Cruisin With The Cuddies: Last week in Williamsburg

NOTE: If you received an e-mail that we have updated our blog, do not reply to that e-mail. The replies are not forwarded to us. Instead either leave a comment on the blog, or e-mail us at sueb.davec@gmail.com. We'd love to hear from you.

Norfolk, VA

Since we were so close, we decided to take a trip to Norfolk to take a boat trip and view the Norfolk Naval Station. Both Dave's son Andrew and my Father, whom we affectionately called Waldo, were stationed there, albeit decades apart from each other. My dad had such fond memories of his time in the Navy, I looked forward to seeing it. Besides, I will use any excuse for a boat ride.

The shipyard was amazing. Navy ships in all shapes and sizes. There were three aircraft carriers, a couple of amphibious assault ships in dry dock, destroyers, and even a few submarines.

It was a very interesting afternoon. Following our boat tour, we strolled through the adjoining Nauticus Museum. We ran out of time before we were able to complete the museum. It was very interesting. I know my father would have loved to go thru it. I'm sure it brings back lots of memories to sailors, and gives school age children a lot of hands on experiences. I wish I were able to spend this day with my Dad, I am sure he would have done a lot of reminiscing about the good old days. I would say it is worth a stop if you are in the area. The Wisconsin, a retired battleship was tied up, available for viewing, on the adjoining dock. I believe they said you could even stay the night in the Wisconsin (for a fee, of course).

USS Wisconsin

Williamsburg

The rest of this week was spent at Williamsburg. We purchased annual passes our first day there. It was the same price as two one day passes, so why not. We have been able to go over and spend a few hours there and walk around almost every day. We have done a lot of walking, my fit bit is very happy with me.

I find Williamsburg to be a fascinating place. Many of the buildings are re-creations of original buildings, there are also 88 original structures. The buildings are amazing, but even more amazing are the staff. There are workman on hand, working as blacksmiths, butchers, bakers and candlestick makers. It is the actors that play the part of residents of Williamsburg in 1700's that are so amazing. We went to a court hearing, for residents who were accused of not attending church, and another man was being sued for not performing work he was paid for by a poor widow. The man who had not attended church stated he wanted to go to church but he couldn't, because there were no Catholic Churches in town. This lead to a larger problem, you are not allowed to live in the Colony of Virginia if you are not a practicing member of the Church of England. Whoa- I didn't remember that from my history classes. But I never liked history in school. Williamsburg is the way to learn history. This place is a living, breathing history class.

The past couple of days we have listened to actors playing the part of :

George Washington

Marqis de Lafayette

Young Thomas Jefferson

Elder Thomas Jefferson

General George Washington

Young Thomas Jefferson

Courthouse

Each actor gives a 45 minute presentation, of what their life was like at a certain point in history, and than allows for questions from the audience. Each one of the actors stimulates you and has you thinking about how the more things change, the more they stay the same. Being transformed back in time to the time our country was at it's infancy really its a great way to learn history. After spending two weeks here, I think every eighth grader should have to spend a week here. They should listen to George and Martha Washington, and the mother of a slave whose son served in the revolutionary war. They should listen to Thomas Jefferson, and learn the value of an education. Every single presentation we went to while here was amazing, from the House of Burgesses, the court hearing, and the presentation by a number of historic figures. There are so many different programs that change every day. What is meant by "All men are created equal." The definition of men ( white, male, property owners , who are 21 or over) was a frequent topic of conversation. America has evolved, but we are still growing.

I would highly recommend Williamsburg to anyone. Jamestown and Yorktown are nearby and also full of valuable history lessons.

Thanks to John D. Rockerfellar JR. Due to his generosity, he has left the USA a timeless treasure.