modern interpretations of street art found in the world. Located 15 minutes from the cruise terminal, it was our other option for exploring Miami before our late afternoon flight. During this trip, we didn't have time to stop off (having spent so much time lingering at Vizcaya), so it's on the books for my next trip out to Miami. If you've been, tell me how it is.</div>
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Miami is a city with a variety of experiences from viewing wildlife up close in the Everglades to touring architectural delights interspersed with meals from Latino cuisines. It was so multicultural, and I look forward to visiting it again.</div>
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I've joined up as one of the co-hosts of <b>Weekend Travel Inspiration.</b><br />
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<li>Link one of your inspirational travel photos or stories to this post by adding your info.</li>
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<li>Visit some of the other wonderful travel bloggers, read their posts, and leave a comment. It would be great if you could comment on 2-3 posts.</li>
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<li>Don’t forget to check out my amazing co-hosts and their pages: <a href="http://www.reflectionsenroute.com/" target="_blank">Reflections Enroute</a>, <a href="http://www.contentedtraveller.com/" style="-webkit-transition: all 0.3s ease-in-out; background-color: transparent; box-sizing: border-box; color: #478fb3; outline: none; text-decoration: none; transition: all 0.3s ease-in-out;" target="_blank">ContentedTraveller</a>, <a href="http://www.albomadventures.com/" style="-webkit-transition: all 0.3s ease-in-out; background-color: transparent; box-sizing: border-box; color: #478fb3; outline: none; text-decoration: none; transition: all 0.3s ease-in-out;" target="_blank">Albom Adventures</a>, <a href="http://www.safari254.com/" style="-webkit-transition: all 0.3s ease-in-out; background-color: transparent; box-sizing: border-box; color: #478fb3; outline: none; text-decoration: none; transition: all 0.3s ease-in-out;" target="_blank">Safari 254</a>, and <a href="http://www.familiesgotravel.com/" style="-webkit-transition: all 0.3s ease-in-out; background-color: transparent; box-sizing: border-box; color: #478fb3; outline: none; text-decoration: none; transition: all 0.3s ease-in-out;" target="_blank">FamiliesGo</a>.</li>
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<span style="color: #666666; font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">I've also joined with the following linkups. Check them out for more around-the-world travel inspiration.</span><br />
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<li><span style="color: #666666; font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Travel Photo Thursday on <a href="http://www.budgettravelerssandbox.com/balwoo-gongyang-a-michelin-1-star-restaurant-in-seoul/" target="_blank">Budget Travelers Sandbox</a>, <a href="http://www.budgettraveltalk.com/" target="_blank">Budget Travel Talk</a>, <a href="http://tanamatales.com/" target="_blank">Tanama Tales</a> and <a href="http://rachelheller.org/" target="_blank">Rachel's Ruminations</a>.</span></li>
<li><span style="color: #666666; font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">The Weekly Postcard on <a href="http://www.travelnotesandbeyond.com/" target="_blank">Travel Notes and Beyond</a></span></li>
<li><span style="color: #666666; font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Weekend Wanderlust on <a href="http://justinpluslauren.com/" target="_blank">Justin + Lauren</a></span></li>
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Michele {Malaysian Meanders}http://www.blogger.com/profile/18313351463568423694noreply@blogger.com12tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7054224870283073737.post-60463894479799486432017-03-09T14:03:00.000-06:002017-03-09T23:04:26.087-06:00One night at Community Inn can change a life<div align="center">
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<a href="https://www.instagram.com/p/BP-YbFwhoW3/" style="color: #c9c8cd; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: 17px; text-decoration: none;" target="_blank">A post shared by Mobile Loaves & Fishes (@mobileloaves)</a> on <time datetime="2017-02-01T15:53:29+00:00" style="font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 17px;">Feb 1, 2017 at 7:53am PST</time></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-small;"><i>Community Inn B&B and Alamo Drafthouse Outdoor Cinema</i></span></div>
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I could already tell that this was a different sort of bed & breakfast establishment as I drove down Hog Eye Road in rural East Austin and saw the cluster of teepees, Airstream trailers, RVs and tiny houses off in the distance. In their midst stood a large screen and amphitheater for the free outdoor cinema that shows movies every Friday night when the weather is warm. Pulling into the parking lot, a "Welcome to Community First! Village" sign greeted me. And even though the sky was drizzling rain and the temperature had dropped by 20°F since the previous day, I did, in fact, feel warmly welcomed.<br />
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Community Inn is not the typical bed and breakfast, and Community First! Village is not a typical neighborhood. This is for the kind of getaway that bridges both voluntourism and modern homesteading. It is for the person who wants to become friends with strangers, work with their hands and be exposed to different perspectives.<br />
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<tr><td><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjzYPzgmr5CJCJ1FHRsxL-ZEbZYq19_o_ftZ1YtXWkUZw1QkoOqmfTtoLla3nVw50WNSb5R2_xFoLhN_RTOBRKzg0vWs8KcAiNh80XLRIHhKQVIFdM-6ZMqFZPpkrcaxmwNocIDSRg3SKY/s1600/DSC04206_mm.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="Mobile Loaves and Fishes, Community First Village" border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjzYPzgmr5CJCJ1FHRsxL-ZEbZYq19_o_ftZ1YtXWkUZw1QkoOqmfTtoLla3nVw50WNSb5R2_xFoLhN_RTOBRKzg0vWs8KcAiNh80XLRIHhKQVIFdM-6ZMqFZPpkrcaxmwNocIDSRg3SKY/s640/DSC04206_mm.JPG" title="Teepee at Community Inn" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption"><i><span style="font-size: x-small;">Dorm-style lodging in the teepees are $40/bed</span></i></td></tr>
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Community First! is a 27-acre, master planned community that's unique because its mission is to provide homes to the chronically homeless. I've been hearing about this endeavor for a few months and was intrigued enough to take a tour with the founder, Alan Graham, last weekend. Community Inn serves as a micro-enterprise for residents to earn a living — far better than holding up cardboard signs and begging at intersections — as well as a means to connect "regular people" with those who have lived on the streets. By breaking down social barriers, Community Inn hopes to inspire guests to serve the homeless in their own hometowns.<br />
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The bed and breakfast takes up just a small section of the 27 acres. Liz Lambert, the brains behind Austin's ultra hip <a href="http://www.sanjosehotel.com/rooms/" target="_blank">Hotel San Jose</a> and <a href="http://hotelsaintcecilia.com/" target="_blank">Hotel Saint Cecilia</a> boutique hotels, served as an adviser to the community planners and modeled it after <a href="https://www.dwell.com/article/hotels-we-love-el-cosmico-hotel-in-marfa-texas-007fd21e" target="_blank">El Cosmico</a>, her mix of specialty accommodations just outside of legendary Marfa in West Texas. The <a href="http://communityinn.mlf.org/dorms" target="_blank">teepees are dorm style</a> and offer individually booked beds. Most of the rest of the lodging has a maximum occupancy of 1-3 people; although one camper can hold as many as 5 guests. Only some of them have ensuite bathrooms, so guests may need to trek to the nearby shared bath and shower building. All of them include breakfast.<br />
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<a href="https://www.instagram.com/p/BRHQdq8h8Nd/" style="color: #c9c8cd; line-height: 17px; text-decoration: none;" target="_blank">A post shared by Jacy Riedmann (@socialmediajacy)</a> on <time datetime="2017-03-01T23:08:29+00:00" style="line-height: 17px;">Mar 1, 2017 at 3:08pm PST</time></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-small;"><i>This tiny house called Ruby is part of the B&B micro-enterprise.</i></span></div>
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My daughter is a fan of tiny house television shows, and I'd love to take her out here for a night. The little wooden hut named "<a href="http://communityinn.mlf.org/ruby" target="_blank">Ruby</a>" is the one that calls to me with its downstairs sleeping nook and upstairs sleeping loft all on a 15 foot chassis. A kitchenette and a bathroom with shower are packed into that space, too. I imagine us enjoying the free Friday night movie hosted by <b><a href="https://drafthouse.com/event/community-first-village-outdoor-cinema" target="_blank">Alamo Drafthouse</a></b> just outside our door and dining on food from Community Grille and Sweet Treats — two other micro-enterprises staffed by the formerly homeless residents. After a night in our cozy beds, it's time to get to know the residents of Community First! Village a little better.<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhECYNfIT3WPqSxyOsM7zNlIEcLZIqRoNWLrSCBW5LGI58wQFBtP2WswDTe5i3EKWzSX0qt5hyI1FPPnYZCtPSwfrlOlKUEUrW1NXAWbmOzP9i9oEl2VPscFdxs1dM4U5nnWIM82He-Nis/s1600/DSC04288_mm.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="Mobile Loaves and Fishes, Community First Village" border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhECYNfIT3WPqSxyOsM7zNlIEcLZIqRoNWLrSCBW5LGI58wQFBtP2WswDTe5i3EKWzSX0qt5hyI1FPPnYZCtPSwfrlOlKUEUrW1NXAWbmOzP9i9oEl2VPscFdxs1dM4U5nnWIM82He-Nis/s640/DSC04288_mm.JPG" title="Community Grille micro-enterprise" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>The Community Grille, open during movie nights, is another micro-enterprise for village residents.</i></td></tr>
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There's an abundance of activities through the <a href="http://mlf.org/community-works/" target="_blank"><b>Community Works</b></a> program. However, they are open to the public and in high demand, so checking availability and reserving them when you book the B&B is advisable. Its mission is to provide various micro-enterprise opportunities for the formerly homeless to earn a dignified income. Six acres of the property are cultivated land, so Genesis Gardens is always in need of extra helping hands. Tasks range from building garden beds, harvesting produce, prepping it for the farmers market and tending to the chickens, rabbits, donkeys and goats. They even hope to offer goat milking in the future! A fruit and nut orchard, catfish farm and honeybee apiary are also part of the gardens. All food grown here is offered to residents free of charge, and the rest is sold at a farmers market with the money going back to the residents. Property beautification involves landscaping yards, laying pathways and making the village an overall visually welcoming place. With all of these, you work alongside the formerly homeless residents, so that you can learn their story and break down your stereotypes of street people.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiN7xuO-h2IGlmNfa19RVecjkOVLOuSCriivQosWHa4lPFqsJI_09aXtpweXUbpD1JqYbLo7E0O0v2DrK6Jq_mQfdL6iApQgVB-eBITqJxGlnUvgMEpat5EcLes9FPvlqz_lWy6rVSMFqc/s1600/DSC04274_mm.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="Mobile Loaves and Fishes, Community First Village" border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiN7xuO-h2IGlmNfa19RVecjkOVLOuSCriivQosWHa4lPFqsJI_09aXtpweXUbpD1JqYbLo7E0O0v2DrK6Jq_mQfdL6iApQgVB-eBITqJxGlnUvgMEpat5EcLes9FPvlqz_lWy6rVSMFqc/s640/DSC04274_mm.JPG" title="Kitchen Gardens" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>This Kitchen Garden is part of 6 cultivated acres in the Community First! Village</i></td></tr>
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The most unique activities in the village take place in the Art House, Forge and Woodshop. When I dropped in during the tour, one group was partaking in a book binding workshop in the Art House. A hand-built pottery session is being offered this upcoming weekend. Sessions at the blacksmith forge range from making a center hole punch to shaping a 2.5-pound rounding hammer out of a piece of steel. In late April, Community First! is hosting a Forging Competition with blacksmiths from all around the USA showing off their skills. I didn't get to see inside the woodshop, but if the other two workshops are any indication, I'm sure interesting activities must take place inside. An Airstream by the B&B area with a Whole Cloth Fiber Studio sign hanging in the window also has me looking forward to coming back.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjTf7GP67YNnr32-ieV2oOjSjtyXvJnyXTUzWS07e5f1NEZxlkFK-kITnApIJPRpcwtPZdRslTIHDBqWMI3ZY3__aSkZH14zDdjGtvj_RlSap4GOu8nFue1AT7AiKuqxl74i9KTAEcuv4I/s1600/DSC04303_mm.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="Mobile Loaves and Fishes, Community First Village" border="0" height="454" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjTf7GP67YNnr32-ieV2oOjSjtyXvJnyXTUzWS07e5f1NEZxlkFK-kITnApIJPRpcwtPZdRslTIHDBqWMI3ZY3__aSkZH14zDdjGtvj_RlSap4GOu8nFue1AT7AiKuqxl74i9KTAEcuv4I/s640/DSC04303_mm.JPG" title="Whole Cloth Fiber Studio" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Whole Cloth Fiber Studio by the B&B</i></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhF81oa1phMuGBGLVadkWCGxioDwJUWv7HNpZc4ig4nXsdrx6FJB3ezpZM_1OEMfDdXLpYQnK0Feewq2EoVqdkbCCFUwgZa-TOcB8C2pK-VV_2J2ivym3vkL3WHDlTL5vwXFZFThKz8wzY/s1600/DSC04240_mm.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="Mobile Loaves and Fishes, Community First Village" border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhF81oa1phMuGBGLVadkWCGxioDwJUWv7HNpZc4ig4nXsdrx6FJB3ezpZM_1OEMfDdXLpYQnK0Feewq2EoVqdkbCCFUwgZa-TOcB8C2pK-VV_2J2ivym3vkL3WHDlTL5vwXFZFThKz8wzY/s400/DSC04240_mm.JPG" title="Community blacksmith forge" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Heating iron at the Blacksmith Forge</i></td></tr>
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Everyone who signs up for a workshop is paired with a formerly homeless resident of the village who will assist the guest. Bonnie, one of the residents that I chatted with, said it's really beneficial to them because it gives these residents time in the workshop and also helps fund the community artists. The artists' creations such as paintings, printed cards, carved votive holders, leather key chains, jewelry and iron decor are all for sale in the Community Market. 100% of the profit goes back to the artist. Isn't that wonderful?<br />
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<tr><td><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgIKYzBocSJxQu6AeW1EdDALHiVuh1WLiTLf2Dl53T3W-yMHPu51LVHSnMngDJG1MJAP7xxvoYyUxwuXSSS8GmXfdhT7DpfjmWav_bxAWAh9tl24h25l5pfwY903Wl-R1-jT5DiiTq9frU/s1600/CommunityMarket+collage_mm.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="Mobile Loaves and Fishes, Community First Village" border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgIKYzBocSJxQu6AeW1EdDALHiVuh1WLiTLf2Dl53T3W-yMHPu51LVHSnMngDJG1MJAP7xxvoYyUxwuXSSS8GmXfdhT7DpfjmWav_bxAWAh9tl24h25l5pfwY903Wl-R1-jT5DiiTq9frU/s400/CommunityMarket+collage_mm.jpg" title="Artists works for sale at Community Market" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption"><i><span style="font-size: x-small;">Resident artists sell their works at the Community Market by the B&B.</span></i></td></tr>
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<a href="https://www.instagram.com/p/BQyHAGPBiC7/" style="color: #c9c8cd; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: 17px; text-decoration: none;" target="_blank">A post shared by Community Forge (@mobileloaves_communityforge)</a> on <time datetime="2017-02-21T18:01:45+00:00" style="font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 17px;">Feb 21, 2017 at 10:01am PST</time></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-small;"><i>Iron heart pendants from the blacksmithing workshop</i></span></div>
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An initial visit to the Community First! Village is not compete without a tour. Frankly, I was bowled over and impressed by the quality of the micro-houses where the formerly homeless now live. This is no shanty town. KOA campgrounds with its mix of RVs, tent sites and cabins was the initial inspiration for the village. The Austin chapter of the American Institute of Architects held a Tiny Victories design competition to create innovative solutions for affordable, efficient housing. Fifty-four home designs ranging in size from 144 to 200 square feet were part of the juried competition.<br />
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<a href="https://www.instagram.com/p/BRSOd0VAG8Z/" style="color: #c9c8cd; line-height: 17px; text-decoration: none;" target="_blank">A post shared by Michele (@malaysian_meanders)</a> on <time datetime="2017-03-06T05:22:41+00:00" style="line-height: 17px;">Mar 5, 2017 at 9:22pm PST</time></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-small;"><i>A formerly homeless person lives in this winner of the Tiny Victories juried architectural design contest.<br />Rent is $320/month including utilities.</i></span></div>
