05.21.08 Part 6: Ghosts of Williamsburg

Wednesday, 21 May 2008 - Part 6 (8:00-9:30 pm)
Williamsburg, Virginia

So many people showed up for the Ghost walking tours this evening that they had to split us up into 4 separate tours. Interesting. This is with only one company. There were several other companies with the same amount of crowds, it was crazy.

Ghosts of Williamsburg candlelight walking Tour * http://www.theghosttour.com/ * meet in front of the William and Mary bookstore at the main gate for historic Williamsburg, Virginia * 757. 565.4821

numerous orbs in front of the George Wythe House

A crowd is led by lantern candle light down the streets of historic Colonial Williamsburg and on the site of the 2nd oldest University in the United States - William and Mary. For only $10 you get an hour long tour covering various subjects of folklore and haunted history in the area that eventually leads you to the graveyard. Based on the book The Ghosts of Williamsburg by L.B. Taylor. It was a very interesting and informative walk. I thought I caught a glimpse of something in the window of the Indian dorm on William and Mary, as well as something in the shadows near the George Wythe House. Looking over the photographs, lots of orbs and interesting elements and oddities to the pictures. Great tour! According to the tour guides it’s notorious that the cameras attract and capture unexplainable orbs, vapors, colors and shapes.”
Rating 4.5 stars out of 5. Taken 5/21/2008.

Afterwards, I returned to the hostel and had a good night’s rest. Tomorrow Yorktown and then a return to Washington D.C. for the remainder of the National Geographic Society Live events on the Hidden Treasures of Afghanistan, as well as attending “Goth Prom”.

Doom Gloom night at the Wave, Norfolk, Virginia

Doom Gloom @ the Wave
http://www.thewavenorfolk.com/ * 4107 Colley Ave in Norfolk Virginia.
Nestled in a neighbourhood on the coast of Chesapeake Bay in Norfolk, Virginia lies a neat little gay club called “The Wave”. On tuesday nights it hosts Norfolk’s only Goth/Industrial night called “Doom Gloom”. 18 plus, 10-2, great music and drink specials, lots of dancing and socializing. 2 rooms and a smoke patio, even though smoking is still allowed in the club (as it appears most establishments in Virginia) and a pool room. The younger crowd is a bit more raver than goth, light sticks seem to be a common theme, but the music selections will cover old school tastes without contemplation. During my 5/20/08 visit I had fun especially as I ran into an old friend and partied the night away. Good times. Rating: 4 1/2 stars out of 5.

light stick haven

Historic Jamestown Virginia

Historic Colonial Williamsburg * Williamsburg, Virginia (downtown) * http://www.history.org/
In this very pristine historic living history town costumed actors bring to life the incendiary passions of the Revolution on the streets of Colonial Williamsburg so that the future may learen from the past. While you can do historic Williamsburg without purchasing a ticket, they highly encourage it and emphasize that its a must (though I didn’t have any problems without a pass). I didn’t bother with one because I only went in the evenings and late afternoons - maybe that’s why. If you’ve got it, buy a pass to help support this wonderful project. General admission passes include access to a variety of Historic Area buildings and exhibits, the Museums of Colonial Williamsburg, and regular daytime programs. Some offer discounts on evening performances and other perks. Bus transportation is included in your Colonial Williamsburg admission. Access to as many as 20 to 40 Historic Area buildings and exhibits (depending on season and operating schedules), such as the Capitol, Raleigh Tavern, Great Hopes Plantation, all historic trades sites (wheelwright, blacksmith, silversmith, milliner, wigmaker, etc.), all gardens, and all original 18th-century exhibition sites (the Courthouse, Gaol, Magazine, and the homes of Peyton Randolph and George Wythe), along with admission to Revolutionary City®. Check Colonial Williamsburg This Week for openings. Also includes Capitol tour, orientation tour, regular daytime programs*, and viewing of the movie classic Williamsburg—The Story of a Patriot. Plus, free parking at the Visitor Center and use of Historic Area shuttle buses. ($37/adults; $18 for ages 6-17)

