Iwo Jima
Copyright 2019 Canita M. Prough (Canita Pro)
Texas Visitor’s Center
When I reached the Texas state line, I visited the Texas Visitor’s Center. I was given four brochures/magazine for the Harlingen, Texas area. Those brochures were; Rio Grande Valley magazine, Unveiling Murals brochure, Harlingen Visitor’s Guide brochure, and an Iwo Jima Memorial brochure. Five hundred miles and eight hours and ten minutes later I arrived in Harlingen, Texas. My first impression was the beautiful Washington Palms blowing in the wind, lots of the color green; grass, bushes, trees, the smell of salt in the air, my feet were thawed, and the slight sound of the palms swishing in the air. This day was spent settling into Value Place and a visit to the Iwo Jima Memorial Monument and Museum.
Loop 499 of Harlingen, Texas
The Value Place was located on Loop 499. The word loop should have been a clue, but after eight hours on the road I was feeling loopy. I became frustrated when I took the loop and found no Value Place. I stopped at a Stripes station and was told that I was to take the Carey exit. I returned to Highway 77 and followed it for some distance and did not come across Carey exit. Thinking I must have missed it, I placed another call this time to Value Place. This time the person instructed me to continue South on Hwy 77 and take the exit East New Hampshire Street. I was on the wrong end of the loop. Even though I was frustrated at the first with this Loop 499 business. As I began to travel the area, I learned to love the loop. That loop made learning the city layout much easier.
Value Place of Harlingen, Texas
Tired, loopy and frustrated I arrived at the Value Place. Checking in was a little more complicated than a hotel/motel, but the place was worth the wait. I chose this place to stay because it was only a little over $200.00 for seven days. Upon my arrival I come to understand that this was not the traditional hotel/motel. These accommodations were made for extended stays. You could live here for years. I had stayed in other extended stay hotels and they were more like the hotel/motels. But Value Place had more to offer. They even had dish and coffee machine sets for sale. They provided towel and bedding exchanges daily or whenever needed. They came in every other week and cleaned for you. The place was safe and comfortable. Getting reservations could get a little sticky in some areas, but if it is available, I definitely recommend the Value Place. 800-Value Place - ValuePlace.com. “Stay a week, a month or longer.
Iwo Jima Museum and Marine Military Academy
Iwo Jima Memorial Monument and Museum is free. It is open 10 a.m. - 4 p.m. daily. www.mma-tx.org, 1-800-365-6006. There is a daily film “The Battle for Iwo Jima” at the time I visited it is shown at no charge. The film is shown in the Gift Shop. The Museum and Memorial Monument is located close by the Marine Military Academy which is a High School for boys. This school, memorial and museum is not funded by the government, it exists totally on tuition and gifts.
The Battle for Iwo Jima Film
I lived in the Micronesian Islands for three years. I have studied the Micronesian area and learned about some of the military needs/uses of the islands in the Pacific, but I did not know the needs/uses of Iwo Jima.
The film was a very informative and I learned four things I did not know. MacArthur’s was stockpiling ships for the taking of Philippians and this strategy delayed the battles for Iwo Jima for several months, Iwo Jima was the last in a string of islands coming from Japan similar to the Florida Keys, and the island of Iwo Jima was like the Catacombs of Rome. The Japanese were living underground among the dead. The “flyers” of the B-29’s during the WWII attacks on Hiroshima and Nagasaki were saved when the island of Iwo Jima was available for emergency landings. I could elaborate more, but you need to check it out for yourself. Or if you enjoy researching wars. Iwo Jima is definitely an interesting search.
Gordon Korman Books
I remember reading a fiction book series to my students about an island where an empty atomic bomb was stored. The “Island Series; shipwrecked, survival and escape,” by Gordon Korman. When viewing this film, it reminded me of those books. They are children’s books, but a fun and interesting read.
Current Events in the Schools
The last travesty really struck home with me. Iwo Jima took one month and eight days to secure. (February 19, 1945 to March 26, 1945). Approximately 7,000 Americans were lost during that time because the Japanese were entrenched in their Catacombs. Then in 1968 we returned the island of Iwo Jima back to the Japanese. The fact that we returned Iwo Jima back to the Japanese made a statement that was made to me as a teacher come to life. Often people would say, “you need to teach more information that is relevant to this day and age.” I tried to do what they requested with current events etc.… but, I really did not get it until this day. If we had taught about what happened at Iwo Jima in the schools during the 1950’s and 60’s. Perhaps we would not have allowed the government return this island of Iwo Jima to the Japanese twenty-three (23) years later.