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The village founders turned to the public for the funding to build these homes, and the public rose to the challenge. All opportunities to sponsor a micro-home at $20,000 each have already been taken. The houses are constructed by professional builders using all new materials. Volunteers help prepare the homes for move-in, and people are invited to donate <i>new </i>goods for the housewarming baskets. Canvas-sided cottages (i.e. glamping tents) and RVs are other housing options on site. The village aims to ultimately house 250 formerly homeless people, and they are about halfway to that goal after being open for just over one year. Rent ranges from $225-$380 per month with utilities included. Residents use money earned from micro-enterprises in the village, traditional jobs outside the community, Social Security and disability pay to cover the rent.<br />
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A giant chess set, playground, contemplative prayer labyrinth and chapel round out the other areas of the village. There's a health clinic on site as well as a city bus stop to provide transportation to residents who work outside the neighborhood.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZOSoPmCrPy7_k2-NW_pntGCJ11TBUJx-FfvyNzmg9FpViB_i_Sh7I0H0WmZw3ikBIzNXWfxl3gy6-UDAsV-_TnW3O-yhjz3_OIarAiMtpII9LNr05DUHZxwvDMWFggTjw2zTgw54KmT0/s1600/DSC04231_mm.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="Mobile Loaves and Fishes, Community First Village" border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZOSoPmCrPy7_k2-NW_pntGCJ11TBUJx-FfvyNzmg9FpViB_i_Sh7I0H0WmZw3ikBIzNXWfxl3gy6-UDAsV-_TnW3O-yhjz3_OIarAiMtpII9LNr05DUHZxwvDMWFggTjw2zTgw54KmT0/s640/DSC04231_mm.JPG" title="Winning Dogtrot design by Designtrait" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Imagine moving from living on the streets into this <a href="http://designtrait.com/portfolio/tiny-house/" target="_blank">dogtrot-style micro-home</a>, <br />another winner of the juried architectural contest. </i></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<br />
Community First! Village is based on the Housing First approach to ending homelessness. According to the program, not having a home is a Catch-22 obstacle for a person who is trying to get off the streets. Without a home, they have no address to put on job applications. Without access to a shower, there's no place to clean up for an interview. There is no secure place to leave what little belongings they have if they actually get hired and go to work.<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj27RB4RsbxYUMI60VRhCDTeY1HNsY0FQEQIhPkvKxc7ubtO8h3jhOk-1rH-hcD5ktt3wOoOJa32PCppX6ud-Q7Fh_hH6EgiViJbHfIwwdtVaIapxrjDx2xxQVs6HHjD7kV2JOKYZ5MHGw/s1600/DSC04255_mm.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="Mobile Loaves and Fishes, Community First Village" border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj27RB4RsbxYUMI60VRhCDTeY1HNsY0FQEQIhPkvKxc7ubtO8h3jhOk-1rH-hcD5ktt3wOoOJa32PCppX6ud-Q7Fh_hH6EgiViJbHfIwwdtVaIapxrjDx2xxQVs6HHjD7kV2JOKYZ5MHGw/s640/DSC04255_mm.JPG" title="Canvas cottage" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Canvas cottages rent for $225/month including utilities</i></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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However, the village is more than just a reliable place to find shelter. As the name implies, it's about community, too. Founder and CEO of Community First! Village, Alan Graham, says the biggest cause of homelessness is a "catastrophic loss of family and friends." The chronically homeless have no one to fall back on or take them in, so they end up on the streets. The village aims to create a safety net with a surrogate family and support system for these folks. The houses are so tiny because they don't have bathrooms or kitchens. There are no private backyards. As Graham puts it, this is a "27-acre, 250 bedroom mansion."<br />
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All the residents are naturally channeled into the communal living spaces multiple times a day so they can bond with their neighbors. After a lonely life on the streets, this is often not an easy task. Each resident gets two caseworkers to assist in the transition. The shared bathhouse and laundry rooms are part of the micro-enterprise system here. Outdoor grills and the communal kitchens with stoves and ovens foster relationships centered around daily meals. A 1,300 square foot commercial kitchen is under construction on site where these residents plan to prepare meals and then distribute them out on the streets to those who are currently hungry and homeless. Hospice and respite care is also provided in the village. Residents are surrounded by community until the end.<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9dJS_uCMM544yzkUYZIqQO4SyHCBIDoPhfwwJcEY1hqo42O7c9t8chIAoR1pdWTSIzIqjAv_OhxV70seCM3Dp10PfeRENYUlo7zqJpcfnc65vgSrd1X4R458cHlPRAM7wHfKtfqKjzYo/s1600/DSC04253_mm.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="Mobile Loaves and Fishes, Community First Village" border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9dJS_uCMM544yzkUYZIqQO4SyHCBIDoPhfwwJcEY1hqo42O7c9t8chIAoR1pdWTSIzIqjAv_OhxV70seCM3Dp10PfeRENYUlo7zqJpcfnc65vgSrd1X4R458cHlPRAM7wHfKtfqKjzYo/s640/DSC04253_mm.JPG" title="Chapel" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Village Chapel where all are welcome, regardless of whether or not they have religion</i></td></tr>
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The village does not solely focus on building connections between humans, it encourages the ones with "man's best friend," too. For many of the homeless, a dog was their only companion during their long days and nights on the streets. Pets are definitely allowed in the community, and the spacious dog agility park with it's very own red fire hydrant is a sign of how welcome they are.<br />
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I drove away from Community First! Village with a sense of excitement about this novel initiative. My 14-year-old son was unusually attentive and interested throughout the entire tour. That speaks well for how captivating this approach to serving the homeless is. A few weeks earlier, he and some school friends had organized a donation drive to gather supplies like hand sanitizer, toothbrushes, toothpaste and travel size toiletries to be distributed to those living on the streets. For many years, my family has been providing hard boiled eggs or home-baked cookies to <b><a href="http://mlf.org/" target="_blank">Mobile Loaves and Fishe</a></b>s, the parent organization of Community First! Each night, multiple food trucks from Mobile Loaves and Fishes go out on the streets of Austin to deliver food to the homeless and the poor.<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOlgsFQdBufCZHI7fpdxNapidROUFkiTTtobA63t84xnWCJFsKc4juDeEYwU_E1JxuWoA8VBk0CfH7cgc00bZIjg9tdpLsdx2DHeOLbSWudGkZhu-v24DyFAcM08lxaO0pgETR_iAOzaM/s1600/DSC04284_mm.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="Mobile Loaves and Fishes, Community First Village" border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOlgsFQdBufCZHI7fpdxNapidROUFkiTTtobA63t84xnWCJFsKc4juDeEYwU_E1JxuWoA8VBk0CfH7cgc00bZIjg9tdpLsdx2DHeOLbSWudGkZhu-v24DyFAcM08lxaO0pgETR_iAOzaM/s640/DSC04284_mm.JPG" title="Mobile Loaes & Fishes food truck to serve homeless on the streets" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>The first Mobile Loaves & Fishes food truck that brought meals to the homeless nightly.</i></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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By walking around the village, my son and I could see that there was a way to go beyond satisfying the immediate, basic needs of the homeless and offer them a way to lift themselves up to a more stable life. According to Graham in his interview with the <i>Austin American-Statesman</i> newspaper, "It’s not enough just to give someone a sandwich, you have to move into a relationship with [homeless] people. When people of seemingly different backgrounds come together, our backgrounds turn out to be not so seemingly different" There's something to be said about traveling all over the world and bridging international culture gaps. Other times, you realize that you don't have to go to another country to enter another world. If you visit Austin and spend a night at the Community Inn, I'm sure you'll be just as inspired as I am.<br />
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<span style="font-weight: normal;">IF YOU GO:</span></h3>
<ul>
<li>All activities are open to the public. You do not need to be a guest of the B&B to participate. </li>
<li>Community Inn lodging can be booked on their <a href="http://communityinn.mlf.org/accommodations" target="_blank">website</a> and <a href="https://www.airbnb.com/users/show/15621214" target="_blank">AirBnB</a>.</li>
<li>To volunteer, see the <a href="http://mlf.org/community-works/" target="_blank">Community Works page</a>. </li>
<li>Check the <a href="http://mlf.org/events/" target="_blank">Events page</a> to sign up for paid activities at the Woodshop, Art House and Blacksmith Forge. </li>
<li>For movie listings, see the <a href="https://drafthouse.com/event/community-first-village-outdoor-cinema" target="_blank">Alamo Drafthouse Community Cinema page</a>. </li>
<li>If you are called to help the homeless by starting this program to your hometown, the <a href="http://communityinn.mlf.org/packages" target="_blank">Symposium for Goodness' Sake</a> and the <a href="http://mlf.org/community-corps/" target="_blank">Community Corps</a> will provide in-depth training.</li>
</ul>
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<span style="color: #666666; font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">I've also joined with the following linkups. Check them out for more around-the-world travel inspiration.</span><br />
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Michele {Malaysian Meanders}http://www.blogger.com/profile/18313351463568423694noreply@blogger.com13tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7054224870283073737.post-74376314735296125642017-02-24T23:10:00.002-06:002017-02-24T23:20:46.304-06:00Sunset from Lendal Bridge in York<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-HxL_NUPzp2U/WLEHRxOcMCI/AAAAAAAALIo/vueyEWEhda8sLfxPZdVty4hKORLIuHSyACPcB/s1600/England%2B2016%2BYork%2BBridge%2BSunset.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="York, England, River Ouse" border="0" height="480" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-HxL_NUPzp2U/WLEHRxOcMCI/AAAAAAAALIo/vueyEWEhda8sLfxPZdVty4hKORLIuHSyACPcB/s640/England%2B2016%2BYork%2BBridge%2BSunset.jpg" title="Sunset from Lendal Bridge" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Sunset over the River Ouse in York, England</i></td></tr>
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Vacations are supposed to be a break from the ordinary. A time to escape everyday life. A chance to do something different. Sometimes, that different thing isn't big or grand. It's not always diving with sharks or sailing through the sky in a hot air balloon. Sometimes, it's the small details. It's the altered way of approaching everyday events. </div>
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Lately, life has been a whirlwind. The after school hours are a blur for me as I chauffeur my three kids between school, activities and home. On Tuesdays, I spend two hours in my car continuously driving around but never going further than 10 miles from my house as if I'm running my own private bus route. My legs ache as I exit the car, glad to finally be able to stretch them out straight. On Wednesdays, I shuttle my kids around, dashing into the house for a few minutes before setting off again in my car. Whichever kid happens to be home at 5:30 PM is assigned the task of doing the final steps of cooking our family dinner that night. Other days, I reach home, and no one has taken on the dinner prep task. That night's meal becomes a smorgasbord of various microwaved leftovers. Whomever shows up in the kitchen last gets the least desirable morsels.</div>
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That's why I find joy in how we dine when we travel. It's so much more relaxed (unless I'm yelling that I am <i>HANGRY</i> and need to eat <i>immediately</i>). Someone else does the cooking. Even better, someone else does the cleaning up. Yay! No one at the table is rushing off to do homework or take a conference call. Whereas we rarely order dessert while dining out in our hometown, being in a foreign country is the perfect excuse to explore the local cuisine via something sweet and decadent. </div>
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Afterwards, we stroll back to the hotel. If luck is smiling at us, it's timed perfectly so that the sinking sun sends out its brilliant last hurrah for the day as we cross a Gothic style, Victorian era bridge. In other words, the experience of our nightly meal is transformed into something utterly different and out of the ordinary.</div>
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Long after the trip is over and done with, I hold onto these memories. That's what gets me through the regular, the mundane, and the whirlwind.</div>
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<li>Visit some of the other wonderful travel bloggers, read their posts, and leave a comment. It would be great if you could comment on 2-3 posts.</li>
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<li>Follow all the hosts of Weekend Travel Inspiration who are working hard to spread the word on what wonderful work travel bloggers are doing.</li>
<li>Don’t forget to check out my amazing co-hosts and their pages: <a href="http://www.reflectionsenroute.com/" target="_blank">Reflections Enroute</a>, <a href="http://www.thecrowdedplanet.com/" style="-webkit-transition: all 0.3s ease-in-out; background-color: transparent; box-sizing: border-box; color: #478fb3; outline: none; text-decoration: none; transition: all 0.3s ease-in-out;" target="_blank">The Crowded Planet</a>, <a href="http://www.contentedtraveller.com/" style="-webkit-transition: all 0.3s ease-in-out; background-color: transparent; box-sizing: border-box; color: #478fb3; outline: none; text-decoration: none; transition: all 0.3s ease-in-out;" target="_blank">ContentedTraveller</a>, <a href="http://www.albomadventures.com/" style="-webkit-transition: all 0.3s ease-in-out; background-color: transparent; box-sizing: border-box; color: #478fb3; outline: none; text-decoration: none; transition: all 0.3s ease-in-out;" target="_blank">Albom Adventures</a>, <a href="http://www.safari254.com/" style="-webkit-transition: all 0.3s ease-in-out; background-color: transparent; box-sizing: border-box; color: #478fb3; outline: none; text-decoration: none; transition: all 0.3s ease-in-out;" target="_blank">Safari 254</a>, and <a href="http://www.familiesgotravel.com/" style="-webkit-transition: all 0.3s ease-in-out; background-color: transparent; box-sizing: border-box; color: #478fb3; outline: none; text-decoration: none; transition: all 0.3s ease-in-out;" target="_blank">FamiliesGo</a>.</li>
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<li><span style="color: #666666; font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Travel Photo Thursday on <a href="http://www.budgettravelerssandbox.com/pyeongchang-korea-sneak-peak-2018-winter-olympics/" target="_blank">Budget Travelers Sandbox</a>, <a href="http://www.budgettraveltalk.com/" target="_blank">Budget Travel Talk</a>, <a href="http://tanamatales.com/" target="_blank">Tanama Tales</a> and <a href="http://rachelheller.org/" target="_blank">Rachel's Ruminations</a>.</span></li>
<li><span style="color: #666666; font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">The Weekly Postcard on <a href="http://www.travelnotesandbeyond.com/" target="_blank">Travel Notes and Beyond</a></span></li>
<li><span style="color: #666666; font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Weekend Wanderlust on <a href="http://justinpluslauren.com/" target="_blank">Justin + Lauren</a></span></li>
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Michele {Malaysian Meanders}http://www.blogger.com/profile/18313351463568423694noreply@blogger.com17tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7054224870283073737.post-8754672964310093562017-02-17T23:49:00.001-06:002017-02-18T00:09:04.815-06:00Spy vs. Spy at the International Spy MuseumAfraid that someone had heard me, I froze in place. I felt a little claustrophobic hunched down on my hands and knees inside the air duct I was crawling through. Catching a glimpse of the people in the room below me, I hoped that no one would look up and notice my face staring out through the hole in the vent. I strained my ears to try and pick up threads of conversation from the cacophony rising up from the crowd, praying that I would not be discovered and my cover blown. World traveler, expat trailing spouse, mom to three kids, prone to occasional bouts of daftness. It's the perfect cover for a spy.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="font-size: 12.8px;"><i>Tricked out Aston Martin DB5<br />(If I was trying to be inconspicuous, I would choose another license plate.)</i><br />
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Except...well... I'm not really a spy. (That's my story, and I'm sticking to it.) So what was I doing crawling around in an air duct? It was part of my fun visit to the <b>International Spy Museum</b> in Washington, D.C. After a few days of visiting the Smithsonian, monuments, the White House and Capitol Hill, it was time for something different.<br />
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Opened in 2002, the museum's Board of Directors and Advisory Council is filled with former members of the FBI, CIA, KGB and MI5. I wish I could eavesdrop on their meetings. "Hey Boris, remember the time when..." The museum's stated mission is to "educate the public about espionage and intelligence in an engaging way and to provide a context that fosters understanding of their important role in and impact on current and historic events" in an apolitical and impartial way.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Choose a cover ID</i></td></tr>
