National African American museum

One Saturday my friend Sylvia and I spent some time exploring African American history.  I would highly recommend getting some free tickets and spending a day or two with one or two friends.  Remember to bring your patience because there are long lines.  One tip is to visit the gift shop first before lines start.  Honestly, the amount of knowledge and information is overwhelming.  My friend Sylvia was a big help in showing me the important items and being a guide, since she has been before. Thank you Sylvia! My favorite part was learning about how slaves overcame the oppressive system of the South in 1800 & 1900’s. A breathtaking artifact that I enjoyed seeing is Harriet Tubman’s shawl. An awesome aspect has to be going down in the elevator through time and walking through the main exhibit and, and work one’s way up from 17^th century to modern day (400 years).  One minor critique, the main exhibit going through 400 years was a bit much.  After about two plus hours going through it in the crowds, I was tired and drained, but wanted to give my time and respect to the exhibit.

The fountain is a great resting and calming area.  The smell of chlorine reminded me of a spa or pool.  It is a great spot to sit and reflect, and discuss with a friend.  Another minor critique, the way the museum designed the fountain, there was a lot noise with rushing water.  Besides the rushing water, it was relaxing.

 Sweet home café food is delicious.  The money is well worth it.  Please be prepared for a family of four, you could easily spend around $80. I enjoyed a pulled BBQ sandwich! There are a variety of foods to choose from to enjoy and eat.

Overall, it was very worthwhile.  I knew African Americans suffered, persevered, and overcome for freedom, but now I have concrete and firsthand accounts of the African American story. I definitely have a greater knowledge & appreciation for what they went through. Thank you to the museum for a great day.

Please before going spend about 15 minutes and explore the website, it will be worth it and time well spent.

National African American museum

Prince William County

Looking for a great spot to spend an hour or less? My husband and I had the pleasure of visiting two sites, Brentsville Jail & Courthouse and Bristoe Station Battlefield Heritage Park. They are right here in Prince William County.

If you have a free weekend, I would highly recommend visiting and learning about these sites.  Both places would be perfect for a peaceful & romantic picnic.  Old Brentsville jail was excitedly & beautifully restored.  Just imagine it is 1855 and a runaway slave was on trial. The courthouse was the day’s entertainment, watching the community argue the case. The set up of a courtroom is different today from back then. We were lucky and received a tour from a joyful and knowledgeable guide for a reasonable $10.  I found out that Prince William Co. Preservation has big plans to create a museum if they can get the funds unfortunately.  There are historic markers, trail, courthouse, jail, farmstead, school, and church here to explore.

. 

The second historic site Bristoe Station Battlefield Heritage Park is a nature park with a walking trail and historic markers.  If you go on second & fourth weekends May-Oct, a guide is there for a fantastic 45-minute talk about the battles.  The battles may be small but had a big impact especially battle of Bristoe Station.

In Oct 1863 during battle of Bristoe Station even though Confederates had more men, it was a devastating and embarrassing loss.  Just imagine General Warren fighting General Hill North Carolina Brigades at Bristow Station while drinking cool soda. If Civil War history does not interest you, you could borrow a local nature from public library, and identify plants and animals. I want to challenge everyone to go out and explore local history.

Mazatlan, Mexico

Hola y bienvenido! Greetings from exciting Mexico! My husband & I spent about a week on the high seas seeing  the Mexican Riviera. I celebrated my birthday in beautiful Mazatlan.  I would recommend visiting this city. Any Mexican or world traveler would be lucky to spend a long weekend to do shopping or laying on the beach. It is charming, quiet and historic.

Even though my husband and I spent only less than 4 hours in Mazatlan, it was time well spent. We went on a Topless bus tour off shore excursion through Playa Sol tours. Our tour guide Grace was kind, informative, and concerned with safety. We were able to see the Immaculate Conception Cathedral, Zona Dorado, and a cliff diver. It was thrilling to watch the daring diver. While in the Zona Dorado we had some time and were able to walk around to do some shopping.

Only small regret is that we didn’t have time to explore the church plaza more and to eat in the Zona Dorado.

beautiful cathedral

Overall in conclusion, I would recommend Mazatlan, Mexico and would like to go back! Hope you enjoyed the pictures and my review. If you got the time, please explore the trip advisor link, and perhaps book a trip today! It is a bonita mundo out there!  

husband & Senor Froggy's

a "postcard" from Mexcio, Wish you were here

 Please feel free to explore the trip advisor link

Mazatlan, Mexico

Happy adventures and blogging to y'all