Oranjestad, Aruba - A Bustling City, Yet a Paradise!

 Aruba, the capital and port town of Oranjestad is best known for its colorful Dutch Colonial gingerbread houses painted in bright Caribbean hues.

Its bustling port town is surrounded by white powdery beaches with crystal-clear aquamarine waters in its southern coast.

The northern part has waves crashing rocky coast, scattered with cacti and divi-divi trees.

Photo Credits to the rightful owners

Oranjestad became the capital city in 1824 which was named after King William I of the Netherlands.
In 1924, oil business boomed resulting to a population increase as well as economic prosperity on the island. Tourism became highly essential in 1960's, then the city were split into 2; - East and West. The island's cultural heritage is reflected with some Dutch Colonial architecture with a number of old buildings and houses in the center of town which have been transformed into colorful restored landmarks, - such as the lime-colored City Hall on Wilhelminastraat.

Nowadays, Oranjestad is now a bustling harbor city with its streets dotted with international luxury retailers, various boutiques and jewelry stores.

Getting around downtown of Oranjestad has never been easier with a state-of-the-art tram inaugurated in 2012.

The tram passes through the Main Street which is now an attractive pedestrian mall. The tram has 6 stops at museums and monuments as well as at key shopping areas.

Cruisers who visit the island enjoy high valuability of the tram since the cruise ship terminal is connected with the center of the island's town.

If you happened to see blue horses around town, there are 8 of them total showcased around downtown areas. These horses are part of the new cultural/historical project started in 2015 called Paardenbaai Aruba.

The famous fofoti trees can be seen as icons of Eagle Beach.

The Currituck Beach Light Station - North Carolina

 Did you know that Currituck Beach Lighthouse still function as an aid to navigation since it started in 18th century?

The lighthouse started to be built in 1873, and it was completed and was first illuminated later in 1875. 

Photo Credit to the rightful owner

Its beacon turns on automatically every evening at dusk and ceases at dawn. The light can be seen as far as 18 nautical miles (about 21 land miles) with a 20-second flash cycle (on for 3 seconds, off for 17). This distinctive sequence enables the lighthouse not only to warn mariners but also to help them identify their locations.

The Currituck Beach Lighthouse was considered to be the last majore brick lighthouse built on the Outer Banks.

It was finally opened to the public for the first time in 1990, after an extensive restoration by Outer Banks Conservationists, Inc.

Visitors can pay a visit inside the tower, but they must sign a liability waiver before climbing. It has 220 steps going up to the tower. There is also a fee for the climb.

Visit to Macaulay Salmon Hatchery!

 Nestled in Juneau, Alaska, the Macaulay Salmon Hatchery serves as an intriguing destination for those fascinated by the aquatic life native to Alaska. This facility functions not only as a site for the cultivation of salmon but also as a marine biology museum and a demonstration of sustainable fishing practices. From the instant you enter this establishment, you are welcomed by the vibrant marine life of Alaska and informed about the various initiatives aimed at preserving the state’s natural resources. The unique aspect of the Macaulay Salmon Hatchery lies in its harmonious combination of education, conservation efforts, and its picturesque setting beside the stunning Gastineau Channel.

The Macaulay Salmon Hatchery can be found in Juneau, conveniently located just a short drive from the downtown area. Whether you are arriving by cruise ship or exploring the region by vehicle, the hatchery is easily accessible. For those making the journey from downtown Juneau, it takes approximately 10 minutes to reach the hatchery via Egan Drive.

The narrative of the Macaulay Salmon Hatchery is closely connected to Alaska's dedication to maintaining sustainable fisheries. Founded in the 1970s, it was established as a response to the worrying decline in wild salmon populations. Over the decades, it has transformed into a facility that nurtures millions of salmon each year while simultaneously educating the public on the importance of marine conservation. As I wandered through the hatchery, I was struck by a profound sense of history and mission, with each tank and exhibit conveying a piece of this significant story.

The best time to visit the Macaulay Salmon Hatchery is during the summer season, specifically between May and September. This period coincides with the peak salmon runs, allowing visitors to observe the breathtaking sight of thousands of salmon returning to their spawning habitats. Although the hatchery operates throughout the year, a visit in the summer provides the richest experience.