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At the start of our visit, we were invited to assume a cover ID and memorize their details. I assumed the identity of Le Van Ha, a 50-year-old molecular biologist en route to Bonn, Germany. As we made our way through the rest of the museum, interactive kiosks offered us a chance to take on a mission and then elude detection -- mainly by memorizing details and not forgetting them. Sure, you can always take a photo with your phone, but I suspect that real spies don't pull out a cheat sheet when questioned. We practiced identifying who was a threat and where potential drop sights were. The best part was crawling through the air duct above the display cases. Alas, my cover was blown, and I failed. I wonder if visitors who do really well get a little visit from a CIA recruiter later.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Ah yes, the old telephone disguised as a shoe trick.</i></td></tr>
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My favorite section of the museum, and the one where I lingered the longest, was Tricks of the Trade. While the entrance features fictitious Maxwell Smart from TV's <i>Get Smart</i>, many of the items on display were used for real life spying. Nothing is more recent than the 1980's though, probably because showing off your best spy gear is not an intelligent move. The only thing that could have made this better is if Q from the James Bond movies showed me around.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Hiding multiple people in an escape car</i></td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Small camera hidden in a wristwatch and the reflection of my own camera</i></td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Even a child's toy can be a spy device</i></td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Bugging out with wooden blocks and men's shoes</i></td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Assassination weapons disguised as ordinary objects</i></td></tr>
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One of the most interesting displays was about disguises -- real ones, not computer generated disguises where the person rips off the rubber mask, and you realize it was Tom Cruise all along. John Chambers has had an interesting career as a prosthetic makeup artist. He is a recipient of both an Oscar award and the CIA's Intelligence Medal of Merit. Chambers made a name for himself in Hollywood by creating the masks for the original <i>Planet of the Apes </i>movies and creating Spock's pointy ears for <i>Star Trek</i>. He also worked for the CIA to create disguise kits which are on display at the museum. The 2012 award-winning film <i>Argo</i> tells the story of the 1980 rescue mission of six Americans from Tehran with John Goodman playing the role of Chambers. </div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>How to become a master of disguise</i></td></tr>
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The museum also covers fictional spies, especially a rather large section about the most famous one of them all, 007 James Bond. I enjoyed it, but as my kids pointed out, it's less fun if your mom never lets you watch any James Bond movies. There's a replica of the 1964 Aston Martin DB5 driven by Bond in <i>Goldfinger </i>and the tarantula from <i>Dr. No </i>among tons of other exhibits. (Sidenote: I was watching that tarantula scene from Dr. No on TV while lying on the couch at home, and my mind kept playing tricks on me to make me think something was crawling on the couch. I ignored my silly brain and kept watching. Low and behold, I finally realized there was a huge scorpion about to crawl on me, then screamed loudly and rolled onto the floor to safety.)</div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>A Civil War era cipher wheel<br />(in which H=H, I=I, J=J, etc.)</i></td></tr>
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There's also a historic section which covers the history and significance of spying. One item was a Confederate Army cipher disk circa 1862 from the American Civil War. By turning the wheel, the spy could create a simple displacement code to encrypt their written messages. I did think that the display would be more impressive if the letters weren't aligned correctly while in the case. One of the most fascinating objects was a 1944 World War II Enigma machine used by the Germans. After reading how these portable cipher machines encrypted information and how Alan Turing and his team at Bletchley Park cracked the code, interactive stations let visitors try their own hand at virtual Enigma machines.</div>
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The museum exits into a gift shop, of course, where you can by all sorts of toy spy gadgets, historical books, and gag gifts. Note that the store personnel do not like if your 6 foot tall child dons a balaclava and walks around wearing it. Don't ask me how I know. I'll never tell. </div>
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I thoroughly enjoyed my visit the the International Spy Museum. If you're bringing along the 10 years and younger crowd, ask for the Family Guide scavenger hunt or download it <a href="http://newsletter.spymuseum.org/images/email/SirV/SirVeillance_Family%20Guide.pdf" target="_blank">here</a>. For people with longer attention spans, there's a ton of information to read on all the plaques. You'll definitely feel like you've learned something. If the exhibits aren't enough for you, the museum also offers Spy Experiences and missions for you to complete within the museum or even in the surrounding neighborhood. </div>
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Do you think you have what it takes to become a spy?</h4>
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Michele {Malaysian Meanders}http://www.blogger.com/profile/18313351463568423694noreply@blogger.com14tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7054224870283073737.post-69466571621734051842017-02-10T22:01:00.002-06:002017-02-10T22:15:52.383-06:00Disney's Art of Animation Resort<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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It wasn't until we stayed at Disney's <b>Art of Animation</b> resort last year that I realized how low key most other Disney resorts are about incorporating Disney characters into their architecture and design. Many of the other hotels are more about transporting their guests to a <i>real place</i> rather than into the magical setting of a Disney movie. The <b>Grand Floridian</b> where I honeymooned almost 25 years ago harkens back to Victorian-era Palm Beach. The <b>Wilderness Lodge</b> recreates the atmosphere of a Northwest National Park lodge. And the newly opened overwater bungalows at the <b>Polynesian Villas & Bungalows</b> will make guests think that they've escaped to the South Pacific. The Art of Animation resort, on the other hand, is all about making guests feel like they've stepped into a Disney animated movie.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Enlarged sketches decorate the Check-In area</i></td></tr>
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Upon arrival, were were ushered into the Check-In area of <b>Animation Hall</b> which is fittingly decorated with enlarged pencil sketches of modern era Disney animated characters. A majestic chandelier is composed of storyboards which visually convey the development of the plot. The rest of the lobby has a bright wall of backlighted colorscripts. These images help guide computer animators regarding the lighting, colors, and mood of each scene. If you're a fan of the movies they reference, it's quite fascinating to see parts of the production process before it ended up on screen.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Colorscript wall</i></td></tr>
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Animation Hall also houses a game arcade and the <b>Landscape of Flavors,</b> a casual dining restaurant featuring five cafeteria-style, mini-restaurants that serve breakfast, lunch and dinner from 6AM to midnight. Diners can choose items from World Flavors, the Soup-Salad-Sandwich Shop, Burgers, Pizza and The Market. Resort guests can also call here to have pizza delivered to their room if they're tired after a day running around the parks. Souvenirs can be found in the <b>Ink & Paint Shop</b>.<br />
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The resort is divided into four areas that each feature a different, modern-day, Disney animated movie as its theme.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-wtT_1YyBNWs/WJ1YzOLrGQI/AAAAAAAALDs/lUUVOoB8Y9M6R0EVKgvlCweVpc7MG6WjQCPcB/s1600/160317%2BDisney%2BPics%2B149_mm.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-wtT_1YyBNWs/WJ1YzOLrGQI/AAAAAAAALDs/lUUVOoB8Y9M6R0EVKgvlCweVpc7MG6WjQCPcB/s640/160317%2BDisney%2BPics%2B149_mm.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>This not-so-Little Mermaid is three stories tall</i></td></tr>
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The <b>Little Mermaid </b>buildings make guests feel like they are part of Ariel's underwater world. The medium-sized Flippin' Fins pool looked inviting with Sebastian the crab conducting the Under the Sea orchestra. The building with Ursula the Sea Witch looked rather intimidating though. I wonder if kids who have to walk past her to reach their rooms feel like poor, unfortunate souls.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-BH0Ns0dsWN4/WJ1YzE5IzOI/AAAAAAAALDs/zJIVJVA54Cwz3psuLD_WZwd4ylkm3kK-QCPcB/s1600/160317%2BDisney%2BPics%2B142_mm.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-BH0Ns0dsWN4/WJ1YzE5IzOI/AAAAAAAALDs/zJIVJVA54Cwz3psuLD_WZwd4ylkm3kK-QCPcB/s640/160317%2BDisney%2BPics%2B142_mm.JPG" width="480" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Ursula the Sea Witch is scary indeed.</i></td></tr>
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The <b>Lion King </b>buildings are supposed to make you feel like you are in Africa, of course. If the kids need to burn off energy -- if that ever happens after a day at the parks -- they can always run among the huge, curved bones of the the elephant graveyard playground. Mufasa proudly watches over the area while young Simba, Pumbaa and Timon prance across a log.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-tGvR1XtW-GE/WJ1YzN9EeeI/AAAAAAAALDs/CTKqcwnX2LsboW3Z12wuuoPisNv5XeI0ACPcB/s1600/160317%2BDisney%2BPics%2B128_mm.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-tGvR1XtW-GE/WJ1YzN9EeeI/AAAAAAAALDs/CTKqcwnX2LsboW3Z12wuuoPisNv5XeI0ACPcB/s640/160317%2BDisney%2BPics%2B128_mm.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Hakuna Matata (No Worries) when you stay at the Art of Animation Resort</i></td></tr>
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The centerpiece of the <b>Finding Nemo </b>section is the 12,000 square foot pool which is the largest in all the Walt Disney World resorts. It's very kid-friendly with plenty of shallow areas perfect for splashing around. For the adults, there's a poolside bar called The Drop Off. Another play area is located behind the pool with stairs and slides so that kids can pretend their exploring the reef.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-59CwheF8uvM/WJ3qz10-c_I/AAAAAAAALEo/UnFQ7aQBmtwsWSEX0RguN3uAweDeIW0xQCPcB/s1600/160317%2BDisney%2BPics%2B162_mm.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-59CwheF8uvM/WJ3qz10-c_I/AAAAAAAALEo/UnFQ7aQBmtwsWSEX0RguN3uAweDeIW0xQCPcB/s640/160317%2BDisney%2BPics%2B162_mm.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>The largest pool in all of Walt Disney World</i></td></tr>
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Because my younger boy was a huge fan of Lightning McQueen when he was little, we stayed in the <b>Cars</b> section of the resort. A large billboard welcomed us to Radiator Springs, and the building facades evoked the American Southwest setting of the movie.<br />
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<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-G8-Ne6rs6dI/WJ1YzE6Lb3I/AAAAAAAALDs/puFGlwjY5XkYUnBd_kvelv6BkF78IhjTACPcB/s1600/160317%2BDisney%2BPics%2B014_mm.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-G8-Ne6rs6dI/WJ1YzE6Lb3I/AAAAAAAALDs/puFGlwjY5XkYUnBd_kvelv6BkF78IhjTACPcB/s640/160317%2BDisney%2BPics%2B014_mm.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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Each building's main entrance was disguised as one of the businesses from the <i>Cars </i>movie. Of course, all the favorite characters were on hand for plenty of photo opportunities.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-GPpDDPSh3jE/WJ3qz7bUnZI/AAAAAAAALEo/ueIrafwBmUENBQSHub-dZo-Vyhv3h6sewCPcB/s1600/160317%2BDisney%2BPics%2B170_mm.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-GPpDDPSh3jE/WJ3qz7bUnZI/AAAAAAAALEo/ueIrafwBmUENBQSHub-dZo-Vyhv3h6sewCPcB/s640/160317%2BDisney%2BPics%2B170_mm.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Sally Carrera and Lightning McQueen</i></td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Tow Mater</i></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-0HSSpjg8chQ/WJ1YzIy9v0I/AAAAAAAALDs/EAoysfeVDuQEOOZrL-VYG6554rGvkiVmACPcB/s1600/160317%2BDisney%2BPics%2B118_mm.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-0HSSpjg8chQ/WJ1YzIy9v0I/AAAAAAAALDs/EAoysfeVDuQEOOZrL-VYG6554rGvkiVmACPcB/s640/160317%2BDisney%2BPics%2B118_mm.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Flo and, in the background, Luigi</i></td></tr>
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All these buildings faced the Cozy Cones pool with large traffic cones serving as pool cabanas.<br />
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<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-RJQl8zdaP4g/WJ1YzDcWgZI/AAAAAAAALDs/SvJIUGftcsABPLJwpeJh0ujxrZKUalBgQCPcB/s1600/160317%2BDisney%2BPics%2B111_mm.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-RJQl8zdaP4g/WJ1YzDcWgZI/AAAAAAAALDs/SvJIUGftcsABPLJwpeJh0ujxrZKUalBgQCPcB/s640/160317%2BDisney%2BPics%2B111_mm.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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What drew us to the Art of Animation Resort in the first place is the value-priced family suites. With three kids and more than one person in the family who is 6 feet or taller, we needed more space. Each suite sleeps up to 6 adults. The suite includes a separate bedroom with attached bathroom, a living area with a bathroom, dining area, and a kitchenette with a sink, mini-fridge, microwave and coffee maker. One bathroom has a walk-in shower, and the other one has a tub/shower combo. The best part of the room is converting the dining table into a double bed. (No, you don't just plunk a mattress on top of the table.)<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-cAkVGF0EWQA/WJ1YzIR2X1I/AAAAAAAALDs/2HrR_pcwCaMrL1Ox23Eh0M8wpAXJ89oFQCPcB/s1600/160317%2BDisney%2BPics%2B002_mm.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-cAkVGF0EWQA/WJ1YzIR2X1I/AAAAAAAALDs/2HrR_pcwCaMrL1Ox23Eh0M8wpAXJ89oFQCPcB/s640/160317%2BDisney%2BPics%2B002_mm.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Bedroom with a Queen size bed and an attached bathroom</i></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-QtSY8Pux0Pc/WJ1YzC1atuI/AAAAAAAALDs/V6yIdQGo1uw4NfIuzbaZBag52xZw59-zACPcB/s1600/160317%2BDisney%2BPics%2B012_mm.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-QtSY8Pux0Pc/WJ1YzC1atuI/AAAAAAAALDs/V6yIdQGo1uw4NfIuzbaZBag52xZw59-zACPcB/s640/160317%2BDisney%2BPics%2B012_mm.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>One of two full bathrooms</i></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-bWSR2pIP0Oc/WJ1YzJ1fp3I/AAAAAAAALDs/LM5E2dz4V74UtyYstz4wRP9lQxpjGoDTQCPcB/s1600/160317%2BDisney%2BPics%2B004_mm.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-bWSR2pIP0Oc/WJ1YzJ1fp3I/AAAAAAAALDs/LM5E2dz4V74UtyYstz4wRP9lQxpjGoDTQCPcB/s640/160317%2BDisney%2BPics%2B004_mm.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>The sofa converts into a double bed.</i></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-4WCnCRoa-cg/WJ1YzMxeQOI/AAAAAAAALDs/6M6lwIIsgsUnJcMYgZZlLrzpuAHpp3CRACPcB/s1600/160317%2BDisney%2BPics_table2bed.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-4WCnCRoa-cg/WJ1YzMxeQOI/AAAAAAAALDs/6M6lwIIsgsUnJcMYgZZlLrzpuAHpp3CRACPcB/s400/160317%2BDisney%2BPics_table2bed.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>The dining table converts into a double bed, too. Clever!</i></td></tr>
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Other Disney hotels that I've been in have decorative motifs that tastefully reference Disney characters in subdued ways. Art of Animation emphasizes the movie setting and amps up the theming. I really did feel like I may have been staying the in the Cozy Cone Motel from the <i>Cars</i> movie. The couch looked like a classic car bench seat, and the kitchenette evoked an automotive repair shop. The bathrooms had carwash signs, and the pictures on the walls were of the movie characters on an old Route 66 roadtrip. <br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-zmJVwDtp7-c/WJ1YzB3p0oI/AAAAAAAALDs/vNGMaMu8cpUypt22RmoZPZAysARopuxkgCPcB/s1600/160317%2BDisney%2BPics%2B008_mm.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-zmJVwDtp7-c/WJ1YzB3p0oI/AAAAAAAALDs/vNGMaMu8cpUypt22RmoZPZAysARopuxkgCPcB/s640/160317%2BDisney%2BPics%2B008_mm.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Highway map on the coffee tabletop</i></td></tr>
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Considering that we would have needed two rooms at one of the more expensive resorts, this was a very economic option. The only drawback was the distance from the parks themselves. Disney provides complimentary bus transportation to all its parks and the Disney Springs shopping district, but I found the late night traffic jam we were stuck in as the parks started to close to NOT be what I needed at the end of a long day. Despite that, I think that the Art of Animation Resort will be a strong contender for lodging the next time we visit Walt Disney World.<br />