Colonial Williamsburg is the historic district of Williamsburg, Virginia and consists of many of the buildings that existed from 1699 to 1780 that formed the colonial capital of Williamsburg and a thriving pivotal point of the historic triangle (Jamestown and Yorktown). It was once the center for Government, education, and culture in the Colony of Virginia. As a historical re-enactment village, its meant to be an interpretation of a Colonial American city with exhibits including dozens of authentic and accurately-recreated colonial houses, shops, and activity grounds including the Raleigh Tavern, the Capital building, the Governor’s Palace, and Bruton Parish Church. The Historic area is located just east of the College of William and Mary that was founded at Middle Plantation in 1693 just prior to the establishment of the town as capital of Virginia. the restoration and recreation of Colonial Williamsburg, one of the largest historic restorations ever undertaken, was championed by the Reverend Dr. W.A.R. Goodwin and the patriarch of the Rockefeller family, John D. Rockefeller, Jr., along with the active participation of his wife, Abby Aldrich Rockefeller, who wanted to celebrate the patriots and the early history of the United States.
Rating: 5 stars out of 5. Visited 5/20/08, 5/21/08, and 5/22/08.

National Geographic Live ~ Afghanistan: Voices of Cultural Preservation

NG Live! lecture and private reception - Afghanistan: Voices of Cultural Preservation * National Geographic Society * 1145 17th Street, NW, Washington, D.C. 20036 http://www.nationalgeographic.com/nglive/washingtondc/s2008/single/afghanistan.html * Thursday, 22 May 2008: 6:30-10:30 pm

This week it’s been an honor as an invited guest, coming up from Colorado to participate and join Fredrik Hiebert’s presentations of the Hidden Treasures of Afghanistan, the press preview, and the NG Live! presentation and repatriation of additional national treasures of Afghanistan that were collected by Homeland Security when they stopped the illegal transport of Afghanistan’s heritage into the United States. The NG Live! presentation and discussion was available (at cost) to the public, held at the National Geographic Society. Presented was a panel discussion on many various elements of cultural preservation issues and concerns surrounding Afghanistan especially in relation to the Hidden Treasures that are currently available for viewing at the National Gallery of Art until September 2008. Omara Masoudi, the Director of the National Museum of Afghanistan discussed the hiding, recovery, preservation of the treasures and the rebuilding of the Museum after its destruction during Afghanistan’s civil war. Reza, the director of AINA, who has photo documented Afghanistan for over two decades presented some of his work and the devotion him and his organization AINA has towards the development of independent Afghan media - including some really well crafted cultural preservation episodes made for children to help teach the prevention of looting Afghanistan’s heritage. Fred Hiebert, National Geographic Archaeologist and curator of the Hidden Treasures while in D.C., was a key role in the recovery and verification of the “Bactrian hoard” - a priceless collection of Silk Road-era artifacts that are among the Hidden Treasures of Afghanistan exhibit; he was commended for his work and presented much of the story of this epic of history. Photographer Steve McCurry the infamous photographer who photographed one of National Geographic Magazine’s most famous cover photos - “Afghan girl” in 1984 - showed a slide show of all of his photos (some unpublished photos) in Afghanistan he’s been photographing since the struggle against the Soviets. Shamim Jawad, the founder of Ayenda, who runs an organization in Afghanistan for improving the lives of Afghan families discussed her projects and the recently released Afghan children’s songbook. Fred Starr, the Director of the Central Asia-Caucasus Institute at John Hopkins University moderated the evening. A surprise repatriation ceremony took place at the end when officials from Homeland Security presented and returned a collection of artifacts they recovered from illegal smugglers that were stealing Afghanistan’s heritage. They were repatriated back to Afghanistan. This week and the discussions at NG Live: Voices of Afghanistan presented that there are serious cultural preservation concerns and cultural pleas of help with Afghanistan and timing is critical. The courageous individuals who spoke this evening demonstrated many different ways they and others can take action in defending Afghanistan’s incredible history and heritage. Afterwards, a private reception at National Geographic was held where National Geographic staff, invited guests, Afghanistan’s ambassador and his wife, royal family, benefactors, and those involved with the events came together to wine and dine and network together on the things they’ve done. I had a wonderful visit. Thank you Fred. Rating 5 stars out of 5. Visited 5/22/2008.