When I reached the Texas state line, I visited the Texas Visitor’s Center. I was given four brochures/magazine for the Harlingen, Texas area. Those brochures were; Rio Grande Valley magazine, Unveiling Murals brochure, Harlingen Visitor’s Guide brochure, and an Iwo Jima Memorial brochure. Five hundred miles and eight hours and ten minutes later I arrived in Harlingen, Texas. My first impression was the beautiful Washington Palms blowing in the wind, lots of the color green; grass, bushes, trees, the smell of salt in the air, my feet were thawed, and the slight sound of the palms swishing in the air. This day was spent settling into Value Place and a visit to the Iwo Jima Memorial Monument and Museum.
Loop 499 of Harlingen, Texas
The Value Place was located on Loop 499. The word loop should have been a clue, but after eight hours on the road I was feeling loopy. I became frustrated when I took the loop and found no Value Place. I stopped at a Stripes station and was told that I was to take the Carey exit. I returned to Highway 77 and followed it for some distance and did not come across Carey exit. Thinking I must have missed it, I placed another call this time to Value Place. This time the person instructed me to continue South on Hwy 77 and take the exit East New Hampshire Street. I was on the wrong end of the loop. Even though I was frustrated at the first with this Loop 499 business. As I began to travel the area, I learned to love the loop. That loop made learning the city layout much easier.
Value Place of Harlingen, Texas
Tired, loopy and frustrated I arrived at the Value Place. Checking in was a little more complicated than a hotel/motel, but the place was worth the wait. I chose this place to stay because it was only a little over $200.00 for seven days. Upon my arrival I come to understand that this was not the traditional hotel/motel. These accommodations were made for extended stays. You could live here for years. I had stayed in other extended stay hotels and they were more like the hotel/motels. But Value Place had more to offer. They even had dish and coffee machine sets for sale. They provided towel and bedding exchanges daily or whenever needed. They came in every other week and cleaned for you. The place was safe and comfortable. Getting reservations could get a little sticky in some areas, but if it is available, I definitely recommend the Value Place. 800-Value Place - ValuePlace.com. “Stay a week, a month or longer.
Iwo Jima Museum and Marine Military Academy
Iwo Jima Memorial Monument and Museum is free. It is open 10 a.m. - 4 p.m. daily. www.mma-tx.org, 1-800-365-6006. There is a daily film “The Battle for Iwo Jima” at the time I visited it is shown at no charge. The film is shown in the Gift Shop. The Museum and Memorial Monument is located close by the Marine Military Academy which is a High School for boys. This school, memorial and museum is not funded by the government, it exists totally on tuition and gifts.
The Battle for Iwo Jima Film
I lived in the Micronesian Islands for three years. I have studied the Micronesian area and learned about some of the military needs/uses of the islands in the Pacific, but I did not know the needs/uses of Iwo Jima.
The film was a very informative and I learned four things I did not know. MacArthur’s was stockpiling ships for the taking of Philippians and this strategy delayed the battles for Iwo Jima for several months, Iwo Jima was the last in a string of islands coming from Japan similar to the Florida Keys, and the island of Iwo Jima was like the Catacombs of Rome. The Japanese were living underground among the dead. The “flyers” of the B-29’s during the WWII attacks on Hiroshima and Nagasaki were saved when the island of Iwo Jima was available for emergency landings. I could elaborate more, but you need to check it out for yourself. Or if you enjoy researching wars. Iwo Jima is definitely an interesting search.
Gordon Korman Books
I remember reading a fiction book series to my students about an island where an empty atomic bomb was stored. The “Island Series; shipwrecked, survival and escape,” by Gordon Korman. When viewing this film, it reminded me of those books. They are children’s books, but a fun and interesting read.