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Michele {Malaysian Meanders}http://www.blogger.com/profile/18313351463568423694noreply@blogger.com22tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7054224870283073737.post-68725641049897492072017-01-27T01:54:00.001-06:002017-01-27T07:04:32.059-06:00Different Views on Washington, D.C.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Da-hjXVH-dE/WIrpJBxCuDI/AAAAAAAALA4/hjGdav-2NFUc7E1xY0uPLHUYaGoizrjXACPcB/s1600/Washington%2BDC%2B2015%2B026_mm.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="National Mall, Tidal Basin" border="0" height="480" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Da-hjXVH-dE/WIrpJBxCuDI/AAAAAAAALA4/hjGdav-2NFUc7E1xY0uPLHUYaGoizrjXACPcB/s640/Washington%2BDC%2B2015%2B026_mm.JPG" title="Lincoln Memorial" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>The Lincoln Memorial as seen from the top of the Washington Monument</i></td></tr>
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I should have gone on a cruise this past week. Or perhaps trekked deep into the jungle. Or maybe one of those off-the-grid places where people go on retreats to look into their souls without being distracted by all the hustle and bustle of the outside world. In any case, it would have been best if I had put myself on a media blackout these last few days. Because my head is about to <i>explode</i> the more and more I read the news.<br />
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I woke up on January 28 somewhat optimistic. "<a href="http://www.cnn.com/2016/11/14/politics/obama-news-conference-donald-trump-transition/" target="_blank">Give Trump a chance</a>," I told myself. That feeling lasted throughout the invocation and introductory remarks of the U.S. Presidential Inauguration. Then, it quickly faded away about a minute into Trump's speech. On one side of the National Mall stands the <b>Lincoln Memorial</b>. People walk in there and gaze upwards to pay tribute to a great American president who united a divided country. On the opposite side of the National Mall stood our newest leader who was trying his hardest to once again turn brother against brother. </div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>In case if you were wondering, this is the crowd size when no one is being inaugurated. </i></td></tr>
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When we visited Washington, D.C. in November 2015, the presidential race field of candidates was still wide open. The nation's capital (and Capitol) was busy spiffing itself up to be the center of attention in January 2017. That time has come... and I want to pretend it doesn't exist.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>National Statuary Hall in the U.S. Capitol</i></td></tr>
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If the walls in the <b>U.S. Capitol's National Statuary Hall</b> could talk, I wonder what they could tell us. This chamber was built for the U.S. House of Representatives in 1819 after the original hall was destroyed when invading British burned down the Capitol five years earlier. Sigh, if only there had been a big, huge wall protecting us from the British, it could have been prevented.<br />
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The <b>Marquis de Lafayette</b> was the first foreign citizen to address Congress, and it happened in this room in 1824. Yes, they were letting foreigners in even way back them. The Marquis is credited for securing funds and weapons from the King of France decades earlier for the Americans to use to stick it to the British, their common enemy, during the American Revolution. (In case if you've never heard of him, he's in <i>Hamilton</i>. He's that famous.) Aren't we Americans glad that the French stepped in to help us? Unfortunately for the French monarchs, the common people of France were none too pleased about their king helping people overseas while their own families starved. Sound familiar? Bring on the French Revolution. Looking back at this history, it really is incredible that the USA has gone so many centuries with a peaceful transition of power. Let's keep it up!<br />
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Statuary Hall is also where <b>John Quincy Adams</b> was elected President by the House of Representatives. <b>Andrew Jackson </b>actually had more electoral votes than Adams and won the popular vote as well. It wasn't enough to clinch the presidency though, so it was up to the House to decide. To say that Jackson was mad would be an understatement.<br />
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Eventually, the horrible acoustics of this room caused them to build another chamber for the House of Representatives and turn this into a art gallery featuring statues from every state.<br />
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Last Saturday, the Rosa Parks statue was discovered to be missing from her stand. It is presumed that she joined the Women's March. #alternativefacts<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/--awbF7Ctngg/WIrpJLfMPuI/AAAAAAAALA4/35ZMBxPkc6IiEnXHHqwEHTibYwS2J3SZgCPcB/s1600/IMG_5565_mm.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/--awbF7Ctngg/WIrpJLfMPuI/AAAAAAAALA4/35ZMBxPkc6IiEnXHHqwEHTibYwS2J3SZgCPcB/s640/IMG_5565_mm.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Silhouette of the Washington Monument and the National Museum of African American History & Culture.</i></td></tr>
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Sometimes I vote Republican. Sometimes I vote Democrat. I actually support one of Trump's executive orders. This is not the first time that my choice has lost. However, it's the first time I've been this dismayed... especially considering that Trump is only one week into his term. I'm sure I'm not the first American to think that everything is going to hell in a handbasket. I certainly won't be the last.<br />
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Next week... stay tuned for my regular programming where I plug my ears, cover my eyes, sing "la, la, la," and escape from reality into a world of travel.<br />
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And on that note, here's a photo of the Badlands, the national park filled with rogue resistance rangers.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Are there Bad Hombres in the Badlands?</i></td></tr>
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How has your week been? Distract me. Please.</h3>
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I've joined up as one of the co-hosts of <b>Weekend Travel Inspiration.</b><br />
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<li>Follow all the hosts of Weekend Travel Inspiration who are working hard to spread the word on what wonderful work travel bloggers are doing.</li>
<li>Don’t forget to check out my amazing co-hosts and their pages: <a href="http://www.reflectionsenroute.com/" target="_blank">Reflections Enroute</a>, <a href="http://www.thecrowdedplanet.com/" style="-webkit-transition: all 0.3s ease-in-out; background-color: transparent; box-sizing: border-box; color: #478fb3; outline: none; text-decoration: none; transition: all 0.3s ease-in-out;" target="_blank">The Crowded Planet</a>, <a href="http://www.contentedtraveller.com/" style="-webkit-transition: all 0.3s ease-in-out; background-color: transparent; box-sizing: border-box; color: #478fb3; outline: none; text-decoration: none; transition: all 0.3s ease-in-out;" target="_blank">ContentedTraveller</a>, <a href="http://www.albomadventures.com/" style="-webkit-transition: all 0.3s ease-in-out; background-color: transparent; box-sizing: border-box; color: #478fb3; outline: none; text-decoration: none; transition: all 0.3s ease-in-out;" target="_blank">Albom Adventures</a>, <a href="http://www.safari254.com/" style="-webkit-transition: all 0.3s ease-in-out; background-color: transparent; box-sizing: border-box; color: #478fb3; outline: none; text-decoration: none; transition: all 0.3s ease-in-out;" target="_blank">Safari 254</a>, and <a href="http://www.familiesgotravel.com/" style="-webkit-transition: all 0.3s ease-in-out; background-color: transparent; box-sizing: border-box; color: #478fb3; outline: none; text-decoration: none; transition: all 0.3s ease-in-out;" target="_blank">FamiliesGo</a>.</li>
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<span style="color: #666666; font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">I've also joined with the following linkups. Check them out for more around-the-world travel inspiration.</span><br />
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<li><span style="color: #666666; font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Travel Photo Thursday on <a href="http://www.budgettravelerssandbox.com/seoul-korean-temple-food/" target="_blank">Budget Travelers Sandbox</a>, <a href="http://www.budgettraveltalk.com/" target="_blank">Budget Travel Talk</a>, <a href="http://tanamatales.com/" target="_blank">Tanama Tales</a> and <a href="http://rachelheller.org/" target="_blank">Rachel's Ruminations</a>.</span></li>
<li><span style="color: #666666; font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">The Weekly Postcard on <a href="http://www.travelnotesandbeyond.com/" target="_blank">Travel Notes and Beyond</a></span></li>
<li><span style="color: #666666; font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Weekend Wanderlust on <a href="http://justinpluslauren.com/" target="_blank">Justin + Lauren</a></span></li>
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Michele {Malaysian Meanders}http://www.blogger.com/profile/18313351463568423694noreply@blogger.com15tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7054224870283073737.post-35916640573716611812017-01-20T22:49:00.001-06:002017-01-22T23:34:55.634-06:00The Wondercrump Roald Dahl Museum & Story Centre<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-5W2SI278u2Q/WIJgV2vB7sI/AAAAAAAAK_k/eta6-cOwh6UQ7A-7NOtUOL0dpLPjr2F8wCPcB/s1600/England%2B2016%2BDahl%2B01_mm.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-5W2SI278u2Q/WIJgV2vB7sI/AAAAAAAAK_k/eta6-cOwh6UQ7A-7NOtUOL0dpLPjr2F8wCPcB/s640/England%2B2016%2BDahl%2B01_mm.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Outside the Roald Dahl Museum and Story Centre with a Big Friendly Giant (BFG) on the front</i></td></tr>
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After hauling my family around England to places associated with the Brontë Sisters and Jane Austen, I thought it only fair to honor my daughter's request to visit the <b>Roald Dahl Museum and Story Center</b><i style="font-weight: bold;">. </i>Like many children, she's a fan of his books such as <i>Charlie and the Chocolate Factory. </i>Watching the musical, <i>Matilda</i>, based on Dahl's book of the same name was one of the highlights of our family trip to New York City. Plus, the Steven Spielberg movie adaptation of his book, <i>The BFG</i>, was released immediately before our trip to England. During our time in London, we crossed paths a few times with <a href="http://www.visitlondon.com/bfg" target="_blank">The BFG Dream Jar Trail</a> which was set up to both promote the movie and celebrate Dahl's 100th birthday.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Simon Cowell's Dream Jar outside the Tower of London</i></td></tr>
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So, it was with great excitement that we pulled up outside the museum on the High Street of Great Missenden, located about 20 miles northwest of London. This is the Buckinghamshire village where Dahl lived for 36 years after returning from life in America. The two-story museum building which was originally a carriage house has a Big Friendly Giant painted on the front looking in the window, just as he does in the book and movie. Along the same street, we spotted the dual pumps that inspired the petrol station in Dahl's 1975 book, <i>Danny, the Champion of the World. </i></div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Petrol pumps that inspired the petrol station in </i>Danny, the Champion of the World</td></tr>
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The museum is aimed at children ages 6 to 12 years old and divided into three parts — Dahl's life, his writing process, and an interactive, kid-friendly story centre. The first section covering his boyhood antics draws from his autobiography <i>Boy:Tales of Childhood.</i> If your child is ever given the assignment to read a biography, Roald Dahl's is a good choice full of both the honest truth and mischievous imagination. While at the boarding school Repton, he and his classmates were testers for Cadbury chocolates. Lucky them! They'd be given Cadbury's latest trial flavors wrapped in plain packaging and asked for their feedback. Dahl eventually started wondering what it must be like to have the job of inventing delicious creations like the bubble-filled Aero or the convoluted layers of a Dairy Milk Flake bar. Someone has to do it, after all. And hence, the seed that would eventually develop into wacky candymaker, Willie Wonka, was planted.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>How do you measure up?</i></td></tr>
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Dahl joined the Royal Air Force in Nairobi after the outbreak of World War II. Being exceptionally tall at 6 feet and 6 inches, Dahl was told by the flying officer that he was too tall to fly. The gallery draws the kids into this with a measuring stick showing the respective heights of various Dahl fictional characters alongside a life-sized cutout of young Dahl. Honestly, I thought Oompa Loompas were much smaller. Apparently, my girl is only a tad shorter than a Human-sized Duck.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Sit in the cockpit</i></td></tr>
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Accustomed to modern day planes, my kids may have been surprised when they sat in a mockup of Dahl's Gloster Gladiator biplane with its exposed cockpit that was already out-of-date when Dahl piloted it. After a horrible plane crash in Libya, he recovered and was posted to Washington, D.C. as an assistant air attaché. He wrote an essay about the crash, and the story appeared anonymously in <i>The Saturday Evening Post </i>— his first paid piece of writing. Later, he adapted some of his short stories for adults for the television show, <i>Alfred Hitchcock Presents</i>, including one which was nominated for an Emmy award in 1958. He wrote the screenplays for Ian Fleming's <i>Chitty Chitty Bang Bang</i> and the James Bond movie, <i>You Only Live Twice</i>. Dahl was married to Oscar-winning actress, Patricia Neal. Proving that he was more than just a writer, he also helped invent the Wade-Dahl-Till (WDT) valve, a cerebral shunt for draining excess fluid from the brain which was subsequently used in thousands of operations.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-sJAgNZiSDIE/WIJgV26fW6I/AAAAAAAAK_k/QJAazGzImvsp2rY---FOHswcQI0itA3OwCPcB/s1600/England%2B2016%2BDahl%2B08_mm.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-sJAgNZiSDIE/WIJgV26fW6I/AAAAAAAAK_k/QJAazGzImvsp2rY---FOHswcQI0itA3OwCPcB/s640/England%2B2016%2BDahl%2B08_mm.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Inside Dahl's Writing Hut</i></td></tr>
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My favorite part of the museum is the Writing Hut that originally stood in his Great Missenden home garden. I would fancy a Writing Hut of my own. After his death, the exact location of the various mementos he kept scattered around the hut was painstakingly recorded by a conservationist, and each item was put back in place when the hut's interior was reassembled in his museum. In its entirety, it's a bit quirky, strange, and hobbled together... much like Dahl's stories. I especially liked the massive foil ball made of his collection of chocolate wrappers.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>A set piece from the stop motion animated movie based on Dahl's book,</i> Fantastic Mr. Fox</td></tr>
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When Wes Anderson adapted Dahl's book, <i>Fantastic Mr. Fox</i>, into the 2009 stop-motion animated film starring George Clooney as the titular character, a miniature version of Dahl's own custom chair and lap desk from the Writing Hut became a focal point of Mr. Fox's underground living room. See the resemblance?<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-IBwJkTc90VM/WIJgV4YHClI/AAAAAAAAK_k/q9xK9sVcAFgP0HfGMx2T_d5jsrrcTg0zQCPcB/s1600/England%2B2016%2BDahl%2B09_mm.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-IBwJkTc90VM/WIJgV4YHClI/AAAAAAAAK_k/q9xK9sVcAFgP0HfGMx2T_d5jsrrcTg0zQCPcB/s640/England%2B2016%2BDahl%2B09_mm.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Sitting in the chair of a great writer</i></td></tr>
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The actual Writing Hut was protected behind glass, but a hands-on replica is located in the Story Centre gallery. We could sit in his chair and place his desk in our laps. Being more than a foot shorter than Dahl, I found that my feet could barely touch the floor when sitting. The desk had a bit of rolled up cardboard taped to the underside to keep it at a comfortable height. We could also pick up and handle replicas of he odd items he kept in the hut. </div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-CdUba_bTQJo/WIJgV-Mhd_I/AAAAAAAAK_k/3MJ_GEzQObI7Mr5NZD0wdvM9-TqaneEjwCPcB/s1600/England%2B2016%2BDahl%2B02_mm.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-CdUba_bTQJo/WIJgV-Mhd_I/AAAAAAAAK_k/3MJ_GEzQObI7Mr5NZD0wdvM9-TqaneEjwCPcB/s640/England%2B2016%2BDahl%2B02_mm.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>First mention of the BFG in Dahl's Idea Books</i></td></tr>
