Wednesday, April 13, 2011
Embarassing correction
In my entry regarding the Alabama State Capitol tour I had, I referenced Dr. William King, Jr. Obviously, I meant Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Oops! Sorry to anyone offended.
More M and Ms -- More on Montgomery and Mobile
The meal pictured is eggs over fried green tomatoes, something I sampled for the first time when I came to the South.
I followed this up by an educational experience at The Rosa Parks Museum:
I learned a lot I had never known before. I didn't know that Dr. King had not sought an end to segregation. I hadn't known that Rosa Parks was chosen carefully for her situation to be publicized, and all that went before that. History really came alive for me at the museum. A must see when in Montgomery!
I followed this up with a trip to the Hank Williams Museum:
This was not as exciting for me, because I didn't, and still don't know a lot about the elder Hank Williams, but judging by what was their, people more familiar with his work are sure to love it!
On my way to the Capitol Building tour, I had iced tea at at Chris's Famous Hot Dogs:
Followed by a meal at Winzell's Oyster House:
Witty sayings are strewn about the place:
And the food was scrumptious, too:
I could go on forever about Montgomery, talking about its rich history, but this blog entry would be unwieldy. There is so much to see. History buffs needs to take a trip to Montgomery, Alabama.
Tuesday, April 12, 2011
Montgomery, Alabama -- Where I met my modern day, real-life hero.
I travel for the "wow" experience. Niagara Falls made me go "wow!" But some memories of my travels are much more subtle. My tour of the Alabama State Capitol in Montgomery, Alabama was one of those.
The tour was a filler activity. I had done the two activities I had planned between breakfast and lunch,
and still had time left over until the scheduled lunch. Those activities -- The Rosa Parks and Hank Williams Museums -- I'll discuss later. I want to discuss my privilege of receiving a tour of the State Capitol from Aroine Irby, pictured below:
So what makes Aroine so special? Well, just the fact that a black man can lead a tour in a place with such a history of racial prejudice is noteworthy. The fact that he is living history -- he told me about listening to Dr. William King, Jr., speak; about marching from Selma to Montgomery; about being on the Edmund Pettus Bridge on Bloody Sunday -- is noteworthy. But what he told me that was most noteworthy is that he was prohibited as a youth from even entering the very building around which he guided me!
To me, this embodies the very concepts of heroism. Here is a man -- one of many men and women whom I will never meet -- who took real risks to live a life of a level of quality they deemed worth living. And, having succeeded in being instrumental in achieving that quality of life, continues to give to others, to ensure that quality of life for others. Aroine is continuing to give to the same state government, the same building, in which he faced prejudice I can, at best, imagine. It is through the continued efforts of men such as Aroine Irby -- such unsung heroes -- that today's youth have less obstacles to face than he had. He makes the world better, just by showing up to do his job everyday -- a job he couldn't do for free as a young man.
He added an unplanned moment to my vacation -- one I will never forget. If you go to Montgomery and take a tour of the State Capitol, it will be a real treat to be guided in that tour by Aroine Irby.
The tour was a filler activity. I had done the two activities I had planned between breakfast and lunch,
and still had time left over until the scheduled lunch. Those activities -- The Rosa Parks and Hank Williams Museums -- I'll discuss later. I want to discuss my privilege of receiving a tour of the State Capitol from Aroine Irby, pictured below:
So what makes Aroine so special? Well, just the fact that a black man can lead a tour in a place with such a history of racial prejudice is noteworthy. The fact that he is living history -- he told me about listening to Dr. William King, Jr., speak; about marching from Selma to Montgomery; about being on the Edmund Pettus Bridge on Bloody Sunday -- is noteworthy. But what he told me that was most noteworthy is that he was prohibited as a youth from even entering the very building around which he guided me!
To me, this embodies the very concepts of heroism. Here is a man -- one of many men and women whom I will never meet -- who took real risks to live a life of a level of quality they deemed worth living. And, having succeeded in being instrumental in achieving that quality of life, continues to give to others, to ensure that quality of life for others. Aroine is continuing to give to the same state government, the same building, in which he faced prejudice I can, at best, imagine. It is through the continued efforts of men such as Aroine Irby -- such unsung heroes -- that today's youth have less obstacles to face than he had. He makes the world better, just by showing up to do his job everyday -- a job he couldn't do for free as a young man.