Current Events in the Schools
The last travesty really struck home with me. Iwo Jima took one month and eight days to secure. (February 19, 1945 to March 26, 1945). Approximately 7,000 Americans were lost during that time because the Japanese were entrenched in their Catacombs. Then in 1968 we returned the island of Iwo Jima back to the Japanese. The fact that we returned Iwo Jima back to the Japanese made a statement that was made to me as a teacher come to life. Often people would say, “you need to teach more information that is relevant to this day and age.” I tried to do what they requested with current events etc.… but, I really did not get it until this day. If we had taught about what happened at Iwo Jima in the schools during the 1950’s and 60’s. Perhaps we would not have allowed the government return this island of Iwo Jima to the Japanese twenty-three (23) years later.
wo Jima footage Battle of Iwo Jima - Fierce Fighting Footage [Full Resolution] Iwo Jima is an island some 650miles south of Tokyo. It is part of the Japanese Volcano Islands....
The Iwo Jima Memorial Monument
The Iwo Jima Memorial Monument is a 32-foot high figurine showing men erecting a 78-foot steel flagpole. The Marine Corps War Memorial originally commissioned for Washington D. C. in the Arlington National Cemetery was bronzed, and the original moved to Harlingen, Texas. The original did not weather well in Washington D. C. thus the bronze was made for D. Chand the original came to rest in Harlingen, Texas and adjusted well to the weather. This Memorial Monument is spectacular to view. The grounds as well as the monument are well maintained and well-marked. Do not miss the opportunity to visit this Memorial Monument. It is a great reminder and an awesome piece of art.
Recommendations
The Texas Visitor’s Center brochure/magazine “Rio Grande Valley” was the one brochure most helpful in my discovery of Harlingen, Texas. I almost did not pick it up because I did not realize at that time that Harlingen, Texas was in the Rio Grande Valley. Day one was balanced with some good and some bad. I would recommend both the Value Place and the Iwo Jima Memorial Monument and Museum of Harlingen, Texas.
The Iwo Jima Memorial Monument
The Iwo Jima Memorial Monument is a 32-foot high figurine showing men erecting a 78-foot steel flagpole. The Marine Corps War Memorial originally commissioned for Washington D. C. in the Arlington National Cemetery was bronzed, and the original moved to Harlingen, Texas. The original did not weather well in Washington D. C. thus the bronze was made for D. Chand the original came to rest in Harlingen, Texas and adjusted well to the weather. This Memorial Monument is spectacular to view. The grounds as well as the monument are well maintained and well-marked. Do not miss the opportunity to visit this Memorial Monument. It is a great reminder and an awesome piece of art.
Recommendations
The Texas Visitor’s Center brochure/magazine “Rio Grande Valley” was the one brochure most helpful in my discovery of Harlingen, Texas. I almost did not pick it up because I did not realize at that time that Harlingen, Texas was in the Rio Grande Valley. Day one was balanced with some good and some bad. I would recommend both the Value Place and the Iwo Jima Memorial Monument and Museum of Harlingen, Texas.
Among the Dead in Paris and Rome
Copyright Canita M. Prough (Pro) 2019
Copyright Canita M. Prough (Pro) 2019
Trip to shelter
It’s the 4th century AD Paris, France. You are on your way to the place that you are living. The wind is howling and there are a few eerie clouds drifting through. It is two miles from the town to your shelter. You had not planned on staying in town so late. There is a full moon so you should arrive safely. There is not a large population of people at this time in Paris. In the direction you are walking there are no neighbors. There are no street lights in 4th century Paris. No streets, just an uneven cow path which you don’t use regularly because you don’t want a worn path to where you are staying. The trees and grass are not groomed. The further you get from the town the harder it is to see. The wind is blowing hard against your body, off in the distance you see the lightning strike and hear the thunder roll. Soon you will be entering the forest, where the branches seem to be reaching down to grab you and the shadows loom over your path. The tall grass is dry and crackling. Your eyes are now starting to adjust to the pitch-black night.
A Walk through the mines
Off in the distance close to where you are headed you see what looks like a shadow moving across the path you are on. But this is not the worst part of your journey. Once you arrive at the opening of the old mines you still have a way to go. Walking in the old mines is cold and dank. To your right you hear a crash! It is dead tree branch toppling down the other branches, bounding to the ground with a bounce. Is something moving around out here or it just the coming storm? You begin looking for the flicker of light that should be coming from the entrance of the mines. Continuing on you soon turn the corner into the mines and see a fine line of smoke drifting from the once lit torch. Grabbing the torch, you place your hand on the side of the bumpy wall of the mine. You slide your hand along it slides over a raised part. Ugh! I don’t want to run my hand there. That is just creepy. You take your hand off the wall and take two steps. You hold out your hand to place it on the wall again, your arm extends full length, you fall into the wall. Ugh! I forgot about the empty one. You right yourself and proceed on down the dusty path. You see the flicker of light in the distance. Someone is returning with a torch. You struggle on a little further and the other person with the torch reaches you. They light your torch and you are on your way to your vault.