Upon your arrival, you will encounter enthusiastic staff members who are eager to share the hatchery's purpose and mission. The visitor center is filled with informative displays and aquariums that highlight the local marine life. A standout moment during my visit was witnessing the salmon ladder in action, where the fish leap and skillfully make their way upstream—a remarkable display of their resilience and strength.

Skagway, AK Cruise Port - Basic Fast Facts!

 Skagway is a notable borough nestled in the Panhandle of Alaska, found at the northern tip of the Inside Passage. It lies 103 miles north of Juneau when measured in a straight line and is 110 miles south of Whitehorse, Yukon, when traveling by road.

Commonly called the "sunshine capital" of southeast Alaska, Skagway has an average yearly precipitation of merely 27 inches. In the year 2008, it achieved a Guinness World Record for having the highest number of people simultaneously throwing eggs.

Your vessel will dock at one of the city's designated docks—either the Broadway Dock, located at the end of Broadway, the Railroad Dock, found at the southern edge of the town, or the Ore Dock, positioned at the conclusion of Main Street. Smaller vessels may dock at the Ferry Dock. From any of these docks, it’s just a brief walk to the various shopping, dining, and historic districts of the town.

Currently, there is no complimentary Wi-Fi available at the docks. However, if you purchase an item at specific downtown locations, you will receive a code for access to Wi-Fi.

While visiting Skagway, USA, you can navigate the town on foot with ease, exploring all the historical landmarks along the back streets and leisurely walking down the renowned Broadway.

Today, the Skagway area is home to the Klondike Gold Rush National Historical Park along with the White Pass and Chilkoot Trails. Skagway boasts a historic district comprising around 100 buildings from the gold rush period. The town welcomes approximately one million tourists each year, with about three-quarters arriving via cruise ships. The White Pass and Yukon Route continues to run its narrow gauge train through Skagway during the summer months, primarily catering to tourists. Additionally, the WPYR transports copper ore from the interior region. If you plan to ride the train, it's advisable to arrange your booking through the cruise ship for convenience, as it is similarly priced but far more convenient. If you choose to pay at the train station, the fare is about $120, and you will need to find your own way there.

Skagway is truly unique, and whether your stay is for a single day or an entire week, boredom is not an option. The town is rich in character, has a captivating history, and serves as a gateway to remarkable adventures.

Energized by the frenzied Gold Rush of 1898, Skagway became the launch point for prospectors heading north to Yukon Territory in search of fortune. At the turn of the twentieth century, the town had an estimated population of 40,000 residents, including a variety of outlaws and colorful characters who left their mark on the area. As the gold supply dwindled, Skagway began to craft a new identity, yet it still maintains much of its frontier charm: many of the original structures remain intact, including the historic brothel, now known as the Red Onion Saloon.

The nearby White Pass Summit rises nearly 3,000 vertical feet above the town, offering breathtaking views of the Sawtooth Range. Just 15 miles from Skagway lies the Canadian border, and numerous tours provide an extensive day trip through this route into the Yukon. Engaging guides share stories and trace the path of the Klondike Gold Rush.

Since Skagway is located in a fjord, the deep waters of Lynn Canal accommodate full-sized cruise ships. With its rich history and nearby natural beauty, the town is a favored stop for several of the world’s leading cruise lines.

In addition to other companies, several major cruise lines have itineraries that include stops at Skagway Cruise Port, such as Norwegian Cruise Line, Princess Cruises, Royal Caribbean International, Holland America Line, Celebrity Cruises, and Carnival Cruise Line.

Skagway Cruise Port consists of three separate docks, each featuring multiple terminals. Throughout the port, the terminals offer only basic facilities, but you can find several public restrooms and vending machines. Unfortunately, the port does not currently provide free Wi-Fi; however, given its close proximity to downtown Skagway, you should have no difficulty finding an Internet connection if necessary.

All terminals and piers are wheelchair accessible, ensuring that passengers with mobility challenges can navigate the port without issues. For those who need assistance reaching downtown Skagway, a round-trip shuttle service is available from the designated drop-off and pick-up area at the port. This shuttle operates throughout the year and is available for just five dollars for an all-day pass.

