Experiencing Lantern Asia at Norfolk Botanical Gardens

Since Lantern Asia has been sponsored by Norfolk Botanical Gardens for the year 2016 (spring), this was a great chance to visit as it was the first ever Chinese Lantern Exhibition in Virginia. The art exhibits become spectacular better at night, but it is still good to see the arts during the day.

Both walking and tram tours were available, and since it was raining when we visited, we opted to do the tram tour. It was true!; - "an art by day, magic by night."

There were 36 enormous, magical illuminating works of art, crafted with eco-friendly materials, silk and steel making the garden's landscape transforms into a colorful, magical work of art ;).

These works of art (lantern festivals) also highlight traditional Asian themes, which are rich in history dating back to the Han Dynasty considered to be the largest of its kind in the US. Judging by the photos I took, I must admit it's truly a magnificent lantern exhibition! 

Danelectro Effects Pedals

Here's one good site to search for effects pedals just to get the most out of your electric guitar. Check musiciansfriend.com danelectro to see a collection of a wide range of pedals which are of high quality and unbeatable value. 

 These pedals are alsp perfect for beginners and guitar instructors due to its easy usability, sleek and streamlined design.

Consider getting Danelectro effects pedal and you will soon have the tools to start creating fun and personalized riffs that are catchy giving you that higher levels of awesomeness for your music! 

A Visit to the National Museum of the Marine Corpse

The museum is located on a 135-acre site which is adjacent to the Marine Corpse Base in Quantico, Virginia. You can easily distinguish the museum through its soaring design evoking the image of the flag raisers of Iwo Jima. 

The museum fucntions as a lasting tribute to the US Marines; - from the past, present and for the future. It also features world-class interactive exhibits, artifacts and immersing visitors in the sights and sounds of Marines in action.

As you walk inside the front door, main entrance, some sets of exhibits are displayed at the main entrance. (Leatherneck Gallery)

There is an entrance to visit all the galleries on the first deck while walking along the legacy walk and you will end up exiting from all the galleries back to the leatherneck gallery close to the main entrance. The second deck are where the restaurants are located plus some traveling exhibits.

There are tons of displays to be seen including the trails in Semper Fidelis Memorial Park at the second deck.

The entire museum area has 120,000 square feet when they opened in 2006. In the future, they are adding another more than 80,000 square feet with a giant-screen theatre, more classrooms, exhibits and art galleries.

Basilica of the National Shrine of the Immaculate Conception

The Basilica is one of the most visited church in Washington DC area due to its renowned beautiful sacred art and unique architecture. It is considered to be the patronal church of US catholics and America's preeminent Marian Shrine. It is also the largest Roman Catholic church in the US and in North America, and one of the 10th largest churches in the world.

In 1913, the Catholic University of America suggested building a national shrine in honor of the Virgin Mary, wherein the archbishop of Baltimore laid the foundation stones on September 23, 1920 after the building designs were completed by the two architects, - Maginnis and Walsh of Boston who were then the chosen ones as the architects of the shrine. The construction stopped when the bishop died in 1932. It was during the year 1953-54 (Marian Year) that the American Catholic Bishops started to lead a fund raising effort. It was then dedicated on November 20, 1959 as a National Shrine and was elevated as a minor basilica by Pope John Paul II on October 12, 1990.

There are numerous chapels, statues, shrines etc.that are to be seen both at the Upper Church and at the Crypt level.

Guided tours are conducted daily including group tours as well. Audio tours are also available if you prefer it more convenient. All tours are free. :)