The rest of the story...
The rest of this story is that You are a 4th century Christian living among the dead in the catacombs in resistance to religious persecution.
In the month of October our thoughts turn to cooler weather, fall colors, and things that go bump in the night. One of things considered scary is to visit a cemetery and their graves. The “World’s largest graves” are massive hypogeum’s called catacombs.
Catacombs defined
The dictionaries describe catacombs as “any series of vaults or galleries in an underground burial place.” Wikipedia defines them as” human-made subterranean passages for religious practice.” The Greek’s defined them as a “close to the hollow place” or “underground.”
There are two of these massive hypogeum’s in the world one in Rome, Italy the other in Paris, France. The catacombs of Rome began as burial places, but for a time used by Christian as a hiding place during their persecution. The catacombs in Paris, France began as mining caves and were later turned into burial places.
Catacombs of Rome, Italy
There are fourteen entrances into the Catacombs of Rome. The one visited on March 9, 1980 was the Catacomb of Priscilla which is known as the “The queen of the catacombs.” The catacombs of Rome belong to the Catholic Church and have been the burial place for many throughout the ages. History records that the catacombs were started in the 2nd century AD in response to a shortage of land. It is also a fact that the Christian and Catholic church split during this time over the date of Easter and the canonization of the Holy Bible. It is believed that the catacombs of Rome were used by the Christians to hold their church services and also as a place to live in safety. As you walk through these tombs you see a lot of small graves. Living underground the Christian’s children died from a lack of sunshine thus the large number of small graves.
To enter the Catacomb of Priscilla you go to the convent of the Benedictine sisters of Priscilla. The tour group gathers in a courtyard like room with arched ceilings. The guide leads you down a staircase that is narrow and dusty. As you descend three sensations hit, the smell. It is the smell of death which still resides in the air all these centuries later. It is a very distinct smell, one not easily forgotten. It is a musty, sharp smell that can be almost be suffocating. The feeling is the temperature dropping as you descend underground. It drops to fifty-five degrees Fahrenheit or thirteen degrees Celsius. Next your vision is impaired as there is only one string of bare lightbulbs strung from the rock surface above you. The darkness starts to close in around you. The steps and paths are uneven, so most of your attention goes to where you are placing your feet. You begin straining to hear what the guide is saying. You then enter a vault or gallery. The guide waits for all the visitors to enter, then he points out an etching on the wall. He states that the catacombs are the place of the “first Christian art” and points out one the many fine frescos found in these tombs. You continue down the rough path passing walls full of empty graves. Then you come to a vault in which the Christians may have held services or had their meals. The vaults are small and would only hold perhaps ten people. The tour continues through more walls of graves and vaults holding frescoes, skeletons and other interesting artifacts.
There are fourteen entrances into the Catacombs of Rome. The one visited on March 9, 1980 was the Catacomb of Priscilla which is known as the “The queen of the catacombs.” The catacombs of Rome belong to the Catholic Church and have been the burial place for many throughout the ages. History records that the catacombs were started in the 2nd century AD in response to a shortage of land. It is also a fact that the Christian and Catholic church split during this time over the date of Easter and the canonization of the Holy Bible. It is believed that the catacombs of Rome were used by the Christians to hold their church services and also as a place to live in safety. As you walk through these tombs you see a lot of small graves. Living underground the Christian’s children died from a lack of sunshine thus the large number of small graves.
To enter the Catacomb of Priscilla you go to the convent of the Benedictine sisters of Priscilla. The tour group gathers in a courtyard like room with arched ceilings. The guide leads you down a staircase that is narrow and dusty. As you descend three sensations hit, the smell. It is the smell of death which still resides in the air all these centuries later. It is a very distinct smell, one not easily forgotten. It is a musty, sharp smell that can be almost be suffocating. The feeling is the temperature dropping as you descend underground. It drops to fifty-five degrees Fahrenheit or thirteen degrees Celsius. Next your vision is impaired as there is only one string of bare lightbulbs strung from the rock surface above you. The darkness starts to close in around you. The steps and paths are uneven, so most of your attention goes to where you are placing your feet. You begin straining to hear what the guide is saying. You then enter a vault or gallery. The guide waits for all the visitors to enter, then he points out an etching on the wall. He states that the catacombs are the place of the “first Christian art” and points out one the many fine frescos found in these tombs. You continue down the rough path passing walls full of empty graves. Then you come to a vault in which the Christians may have held services or had their meals. The vaults are small and would only hold perhaps ten people. The tour continues through more walls of graves and vaults holding frescoes, skeletons and other interesting artifacts.