Hidden treasures of Afghanistan

The Hidden Treasures of Afghanistan: The Collection

A Nation stays alive when its culture stays alive”

The Hidden Treasures of Afghanistan * Press and invited guests previewing 5/20/08 * National Gallery of Art * Washington, D.C.
On the morning of May 20th, 2008 I was invited to D.C. to attend the press and invited guest previewing of the Hidden Treasures of Afghanistan - over 228 artifacts that were unearthed in modern Afghanistan - most of which are being viewed for the very first time in the United States. These artifacts highly reflect the important role that Afghanistan played in the Silk Trade route aka the “Silk Road” that connected most parts of Asia with the Mediterranean. During the last 25 years, tremendous amount of war and conflict has plagued this country, from Russia to the Taliban, destroying a good portion of Afghanistan’s historical treasures - these items were originally believed to be destroyed or lost until they were dramatically recovered from a hidden vault under the Presidential Palace in 2004. These were once the remains of the treasures once held in the National Museum at Kabul before it was ransacked and destroyed. Dating from 2200 BC to AD 200, the objects reflects Afghanistan’s rich history, cultural significance, and mosaic of importance in world history. The collections consists of gold bowls from Mesopotamia from Tepe Fullol in Northern Afghanistan, bronze and stone statues from the site of the former Greek city of Ai Khanum; bronzes, ivories, and painted glassware imported from Roman and Indian markets discovered in Begram; and over 100 gold ornaments from among 20,000 pieces known as the “Bactrian Hoard” found in 1978 in Tillya Tepe, the site of six nomadic graves. A National Geographic Video (2 minutes) can be viewed about the collection here: http://luxmedia.vo.llnwd.net/o10/clients/nationalgallery/afghanistan/afghanistan-new.m4v. This collection is highly impressive and worth coming to see, especially in its home city where National Geographic Society resides with the National Gallery of Art. It’s tour in North America is as follows: National Gallery of Art, May 25–September 7, 2008; Asian Art Museum, San Francisco, October 24, 2008–January 25, 2009; Museum of Fine Arts, Houston, February 22–May 17, 2009; The Metropolitan Museum of Art, New York, June 23–September 20, 2009. Rating 5 stars out of 5. Viewed 5/20/08.

5/20/08 - Part 2 - Hidden Treasures of Afghanistan, Program Remarks

Tuesday, 20 May 2008 - Part 3
Washington, D.C.

At 9:20 we were brought into the Large Auditorium at the National Gallery of Art to be introduced to those responsible for the Hidden Treasures of Afghanistan becoming present and available to be viewed by the world. It was a fabulous presentation. The following spoke and commented on these phenomenal discoveries: Earl A. Powell III, Director, National Gallery of Art; The Honorable Abdul Karim Khuram, Minister for Information and Culture, Afghanistan; His Excellency Said T. Jawad, Ambassador of Afghanistan to the United States; terry D. Garcia, Executive Vice President, National Geographic Mission Programs; The Honorable Bruce Cole, Chairman, National Endowment for the Humanities; Elliot F. Gerson, Board Member, National Construction and Logistics; and Fredrik T. Hiebert, Curator and National Geographic Archaeology Fellow.

Terry Garcia, executive vice president for Mission Programs, National Geographic:
“We are delighted to partner with the National Gallery of Art and the National Museum of Afghanistan in bringing these rare and precious items to the United States. Our goal is to introduce this unique collection of objects to a broad audience and raise awareness and understanding about the little-known ancient cultures of modern-day Afghanistan. We also want to tell the heroic story of the Afghans who risked their own safety to hide and protect these treasures.”

His Excellency Said Tayeb Jawad, Ambassador of Afghanistan to the United States:
“Afghanistan has always been the heart of Asia. Afghanistan’s centrality in the Silk Road created a rich mosaic of cultures and civilizations. Although this mosaic was shattered by war and terror, both the spirit of the Afghan people and our cultural heritage survived. These priceless artifacts are a testament to the Afghan people and to the heroism of the brave and selfless Afghans who preserved and protected them. This exhibition is a celebration of Afghanistan as much as it is an expression of our appreciation for the global partnership between our ancient nation, the international community, and our friends in the United States.”

Earl A. Powell III, director, National Gallery of Art:
“The National Gallery of Art has a long tradition of bringing works of exceptional quality and merit from other cultures and periods to the United States. We are very pleased to be working closely with National Geographic and the National Museum of Afghanistan, Kabul, to introduce the American public to these archaeological treasures, their history, and their legacy.”

Bruce Cole, chairman, National Endowment for the Humanities:
“The artifacts featured in this collection are more than dazzling exhibition pieces; they serve as primary documents recording the vitality of Afghanistan’s rich cultural heritage. The National Endowment for the Humanities is proud to have supported the preservation, cataloging, and exhibition of these treasures as part of our broader ‘Rediscovering Afghanistan’ initiative, and we are delighted to play a part in bringing this collection to citizens across our nation.”