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Whereas the other literary locations we visited in England enabled me to attempt to imagine the Brontë sisters' and Jane Austen's inspiration for their works, Roald Dahl kept careful records in his Idea Books which are on display in the museum. Coinciding with the release of <i>The BFG</i> movie, the items featured while we were there had to do with the development of his original novel. The page above is the first time the name BFG is mentioned, and the first paragraph describes the giant's dream jars.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-nklb7jI9sMg/WIJgV37fEpI/AAAAAAAAK_k/g1xLuUyDzWc1K4syaDnpvBI-HN3Nyp_-gCPcB/s1600/England%2B2016%2BDahl%2B03_mm.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-nklb7jI9sMg/WIJgV37fEpI/AAAAAAAAK_k/g1xLuUyDzWc1K4syaDnpvBI-HN3Nyp_-gCPcB/s640/England%2B2016%2BDahl%2B03_mm.JPG" width="480" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Rough draft of </i>The BFG</td></tr>
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Next, we see a few pages where Dahl starts fleshing out the BFG's story. I thought it was good for children to see that great writing is not a straightforward, linear process. Even heralded authors must make many revisions. It's a far cry from the timed essay writing that my kids must do for standardized tests where they are judged on their first attempt.<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-qVXyTAj2ans/WIJgVyYJzVI/AAAAAAAAK_k/eXDoK21jdfE2m7LlsQ0aSGljASGBUmYwwCPcB/s1600/England%2B2016%2BDahl%2B04_mm.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-qVXyTAj2ans/WIJgVyYJzVI/AAAAAAAAK_k/eXDoK21jdfE2m7LlsQ0aSGljASGBUmYwwCPcB/s640/England%2B2016%2BDahl%2B04_mm.JPG" width="480" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Brainstorming the BFG's odd vernacular</td></tr>
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At some point, Dahl decided that the BFG must have his own odd vocabulary which was both strange yet familiar to readers. I was fascinated by his brainstorming and how he might invent one word then tweaked variations until it sounds just right. Getting to peek into Dahl's writing process was flushbunkingly gloriumptious. If you want more linguistic insight, read Oxford Dictionaries' <i><a href="http://blog.oxforddictionaries.com/2016/09/why-gobblefunk-is-not-gobbledegook/" target="_blank">Why Gobblefunk is not Gobbledygook</a></i> regarding Dahl's fictitious vernacular.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-hBmoJsx6hfk/WIJgV4caQ-I/AAAAAAAAK_k/UvuWXh0-ox0jMte8wXM9AIkvSsZORzPKwCPcB/s1600/England%2B2016%2BDahl%2B07_mm.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-hBmoJsx6hfk/WIJgV4caQ-I/AAAAAAAAK_k/UvuWXh0-ox0jMte8wXM9AIkvSsZORzPKwCPcB/s640/England%2B2016%2BDahl%2B07_mm.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Kids are invited to create their own stories</i></td></tr>
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The Story Centre encourages children to be creative with magnetic poetry and sticky note plots. There's also a stop-motion animation station, dress up boxes, and place to craft creatures.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-HYboIFiBXxc/WIJgV0jDmiI/AAAAAAAAK_k/-Jfv6lzzK-8ZwNYXt5vPsBp2wEC5srEngCPcB/s1600/England%2B2016%2BDahl%2B11_mm.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-HYboIFiBXxc/WIJgV0jDmiI/AAAAAAAAK_k/-Jfv6lzzK-8ZwNYXt5vPsBp2wEC5srEngCPcB/s400/England%2B2016%2BDahl%2B11_mm.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>You must eat the entire cake</i></td></tr>
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If visitors get hungry, the on-site Cafe Twit offers sandwiches, soups, jacket potatoes, snacks and drinks for purchase. I was drawn to the Bogtrotters Cake which refers to the Bruce Bogtrotter character in <i>Matilda</i> who is caught stealing a slice of chocolate cake by the school matron, Miss Trunchbull, and then forced to eat an entire cake in front of the assembled student body as punishment. Alas, we had early dinner plans elsewhere, so I had to give it a miss.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-G5BjSTF4lp0/WIJgV39Y1CI/AAAAAAAAK_k/OFPPYauH_14FuF8NfwT8DrpwiPNyOOoSgCPcB/s1600/England%2B2016%2BDahl%2B12_mm.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-G5BjSTF4lp0/WIJgV39Y1CI/AAAAAAAAK_k/OFPPYauH_14FuF8NfwT8DrpwiPNyOOoSgCPcB/s640/England%2B2016%2BDahl%2B12_mm.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Adult book section of the gift shop</i></td></tr>
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The gift shop naturally has all of Dahl's children stories and merchandise related to the books and the movie adaptations. What I found particularly interesting was the section of his adult books. I had not quite realized how many there were... and my girl covered her eyes when she spotted the title of one of the books on the top shelf. Like his children's books, the tales seem strangely fantastical yet rooted in reality. I can see why they were suitable for Alfred Hitchcock and the British TV series, <i>Tales of the Unexpected.</i><br />
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Granted, this isn't a museum that the typical first-time-in-England, only-here-for-a-few-days visitor would head to. However, if you have a child who loves Roald Dahl's stories and are in the vicinity of London a few times, this is a fun visit.</div>
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Located in Great Missenden, about 90 minutes from of London via public transportation.<br />
See <a href="http://www.roalddahl.com/museum" target="_blank">museum website</a> for more information.<br />
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Michele {Malaysian Meanders}http://www.blogger.com/profile/18313351463568423694noreply@blogger.com17tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7054224870283073737.post-2078858946805882022017-01-13T23:26:00.001-06:002017-01-16T00:28:35.643-06:00Bath, England through Jane Austen's Eyes<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-DbNuBMcz0G8/WGYWJ8kt4KI/AAAAAAAAK08/ka3i6ttvgGwi4vz9AyEYHyap5MHgSkFxQCPcB/s1600/IMG_8878_mm.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-DbNuBMcz0G8/WGYWJ8kt4KI/AAAAAAAAK08/ka3i6ttvgGwi4vz9AyEYHyap5MHgSkFxQCPcB/s400/IMG_8878_mm.JPG" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Dressing up in Regency era clothing such as Jane Austen may have worn</i></td></tr>
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I have realized that I am slowly turning into a woman who could easily slip into a Jane Austen novel. Alas, I am not becoming one of those spirited, self-assured main characters in the tradition of Elizabeth Bennett from <i>Pride and Prejudice</i>. Instead, I am displaying all the old-fashion qualities of a mother worried about social graces and fine manners. At eleven years old, my daughter is on the brink of becoming a "young lady," and against her will, I signed her up for etiquette classes (a.k.a. "charm school").<br />
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She has learned the proper way to shake hands, when to rise, setting tables, writing thank you notes, replying to invitations, and the ladylike way to sit. (For those of you who are curious: Ladies sit upright with knees turned to the left corner of the chair or toward partner and then right ankle crossed over the
left ankle, making an “S” shape. Right hand rests over the left hand, on the lap just above the knees.) In a few weeks, it will culminate in a Cotillion Ball where all the boys and girls dressed in their finery will have to ballroom dance with a partner, switching after each song — presumably being very gracious about the whole thing and not stepping on each other's feet. A ball to look forward to! How grand! I wonder which Jane Austen character my girl will turn out to be.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-0lSOvDr-c9U/WHhNVwpG7gI/AAAAAAAAK78/P9t51JnAFzAyHgfSLpDTVeO4Cv0Oh1dpACPcB/s1600/England%2B2016%2B097_mm.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-0lSOvDr-c9U/WHhNVwpG7gI/AAAAAAAAK78/P9t51JnAFzAyHgfSLpDTVeO4Cv0Oh1dpACPcB/s640/England%2B2016%2B097_mm.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Bath Abbey with The Pump Room in the foreground</i></td></tr>
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When we visited Bath, England last summer, I was a bit surprised to discover that Jane Austen is linked so strongly to the city. Founded in the first century AD by the Romans who were drawn there by its hot springs, Bath became a popular spa resort town after Queen Anne visited a few times in the early 1700s to "take the waters" for is curative qualities. It was named a UNESCO World Heritage site because of the Roman era baths as well as the grandiose, Neo-classical buildings and Palladian urban design created during the Georgian period in response to its growing popularity. Jane's time in Bath occurred soon after many of the notable Georgian buildings were constructed, and visiting them was a fashionable pasttime in her day.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-FPJ6QneFI6g/WHjRSz72z7I/AAAAAAAAK9o/gPrnSLXW92ovEWPsmzuCU0Qlnx-y7xktQCPcB/s1600/England%2B2016%2B124_mm.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-FPJ6QneFI6g/WHjRSz72z7I/AAAAAAAAK9o/gPrnSLXW92ovEWPsmzuCU0Qlnx-y7xktQCPcB/s640/England%2B2016%2B124_mm.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>In 1799, Jane and her mother stayed with her brother Edward in his house facing Queen's Square.<br />The obelisk was erected in 1738 in honor of the Prince of Wale's visit to Bath.</i></td></tr>
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Jane's parents were married in Bath, and she would sometimes come and stay with her mother's brothers who lived here. Jane later visited her brother, Edward, in Bath in 1799. Her novel, <i>Northhanger Abbey</i>, is set here and was written around the time of this visit. Its main character is delighted to be visiting a place filled with members of high society.<br />
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<i>"I really believe I shall always be talking of Bath, when I am at home again — I do like it so very much... Oh! Who can ever be tired of Bath?"</i></blockquote>
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- Catherine Morland, <i>Northhanger Abbey</i></div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>4 Sydney Place (white door) just outside the Bath city center</i></td></tr>
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Jane then moved here with her family after her father retired in 1801. She was 26 years old at the time. Although she supposedly enjoyed her earlier visits here, legend has it that Jane fainted at the news of the move and wasn't very happy about it. Her later book, <i>Persuasion, </i>has more of a "bloom is off the rose" attitude towards Bath than the eager outlook of <i>Northhanger Abbey. </i><br />
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As you walk around town, you'll notice that all the Georgian era buildings are constructed of honey colored Bath stone. This was part of the urban design plan to give the town a cohesive look... and perhaps to fatten the wallet of the mayor who happened to own the local quarry. </div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-z7hqph4O41I/WHhQM27QcyI/AAAAAAAAK8Y/mryNXYRBM-I6tPtZZVenTpj2q_DuRwY2wCPcB/s1600/England%2B2016%2B016_mm.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-z7hqph4O41I/WHhQM27QcyI/AAAAAAAAK8Y/mryNXYRBM-I6tPtZZVenTpj2q_DuRwY2wCPcB/s640/England%2B2016%2B016_mm.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>A view of Pulteney Bridge which Jane often crossed on her walks into town</i></td></tr>
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The Austen family's first house was newly built on <b>Sydney Place </b>and located just outside of the city center. Jane could just as easily walk through the rolling hills of the surrounding countryside or stroll across <b>Pulteney Bridge </b>to reach the center of town in five minutes. The bridge was built in 1775 and is famous for being lined on both sides with shops like Florence's Ponte Vecchio. Her former home is now part of <a href="http://www.bathboutiquestays.co.uk/luxury-apartment-rental-bath/" target="_blank">Bath Boutique Stays</a>, so Jane Austen fans can actually sleep in the same house as Jane did. </div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>25 Gay Street</i></td></tr>
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In 1804, the Austens' lease on their Sydney Place home ended, so they moved to <b>Green Park Buildings</b> which is no longer standing. There, Mr. Austen died on January 20, 1805. True to the all the dire warnings of spinsterhood in Jane Austen's novels, neither Jane nor her sister, Cassandra, were married and found themselves without income. Their brothers helped support the sisters and their mother, but the women were forced to move out of Sydney Place to cheaper lodging at <b>25 Gay Street </b>to be nearer to Mrs. Austen's brother who lived on The Paragon. This home was located in a busy part of Bath, and their household help was reduced from three hired people to one maid of all work. The three of them eventually moved away from Bath permanently in 1806.</div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>The Pump Room</i></td></tr>
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Although Jane only lived in Bath for a few years, she mentions it in all her novels as well as making it the main setting of both <i>Northhanger Abbey </i>and <i>Persuasion. </i>In <i>Northhanger Abbey, </i>the Pump Room is apparently the place to be seen. If you're hoping to accidentally-on-purpose, bump into someone, just go to The Pump Room. </div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="font-size: 12.8px;"><i>Taking the waters at the Pump Room</i></td></tr>
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Today, the Pump Room is a restaurant serving modern British cuisine. It was completed in 1799 about the time Jane wrote <i>Northhanger Abbey. </i>Based on that book, young ladies during Jane's time would stroll around the room hoping to catch some eligible bachelor's eye. It's called the Pump Room because people could come here to drink the waters pumped up from the hot springs. It is supposedly chock full of 43 minerals. You can still "take the waters" on your visit here. (Warning: Try really hard not to spit it out no matter how sulfur-like it tastes. Spitting is not polite.)<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>The Assembly Rooms</i></td></tr>
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Another location which features prominently in Jane's Bath novels is the <b>Assembly Rooms, </b>also known as the Upper Rooms. This was the location of many evening balls for fashionable Georgian society. In other words, an excellent place to find a husband. Alas, the ball room was closed for a private function, so I could not go inside to take a look. Good thing that I already have a husband!<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Part of The Circus</i></td></tr>
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<b>The Circus</b>,<b> </b>a set of three buildings that curve around a roundabout, is named after the Latin word for "circle." Do not expect any lions, tigers, bears or acrobats here. Each building is made up of multiple townhouses and was designed by John Wood the Elder, one of Bath's eminent architects during its Georgian heyday.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Emblems above the first floor facade of The Circus</i></td></tr>
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He was fascinated by prehistoric stone circles and inspired by the Colosseum in Rome. Each floor has a different type of Greek column — Doric, Ionic, and Corinthian. Emblems above the first floor facade show serpents, acorns (representing Druids), and both nautical and masonic symbols. Jane undoubtedly passed by these buildings many times as she walked through Bath.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>The Royal Crescent</i></td></tr>
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Near the Circus, you'll find one of the most famous set of houses in Bath, the <b>Royal Crescent</b>. Designed by John Wood the Younger (son of, you guessed it, John Wood the Elder), it is made up of 30 terrace homes that share one, long curving facade. High on a hill, the Crescent looked out over farm and pastures when it was built from 1767-1775 and is considered one of the greatest examples of Georgian architecture. This was the best address to have during Jane's time, and people would often promenade in front of it to take in the fresh air and be seen by high society. (Do people still promenade?) In a letter to her sister, Cassandra, Jane mentions taking walks in front of the Crescent, and she later has her characters in <i>Northhanger Abbey </i>do the same. Scenes from the TV version of <i>Persuasion </i>were filmed here, too. The home on the far right of the Crescent is now a <a href="http://no1royalcrescent.org.uk/" target="_blank">museum </a>with decorations and furnishings from the late 1700s.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>The Jane Austen Centre is a must see for any fan of the author</i></td></tr>
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For fans of Jane Austen, no trip to Bath is complete without a visit to the <b><a href="https://www.janeausten.co.uk/" target="_blank">Jane Austen Centre</a></b>. Although she did not ever live in this particular Georgian townhouse, it is down the street from her Gay Street residence and right by Queens Square. The museum introduces you to Jane's family and how her time in Bath influenced her novels. It is filled with artifacts from that time period.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Clothing that was fashionable during Jane's time in Bath</i></td></tr>
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The museum's <b><a href="https://www.janeausten.co.uk/regencytearoom/" target="_blank">Regency Tea Room</a></b> serves afternoon tea and is open to the general public, not just guests of the museum. My favorite part of the museum, though, is the dress up area at the end where I got to don Regency era clothing and pretend to be Elizabeth Bennett while putting a high top hat on my husband's head and calling him Mr. Darcy.<br />