One of the well-known frescos found in the Catacomb of Priscilla is of the good shepherd. This piece is of Christ with a sheep around his shoulders. The fresco has two additional sheep, two trees, and two birds. This fresco is complete although it is beginning to fade, which is to be expected of something of this age. Another piece found here is “The feast” it is seven women taking Eucharist. This fresco looks as if it has been rubbed many a time. Below the painting large chunks of calcium have fallen away. This catacomb also holds perhaps the oldest picture of the “Virgin Mother Mary.” Almost half of this fresco has fallen away over time and the remaining is faded, but it is fascinating to think that this picture was painted well over two thousand years ago.
Paris, the city, lies in the “Paris basin” which is a low-lying continental shelf that is occasionally submerged by ocean water. The flooding prior to the 1600’s caused a build-up of gypsum in the hill or butte Montmartre. During that era a group called the “Commune of National Constituents Assembly” lived on Montmartre and made a living by making wine, stones for building, and mining gypsum. It is from these mines that the once used “Plaster of Paris” was mined.
In the second half of the 18th century these underground passageways were turned into burial places for the Catholic Church. In these catacombs you will find walls of skulls, which were used to reinforce the clasping mining shafts and other spooky artifacts.
Something to think on
As you enjoy the crisp air, array of colors and visit the haunted houses, twisted forest and corn mazes. Think on these massive catacombs where you could have lived among the dead.
In the second half of the 18th century these underground passageways were turned into burial places for the Catholic Church. In these catacombs you will find walls of skulls, which were used to reinforce the clasping mining shafts and other spooky artifacts.
Something to think on
As you enjoy the crisp air, array of colors and visit the haunted houses, twisted forest and corn mazes. Think on these massive catacombs where you could have lived among the dead.
Coral Castle
Monumental Love
Copyright Canita M. Prough (Pro)
First Love
When I think of monumental love I think of; the Shah Jahan, Mumtaz-ul-Zamani, Edward Leeskalnin and Agnes Skuvst. You may not know these people by these names, but you will know of them when I say, “Taj Mahal” and the song “Sweet Sixteen” by Billy Idol in honor of Coral Castle. Both monuments were built by men in honor of the “loves of their lives.”
Taj Mahal
The Taj Mahal in Agra, India was built by the Shah Jahan for his third and favored wife. For him it was love at first sight: she was fourteen (14) and he was (15). He saw her in the marketplace. Her name at that time was Arjumand Benu Begum, she was a Princess of Persia/Iranian. They married in 1612. Shah Jahan then became emperor in 1628 and reigned until 1658. When she moved into the royal palace, he gave her the title of Mumtaz Mahal which means “Jewel of the Palace.” She was a woman of great ambitions and a very good chess player. She gave birth to fourteen (14) children, dying in childbirth on the fourteenth.
Why the Taj Mahal?
In 1631, upon her deathbed he promised her; he would never remarry and would build the richest mausoleum over her grave. It took twenty-two (22) years, more than 1,000 elephants, 30 or more oxen, 20,000 people and 32 million Rupee, which is equal to 400 million U.S. dollars. It is the largest mausoleum in the world and is a masterpiece of classical symmetry. It is considered one of the seven/eight wonders of the world. It was constructed by architects, who for the money, agreed to never create another structure. The finest architects in the fields of Islamic, Ottoman, Indian and Persian styles agreed to these terms thus creating the Mughal style and this enduring monument. It looms on the South bank of the Yamuna River, is 50 meters above the water level and stands at 180 feet tall. In 1666 Shah Jahan died and was buried next to his wife.
Rock Gate aka Coral Castle
The Rock Gate Aka Coral Castle is in Leisure City/Homestead, Florida. It was built by Edward Leedskalnin for Agnes Skuvst. They were to wed; she was sixteen (16) and he was twenty-six (26). Edward affectionately called her “Sweet Sixteen.” On the eve of their wedding Edward was spurned by Agnes. They corresponded for a while when Edward came to America, then Agnes married another. Edward was forever waiting for Agnes.
