Gildavid Moments

     Early this year, David asked me where I wanted to go for a vacation. We had considered going to the Florida Keys via Jacksonville because Skybus had $10 if you order them early enough. We had planned to visit our dear friends Rhebs and Tony before driving down to the Keys. 

     That did not work out because Skybus folded up as gas prices soared. We decided to go somewhere nearer instead.

     I saw an advertisement about Williamsburg in a travel magazine and I told David that I was interested in going to Williamsburg in Virginia. He was not only agreeable to the idea, he suggested that we could also go to Monticello, the home of Thomas Jefferson. I have read Caroline Myss’ book, “The Sacred Contract of America” and that added spark to my already enkindled interest in the founding fathers of America.

     HBO’s mini series on John Adams (loved it) had showed some scenes of Monticello. David and I were watching the final episode when he recognized Thomas Jefferson’s room and office. I was excited to see that room and some of Thomas Jefferson’s inventions and contraptions.

     Since we would miss going to the beaches in Florida, my Flying Knight added that we could spend a few days at Cape Hattiras in the Outer Banks of North Carolina. We would have history, the mountain view of Virgina and the beaches of South Carolina.

     What more can you ask for in a vacation? 

     The drive through West Virginia had me identifying with John Denver’s song, “Take Me Home”. The view of the blue ridge mountains was  breath taking.

Our first stop was Monticello. I felt transported to the time when people traveled by horses, farmed plantations with human (and slave) labor, lighted their homes with candles and heated them with fire places.

           Going through Thomas Jefferson’s house gave me some insight into the life and times of this writer of the Declaration of Independence. If I remember right, this house was designed was Jefferson himself and was built in a span of 40 years. Here, great prominent historical figures paid Jefferson a visit. This house is a witness to the birth of America as a nation.   

Walking through the estate was just as interesting as the house tour. I could picture the buzz of activity from farming, animal raising, carpentry and light industry that took place here. 

     Next stop: Williamsburg

     The stop at Monticello was a perfect way to prepare for Williamsburg.

    Colonial Williamsburg is not a destination, it is an experience. It is a living museum which takes visitors back to the time just before the revolution and into the creation of a self governing republic.

     Seasoned actors dressed on the costume of the era interact with the guests.

     We heard the debates and speeches for and against the pertinent issues of the time: the consequences of waging war, the discussions at congress, slavery, international relations, the ideals of the new republic. We witnessed how the colonials - printers, blacksmiths, farmers, artisans, slaves, preachers, and many more - carried out their daily routine.

     We saw Jefferson and Martha Washington (arriving in a horse drawn carrriage). We toured the restored Governor’s Residence and the Capitol building.

     I really enjoyed Colonial Williamsburg and I hope we can go back there someday. (for more on this part of the trip, see my “Fourth of July entry here: http://mgcr168.bravejournal.com/)

…to be continued