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Although the ancient Roman baths is what first drew us to the town of Bath, it was serendipitous that our explorations meshed so well with my interest in Jane Austen. Frankly, the Jane Austen Centre was the only place that I specifically sought out apart from a general tour of sites. All the others were just part of what makes Bath so interesting. <br />
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Michele {Malaysian Meanders}http://www.blogger.com/profile/18313351463568423694noreply@blogger.com25tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7054224870283073737.post-18360381604694486702017-01-07T01:25:00.003-06:002017-01-12T22:41:39.570-06:00A Walk on the Yorkshire Moors with the Brontë SistersToday is the perfect, lazy day for curling up with a good book. The weather is unusually cold... well, for Central Texas... just a tad below freezing. The sky is dark with clouds, and the trees have lost their leaves. It's the type of gloomy, Gothic setting I pictured when reading <i>Wuthering Heights</i> by Emily Brontë or <i>Jane Eyre</i> by her sister, Charlotte Brontë. A place inhabited by dark and brooding types.<br />
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Ever since I read those novels in high school and at university, I've always wondered what it was like to stroll along the Yorkshire moors. Growing up amid the metropolitan sprawl and suburban strip malls of flat-as-a-pancake Houston, it was difficult to picture myself inserted into such a foreign scene. So, when we decided to visit York, England last summer, I was seized with the notion of making a pilgrimage to the <a href="https://www.bronte.org.uk/" target="_blank"><b>Brontë Parsonage</b></a> in the tiny village of <a href="http://www.haworth-village.org.uk/" target="_blank">Haworth </a>and finally walking among the heather in the rolling moorlands. "It's just a 90-minute drive from York," I explained to my husband with pleading, puppy dog eyes." How could he resist?<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Looking across the Yorkshire moors towards Stanbury in the distance</i></td></tr>
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It wasn't quite as I had imagined. We visited on a glorious, summer day. The temperature was pleasantly warm (for a Texan), the grass was lush, and the sky was a beautiful blue. It ended up being a lovely day for a walk, but nothing like the gloomy and forbidding York moors described by the Brontë sisters. "Wuthering" is the Yorkshire word for stormy weather, and that's where my expectations lay. To be honest, my family would not have lasted very long if the weather had been the least bit wuthering or chilly with a brisk wind.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Untamed moorland</i></td></tr>
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The moorland was mostly pastures with grazing sheep and stone walls separating each parcel. It was so different than the barbed wire fences of spread out, Texas cattle ranches. It was so... British. I wondered what the area looked like nearly 200 years ago when the Brontë family lived here. Perhaps it was less tamed, more wild. If I narrowed my peripheral vision and held my gaze just right, I could see a few sections that may be similar to what Charlotte, Emily and Anne saw when they walked along this same path.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>A house fallen into ruin </i></td></tr>
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The Brontës often took long strolls from the Parsonage where they lived near Haworth through what is now Penistone Hill Country Park, Penistone Hill and Haworth Moor. Starting at the small car park uphill from the reservoir, we only had time for a short walk. I pretended to myself that the small, ruined house we passed was what Jane returns to at the end of <i>Jane Eyre, </i>although it certainly could not compare to Mr. Rochester's grand Thornfield Hall<i>. </i> If we had continued onwards, the 1½ mile path would have led us to the <b>Brontë Waterfalls</b> which Charlotte described as "fine indeed; a perfect torrent racing over the rocks, white and beautiful." Another 1¼ more miles would have brought us to what remains of <b>Top Withens </b>which, legend has it, was Emily's inspiration for Wuthering Heights even though it bore no resemblance to her description when it was whole.</div>
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Ponden Hall near the village of Stanbury is said to be the inspiration for Thrushcross Grange in the same novel or else Wildfeld Hall of Anne Brontë's <i>The Tenant of Wildfell Hall</i>. Dedicated Brontë fans can <a href="http://www.ponden-hall.co.uk/" target="_blank">stay at <b>Ponden Hal</b>l</a> as it is now a bed & breakfast. Nearby Ponden Kirk supposedly became Penistone Crag whose Fairy Cave so entranced Catherine in <i>Wuthering Heights</i>. </div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Haworth Parsonage where the family lived</i></td></tr>
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Of course, my fangirl pilgrimage would not be complete without a visit to the <a href="https://www.bronte.org.uk/" target="_blank"><b>Brontë Parsonage Museum</b></a> located in the Haworth Parsonage where the authors grew up and wrote their memorable works. In 1820, Patrick Brontë, born "Patrick Brunty," became <i>Perpetual curate</i> of Haworth parish and moved his wife, Maria, and their six children to this home. Maria and the two oldest sisters died when the famous Brontë sisters were young. Growing up in this isolated place, the three girls and their brother, Branwell, penned fantastical stories. They recorded them with unbelievably miniature handwriting in tiny, matchbox-sized books, some of which are on display in the museum. In 1847, <i>Jane Eyre, Wuthering Heights</i>, and <i>Agnes Grey</i> were published by Charlotte, Emily and Anne, respectively, under the male pseudonyms Currer, Ellis and Acton Bell.</div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>The dining room table where the sisters wrote</i></td></tr>
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While the house was filled with personal belongings of the Brontë family, my favorite room was the Dining Room where Charlotte, Emily and Anne discussed their stories with each other and did much of their writing. Emily is said to have died on the sofa in this room in 1848, only one year after <i>Wuthering Heights</i> was published. A portrait of Charlotte hangs above the fireplace, and the plaster medallion above the sofa is of their brother, Branwell. He was considered to be a genius by his father and sisters, but he was a writer who never received the same accolades as his sisters as well as a painter, an alcoholic and a laudanum addict. </div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Cemetery outside the Brontë home</i></td></tr>
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The village cemetery is located next to the parsonage. I wonder if this constant reminder of mortality and the spirit world that lies just beyond death's door is part of what shaped the authors' imagination. The years since I read <i>Wuthering Heights</i> had mellowed Heathcliff in my memory into a romantically dark and brooding victim/victimizer. Upon rereading the book in preparation of this trip, I was appalled to realize that he is a depraved domestic abuser. I could not grant him any sympathy at all. What influences were at play in Emily Brontë's life that cultivated a mind from which such a monstrous character could spring forth?</div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Haworth Church</i></td></tr>
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The church next to the parsonage has been rebuilt since the time that Mr. Brontë preached here. Only the clock tower would be familiar to the family. It still bears bullet holes made by the pistol that Mr. Brontë fired off every morning. All the Brontës except Anne are buried in a vault beneath the church, and a memorial chapel that includes the following plaque was added to the building in 1964. An Old School Room between the parsonage and the church was built by Mr. Brontë in 1832, and the three authors served as teachers there before finding literary fame. It was also the site of Charlotte's wedding celebration in 1854. </div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Plaque in the Brontë Memorial Chapel</i></td></tr>
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The quaint <b>village of Haworth</b> is down a short path from the church, graveyard and parsonage. Its tourist center highlights both the Brontë family's association with the area as well as the town being a film location for the 1970 movie based on E. Nesbitt's book <i>The Railway Children. </i>In fact, the Brontë Parsonage acted as the Doctor's house for the movie. The narrow street — well, narrow for two-way vehicular traffic — descends steeply into a valley, and picturesque hills rise up in the distance.<br />
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If you're feeling hungry after all that hiking around on the moors, stop for a meal at <b><a href="http://www.cobblesandclay.co.uk/" target="_blank">Cobbles and Clay</a></b> which serves as both a café and pottery studio. Children and well behaved adults are welcome, and the menu includes vegetarian, vegan and gluten-free offerings.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Delicious Ploughman's Lunch at Cobbles and Clay</i></td></tr>
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I would have loved to spend longer hiking along the moors and walking through the landscape that inspired the Brontë sisters. However, we had timed entry tickets for the <b><a href="http://www.yorkschocolatestory.com/" target="_blank">York's Chocolate Story</a> </b>museum and needed to get back to York. Chocolate and the Brontës. It was my kind of perfect day, even if it wasn't as gloomy as I had imagined.<br />
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IF YOU GO:</h3>
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<li>You can do a self-guided walk as we did using the map included in this post and descriptions found on <a href="http://www.haworth-village.org.uk/walks/bronte_waterfall/waterfall.asp" target="_blank"><b>Haworth Village - Brontë Walks</b></a></li>
<li>The company <b>Brontë Walks </b>offers both a <a href="http://www.brontewalks.co.uk/passionate-brontes" target="_blank">half mile, one-hour guided walk of Haworth</a> and a <a href="http://www.brontewalks.co.uk/wild-workshop-imagination" target="_blank">slow paced, five hour walk that takes you onto the moors to Top Withens, Ponden Hall, and then back to the village</a>.</li>
<li>Current information about visiting the <b><a href="https://www.bronte.org.uk/visit-us" target="_blank">Bronte Parsonage Museum</a></b> can be found <a href="https://www.bronte.org.uk/visit-us" target="_blank">here</a>. </li>
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Michele {Malaysian Meanders}http://www.blogger.com/profile/18313351463568423694noreply@blogger.com33tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7054224870283073737.post-59640337633970486132016-12-30T03:25:00.001-06:002016-12-31T01:21:28.791-06:00Traveling Near and Far in 20162016 is what I'm calling "the New Normal." It's been two-and-a-half years since we returned to Texas from our three year expat assignment living in Malaysia. There's no doubt about it. Malaysia was a turning point in family travel for us. Before that, we fell into the "One Big Trip a Year" category, typically during the summer. Most holidays were spent visiting our families who live 3 hours away in Houston where both hubby and I grew up. With the overseas move, we were in a rush to squeeze in as much travel as possible while living on the other side of the world. It really helped that almost all our friends were in the same mode.<br />
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The "New Normal" is a mix of both styles. We still drive to Houston for Easter, Fourth of July (USA's Independence Day), Thanksgiving, Christmas and other weekends here and there. But, we managed to take three big family trips this year, too. On top of that, hubby spends a total of one month in Malaysia and one month in Hungary on business. <br />
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<a name='more'></a>During the year, I tend to blog about whatever I feel like writing about that week as opposed to chronologically following through on the trips I've taken. I jump all over the place. So, this post is my attempt to wrangle all my memories of 2016 into a cohesive narrative.<br />
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January - Roadtrip to Grapevine, Texas</h2>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Great Wolf Lodge</i></td></tr>
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When we were getting ready to move back from Malaysia, I was in a bit of a funk over the diminishing travel opportunities we'd have living in Texas. So, I'd keep mentally planning a roadtrip to Grapevine, Texas to visit Great Wolf Lodge. It was a trip that I had meant to do when the kids were younger but never found the perfect time. Forget about perfect. I was seizing the opportunity. <b><a href="https://www.greatwolf.com/" target="_blank">Great Wolf Lodge</a></b>'s defining feature is its indoor water park reserved exclusively for their hotel guests. It's a nice break from winter weather. Other activities include MagiQuest which is a scavenger hunt with clues activated via magic wand, stories by the Clock Tower and, because it was Winter Break, a flurry of snow every night and a gingerbread house so big you can dine inside it. Our family suite had a separate area made to look like a miniature log cabin with bunk beds for the kids as well as a kitchenette. It was a good trip overall, but I think the kids would have had a better time if they were five years younger. </div>
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February - Exploring my hometown of Austin, Texas</h2>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Lyndon Baines Johnson Presidential Library</i></td></tr>
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I didn't have much chance to travel in February because every single weekend was occupied helping my Girl Scout troop sell cookies. However, I did get to chaperone a school field trip to the Lyndon Baines Johnson Presidential Library located in Austin. Since he was Vice President when John F. Kennedy was assassinated, LBJ assumed the position of President of the USA under rather somber circumstances. The above photo is of the replica of how the oval office looked during his term. </div>
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March - Walt Disney World and a Disney Cruise to the Bahamas... and Houston roadtrip.</h2>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Watching the movie </i>Up <i>on deck during our Disney cruise</i></td></tr>
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Our 2015 Disney cruise was such a big hit with the kids that we did it again for Spring Break 2016. In fact, we'll be repeating it for a third time in just a few months. You may think that it's just for little kids, but even my teen has a great time on board. We preceded our cruise with a fun filled day at Walt Disney World Magic Kingdom. At this point, I've lost count how many times we've been to a Disney park. You can definitely classify us as a Disney loving family. Have you watched the movie <i>Up</i>? I like it's dual message of "You're never too old to travel" and "Seize the day because there may never be a 'perfect' time to travel." </div>
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We also took a weekend trip to Houston for our traditional Easter holiday spent with my husband's extended family. It was something that the kids missed when we were living overseas.</div>
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April - Exploring Austin... and another Houston road trip</h2>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-M1JLMpD5ukg/V-6vM9SRT1I/AAAAAAAAKfo/UcTWM8iTmR058x5xdwjsOceOypTUn5-vwCPcB/s1600/160615%2BPics_ACL_mm.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-M1JLMpD5ukg/V-6vM9SRT1I/AAAAAAAAKfo/UcTWM8iTmR058x5xdwjsOceOypTUn5-vwCPcB/s640/160615%2BPics_ACL_mm.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Celebrating Austin's reputation as "Live Music Capital of the World"</i></td></tr>
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April had me mostly sticking close to home. I explored downtown Austin a bit to figure out why so many people like to visit this town. We also drove to Houston so I could host a wedding shower for my cousin. Ahhhh, young love is so sweet.</div>
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May - Camping and a Fredericksburg daytrip</h2>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-l7b9nipC8_4/WGYJsljxX9I/AAAAAAAAK0c/QJTzA_JReIcVkYvoY8xTezE6GQK9z1RWACPcB/s1600/Fredericksburg%2BPioneer%2BMuseum%2B1605_mm.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-l7b9nipC8_4/WGYJsljxX9I/AAAAAAAAK0c/QJTzA_JReIcVkYvoY8xTezE6GQK9z1RWACPcB/s400/Fredericksburg%2BPioneer%2BMuseum%2B1605_mm.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Pioneer kitchen</i></td></tr>
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May marked the first time I've gone tent camping in almost two decades. It's certainly the first time I've gone with kids. And most of the kids weren't even mine! See <a href="http://malaysianmeanders.blogspot.com/2016/12/favorite-photos-from-2016.html" target="_blank">last week's post</a> about the travails of Girl Scout camping and surviving getting outside our comfort zone. The Girl Scout troop also took a daytrip to Fredericksburg to visit the <b><a href="http://pioneermuseum.net/" target="_blank">Pioneer Museum</a></b>. Y'all, we got to churn butter! It takes a long time. Do you know what else took a long time back in the pioneer days? Everything! Face it, we have it so much easier in modern times. On the way back home, we stopped by one of the many fresh peach stands that you'll find all over Central Texas this time of year. Confession time: I really like that being a Girl Scout troop leader gives me an excuse to drag kids all over Texas on excursions. I love sharing the experiences on my blog, but I enjoy sharing it in person even more.</div>