Why Coral Castle?
For twenty-eight (28) years Edward built Coral Castle as a testimony to Agnes. He built it from thousands of tons of porous sedimentary rock (Oolite limestone). He single-handedly quarried and sculpted such things as; tables, chairs, obelisks, monoliths, water fountains, sun dials, walls, tubs, crescent moons and more. Edward was a man of 100 pounds and standing in at 5 feet. He made an entrance gate that weighs in at over nine (9) tons, is eight (8) feet tall, revolves and swung with just a push from a fingertip. Edward said; “that he had discovered the secret of the Pyramids.” It is believed that he used a technique called “reverse magnetism.” He used the most basic of tools like; picks, wrenches, ropes and pulleys. It was definitely a feat. Edward died from a kidney infection in 1951 never marrying.
Young, Lasting Love - Monumental Love
The Taj Mahal and Coral Castle monuments were built on young love that was a lasting love - Monumental Love.
You can see a video of Coral Castle at my website: www.canitapro.com look under the pictures tab.
Copyright Canita M. Prough (Pro)
First Love
When I think of monumental love I think of; the Shah Jahan, Mumtaz-ul-Zamani, Edward Leeskalnin and Agnes Skuvst. You may not know these people by these names, but you will know of them when I say, “Taj Mahal” and the song “Sweet Sixteen” by Billy Idol in honor of Coral Castle. Both monuments were built by men in honor of the “loves of their lives.”
Taj Mahal
The Taj Mahal in Agra, India was built by the Shah Jahan for his third and favored wife. For him it was love at first sight: she was fourteen (14) and he was (15). He saw her in the marketplace. Her name at that time was Arjumand Benu Begum, she was a Princess of Persia/Iranian. They married in 1612. Shah Jahan then became emperor in 1628 and reigned until 1658. When she moved into the royal palace, he gave her the title of Mumtaz Mahal which means “Jewel of the Palace.” She was a woman of great ambitions and a very good chess player. She gave birth to fourteen (14) children, dying in childbirth on the fourteenth.
Why the Taj Mahal?
In 1631, upon her deathbed he promised her; he would never remarry and would build the richest mausoleum over her grave. It took twenty-two (22) years, more than 1,000 elephants, 30 or more oxen, 20,000 people and 32 million Rupee, which is equal to 400 million U.S. dollars. It is the largest mausoleum in the world and is a masterpiece of classical symmetry. It is considered one of the seven/eight wonders of the world. It was constructed by architects, who for the money, agreed to never create another structure. The finest architects in the fields of Islamic, Ottoman, Indian and Persian styles agreed to these terms thus creating the Mughal style and this enduring monument. It looms on the South bank of the Yamuna River, is 50 meters above the water level and stands at 180 feet tall. In 1666 Shah Jahan died and was buried next to his wife.
Rock Gate aka Coral Castle
The Rock Gate Aka Coral Castle is in Leisure City/Homestead, Florida. It was built by Edward Leedskalnin for Agnes Skuvst. They were to wed; she was sixteen (16) and he was twenty-six (26). Edward affectionately called her “Sweet Sixteen.” On the eve of their wedding Edward was spurned by Agnes. They corresponded for a while when Edward came to America, then Agnes married another. Edward was forever waiting for Agnes.
Why Coral Castle?
For twenty-eight (28) years Edward built Coral Castle as a testimony to Agnes. He built it from thousands of tons of porous sedimentary rock (Oolite limestone). He single-handedly quarried and sculpted such things as; tables, chairs, obelisks, monoliths, water fountains, sun dials, walls, tubs, crescent moons and more. Edward was a man of 100 pounds and standing in at 5 feet. He made an entrance gate that weighs in at over nine (9) tons, is eight (8) feet tall, revolves and swung with just a push from a fingertip. Edward said; “that he had discovered the secret of the Pyramids.” It is believed that he used a technique called “reverse magnetism.” He used the most basic of tools like; picks, wrenches, ropes and pulleys. It was definitely a feat. Edward died from a kidney infection in 1951 never marrying.
Young, Lasting Love - Monumental Love
The Taj Mahal and Coral Castle monuments were built on young love that was a lasting love - Monumental Love.