He added an unplanned moment to my vacation -- one I will never forget. If you go to Montgomery and take a tour of the State Capitol, it will be a real treat to be guided in that tour by Aroine Irby.
San Diego and Tijuana -- My final 1997 stops
I left Vancouver on Thursday, July 17, itchy and sunburned from my time on the beach. After a night of no sleep in the hostel in Seattle, I boarded the train to San Diego -- 38 hours in all! I got some rest on the train, but clearly, was not in my best frame of mind. I have one memory of getting off the train to buy Oreos in Portland, with no sales tax, and getting change from $4.00 for the $3.98 box -- which I then devoured.
It had been a long trip. I look back on it fondly, but I was cranky and tired, and the night I spent in the bungalow when we finally arrived in San Diego -- in the wee hours of the morning on July 21 -- didn't raise my spirits any. I spent the night in a motel, and enjoyed a local mall, getting some rest.
Under the circumstances, San Diego did not get a fair shake from me. I have been back a couple of times since, and had a much better time, but I was running out of gas from a long summer on the road. Nonetheless, there were some highlights of this trip.
Of course, the first thing to mention is my trip to Qualcomm Stadium -- the Padres beat the Mets that day, assisting my Braves in their hunt for another division title:
I roller-bladed on the beach. I went to the famous Zoo -- my greatest memory of this was the Sun Bears, who were compared to Winnie-the-Pooh.
My mother had suggested taking a trolley into Tijuana. The hostel at which I was staying had a safer ride. It was an interesting experience! First, there were the 2 for 1 margaritas, which seemed like they were delivered to my table like water is in the states. Then there was the haggling for goods -- I watched others do this, as I thought the prices were more than inexpensive.
One of my friends from the hostel -- with whom I went to a boat show and air show -- noted aloud how he had wondered what idiots would buy ceramic Pooh Bears. Naturally...:
I I resent those remarks! (Unfortunately, Pooh Bear was beheaded in one of my subsequent moves :( )
I also enjoyed the San Diego Sports Hall of Fame, and playing chess with military men in the local coffee shops.
I enjoyed the shops and sights at Seaport Village, where I would sit and enjoy a drink. One time, three ladies ordered a scrumptious chocolate meal. Observing me staring at it intently, they shared with me.
Here I am with the Coronado Bridge in the background:
My time in San Diego hardly did justice to the city. I enjoyed more upscale venues on subsequent trips. But the city was a romantic place to wistfully say goodbye to the West Coast after one of the most unique summers I have ever had.
In the months following my return to school in Florida, I liked to think of myself as "wiser" because of my travels. Hardly, at least not in the deep sense I meant it. But in another sense -- that of learning that there are other things outside my little world -- a career had begun.
My Father once told me that people who live on the coasts don't appreciate vast areas of our country -- it's two coasts with a lot of stuff "in between." Although I didn't any of the "in between" in 1997, this trip was the first time I had lived for any length of time outside of the East Coast. There was a lot to see on the West Coast. I hardly saw it all -- not by a long-shot. A world had been opened to me. I would explore this world in more detail, with my next big trip coming throughout the year of 1999.
It had been a long trip. I look back on it fondly, but I was cranky and tired, and the night I spent in the bungalow when we finally arrived in San Diego -- in the wee hours of the morning on July 21 -- didn't raise my spirits any. I spent the night in a motel, and enjoyed a local mall, getting some rest.
Under the circumstances, San Diego did not get a fair shake from me. I have been back a couple of times since, and had a much better time, but I was running out of gas from a long summer on the road. Nonetheless, there were some highlights of this trip.
Of course, the first thing to mention is my trip to Qualcomm Stadium -- the Padres beat the Mets that day, assisting my Braves in their hunt for another division title:
I roller-bladed on the beach. I went to the famous Zoo -- my greatest memory of this was the Sun Bears, who were compared to Winnie-the-Pooh.
My mother had suggested taking a trolley into Tijuana. The hostel at which I was staying had a safer ride. It was an interesting experience! First, there were the 2 for 1 margaritas, which seemed like they were delivered to my table like water is in the states. Then there was the haggling for goods -- I watched others do this, as I thought the prices were more than inexpensive.
