Heidi and Pat.
Pat touches a piece of the Berlin wall.
Colton makes news.
Colton experiences a bread line.
Colton and Heidi at Mt. Vernon.Pat Hightower is my first guest contributor. Pat gives us a blow by blow of her awesome vacation adventure with her daughter, Heidi, and her grandson, Colton.
In 1976, the Bicentennial of our great nation, I was young and foolish. At that time, two young women traveling with two young children seemed safe. My sister and I took my two children on a two week historical tour. Driving from Baton Rouge, Louisiana, we traveled all along the east coast of the United States, visiting most of the historical sights along the way, arriving in Philadelphia on July 4th. What a celebration. Heidi, my daughter, was 12 years old at the time, I promised her that if she ever had a child, I would take that child on a historical trip at age 12.
I recently fulfilled that promise and made wonderful memories with her and my perfect grandson, Colton. It was "now or never" since he will turn 13 on Sept. 8th. Rather than take the risks involved being tourists "on our own" in Washington, D. C., our trip was made in connection with a marvelous group called Road Scholar, formerly Elderhostel, and co-sponsored by American Civics Center. Our inter-generational trip was geared toward grandparents with their grandchildren. My husband, Tom, was unable to make the trip due to health concerns, so I was granted permission to have my daughter "tag along".
Road Scholar plans and oversees everything once you arrive. We decided to drive and see other sights along the way. Heidi and Colton live in Senatobia, Mississippi, so I picked them up there and off we went on our adventure. It’s hard to believe, but we arrived in Arlington, Virginia, at the Radisson Hotel at the appointed time, not getting lost one time.
Thus began our adventure, five full days of an experience that will long be remembered. We were whisked around with 22 young people between ages 11-13, and their grandparent(s). I must say there were very interesting folks among us, it took four days for us to realize the very bushy haired kid named Carson was a boy, not a girl. One of my favorites was a very personable, intelligent little person. Benjamin never asked for special treatment and was a joy. Our guides were patient and very knowledgeable, explaining with great detail and antidotes so all understood and could remember.
The first full day began with George Washington’s Mount Vernon country estate, after which we dined at Gadsby’s Tavern, favorite "watering hole" of George Washington and Thomas Jefferson. We took a walking tour of Old Towne Alexandria, including the wharf on the Potomac. Later in the day, we had a visit at the National Archives which included viewing the original copies, very faded, of the United States Constitution, Bill of Rights, Declaration of Independence and Amendments.
Most meals were included in the package, but we ventured out that night with new friends. Of course, with boys along, we chose a sports bar with 100 television sets tuned to the All Star Baseball Game. That’s when Mother Nature decided to release almost three inches of rain in one hour. Glad we were "wash and wear/"
We also experienced a small earthquake early one morning, the first of any magnitude in the area’s history. Who knew we would cause an earthquake? However, other than extreme heat, the weather was generally good.
Wednesday’s schedule was not for the "faint of heart." A pedometer proved we walked over five miles that day, temperature 98̊. I was glad I was able to keep up. Never climbed so many steps in my life.
We visited Thomas Jefferson Memorial, followed by Franklin Roosevelt Memorial, which opened in 1997. If you have not seen this one, you have missed a lot. The memorial is divided into four outside "rooms", each dedicated to one of his terms as president. Of course, while we were there it rained but didn’t dampen our spirits. Continuing the day, we had Smithsonian visits, including the National Museums of American History and on to the Natural History Museum. This is where the movie "Night at the Museum" was filmed, so it was especially interesting to the kids. My favorite display was the 45.5 carat Hope Diamond and other fantastic jewels. Just kidding. Looked like a bunch of sparkling glass.
Next, on to the privately owned International Spy Museum, which taught us how to be good spies. We had dinner at a cute pizza pub, and then to the World War II Memorial which honors the 16 million who served in uniform during that war. Quite impressive, especially the wall of 400 golden stars, each representing 100 of the 400, 000 who gave their lives during that war. Many of our HSV residents are WWII vets, including my husband.
Side Note: My Dad "fought the war" at the Naval Convalescing Hospital housed in the Awahanee Hotel in Yosemite National Park. Mom, my brother and I joined him there, living two years in El Portal at the gates of the park. Tom and I returned there in 1994, exactly 50 years after Dad was discharged.
Back to the story: I knew we wouldn’t miss the capitol, so we began the next day with a trip to Capitol Hill. First, the Supreme Court for a study visit, very informative. At the United States Capitol Visitor Center, opened in 2008 and designed to educate about the role and history of Congress, we had guided tours in Emancipation Hall , then into the capitol for another guided tour. After lunch, we had a docent led tour of the Library of Congress, followed by a choice of a visit to the National Gallery of Art or Air and Space Museum.