You can see a video of Coral Castle at my website: www.canitapro.com look under the pictures tab.
The Culture of Music and Dance
(including;Bali, Germany, Netherlands, Hawaii, Guam, and Saipan)
Copyright Canita M. Prough (Pro) 2019
Culture of music and dance
In almost every culture music and dance is a favored expression of the arts. Culture is defined as the characteristics of a particular group of people defined by social habits, religion, language, food, and the arts. Defining art further - art is an outlet of expression usually influenced by culture. Arts includes; literature, culinary arts, novels, short stories, drawings, ceramics, paintings, sculpting, music, dance and theatre. The culture of dance and music can show up in little glimpses, in obscure places or we can seek them out in packages. This article gives a few glimpses and a few packages
Culture of music and dance
In almost every culture music and dance is a favored expression of the arts. Culture is defined as the characteristics of a particular group of people defined by social habits, religion, language, food, and the arts. Defining art further - art is an outlet of expression usually influenced by culture. Arts includes; literature, culinary arts, novels, short stories, drawings, ceramics, paintings, sculpting, music, dance and theatre. The culture of dance and music can show up in little glimpses, in obscure places or we can seek them out in packages. This article gives a few glimpses and a few packages
Glimpses of culture
In Holland (the Netherlands) the ligneous klomp or clog is used by cloggers in dances like the “Candy dance” or the “Tap or Jump Hakken.” The opportunity to learn of this culture was found in a museum in Holland, Michigan.
Germany is known for its Oomph music with its all brass bands and the polka or waltz dances such as the “Egerland Farmers Polka.” The Oomph culture was glimpsed in a train station in Munich, Germany.
Bali has their Barong dance and finger cymbal music. The Barong dance was enjoyed sitting Indian style on a temple floor in Denpasar, Bali.
Neat package of culture
Sometimes you can find culture of places in neat packages. Places like the Polynesian Cultural Center of Laie, Hawaii or the Pacific Island Clubs of Guam and Saipan. The highlights of each of these places is the night or dinner shows.
Polynesian Cultural Center of Laie, Hawaii
The Polynesian Cultural Center of Laie, Hawaii will introduce you to several cultures;
Hawaiian culture with food, dance and dramas. Currently showing at the Polynesian Cultural Center of Hawaii is the drama “Ha” (Breath of Life). Hawaiian culture gives us the lively stories with the hands of the hula dance, luaus and beautiful songs like the “Hawaiian Wedding Song.” or “Ke Kali Nei Au.”
Hawaiian Wedding Song;
This is the moment
I’ve waited for
I can hear my heart singing
Soon bells will be ringing
This is the moment
Of sweet aloha
I will love you longer than forever
Promise me that you will leave me never
Here and now dear,
All my love,
I vow dear
Promise me that you will leave me never
I will love you longer than forever
U-a, si-la
Pa-a ia me o-e
Koa-lo-ha ma-ka-mea e I po
Ka-’u ia e le-I a-e ne-I la
Now that we are one
Clouds won’t hide the sun
Blue skies of Hawaii smile
On this, our wedding day
I do love you with all my heart
It will also introduce you to;
Samoan with their fire-knife dances
Aotearoa’s or New Zealand and their purple Maori potatoes.
Fijian pottery
Tahitian hula mounds
Easter Island (Rapa Nui) carvings and more
There is days worth of learning and experiencing different cultures.
Email: [email protected]
www.polynesia.com
In Holland (the Netherlands) the ligneous klomp or clog is used by cloggers in dances like the “Candy dance” or the “Tap or Jump Hakken.” The opportunity to learn of this culture was found in a museum in Holland, Michigan.
Germany is known for its Oomph music with its all brass bands and the polka or waltz dances such as the “Egerland Farmers Polka.” The Oomph culture was glimpsed in a train station in Munich, Germany.
Bali has their Barong dance and finger cymbal music. The Barong dance was enjoyed sitting Indian style on a temple floor in Denpasar, Bali.
Neat package of culture
Sometimes you can find culture of places in neat packages. Places like the Polynesian Cultural Center of Laie, Hawaii or the Pacific Island Clubs of Guam and Saipan. The highlights of each of these places is the night or dinner shows.