Light Installations by Bruce Munro - Longwood Gardens

 1.) Time & Place Exhibit (Music Room Conservatory)

An exhibition featuring 34 original pieces in the Music Room was motivated by a collection of 360-degree photographs captured throughout our Gardens. Munro utilizes these pictures as fundamental elements, altering their colors and shapes into countless vinyl dots that he subsequently rearranges into a fresh composition. This procedure, which produces something recognizable yet novel, mirrors the enigmatic ways we remember and understand our personal experiences of the environment surrounding us.

Photo Credit to the rightful owner

2.) C-Scales: Water Gardens (Conservatory) - Exhibition Hall

A mesmerizing projection experience, C-Scales is a journey through light, water, and time. The Exhibition Hall's recessed floor becomes a display created from countless reflective compact discs. Referencing the letter C, the global representation of the speed of light, Munro contemplates how water can absorb and reflect light to convey a narrative.

The projection duration is 25 minutes in total and cycles continuously.

Please be advised, individuals with sensory sensitivities should recognize that this installation features flashing lights and loud music.

3.) Green Flash (East Conservatory)

A massive sphere made from plastic bottles is located at one end of the East Conservatory. Due to a single fiber cable within each bottle, the sphere takes on the colors of a rising and setting sun, gradually altering in intensity and hue over time.

Every 5 minutes, a fleeting “green flash” replicates the natural occurrence that occasionally happens at sunrise or sunset when light on the horizon produces a brief spot of shimmering green.

Photo Credit to the rightful owner

4.) Ramandu's Table (Chime Tower's Basin)

One thousand white flamingos wade through the shallow waters of the Chimes Tower basin, with a waterfall flowing behind them. The birds are bathed in the changing hues of dawn.

Ramandu’s Table interprets the myth-making found in C. S. Lewis’s The Chronicles of Narnia through the playful spirit of that American icon, the pink flamingo, created by Don Featherstone in 1957. Munro skillfully references Lewis’s tale of the elderly man who is greeted by a group of white birds each morning as he brings the dawn to life with his song.

Munro’s white flamingos, influenced by Don Featherstone, pay homage to the inventiveness of the man who transformed the suburban environment in 20th century America.

Please be advised that those with sensory sensitivities should note that this installation features loud music.

5.) Time & Again (Curved bench at Paulownia Allee)

A large dome made of stainless steel discs seems to hover at the base of the curved bench at Paulownia Allee. Lines extend from the center on each disc, evoking the appearance of a modern clock face. In daylight, every disc mirrors the natural environment–the drifting clouds and the sun's motion. After dark, each disc glows with radial strands of light.

6.) SOS (Meadow garden)

A series of 162 illuminated cubes meanders through an area beside the Meadow Garden where an orchard previously existed. Seen from the elevation of a small hill, they outline the letter O crossed by the twisting line of the letter S. The pulsing lights are coordinated with the sounds of a radio being adjusted by an unseen source. Sounds like voices, pop songs, symphonies, and more appear from the static. At times, the recognizable chatter is broken by the universal call for help consisting of three short taps, three long taps, three short taps: SOS. Will we respond?

SOS is an 18-minute long sequence of pulsating light and sound that repeats continuously.

Please be advised, individuals with sensory sensitivities should be mindful that this installation includes flashing lights and loud music.

7.) Candlelight - (Canopy Cathedral Treehouse)

8.) Field of Light (large & Small Lakes)

Spanning the fields adjacent to the Large and Small Lakes, 18,000 flower stems brighten the scenery. Field of Light envelops you as you stroll along the pathway to the lake where reflections dance in the water.

Field of Light has been shown on multiple continents across various landscapes, waterways, forests, and urban environments, with each site providing a unique experience. In 2012, Longwood showcased this installation in our Forest Walk and behind our Small Lake. We are excited to present this continually evolving exhibit once more in our Gardens.

9.) Gone Fishing (Small Lake)

Three sizable fountains of light ascend from the surface of the Small Lake, each designed with 100 glowing fishing rods that project beams of light onto the dark water. Motivated by lengthy days spent angling in serene streams and deep lakes, Munro encourages us to take a moment to feel the distinct pleasure of being motionless.