Heidi and Colton decided to get more exercise and jogged to the Washington Monument. Not I. I decided to walk on the mall from the Library of Congress and meet them at the Air and Space Museum for our next bus ride. That was also when I decided to get some attention from all passing by, I took a real tumble off the curb directly in front of the capitol . It really pays to drink your milk, eat your yogurt, and take calcium pills. My bones must be very strong. I survived with only scrapes, bruises, a sore shoulder and wounded pride.
That night I decided to skip barbeque dinner with the others at King Street Blues and nurse my wounds.
The last full day took us to the Lincoln Memorial, Korean War Memorial and Vietnam Veterans Memorial for study visits. What sobering sights reminding us that "Freedom isn’t free."
A trip out to the new National Air & Space Udvar Hazy Center near Dulles Airport was interesting to all. There, with guided tour, we saw and heard details about the space ship Enterprise, the Concorde, the Enola Gay, and acres of many, many other historical aircraft and space vehicles.
One of my favorite stops on the trip was the newly opened, April, 2008, Newseum on Pennsylvania Avenue between the capitol and White House. It is the world’s most interactive museum, where five centuries of news history meets modern technology. There are seven levels which hold 14 major galleries and 15 theaters. Some will take away your breath and render you very emotional. Pulitzer Prize Photographs Gallery, Berlin Wall Gallery, and the 9/11 Gallery were unbelievable. You need several days to visit this Newseum.
Our trip was nearing its end when we had dinner at the Hard Rock Café. My hearing will never be the same. We ended the Road Scholar planned tour with a visit to Lafayette Park and the White House. Since we didn’t have security clearance, we couldn’t go inside, but I guess the Obamas didn’t really miss us.
Saturday morning, Heidi, Colton and I visited Arlington Cemetery on our own. It shelters the remains of over 320,000 servicemen and women, veterans from every war and major conflict in United States history. On a guided tour, we visited the Tomb of Unknowns and witnessed the changing of the guard, stopped at the Eternal Flame and saw burial places of John F. Kennedy, Jackie Kennedy and their two infants. Last stop was Arlington House, home of one of America’s most famous soldiers and his family, Robert E. Lee.
We began our long drive home about noon that day, and I finally arrived back in the Village Monday afternoon, my heart and mind crammed with memories of sharing a great trip with my precious daughter and grandson. Colton is a very intelligent young man and his mind is like a "steel trap/" Rather than another electronic gadget for his upcoming birthday, I have given him the opportunity to experience a part of America’s history in person.
I recommend the Road Scholar inter-generational programs to all grandparents. Share educational experiences with your grandchildren and make memories for a lifetime.
God Bless America.
Pat Hightower
I recently fulfilled that promise and made wonderful memories with her and my perfect grandson, Colton. It was "now or never" since he will turn 13 on Sept. 8th. Rather than take the risks involved being tourists "on our own" in Washington, D. C., our trip was made in connection with a marvelous group called Road Scholar, formerly Elderhostel, and co-sponsored by American Civics Center. Our inter-generational trip was geared toward grandparents with their grandchildren. My husband, Tom, was unable to make the trip due to health concerns, so I was granted permission to have my daughter "tag along".
Road Scholar plans and oversees everything once you arrive. We decided to drive and see other sights along the way. Heidi and Colton live in Senatobia, Mississippi, so I picked them up there and off we went on our adventure. It’s hard to believe, but we arrived in Arlington, Virginia, at the Radisson Hotel at the appointed time, not getting lost one time.
Thus began our adventure, five full days of an experience that will long be remembered. We were whisked around with 22 young people between ages 11-13, and their grandparent(s). I must say there were very interesting folks among us, it took four days for us to realize the very bushy haired kid named Carson was a boy, not a girl. One of my favorites was a very personable, intelligent little person. Benjamin never asked for special treatment and was a joy. Our guides were patient and very knowledgeable, explaining with great detail and antidotes so all understood and could remember.
The first full day began with George Washington’s Mount Vernon country estate, after which we dined at Gadsby’s Tavern, favorite "watering hole" of George Washington and Thomas Jefferson. We took a walking tour of Old Towne Alexandria, including the wharf on the Potomac. Later in the day, we had a visit at the National Archives which included viewing the original copies, very faded, of the United States Constitution, Bill of Rights, Declaration of Independence and Amendments.
Most meals were included in the package, but we ventured out that night with new friends. Of course, with boys along, we chose a sports bar with 100 television sets tuned to the All Star Baseball Game. That’s when Mother Nature decided to release almost three inches of rain in one hour. Glad we were "wash and wear/"
We also experienced a small earthquake early one morning, the first of any magnitude in the area’s history. Who knew we would cause an earthquake? However, other than extreme heat, the weather was generally good.