Hamed Wardak, president, NCL:
“National Construction & Logistics is honored to sponsor this historic exhibition of Afghanistan: Hidden Treasures from the National Museum, Kabul. The emergence of these objects after 25 years of struggle is emblematic of the beauty of Afghanistan and the resilient spirit of its people. This exhibition brings the rich and diverse culture of Afghanistan to the Washington area, and we are proud to help make that possible.”

Fredrik Hiebert, exhibition curator and National Geographic Archaeology Fellow:
“This exhibition is the culmination of many years of work by the Afghans. Without their courage and commitment, these objects would not exist today. Having worked closely with Afghan officials since 2003 on the preservation and inventory of the objects, I am honored to be part of the effort to share these treasures with audiences in the United States and ultimately to enhance the understanding of Afghanistan’s rich cultural heritage.”

Audio Download of the Program of Remaks will be available as an MP3 file on the National Gallery of Art’s press Web site nga.gov/press/ by late afternoon, May 20.

The Honorable Abdul Karim Khuram, Minister for Information and Culture, Afghanistan

Said T. Jawad; Ambassador of Afghanistan to the United States

Preview Breakfast of the Hidden Treasures of Afghanistan, 5/20/08 - National Gallery of Art, Washington, D.C.

Tuesday, 20 May 2008 - Part 1
Washington, D.C.

I apologize kind gentle readers of Wanderwords.com for my recent absence. I’ve been busy closing down my storefront, concentrating on Archaeology, and moving to a new home causing a lack of internet. I will be finishing up the SAA Adventures in Vancouver, B.C. I was presenting to you formerly, but before finishing that series - give you a special event I’m attending right now - due to the news worthiness of these fabulous finds, and the grand opening to the public this coming Saturday … I present to you a new adventure as a intermission to the Vancouver, B.C.

I’m currently in Washington, D.C. attending the press preview of the Hidden Treasures of Afghanistan beginning on Tuesday morning 5/20/2008.

Upon entering the National Gallery of Art, i was asked for my invitation, given my badge and directed downstairs where they would be hosting the Press Breakfast, Preview, and Tasting at 8:30 am. Concourse style, the joint efforts of the National Geographic Society and the National Gallery of Art had a Afghan-style breakfast Buffet and Music presented to us. Mixing and socializing, I wandered and met various members of the Press - dining with authors from United Press and the Chicago Tribune, Ambassadors from Afghanistan as well as Archaeologists and Curators from Afghanistan who were key members of people who saved these antiquities from destruction and theft during the pillage of war. The food and music was fabulous. Soon we would hear the story and contributions to this dispay. I felt extremely honored to be part of this event.

Concourse Breakfast Afghan style
National Gallery of Art, Washington, D.C.

Afghanistan style breakfast

Washington, D.C.
Extraodinary artifacts uncovered in modern-day Afghanistan - once the heart of the Silk Road linking cultures from Asia to the Mediterranean - long thought stolen or destroyed during some 25 years of conflict until the dramatic announcement of their existence in 2003, begin their United States tour at the National Gallery of Art, Washington - May 25 through September 7, 2008. The exhibition, co-organized by the National Geographic Society and the National Gallery of Art, will travel to the Asian Art Museum, San Francisco, October 24, 2008 through January 25, 2009; the Museum of Fine Arts, Houston, February 22- May 17, 2009; and the Metropolitan Museum of Art, New York, June 23 through September 20, 2009. After its tour through Paris, Turin, and Amsterdam, the show was reorganized for the United States and accompanied by a new catalogue and a video documentary produced by National Geographic and narrated by the celebrated author, Khaled Hosseini. Revealing Afghanistan’s multicultural heritage are some 228 objects ranging in date from 2200 BC to the second century AD. Drawn from four archaeological sites, they belong to the National Museum of Afghanistan in Kabul and include fragmentary gold bowls with artistic links to Mesopotamia and Indus valley cultures (modern-day Pakistan) from the Bronze Age site of Tepe Fullol; bronze and stone sculptures and a gilded silver plague from the formere Greek colony at Ai Khanum (”Lady Moon”); bronzes, ivories, and painted glassware that had been imported from Roman Egypt, China, and India; and excavated from ancient storerooms discovered in the 1930s and 1940s in Begram; and more than 100 gold ornaments from the “Bactrian Hoard”, found in 1978 in Tillya Tepe, the site of six nomad graves, and revealing a synthesis of Greek, Roman, Persian, Indian, Chinese, and Siberian styles. The exhibition is organized by the National Geographic Society and the National Gallery of Art, Washington, in association with the Asian Art Museum of San Francisco; the Museum of Fine Arts, Houston; and the Metropolitan Museum of Art, New York. It is supported by a grant from the National Endowment for the Humanities and an indemnity from the Federal Council on the Arts and the Humanities. At the National Gallery of Art the exhibition is made possible by the E. Rhodes and Leona B. Carpenter Foundation. It is also supported by the Charles Engelhard Foundation. Corporate support is provided by National Construction and Logistics and Hamed Wardak. The works in the exhibition are the sole property of the Islamic Republic of Afghanistan.

