The Monticello Tour

First and foremost, some important facts to remember before visiting the Monticello house. Taking photos and videos inside the house is NOT allowed, but is permitted on the grounds. Of course, you need to buy a ticket in order to tour the house.

The tour guide meets you at the East Walk fronting the house at least 15 minutes before your scheduled tour.

The Monticello is considered to be a designated masterpiece of Thomas Jefferson, the 3rd president of the United States, and the one who drafted the Declaration of Independence. He constructed and redesigned every aspect of Monticello including the landscapes for a period of 40 years. He made this his residence after inheriting the land from his father. It is located outside Charlottesville, Virginia on a mountaintop with a 5,000-acre plantation.

Jefferson started designing and building Monticello when he was 26 with his designing principles inspired from a neoclassical design of an Italian renaissance style and still continued to redesign and integrate more from his own design ideas towards styles that became popular in the late 18th-century styles.

Monticello means an Italian name for "little mount" because of its location on a lofty hill in Albermarle County, Virginia in the southwest mountains, south of the Rivanna Gap.

Inside the house reveals rooms where Jefferson and his family spent their daily life routines. Furnishings, books, gadgets, arts and many more objects are also displayed revealing Jefferson's unique mind.

A Crossroads Exhibit, restored wine cellars, a kitchen, smoke house and the slave quarters can be seen in the cellar area with an entrance shaped like a tunnel.

 Outdoors are historic gardens which were a botanic showpiece with extensive gardens for fruits and vegetables and other gardens for ornamental and useful plants.

Fifteen minutes away from the Monticello house is a walking trail to Jefferson's grave and other members of his family.

There are more exhibits that can be seen at the Thomas Jefferson Visitor Center as well, including 4 exhibitions that feature interactive technology, historical objects and ground-breaking researches.

Experiencing 18th-Century at Michie Tavern

If you want to relive an 18th-century setting for a bit, visiting Michie Tavern in Charlottesville, VA is worth it!

The original tavern was built in 1784 which used to be a social center during the colonial period. You will experience eating a buffet lunch menu consisting of colonial fried chicken, stewed tomatoes, green beans, gravy, cole slaw, mashed potatoes, etc...Servers will also be dressed in their colonial costumes as they serve your drinks and other special requests you may have.

Self guided tours are mostly ideal if you want to take your time, but guided tours are also available, particularly for bigger groups. Their interactive tour is popularly ideal for groups. This is of course a guided tour and it includes seeing the 18th-century outbuildings, experiencing interactive activities such as dancing a colonial reel (with music) as well as you get the chance to try playing an 18th-century game! 

18th-century toilets!

Tours include visiting the oldest section of the tavern as you will continue to discover its 18th-century history.

Photos are allowed while touring inside the tavern, so bring your camera!

Some onsite shops are available at the area such as the Metal Smith Shop, The Armory, Artifacts Shop, The General Store and The Tavern Gift Shop.

A Visit to the MacArthur Memorial Museum

This museum also functions as a research center dedicated to present and preserve the story of Gen. Douglas McArthur's life, his military career and achievements, his speeches, his family background and his role during the WW I & II including the Korean War.

The memorial also pays tribute to all men and women who supported McArthur in his battles during the war.

The first floor Memorial contains the Rotunda (the round-shaped area at the center of the first floor.) This is the focal point of the first floor. At the center of the Rotunda are the tombs of Gen. McArthur and his wife. On the walls are flag displays that can be easily seen.

There are 4 main galleries here; - Galleries 1, 7, 8 & 9.

The Second Floor Memorial contains 5 galleries; - 2, 3, 4, 5 & 6. In here is a life-sized trench diorama, artifacts, artworks and interactive maps, - telling all about the happenings during the WW I & II, the occupation of Japan and the early beginnings of the Cold War.

By the way, there is also a visitor center where you can watch a 25-minute film about the life of Gen. Douglas McArthur. Adjacent to it are the special exhibit gallery, a gift shop, a visitor's lounge and some displays. It's purely all-history exhibits. If you're doing a research, bring your notebooks, a pen and your camera!...you'll never know ;).

The Virginia International Tattoo 2016...(I was there!)

This world-class international event is held annually in Norfolk, Virginia with a purpose to honor our nation's military, to educate the youth, strengthen international relations and to celebrate American freedom and patriotism.

The Virginia International Tattoo is supported by a group of government and military leaders who serve as an advisory committee.

This year's celebration was on its 20th anniversary! How time flies! It is always dedicated to the 3 million men and women of America's armed services who stood courageously and continously to stand guard around the world.

The event was inspiring. For many who regularly watch it, many say they have always feel a renewed sense of pride and optimism.

This year's show featured the finest Tattoo cast ever assembled with a magnificent 200 person massed pipes and drums, 1,000 glorious voices, and nearly 2,000 military and civilian performers from 8 nations. The entire show consisted of show-stopping drill teams, inspirational music played by both military and non-military bands, majestic bagpipe and drum bands, colorful and elegant dancers and many more, creating an extraordinary unified performance.

I saw the 2016 Virginia International Tattoo! :)

The 63rd Norfolk International NATO Festival "Parade of Nations"

Being the longest continously presented parade in the region and the only United States parade that salutes NATO, - this fabulous parade celebrated annually comprises more than 100 parade units, including visiting high school and local bands, US and international military bands.

The parade also showcases various performers and colorful floats that represent all 28 NATO (North Atlantic Treaty Organization) members. (nations)

It's patriotically entertaining! A salute to the performers and participants for a job well done! :)

I was there! ;)

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. :)

Drum Workshops For You!

Do you want to be a great drum player? Here is a drum workshop at guitarcenter.com by DW. You can check a video clip by clicking the link given on this post.

Drum Workshop, popularly known as DW started its roots as early as 1972 as a small drumming studio with a goal of further improving the performance of enthusiastic drummers through teaching and training.

Nowadays, it is already highly recognized worldwide in terms of an industry leader in drums and drum hardware.

Check it out!

The Grand Architecture & High Tea at the National Cathedral & Basilica-Washington DC Tour

Me 

A few years back, I remembered myself walking inside the Washington National Cathedral for a self-guided tour. It still continues to amaze me when I came back for the second time with a group tour. No major changes, except that part of the cathedral's architectural designs were destroyed by an earthquake that occurred in August 2011.

The National Cathedral is more than just a church. It always opens its doors to the public regardless of your religious background and faith.

Every year, thousands of visitors and worshippers come here to experience not only to find inspiration and peace and strengthening their faith but to witness and experience witnessing the cathedral's extraordinary art and architectural designs.

Washington National Cathedral is considered to be the 6th largest cathedral in the world uniquely designed and built with Inidiana limestone. The building has a cross-shape design with a long nave - a 10th of a mile, and characterized with 2 shorter transepts.

The architectural style is considered to be Gothic due to its pointed arches, boss stones, large windows, ribbed vaulting and flying buttresses.

Its decors such as stained glass large windows, wood and fabric art are captivating and considered to be more than just beautiful decorations. Behind them are symbols and images purposely designed to teach Christian beliefs as well as they pay tribute to the country's values and history.

There are two levels that are worth visiting inside the cathedral; - the Main level (the Nave) where you can see the "must-see" highlights of your tour and the Lower level (the Crypt).

Other areas are outdoors such as the Cathedral Close, the Bishop Garden and Olmsted Woods.