One of my friends from the hostel -- with whom I went to a boat show and air show -- noted aloud how he had wondered what idiots would buy ceramic Pooh Bears. Naturally...:
I I also enjoyed the San Diego Sports Hall of Fame, and playing chess with military men in the local coffee shops.
I enjoyed the shops and sights at Seaport Village, where I would sit and enjoy a drink. One time, three ladies ordered a scrumptious chocolate meal. Observing me staring at it intently, they shared with me.
Here I am with the Coronado Bridge in the background:
My time in San Diego hardly did justice to the city. I enjoyed more upscale venues on subsequent trips. But the city was a romantic place to wistfully say goodbye to the West Coast after one of the most unique summers I have ever had.
In the months following my return to school in Florida, I liked to think of myself as "wiser" because of my travels. Hardly, at least not in the deep sense I meant it. But in another sense -- that of learning that there are other things outside my little world -- a career had begun.
My Father once told me that people who live on the coasts don't appreciate vast areas of our country -- it's two coasts with a lot of stuff "in between." Although I didn't any of the "in between" in 1997, this trip was the first time I had lived for any length of time outside of the East Coast. There was a lot to see on the West Coast. I hardly saw it all -- not by a long-shot. A world had been opened to me. I would explore this world in more detail, with my next big trip coming throughout the year of 1999.
Monday, April 11, 2011
Oh, yeah...
I should probably have let my dear readers know that my trip to Vancouver was part of my 1997 trip, as I would like to provide closure on that experience in this blog. The quality of pics probably tipped the astute reader off! :)
Leaving the Country -- Vancouver
My mother told me that it would be easy for me to go from Seattle to Vancouver for a quick trip. I couldn't pass this up. The idea of leaving the country on my travels was very appealing.
Most of my time in the area was spent in The Great Outdoors. I only had two full days -- we traveled up from the hostel in a shuttle on Monday, July 14. On the 15th, I visited Grousse Mountain.
I can honestly say I am one of those who has crossed the Capilano Suspension Bridge...here is a link:
http://www.capbridge.com/thebridge.php
There were monuments of sports heroes. Here I am in front of Pavel Bure's likeness:
Like most of my destinations, Grousse Mountain would have meant more to me today. Hiking is a hobby of mine, and there are some nice hikes there. I would love to try the Grousse Grind if and when I return to the mountain.
Not pictured, I also enjoyed the skyride.
I spent the next day, the 16th, at the beach.
As I write this, I am touched by memories of my experience -- both what it was, and what it could be if I could do it over today. Vancouver has a lot of natural beauty. I returned in 2004, and went to the Lynn Range, which was a fun experience. I would recommend Vancouver for the outdoors type, among others.
Most of my time in the area was spent in The Great Outdoors. I only had two full days -- we traveled up from the hostel in a shuttle on Monday, July 14. On the 15th, I visited Grousse Mountain.
I can honestly say I am one of those who has crossed the Capilano Suspension Bridge...here is a link:
http://www.capbridge.com/thebridge.php
There were monuments of sports heroes. Here I am in front of Pavel Bure's likeness:
Like most of my destinations, Grousse Mountain would have meant more to me today. Hiking is a hobby of mine, and there are some nice hikes there. I would love to try the Grousse Grind if and when I return to the mountain.
Not pictured, I also enjoyed the skyride.
I spent the next day, the 16th, at the beach.
As I write this, I am touched by memories of my experience -- both what it was, and what it could be if I could do it over today. Vancouver has a lot of natural beauty. I returned in 2004, and went to the Lynn Range, which was a fun experience. I would recommend Vancouver for the outdoors type, among others.
Thursday, April 7, 2011
Backyard "Traveling" -- Panera's Bread, Co-op City
I have no pictures for this entry -- because I generally don't take pictures when I go out in my own neighborhood.
I have lived in Co-op City for most of my life, even though I have had substantial stays in other cities and states. My parents moved into Co-op City when I was only three months old, and remained here until their recent deaths -- my sister and I relinquished their apartment in April of 2010. By this time, I had moved back to Co-op City to provide whatever support I could give my parents, as well as to establish residence close to the great city of Manhattan.
Dad advised me once, when I had to stay with my parents as an adult, to use their home as a "hotel," and to travel and go out as an adult might do when visiting a new city. I am sure he was referring more to the sights and sounds of New York City and its surrounding area, all of which I will discuss. After all, I can only truly "travel" a limited amount of the year, given my budget and other concerns.