03.22.08, Day 2 of 10 Part II: World Wide Pillow Fight/Vancouver 2.0

Saturday, 22 March 2008 - Part 2 Vancouver, British Columbia

Well the first adventurous moment to my expedition started out in battle as I attended the World Wide Pillow Fight Club 2.0 at Robson Square, downtown Vancouver, British Columbia. I started my day pretty early, which was remarkable since I didn’t get to sleep till 5 am after Wreck Beach last night. Figuring out the Public Transportation system was easier than I thought it would be, as Vancouver really has their system setup well. After some chai for an energy boost, my friend Lori arrived and we started scoping out Robson Square and figuring out our battle plans. Some friends joined us as we were soon to embark upon the Worldwide Pillow Fight Club 2.0 happening between 3:00 and 3:15 pm in front of the Art Gallery on Robson. My friend Stephanie was enroute too.

Pillow Fight Club 2.0 - Vancouver BC 2008

Worldwide Pillow Fight Club 2.0
Saturday, March 22, 2008; Time: 3:00pm - 3:15pm; Location: Vancouver Art Gallery on Robson Street, Vancouver, B.C.

Every year, across the globe, another fun flash mob meets for 15 minutes, in one of the most busiest and crowded locations downtown of most major cities to all of a sudden pull out pillows and dive into a large-scale, mass mob, pillow fight! This year I attended Vancouver’s Pillow Fight Club 2.0 … and it was a splendid fluff-puffing-powing event. What an interesting way of meeting people and pillow-pow’ing your friends! At first Robson Street steps of the Art Gallery was pretty bare, by 2:50 a crowd started filling in the sidewalk and steps, with most of the people candidly hiding their pillows, and at 3 pm, the fight began - pillows manifested from out of nowhere and before feathers were flying everywhere. A mouth full of feathers later … frazzled hair … and feather-dusted lint all over our clothes, it was time for bubble tea. Rating 5 stars out of 5. Fabulous time! Thanks everyone who made it happen! I’m amazed I got the pictures I did, I lost my camera twice, and both time caught it before it hit the pavement … lucky! whew!

Washington DC Conference Center

Washington Convention Center (Washington, D.C.)
801 Mount Vernon Place, N.W. • Washington, DC 20001 * phone: 1-800-368-9000 / 202-249-3000 * http://www.dcconvention.com/
Located in the heart of the nation’s capital, inbetween the historic museums, the White House, and Chinatown, its surrounded by many restaurants, entertainment, and attractions. Has well over 2.3 million square feet of space, equipped with the latest technology, and home to nationally branded dining outlets such as Wolfgang Puck’s, Quiznos and Starbucks, its a multi-floored, multi-roomed convention center ready to meet any conference needs. I attended this plush conference center during the ESRI Federal User’s GIS conferences in 2007 and 2008. Rating : 5 stars out of 5. Visited 01/09-11/2007. 02/20-22/2008.

Washington Conference Center in the distance

The Bats under the Bridge, Austin, Texas

Congress Bridge * Town Lake - Austin, TexasBats under the Congress Bridge Austin’s Town Lake, Austin, Texas http://www.austincityguide.com/content/congress-bridge-bats-austin.asp
Home of the famous and largest bat colony bridge located in the heart of Austin Texas. The Congress Avenue Bridge spans Town Lake in downtown Austin and is home to the largest urban bat colony in North America. The colony is estimated at 1.5 million Mexican free-tail bats. Every night beginning in mid-March to roughly November, the bats emerge from under the bridge at dusk to blanket the sky as they head out to forage for food. This is one of Austin’s as well as Texas’ most spectacular tourist attractions. The best time to view them are during the hot dry August nights when columns of bats emerge. When I visited 4/27/07 is was more like a swarm of mosquitos (bats) around a bloody arm (the bridge). 4 stars out of 5.

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