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June - Austin Street Art, Waco road trip, Gruene Music Hall... and Houston</h2>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-A2go41peBpg/V-6vM032hvI/AAAAAAAAKfo/n6ebmw4Wxf0RtVLL2p4mhLxZI-84zGQhQCPcB/s1600/160615%2BPics_GreetingsFromAustin_mm.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="410" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-A2go41peBpg/V-6vM032hvI/AAAAAAAAKfo/n6ebmw4Wxf0RtVLL2p4mhLxZI-84zGQhQCPcB/s640/160615%2BPics_GreetingsFromAustin_mm.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Street Art</i></td></tr>
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With summer break finally here, we had time to do all sorts of short trips. We started off the month in Houston. Then, my daughter and her friends had a great day exploring the street art, shops and pizza in <a href="http://malaysianmeanders.blogspot.com/2016/10/austins-south-congress-street-art.html" target="_blank">Austin's South Congress district</a>. I took the Girl Scout troop up to Waco for a day of visiting the <a href="http://www.drpeppermuseum.com/" target="_blank">Dr. Pepper Museum</a>, the<a href="http://www.baylor.edu/mayborn/index.php" target="_blank"> Mayborn Museum</a> and a relaxing lunch at <a href="https://magnoliamarket.com/silos/" target="_blank">Magnolia Silos</a> which is famous because it's owned by HGTV's <i>Fixer Upper</i> couple, Joanne and Chip Gaines. While my oldest spent a week tent camping in the summer heat, my other two kids and I drove down to watch Lone Star Swing perform at Texas's oldest dance hall, <a href="http://gruenehall.com/" target="_blank">Gruene Hall</a>. </div>
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July - Houston (again) and literary bucket list trip to England</h2>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-DbNuBMcz0G8/WGYWJ8kt4KI/AAAAAAAAK04/yvjoLPxXl-UrnkKjiQnm6ISWnuVKeBieQCPcB/s1600/IMG_8878_mm.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-DbNuBMcz0G8/WGYWJ8kt4KI/AAAAAAAAK04/yvjoLPxXl-UrnkKjiQnm6ISWnuVKeBieQCPcB/s400/IMG_8878_mm.JPG" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Fangirl at the Jane Austen Centre</i></td></tr>
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Almost none of July was spent at home. We headed to Houston for the Fourth of July weekend and my nephew's wedding. Afterwards, we spent 16 glorious days roadtripping across England. I was an English major in college and have always dreamed about visiting the places where my favorite authors lived. Finally, I strolled through the Yorkshire moors and visited the home of the <b><a href="https://www.bronte.org.uk/" target="_blank">Brontë sisters</a> </b>where they penned <i>Wuthering Heights </i>and <i>Jane Eyre</i>, walked in the footsteps of <b>Jane Austen</b> in Bath, visited <a href="https://www.roalddahl.com/museum" target="_blank"><b>Roald Dahl</b>'s home</a> just outside London, and, of course, explored the many William Shakespeare sites all over Stratford-on-Avon. Unfortunately, I messed up buying tickets inline for the Royal Shakespeare Company performance of <i>A Midsummer Night's Dream </i>and bought them for June instead of July when we were there. I tried not to cry and consoled myself with a chocolate cake from Tesco. The above photo was taken at the <a href="https://www.janeausten.co.uk/" target="_blank"><b>Jane Austen Centre</b></a> where they have Regency era clothes for you to dress up in. Yes, I am that much of a geek.</div>
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August - Vermont, New Hampshire, Boston </h2>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-EnIFdBk0UQU/WGYbdnsxyII/AAAAAAAAK1Y/jc9Phj_yflE7jNcQhDLjm8h_pU_kUvN5ACPcB/s1600/IMG_0883_mm.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-EnIFdBk0UQU/WGYbdnsxyII/AAAAAAAAK1Y/jc9Phj_yflE7jNcQhDLjm8h_pU_kUvN5ACPcB/s400/IMG_0883_mm.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>American Classic Arcade Museum</i></td></tr>
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I grabbed on to my cousin's wedding in Boston as an excuse to fly up a few days early to visit Vermont and New Hampshire. Along the way, we squeezed in visits to the Lake Champlain Chocolates factory,<b> <a href="http://malaysianmeanders.blogspot.com/2016/09/ben-jerrys-ice-cream-factory-tour.html" target="_blank">Ben & Jerry's Ice Cream Factory</a></b>, the Trapp Family Lodge (of <i>The Sound of Music </i>fame) and an afternoon at Funspot which is "<a href="http://funspotnh.com/" target="_blank"><b>The Largest Arcade in the World</b></a>" according to the Guinness Book of World Records. In addition to the modern video games, its collection of 300 arcade games from the 1970s and 1980s makes up the American Classic Arcade Museum. I have tons more picturesque photos from this trip, but I've chosen to highlight one that shows how we sometimes end up in offbeat places.</div>
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September - Daytrip to Fiesta Texas in San Antonio</h2>
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With the school year starting back up again, travel once again slows down. Unless you count hubby. He seems to spend the next 2 months either on overseas business trips or helping out his parents in Houston. He did manage to take the family to his company picnic in San Antonio. They rented out all of the Six Flags Fiesta Texas amusement park for the employees and their guests. It was perfect weather and short lines. I have no good photos.</div>
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October - Houston, and then Houston again</h2>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqFrp9ooxZthc2YwI5eFGSDpo-a1aJFNpxgVR7QUDaW-HCj2FZPs5PDY3f9LkFGMyHxyYtymVimys70E6qLAieTaa7zlVEpzB3QugjXwMVZd7v8nNg13itPlAMCYFFtGLWSq50twuVoDY/s1600/IMG_1751.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqFrp9ooxZthc2YwI5eFGSDpo-a1aJFNpxgVR7QUDaW-HCj2FZPs5PDY3f9LkFGMyHxyYtymVimys70E6qLAieTaa7zlVEpzB3QugjXwMVZd7v8nNg13itPlAMCYFFtGLWSq50twuVoDY/s400/IMG_1751.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Thai rolled ice cream</i></td></tr>
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I am beginning to understand why my daughter's friend commented that we always go to Houston. Another cousin and his family was visiting Houston, so we drove over to spend the weekend with them. I finally got to try Thai rolled ice cream. It's fun to watch them make it, and the mango flavor I ordered was delicious. At the end of the month, my oldest kid gets to take a trip with his school's theater troupe to compete at a One Act competition. Guess where they go. Houston. </div>
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November - Camping and... wait for it... Houston</h2>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-c1v-hfcOhr0/WGYevMNnNHI/AAAAAAAAK2A/6OLL7WvprX8dHdKbltBlm5gjmebp0MO3ACPcB/s1600/IMG_2090.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-c1v-hfcOhr0/WGYevMNnNHI/AAAAAAAAK2A/6OLL7WvprX8dHdKbltBlm5gjmebp0MO3ACPcB/s400/IMG_2090.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Kayaking at Girl Scout Camp</i></td></tr>
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I went camping again with the Girl Scouts in November. By this time, hubby and I have spent only 2 of the last 10 weekends together. The kids are so busy that someone always has to stay in town on a weekend, and one of us parents needs to stay with them. For anyone who thinks that travel is hard with young kids, they obviously haven't tried to plan around middle school and high school schedules. Even if he doesn't have anything on the calendar, my oldest pretty much has to study the entire weekend. So, we honor his wish to just relax and do nothing during the week long Thanksgiving holiday school break. Unlike previous years when we've flown off to New York City or Washington, D.C., we plan nothing other than a short trip to Houston for Thanksgiving weekend. It's hard for me to give up this opportunity to squeeze in a "real" trip, but I'm trying to balance the needs and wants of our five member family. And I have to admit that at this point, I'm kind of glad to have a lazy week stretching out in front of me.</div>
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December - Htown</h2>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-nDaRsYbsnEo/WGbKxgFJpRI/AAAAAAAAK3g/OiOQ-1j534cfIgBFPsP3sU3OAF9Tg5G7QCPcB/s1600/ChurchWindow_mm.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-nDaRsYbsnEo/WGbKxgFJpRI/AAAAAAAAK3g/OiOQ-1j534cfIgBFPsP3sU3OAF9Tg5G7QCPcB/s400/ChurchWindow_mm.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Christmas Eve at my childhood church<br />I've always loved the global unity message in this window.</i></td></tr>
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I tried to fool you. Houston's nickname is "H-town." I have never once spent Christmas in Austin even though I've lived here for 24 years. We always load up the car with all the gifts, haul them all to Houston for opening, and then haul them all back to Austin again. Because both hubby and I have extended families in Houston, it's a multi-day celebration so that we can gather with various sets and subsets of relatives. </div>
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While travel is important to me, family is an even higher priority. Both hubby's parents and my own parents have traveled the whole wide world. But as they get older, going out of town is harder, and their world is getting smaller. So, we go to them since they can't come to us. And that, folks, is my New Normal. </div>
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Wishing you a Happy New Year</h4>
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I've joined up as one of the co-hosts of <b>Weekend Travel Inspiration.</b><br />
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<span style="color: #666666; font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">I've also joined with the following linkups. Check them out for more around-the-world travel inspiration.</span><br />
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<li><span style="color: #666666; font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Weekend Wanderlust on <a href="http://justinpluslauren.com/" target="_blank">Justin + Lauren</a></span></li>
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Michele {Malaysian Meanders}http://www.blogger.com/profile/18313351463568423694noreply@blogger.com33tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7054224870283073737.post-25928602538200261712016-12-22T03:33:00.002-06:002016-12-22T23:22:23.478-06:00Favorite Photos from 2016As 2016 draws to a close, I am reminded how much I rely on my photos to jog my memory about all that I've done throughout the year. If I didn't take photos, I swear that I would completely forget half of it. That's part of the reason why I blog... to remind myself of where I've been. There are a few images, however, that stand out in my mind either because I like the visual or because of the story behind it. Here are some of my favorites from the past year.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-BTvGBmQdbkE/V66Fxos640I/AAAAAAAAKT4/e-pYxBKuUscdjOH7ONNxtpzaBpbP3sTngCPcB/s1600/160708%2BPics%2B016_mm.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-BTvGBmQdbkE/V66Fxos640I/AAAAAAAAKT4/e-pYxBKuUscdjOH7ONNxtpzaBpbP3sTngCPcB/s640/160708%2BPics%2B016_mm.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>The Light Inside </i>by James Turrell</td></tr>
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The above photo is the underground tunnel connecting two buildings that make up the Museum of Fine Arts Houston. As the minutes tick by, the color gradually morphs from one part of the spectrum to another. I had talked my tween daughter into joining me for the <a href="http://malaysianmeanders.blogspot.com/2016/08/at-end-of-universe-at-museum-of-fine.html" target="_blank">Kusama special exhibit</a>, and I'd been pleasantly surprised by how engrossed she was by the rest of the museum, especially when she had her camera out. This was such a special day for me as I was finally able to relinquish my "nervous mother hen" role that I typically play when my kids are surrounded by priceless, delicate objects and did not feel compelled to rush before my child got bored. When it was time to go, neither of us felt ready to leave. I can't remember any other time that's happened at an art museum.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Big Top Candy Shop on South Congress Street in Austin, Texas</i></td></tr>
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When I took this photo, I didn't realize that my shadow was serendipitously aligned with my daughter so that it blocked the window reflection, allowing her face to come through. I like the effect. This was taken at the end of a great day <a href="http://malaysianmeanders.blogspot.com/2016/09/5-things-to-do-in-austin.html" target="_blank">playing tourist in our hometown with other local friends</a>. Everyone always talks about how cool SoCo is, and attending a sewing summer camp a few blocks away gave us an opportunity to finally explore.<br />
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Sadly, I've just found out that the sewing store, Stitch Lab, which is located in an adorable, decades-old cottage will soon be permanently shutting down so that the cottages can be demolished and a modern condo tower built in its place. The property taxes were simply getting too high as this area becomes more gentrified. It's a typical Austin tale that I do not enjoy. <br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-KKERTTDhC0c/V-YjKcop5pI/AAAAAAAAKdE/6C4U92HuTnc493BWvOvtB5s3h5jsTzcpQCPcB/s1600/England%2B2016_YorkShambles_mm.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-KKERTTDhC0c/V-YjKcop5pI/AAAAAAAAKdE/6C4U92HuTnc493BWvOvtB5s3h5jsTzcpQCPcB/s640/England%2B2016_YorkShambles_mm.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>The Shambles in York, England</i></td></tr>
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Getting to explore England was a dream come true. While in York, we spent some time on The Shambles which has been nicknamed by Google Street View as "<a href="http://malaysianmeanders.blogspot.com/2016/09/in-shambles.html" target="_blank">Britain's Most Picturesque Street</a>." I was already getting a Harry Potter/Diagon Alley vibe when I came across this Wanted poster for Bellatrix Lestrange. That clinched it. My family waited <strike>im</strike>patiently as I tried to angle my camera to capture both the poster and the narrow street. When we later visited the indoor movie set for Diagon Alley at the Warner Brothers Studio Harry Potter Studio Tour, I was surprised to see that it was much wider than The Shambles.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-0PSzZmHVQO8/WFuG3BaE55I/AAAAAAAAKw0/Ulgf3xCKOzImu7NIUtyro0XBivzRr5tyACPcB/s1600/IMG_8969_mm.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-0PSzZmHVQO8/WFuG3BaE55I/AAAAAAAAKw0/Ulgf3xCKOzImu7NIUtyro0XBivzRr5tyACPcB/s400/IMG_8969_mm.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Catching Pokemon at Stonehenge</i></td></tr>
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Pokemon Go and our trip to England will be forever intertwined in my memory. The game had been released in the USA right before we started our trip but had yet to be released in the UK. Hence, my kids were one of the few people playing at each of the touristy places we visited. My boy captured the gym at Stonehenge, and it stayed captured by him for the remainder of our time on site. I could see others surreptitiously looking over my kids' shoulders to see how the game was played and whispering to their friends about it. I will admit that allowing my kids to play gave me some extra time at Stonehenge before they started asking when we could leave. For some reason, they didn't want to listen to every single track on the audio guide as I did.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-HsgVc6EWZ-0/WFuLugdAPII/AAAAAAAAKxo/GvBiXd9GlzYShWb9JTTwRmO2VG7glHSaQCPcB/s1600/160515%2BTentCamping_mm.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-HsgVc6EWZ-0/WFuLugdAPII/AAAAAAAAKxo/GvBiXd9GlzYShWb9JTTwRmO2VG7glHSaQCPcB/s640/160515%2BTentCamping_mm.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Tent camping</i></td></tr>
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This photo is more about the memories connected with it than the actual image itself. This was my first time tent camping in almost 20 years. I'm not really a tent camping kind of gal. I'll pick glamping — or better yet, a 5 star resort — over a tent any day. My oldest son, on the other hand, received a Boy Scout patch for tent camping more than 50 days total. Yet, I pushed myself out of my comfort zone and woke up to this view. Why in the world did I do it? I am a Girl Scout troop leader. I was so nervous about tent camping that I practiced setting up all 3 of my tents — one for me, and two for the troop — in my living room that week. The campfire and s'mores went really well; then, all heck broke loose when it was time for bed. To make a long story short, one of the troop tents was entirely abandoned, and seven girls crammed into a tent that really wasn't designed to hold that many. Imagine a bunch of sardines in a sauna, and you will get an idea of how crowded and hot their tent was. So, whenever I see this photo, it's with a sigh of relief that everyone got through the night with no additional drama.<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-0MejWWq5iDQ/WFuGz3Vlx-I/AAAAAAAAKw0/KGgMsg6kl38xBawYt9dUxOnC1h6SPlCOwCPcB/s1600/IMG_8771_mm.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-0MejWWq5iDQ/WFuGz3Vlx-I/AAAAAAAAKw0/KGgMsg6kl38xBawYt9dUxOnC1h6SPlCOwCPcB/s640/IMG_8771_mm.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Not watching the in-flight movie</i></td></tr>