However, my Dad's logic also applies to my hometown of Co-op City. Often, I do not want to spend time and money driving (have you seen today's gas prices? have you driven in New York City?) or taking public transportation to get out of the house and enjoy myself. Why can't I have quiet, reflective time in Co-op City itself?
Fortunately, Co-op City has a number of options. My favorite is Panera's Bread, in Bay Plaza. The atmosphere is very conducive to reflection -- jazz music playing in the background, pleasant artwork on the walls. The staff is very, very friendly. I usually come in for my iced tea. For $2.17, I buy a refillable, 32 oz. cup, having several containers of the unsweetened variety, and can sit for a long, long time. If I need extra Sweet and Low or Equal, there is service with a smile. Management is responsive to customers' needs -- they recently added extra cashiers, decreasing wait time.
Before my current weight loss, I enjoyed several meals at Panera's Bread. They offer a variety of my old friend, the bread basket, including clam chowder. Sandwhiches and sweets appear enticing, though I have limited, distant experience sampling them. From the amount of traffic I see in the restaurant, it would appear the food is more than satisfactory.
I do not order food at Panera's Bread at this time. To maintain my weight loss -- I am steady at 135 pounds today, April 7, 2011 -- I stick to a strict diet and exercise plan, and I only go out for one meal a week, and I prefer to go to a new restaurant, and to "travel" a bit for that, even if it means going only to Manhattan, White Plains, or Central Avenue in Westchester. But there are times when I need to get out of the house, reflect, and socialize. Panera's Bread in Bay Plaza of Co-op City offers me the opportunity for all of that. Tired from the long day of shopping in Bay Plaza? Need to take a load off? Relax, and enjoy what Panera's Bread has to offer. It will bring a smile to your day.
I have lived in Co-op City for most of my life, even though I have had substantial stays in other cities and states. My parents moved into Co-op City when I was only three months old, and remained here until their recent deaths -- my sister and I relinquished their apartment in April of 2010. By this time, I had moved back to Co-op City to provide whatever support I could give my parents, as well as to establish residence close to the great city of Manhattan.
Dad advised me once, when I had to stay with my parents as an adult, to use their home as a "hotel," and to travel and go out as an adult might do when visiting a new city. I am sure he was referring more to the sights and sounds of New York City and its surrounding area, all of which I will discuss. After all, I can only truly "travel" a limited amount of the year, given my budget and other concerns.
However, my Dad's logic also applies to my hometown of Co-op City. Often, I do not want to spend time and money driving (have you seen today's gas prices? have you driven in New York City?) or taking public transportation to get out of the house and enjoy myself. Why can't I have quiet, reflective time in Co-op City itself?
Fortunately, Co-op City has a number of options. My favorite is Panera's Bread, in Bay Plaza. The atmosphere is very conducive to reflection -- jazz music playing in the background, pleasant artwork on the walls. The staff is very, very friendly. I usually come in for my iced tea. For $2.17, I buy a refillable, 32 oz. cup, having several containers of the unsweetened variety, and can sit for a long, long time. If I need extra Sweet and Low or Equal, there is service with a smile. Management is responsive to customers' needs -- they recently added extra cashiers, decreasing wait time.
Before my current weight loss, I enjoyed several meals at Panera's Bread. They offer a variety of my old friend, the bread basket, including clam chowder. Sandwhiches and sweets appear enticing, though I have limited, distant experience sampling them. From the amount of traffic I see in the restaurant, it would appear the food is more than satisfactory.
I do not order food at Panera's Bread at this time. To maintain my weight loss -- I am steady at 135 pounds today, April 7, 2011 -- I stick to a strict diet and exercise plan, and I only go out for one meal a week, and I prefer to go to a new restaurant, and to "travel" a bit for that, even if it means going only to Manhattan, White Plains, or Central Avenue in Westchester. But there are times when I need to get out of the house, reflect, and socialize. Panera's Bread in Bay Plaza of Co-op City offers me the opportunity for all of that. Tired from the long day of shopping in Bay Plaza? Need to take a load off? Relax, and enjoy what Panera's Bread has to offer. It will bring a smile to your day.
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