Wednesday’s schedule was not for the "faint of heart." A pedometer proved we walked over five miles that day, temperature 98̊. I was glad I was able to keep up. Never climbed so many steps in my life.
We visited Thomas Jefferson Memorial, followed by Franklin Roosevelt Memorial, which opened in 1997. If you have not seen this one, you have missed a lot. The memorial is divided into four outside "rooms", each dedicated to one of his terms as president. Of course, while we were there it rained but didn’t dampen our spirits. Continuing the day, we had Smithsonian visits, including the National Museums of American History and on to the Natural History Museum. This is where the movie "Night at the Museum" was filmed, so it was especially interesting to the kids. My favorite display was the 45.5 carat Hope Diamond and other fantastic jewels. Just kidding. Looked like a bunch of sparkling glass.
Next, on to the privately owned International Spy Museum, which taught us how to be good spies. We had dinner at a cute pizza pub, and then to the World War II Memorial which honors the 16 million who served in uniform during that war. Quite impressive, especially the wall of 400 golden stars, each representing 100 of the 400, 000 who gave their lives during that war. Many of our HSV residents are WWII vets, including my husband.
Side Note: My Dad "fought the war" at the Naval Convalescing Hospital housed in the Awahanee Hotel in Yosemite National Park. Mom, my brother and I joined him there, living two years in El Portal at the gates of the park. Tom and I returned there in 1994, exactly 50 years after Dad was discharged.
Back to the story: I knew we wouldn’t miss the capitol, so we began the next day with a trip to Capitol Hill. First, the Supreme Court for a study visit, very informative. At the United States Capitol Visitor Center, opened in 2008 and designed to educate about the role and history of Congress, we had guided tours in Emancipation Hall , then into the capitol for another guided tour. After lunch, we had a docent led tour of the Library of Congress, followed by a choice of a visit to the National Gallery of Art or Air and Space Museum.
Heidi and Colton decided to get more exercise and jogged to the Washington Monument. Not I. I decided to walk on the mall from the Library of Congress and meet them at the Air and Space Museum for our next bus ride. That was also when I decided to get some attention from all passing by, I took a real tumble off the curb directly in front of the capitol . It really pays to drink your milk, eat your yogurt, and take calcium pills. My bones must be very strong. I survived with only scrapes, bruises, a sore shoulder and wounded pride.
That night I decided to skip barbeque dinner with the others at King Street Blues and nurse my wounds.
The last full day took us to the Lincoln Memorial, Korean War Memorial and Vietnam Veterans Memorial for study visits. What sobering sights reminding us that "Freedom isn’t free."
A trip out to the new National Air & Space Udvar Hazy Center near Dulles Airport was interesting to all. There, with guided tour, we saw and heard details about the space ship Enterprise, the Concorde, the Enola Gay, and acres of many, many other historical aircraft and space vehicles.
One of my favorite stops on the trip was the newly opened, April, 2008, Newseum on Pennsylvania Avenue between the capitol and White House. It is the world’s most interactive museum, where five centuries of news history meets modern technology. There are seven levels which hold 14 major galleries and 15 theaters. Some will take away your breath and render you very emotional. Pulitzer Prize Photographs Gallery, Berlin Wall Gallery, and the 9/11 Gallery were unbelievable. You need several days to visit this Newseum.
Our trip was nearing its end when we had dinner at the Hard Rock Café. My hearing will never be the same. We ended the Road Scholar planned tour with a visit to Lafayette Park and the White House. Since we didn’t have security clearance, we couldn’t go inside, but I guess the Obamas didn’t really miss us.
Saturday morning, Heidi, Colton and I visited Arlington Cemetery on our own. It shelters the remains of over 320,000 servicemen and women, veterans from every war and major conflict in United States history. On a guided tour, we visited the Tomb of Unknowns and witnessed the changing of the guard, stopped at the Eternal Flame and saw burial places of John F. Kennedy, Jackie Kennedy and their two infants. Last stop was Arlington House, home of one of America’s most famous soldiers and his family, Robert E. Lee.
We began our long drive home about noon that day, and I finally arrived back in the Village Monday afternoon, my heart and mind crammed with memories of sharing a great trip with my precious daughter and grandson. Colton is a very intelligent young man and his mind is like a "steel trap/" Rather than another electronic gadget for his upcoming birthday, I have given him the opportunity to experience a part of America’s history in person.
I recommend the Road Scholar inter-generational programs to all grandparents. Share educational experiences with your grandchildren and make memories for a lifetime.
God Bless America.
Pat Hightower
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