'Murica Weekend spent with self-made historians For many modern Americans (including myself), the thought of a Civil War reenactment carries racist undertones, given that the glorious outcome of these battles was abolition. I can't speak to all reenactments, but the battles at Gettysburg were not about celebrating or sanitizing the days of slavery, but rather retelling history and honoring ancestors. In fact, the entire focus of the events were focused on the stories of the town, the battles, and the people. Self-titled Living Historians were pleased to share the role of civilians in the war, restoration period, and building of the town. Within the rows of merchants and sutlers, one tent was dedicated to preserving another part of American history. This tent was dedicated to the preservation and salvation of Americana instruments, Prior to the Civil War, most places in Gettysburg were unnamed and unknown. There was no reason to name a wheat field. But after being stained with blood, it became The Wheatfield. Even though it was only a 3 day battle, over 30,000 people lost their lives on these fields. One more experience checked off our American Wanderlust Wishlist.
This post has been transferred from my original blog. Lancaster, PA is one of my favourite, underrated big small-towns/small cities. About an hour drive from where we are, Lancaster boasts Art Deco-style schools, Underground Railroad stops (and headquarters), and a castle prison. Oh, and a puppet theatre and museum.That happened.
This post has been transferred from my original blog. truly have a lot of {obsessions} loves: wooled creatures, urban homesteading, traveling, decorating, food revolution, food in general, art deco anything, abandoned amusement parks, and pretending I'm a photog. This is Glen Echo Park (near D.C.) This post has been transferred from my original blog. Meanwhile in Ithaca.... ...Along with the many galleries, studios, and shoppes, Ithaca's Artist culture is well represented through the dozens of murals lining the town's streets. ...One of the USA's Top 8 Farmers' Markets quietly stands on the south shore of Lake Cayuga. The bohemian flair and street market vibe at Steamboat Landing is an idyllic Saturday morning, with 100% Organic produce (GMO anything need not apply), this town makes it easy to be a Vege, or composter.... anything pruchased here (napkins, forks, plates, cups not exluded) are compostable. With only 3 small trash cans and dozens of recycling and composting bins, Mother Earth is more important than a discount at Sam's Club. Random protestors, free smiles, and pictures that take themselves.... its easy to see why Ithaca is 10 Square Miles Surrounded by Reality. This post has been transferred from my original blog. ...Meanwhile in Syracuse... Funk 'N Waffles offers delicious and quirky meals all with an amazing waffle base. Syracuse is making a comeback. But they'd prefer you don't call it a comeback. They've been here for years.
This post has been transferred from my original blog. Why yes, yes, we did drive an extra ways out of our way to go to the Cheese Fest. And no, no I don't regret it one. little. bit. Conversation with random guy at festival:
Him (with a believably disgusted look on his face): "This festival is just too cheesy." Me: **groan** Him : "You know its only a couple months until the corn fest. That is a lot like this. You know, real corny." Me: " Ha ha. You are just very punny, aren't you." Him.... beaming from ear to ear. This post has been transferred from my original blog. We're the people who will take the exit that says, "George Washington's Bathtub this way" simply because... well... George Washington's bathtub!! After speeding through rusted-out car villages, scared that the Dukes of Hazard were going to chase us with their stars and bars waving proudly, we were quite surprised to land in Berkley Springs, West Virginia. Along with the Normand-style castle here, the pagans and free birds have nested, next to a bubbling spring, said to heal people for generations. While still a surveyor, a young George Washington took his ailing brother to the springs long revered by the First Nation. This "bathtub" is said to be the same one, or like the one he bathed in. The New Age Esoteric shops and hot spots sidle up next to an old gas station which boasts that they sell, "Hot Dogs Here".
This post has been transferred from my original blog. After some unexpected twists & turns, we decided to travel a road with many turns & twists, ending up in the heart of northern Appalachia. Through our hikes through the forest & local book stores, I learned of the guy's infatuation with fungus! :)
This post has been transferred from my original blog. At the Powhatan Village in Virginia, we were the ones tanning the hide (say that without laughing), and weaving the nets, exploring the yehakins, and using shells to dig out canoes; pondering and making friends with carved faces.
Those two weirdos disappointed that no one working said village were actually from the tribe... that was us. We were the ones questioning authenticity of everything, but loving every minute of it. ***Powhatan Village in Jamestown Settlement*** |
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