The Tower of Voices - What is It All About?

 The "Tower of Voices" is a 93-foot tall musical monument situated at the Flight 93 National Memorial in Shanksville, Pennsylvania, honoring the 40 passengers and crew members who perished on United Airlines Flight 93 on September 11, 2001; it includes 40 wind chimes, each symbolizing one individual, designed to create a "living memorial in sound" through the chimes activated by wind, representing the voices of those who died on the flight.

The Tower of Voices acts as both a visual and audible tribute to the bravery of the forty passengers and crew of United Flight 93. On September 09, 2018, Flight 93 National Memorial held a dedication event to finalize the last phase of construction and complete the permanent memorial. The chimes were installed and dedicated on September 10, 2020.

The tower project was built from 2017 to 2018, with the project dedication on September 9, 2018. Funding for the design and construction of the project came from private donations to the National Park Foundation and the Friends of Flight 93 National Memorial.

There are no other chime structures similar to this worldwide. The shape and orientation of the tower are intended to enhance airflow through the tower walls to reach the interior chime chamber. The chime system is created using music theory to determine a mathematically developed range of frequencies necessary to produce a distinct musical note connected with each chime. The utilized music theory ensures that the sound generated by individual chimes is musically compatible with the sound produced by the other chimes in the tower. The goal is to establish a collection of forty tones (voices) that can convey through consonance the tranquility and dignity of the site while also, through dissonance, evoking the event that sanctified the location.

The tower stands approximately ninety-three feet tall from the base to the top with various height variations. The Tower's cross section is a “C” shape with a fifteen-foot outside diameter and an eleven-foot inside diameter. The “C” shape permits sound to reflect outwards from the open side in a fan-shaped pattern. The chimes will be hung at least twenty feet above the main plaza and will be suspended from the interior walls of the tower up to the top.

The tower walls will be made of precast concrete segments connected by connectors. The chimes will consist of polished aluminum tubes ranging from eight to sixteen inches in diameter and about five to ten feet long. The size of each chime is based on the musical note and corresponding frequency it is designed to produce. Chimes of this size and scale do not currently exist globally. The chimes are wind-activated and will include internal strikers connected to sails extending from the bottom of each chime.

The tower is encircled by circular layers of white pines and deciduous vegetation. The circular plantings can be seen as echoing “sound waves” from the Tower, referencing the auditory characteristics of the chimes contained within. A straightforward paved pathway connects the tower to the parking lot. A more extensive, winding crushed stone trail meanders through the trees and provides visitors with a different route to the tower. All other landscaped sections of the project will feature a native wildflower seed blend comparable to other landscaped regions of the park.

The Flight 93 National Memorial & Chapel

 

On September 10, 2015, the Flight 93 National Memorial Visitor Center Complex was dedicated housing exhibits  that serves as a self-guided intellectual understanding of visitors in an emotional experience of viewing and walking along the crash site itself.

Visitors can only view the crash site from the Memorial Plaza, - just a few distances away from the crash site. 

The impact site is reflected by a large  boulder which can be clearly captured by a good camera angle.

Take note that visitors are not allowed to step on the actual grounds of the crash site, the fact that the 40-considered heroes remains are still there! The fields and woods beyond that boulder are where the human remains lie until today!

The main goal and the "heart" of the existence of this memorial is the fact that it is now the final resting place of the 40 passengers and crew of UA Flight 93 and will remain untouched!

The memorial includes a viewing window, a bookstore, the Flight Path Walkway, and the Overlook.

The memorial plaza holds the names of those 40 passengers and crews inscribed on the wall as it stretches on the flight of the plane tracks during its crashing. It is called the "Wall of Names".

About 3 miles away, is the UAL Flight 93 Memorial Chapel. It is a 100-year old non-denominational chapel made as a spiritual memorial and tribute in honor of the Heroes of Flight 93. 

It was founded by Rev. Alphonse Mascherino, a Catholic priest for 34 years and handed it down on January 26, 2013.

At the back of the chapel is the Flight 93 Crew Monument, built and dedicated to the 40 heroes, made up of a 16-ton black granite obelisk donated by the UA Flight Attendants Cause Foundation on September 11, 2006.