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This photo sums up air travel for my tall husband. He has zero leg room. He keeps nothing under the seat in front of him so that he can attempt to stretch out his legs. The seat back is often not high enough for him to rest his head on it. And when the person in front of him reclines, he can no longer tilt the screen enough to view the in-flight movie. He's also too courteous to ask them to put the seat upright much less install one of those recline blockers. The struggle is real. (Not quite sure why I'm categorizing this as a Favorite Photo. I must be twisted.)<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBU_RTxPkoP_4Xx4FCUn8bHcnnnqo9zjL5fApKydfjy0y6mD3wrVzf8GaE26sUUoJrXiZ99ULa7DXKTwloQDGUVdiVx1ehG_k5UBbf0cLdGYFnqC9UGigSTMGNfgepvG3SWyr6uf26o6c/s1600/Carement+Chocolat+cake.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBU_RTxPkoP_4Xx4FCUn8bHcnnnqo9zjL5fApKydfjy0y6mD3wrVzf8GaE26sUUoJrXiZ99ULa7DXKTwloQDGUVdiVx1ehG_k5UBbf0cLdGYFnqC9UGigSTMGNfgepvG3SWyr6uf26o6c/s400/Carement+Chocolat+cake.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Carrément Chocolat cake</i></td></tr>
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This photo has nothing to do with travel. It's all about my other loves — baking and chocolate. In 2016 alone, I visited both a chocolate museum in York, England and a chocolate factory in Vermont. I had been staring at the cover of <i>Baking Chez Moi</i> by Dorie Greenspan for while and drooling over the cake pictured on it. When my birthday rolled around, I figured it was a great excuse to make it for myself. It's just as delicious as it looks. Chocolate cake is soaked in a simple sugar syrup and layered with a silky, chocolate custard. The whole thing is covered in luscious chocolate ganache glaze then piled high with shards of salted chocolate. It was tons of work but turned out fantastic and looked just like the cookbook cover, so I had to take a photo of course.<br />
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For those of you celebrating it, Merry Christmas!</h4>
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<span style="box-sizing: border-box; color: purple;">It’s Your Turn, Link Up Your Newest Travel Inspiration</span></h4>
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I've joined up as one of the co-hosts of <b>Weekend Travel Inspiration.</b><br />
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<li>Link one of your inspirational travel photos or stories to this post by adding your info.</li>
<li>Copy and paste our badge and a link to this page.</li>
<li>Visit some of the other wonderful travel bloggers, read their posts, and leave a comment. It would be great if you could comment on 2-3 posts.</li>
<li>Tweet it and include this hashtag. #wkendtravelinspiration .</li>
<li>Follow all the hosts of Weekend Travel Inspiration who are working hard to spread the word on what wonderful work travel bloggers are doing.</li>
<li>Don’t forget to check out my amazing co-hosts and their pages: <a href="http://www.reflectionsenroute.com/" target="_blank">Reflections Enroute</a>, <a href="http://www.thecrowdedplanet.com/" style="-webkit-transition: all 0.3s ease-in-out; background-color: transparent; box-sizing: border-box; color: #478fb3; outline: none; text-decoration: none; transition: all 0.3s ease-in-out;" target="_blank">The Crowded Planet</a>, <a href="http://www.contentedtraveller.com/" style="-webkit-transition: all 0.3s ease-in-out; background-color: transparent; box-sizing: border-box; color: #478fb3; outline: none; text-decoration: none; transition: all 0.3s ease-in-out;" target="_blank">ContentedTraveller</a>, <a href="http://www.albomadventures.com/" style="-webkit-transition: all 0.3s ease-in-out; background-color: transparent; box-sizing: border-box; color: #478fb3; outline: none; text-decoration: none; transition: all 0.3s ease-in-out;" target="_blank">Albom Adventures</a>, <a href="http://www.safari254.com/" style="-webkit-transition: all 0.3s ease-in-out; background-color: transparent; box-sizing: border-box; color: #478fb3; outline: none; text-decoration: none; transition: all 0.3s ease-in-out;" target="_blank">Safari 254</a>, and <a href="http://www.familiesgotravel.com/" style="-webkit-transition: all 0.3s ease-in-out; background-color: transparent; box-sizing: border-box; color: #478fb3; outline: none; text-decoration: none; transition: all 0.3s ease-in-out;" target="_blank">FamiliesGo</a>.</li>
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<span style="color: #666666; font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">I've also joined with the following linkups. Check them out for more around-the-world travel inspiration.</span><br />
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<li><span style="color: #666666; font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Travel Photo Thursday on <a href="http://www.budgettravelerssandbox.com/merry-christmas-from-travel-photo-thursday/" target="_blank">Budget Travelers Sandbox</a>, <a href="http://www.budgettraveltalk.com/" target="_blank">Budget Travel Talk</a>, <a href="http://tanamatales.com/" target="_blank">Tanama Tales</a> and <a href="http://rachelheller.org/" target="_blank">Rachel's Ruminations</a>.</span></li>
<li><span style="color: #666666; font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">The Weekly Postcard on <a href="http://www.travelnotesandbeyond.com/" target="_blank">Travel Notes and Beyond</a></span></li>
<li><span style="color: #666666; font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Weekend Wanderlust on <a href="http://justinpluslauren.com/" target="_blank">Justin + Lauren</a></span></li>
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Michele {Malaysian Meanders}http://www.blogger.com/profile/18313351463568423694noreply@blogger.com21tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7054224870283073737.post-17424819083672731382016-12-12T17:46:00.000-06:002017-01-03T23:29:41.099-06:00GPSmyCity Travel Article App review & giveaway<div align="center" class="MsoNormal">
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On my family’s trip to England this year, I tried a travel article app for the first time after winning one in a giveaway. It was free, so why not? After downloading <b>GPSmyCity </b>and getting a few clicks in, I was already won over. I would gladly pay for travel assistance like this in the palm of my hand. What exactly is GPSmyCity? It’s an app you can download onto your iOS device that delivers travel articles, city specific tours and GPS-guided navigation all in one place. (Android version will be launched in 2017.)<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBoZqHGFGroBIDSfsw8OQur4_MP2tBXkXyF8OyttD-uS0DEtgKjtFHQQSF3y9TpRNdjk89H-Pf5DpcAWy2GLxoC3X2WPXZKtESVrWG_bmcD4jxtiOG0mg7V9xfAHqj9sIRMnxdx3UaAUY/s1600/GPSMyCity.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="372" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBoZqHGFGroBIDSfsw8OQur4_MP2tBXkXyF8OyttD-uS0DEtgKjtFHQQSF3y9TpRNdjk89H-Pf5DpcAWy2GLxoC3X2WPXZKtESVrWG_bmcD4jxtiOG0mg7V9xfAHqj9sIRMnxdx3UaAUY/s640/GPSMyCity.png" width="640" /></a></div>
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Ever since I discovered travel blogs, they have factored heavily into my trip planning. After reading them, I usually use a combination of different apps to pin info about where I wanted to visit, to map where they were all located relative to each other and to figure out directions to get from one place to the next. Once I started using GPSmyCity, I realized that I could finally do it all on one app without having to switch back and forth.<br />
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Why use a Travel Article app?</h3>
<a href="http://gpsmycity.com/">GPSmyCity.com</a> has a curated collection of thousands of travel articles covering over 700 cities all over the world. As you read an article, you can click Save to download it for free to your device so that it’s accessible offline if you want to avoid roaming charges while traveling. By clicking Upgrade at the bottom of the screen, you can see all the sights in the article on an offline map and get detailed, GPS guided turn-by-turn directions to all the sights in the article for a small fee (USD 1.99). <br />
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When we were in London, it was so easy to let GPSmyCity lead me around the city. Since it was the kids’ first time there, we focused on doing the Sightseeing Walks such as “Westminster Walk.” I liked that I could easily see how many sights were part of each walk, which ones were Must See places, the total distance covered, and the approximate duration. As my husband thumbed his way through his paperback travel book to figure out where the next stop was located and to look up the description of each place, GPSmyCity had already pinpointed my location, instructed me where to go, and allowed me to immediately start reading about where we stood.<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-USPZSgu-JOQ/WE8y25ou9-I/AAAAAAAAKvY/YRjW3e70MQcFviPb6-kmOHq-8HRidMzWACPcB/s1600/England%2B2016_Westminster.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-USPZSgu-JOQ/WE8y25ou9-I/AAAAAAAAKvY/YRjW3e70MQcFviPb6-kmOHq-8HRidMzWACPcB/s640/England%2B2016_Westminster.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Westminster as seen from across the Thames</i></td></tr>
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Browsing through all the travel articles in the app made me wish that we had more time in this incredible city. I would have loved to have a few more days to follow the suggestions of “My Favourite Things in London’s Covent Gardens” or “A Morning Walk in Kew Gardens.” Because GPSmyCity uses blogger written travel articles, there was a variety of topics and viewpoints – Harry Potter tours, vegan cafes, the best art experiences for kids, unusual sites, and more. There’s always next time, I suppose. Granted, 26 years passed between my first two visits to London.<br />
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So, I was super excited when GPSmyCity invited me to contribute to their collection. (Unexpected offers like this keep alive my dreams such as Anthony Bourdain asking me to take him around to my favorite places to eat. Too bad he isn’t as focused on chocolate as I am.) Currently, my articles include:<br />
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<li><a href="http://www.gpsmycity.com/tours/5-things-to-do-in-austin-other-than-austin-city-limits-sxsw-2491.html" target="_blank">5 Things to Do in Austin Other Than Austin City Limits/SXSW</a></li>
<li><a href="http://www.gpsmycity.com/tours/fun-things-to-do-with-kids-in-penang-2495.html" target="_blank">Fun Things to Do with Kids in Penang</a></li>
<li><a href="http://www.gpsmycity.com/tours/cattle-drive-at-the-fort-worth-stockyards-2496.html" target="_blank">Cattle Drive at the Fort Worth Stockyards</a></li>
<li><a href="http://www.gpsmycity.com/tours/ben-and-jerrys-ice-cream-factory-tour-2494.html" target="_blank">Ben and Jerry's Ice Cream Factory Tour</a></li>
<li><a href="http://www.gpsmycity.com/tours/36-hours-in-cody,-wyoming-2493.html" target="_blank">36 Hours in Cody, Wyoming</a></li>
<li><a href="http://www.gpsmycity.com/tours/strolling-down-armenian-street-2492.html" target="_blank">Strolling Down Armenian Street</a></li>
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Two ways to access the GPS-guided travel articles.</h3>
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1. Click on a link below for the article you want. If you have not already downloaded the free GPSmyCity app to your device, you will be prompted to do so. After downloading the app, you will be directed to the article, where you can choose Upgrade.<br />
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2. From the <a href="https://itunes.apple.com/us/app/id417207307?mt=8">GPSmyCity app</a>, you can browse by city to see which articles are available. <br />
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<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhvJ6NlPd-KDj8CaNbiz7u2e5tq5mbFwDfANJ8XZvI7bU9GNvx0qEWG2TQ4Uc42KLQfMhlZKilE5-BKyFxTEfvvttQQsXdXtvL-ryVRp0hDvPwvDoEV-E1j_8kCog8wo5g2PmzBWqObw00/s1600/GPSMyCity_Austin.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="GPSmyCity" border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhvJ6NlPd-KDj8CaNbiz7u2e5tq5mbFwDfANJ8XZvI7bU9GNvx0qEWG2TQ4Uc42KLQfMhlZKilE5-BKyFxTEfvvttQQsXdXtvL-ryVRp0hDvPwvDoEV-E1j_8kCog8wo5g2PmzBWqObw00/s320/GPSMyCity_Austin.jpg" title="5 Things to do in Austin" width="187" /></a></td></tr>
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<i><a href="http://www.gpsmycity.com/tours/5-things-to-do-in-austin-other-than-austin-city-limits-sxsw-2491.html" target="_blank"><span style="font-size: small;">Austin travel article app</span></a></i></h4>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLjJPI8V6C4xjoUuSrPS8aaqwlMkiBxEsasInTO9kr-_cinFIpEjTLoS2cN7hoIFHKtwx25BYmdoK1gFPPxPSB0l_sRnbta0oHBAPRyYixj755xWwIDwKrK-k04av25A2p7f-jSLpxZgA/s1600/GPSMyCity_Penang.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><img alt="GPSmyCity" border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLjJPI8V6C4xjoUuSrPS8aaqwlMkiBxEsasInTO9kr-_cinFIpEjTLoS2cN7hoIFHKtwx25BYmdoK1gFPPxPSB0l_sRnbta0oHBAPRyYixj755xWwIDwKrK-k04av25A2p7f-jSLpxZgA/s320/GPSMyCity_Penang.jpg" title="Fun things to do with Kids in Penang" width="186" /></a></td></tr>
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<i><span style="font-size: small;"><a href="http://www.gpsmycity.com/tours/fun-things-to-do-with-kids-in-penang-2495.html" target="_blank">Penang travel article app</a></span></i></h4>
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I hope you find <a href="http://www.gpsmycity.com/" target="_blank">GPSmyCity </a>as revolutionary as I did. I can’t wait to get out there and explore more with it.<br />
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<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;"><i>Thank you to GPSmyCity for providing free upgraded travel article apps for this giveaway. (Giveaway period has ended.) An author receives a small commission each time a paid upgrade is downloaded for her travel article app. I am planning to blow all my earnings on gelato. I can eat a lot of gelato… which is why walking tours are such a good idea for me.</i></span>
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<span style="box-sizing: border-box; color: purple;">It’s Your Turn, Link Up Your Newest Travel Inspiration</span></h4>
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I've joined up as one of the co-hosts of <b>Weekend Travel Inspiration.</b><br />
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<li>Link one of your inspirational travel photos or stories to this post by adding your info.</li>
<li>Copy and paste our badge and a link to this page.</li>
<li>Visit some of the other wonderful travel bloggers, read their posts, and leave a comment. It would be great if you could comment on 2-3 posts.</li>
<li>Tweet it and include this hashtag. #wkendtravelinspiration .</li>
<li>Follow all the hosts of Weekend Travel Inspiration who are working hard to spread the word on what wonderful work travel bloggers are doing.</li>
<li>Don’t forget to check out my amazing co-hosts and their pages: <a href="http://www.reflectionsenroute.com/" target="_blank">Reflections Enroute</a>, <a href="http://www.thecrowdedplanet.com/" style="-webkit-transition: all 0.3s ease-in-out; background-color: transparent; box-sizing: border-box; color: #478fb3; outline: none; text-decoration: none; transition: all 0.3s ease-in-out;" target="_blank">The Crowded Planet</a>, <a href="http://www.contentedtraveller.com/" style="-webkit-transition: all 0.3s ease-in-out; background-color: transparent; box-sizing: border-box; color: #478fb3; outline: none; text-decoration: none; transition: all 0.3s ease-in-out;" target="_blank">ContentedTraveller</a>, <a href="http://www.albomadventures.com/" style="-webkit-transition: all 0.3s ease-in-out; background-color: transparent; box-sizing: border-box; color: #478fb3; outline: none; text-decoration: none; transition: all 0.3s ease-in-out;" target="_blank">Albom Adventures</a>, <a href="http://www.safari254.com/" style="-webkit-transition: all 0.3s ease-in-out; background-color: transparent; box-sizing: border-box; color: #478fb3; outline: none; text-decoration: none; transition: all 0.3s ease-in-out;" target="_blank">Safari 254</a>, and <a href="http://www.familiesgotravel.com/" style="-webkit-transition: all 0.3s ease-in-out; background-color: transparent; box-sizing: border-box; color: #478fb3; outline: none; text-decoration: none; transition: all 0.3s ease-in-out;" target="_blank">FamiliesGo</a>.</li>
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<span style="color: #666666; font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">I've also joined with the following linkups. Check them out for more around-the-world travel inspiration.</span><br />
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<li><span style="color: #666666; font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Travel Photo Thursday on <a href="http://www.budgettravelerssandbox.com/european-architecture-travel-photo-thursday/" target="_blank">Budget Travelers Sandbox</a>, <a href="http://www.budgettraveltalk.com/" target="_blank">Budget Travel Talk</a>, <a href="http://tanamatales.com/" target="_blank">Tanama Tales</a> and <a href="http://rachelheller.org/" target="_blank">Rachel's Ruminations</a>.</span></li>
<li><span style="color: #666666; font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">The Weekly Postcard on <a href="http://www.travelnotesandbeyond.com/" target="_blank">Travel Notes and Beyond</a></span></li>
<li><span style="color: #666666; font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Weekend Wanderlust on <a href="http://justinpluslauren.com/" target="_blank">Justin + Lauren</a></span></li>
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Michele {Malaysian Meanders}http://www.blogger.com/profile/18313351463568423694noreply@blogger.com10