Polynesian Cultural Center of Laie, Hawaii
The Polynesian Cultural Center of Laie, Hawaii will introduce you to several cultures;
Hawaiian culture with food, dance and dramas. Currently showing at the Polynesian Cultural Center of Hawaii is the drama “Ha” (Breath of Life). Hawaiian culture gives us the lively stories with the hands of the hula dance, luaus and beautiful songs like the “Hawaiian Wedding Song.” or “Ke Kali Nei Au.”
Hawaiian Wedding Song;
This is the moment
I’ve waited for
I can hear my heart singing
Soon bells will be ringing
This is the moment
Of sweet aloha
I will love you longer than forever
Promise me that you will leave me never
Here and now dear,
All my love,
I vow dear
Promise me that you will leave me never
I will love you longer than forever
U-a, si-la
Pa-a ia me o-e
Koa-lo-ha ma-ka-mea e I po
Ka-’u ia e le-I a-e ne-I la
Now that we are one
Clouds won’t hide the sun
Blue skies of Hawaii smile
On this, our wedding day
I do love you with all my heart
It will also introduce you to;
Samoan with their fire-knife dances
Aotearoa’s or New Zealand and their purple Maori potatoes.
Fijian pottery
Tahitian hula mounds
Easter Island (Rapa Nui) carvings and more
There is days worth of learning and experiencing different cultures.
- Information on Polynesian Cultural Center
Email: [email protected]
www.polynesia.com
Pacific Island Clubs
The Pacific Island Club of Guam's nightly shows are an excellent introduction to the culture of Guam.
When Guam was first visited by outsiders, they were performing a dance that consisted of a group of twelve or thirteen women swaying their bodies in place, moving their hands in rhythm. Their right hand shaped like a half moon and their left hand holding a box of shells, which helped them keep rhythm. They would sing three-part harmony including falsetto. There we also dance with a combination of movements and slapping to rhythms.
Guamian culture
The Guamanians use imagery of the heart and soul in their hands to convey their story in song and dance. This is seen in the Polynesian dance preformed in the nightly shows. The official dance of Guam is the cha-cha. A favorite song in which to cha-cha is “The cha-cha Chamorro.”
Cha-Cha Chamorro;
Cha-Cha Chamorro… Baila I cha-cha
When it comes to dance cha-cha
Everyone is on the floor
It’s the #1 baila for the Chamorros
And after working all day long
Cha-cha is the song
In my native language “baihu kanta!”
Na namagof este, maolek I siniente
An man dana is Chamorro
Hu hongge na namagof este na baila
Metgot I guinaiya gi tanota este
I bailan I cha-cha
Cha-Cha Chamorro…Baila I cha-cha
I Chamorro yaniha este na baila
Este I cha-cha minagof niha
I man gachong man adana
Parahu fan gimen tamona
Ma celebra, ma bailay I cha-cha
“TaoTao Tano“, “Bailan Uritao“, a lively warrior dance of jumps, shouts, and crashing together of sticks, “Bailan Lina’ La” the dance of life, and “Pa’a Taotao Tana” which means the way of life of the people of the land are all celebrated by the Chamorro people.
Information on the Guam Pacific Island Club
Phone: 1-671-646-9171
Email: [email protected]
www.picresorts.com
Facebook
Saipan culture
The Saipan Pacific Island Club has the same night show and the dances is primarily Polynesian. The people of Saipan are Chamorro or Carolinian thus the influence of Guam is upon the people and cha-cha is their dance of choice. The beaches are beautiful, and the history is rich with the remains of WWII.
Information on the Saipan Pacific Island Club
Phone: 1-670-234-7976
Email: [email protected]
Facebook
Go find some culture
The Hawaiian Polynesian Cultural Center is a theme park, the Pacific Island Clubs are hotels, each has more to offer than is included in this article so check out their information. Go find your culture whether in an obscure place or in a package.
The Pacific Island Club of Guam's nightly shows are an excellent introduction to the culture of Guam.
When Guam was first visited by outsiders, they were performing a dance that consisted of a group of twelve or thirteen women swaying their bodies in place, moving their hands in rhythm. Their right hand shaped like a half moon and their left hand holding a box of shells, which helped them keep rhythm. They would sing three-part harmony including falsetto. There we also dance with a combination of movements and slapping to rhythms.
Guamian culture
The Guamanians use imagery of the heart and soul in their hands to convey their story in song and dance. This is seen in the Polynesian dance preformed in the nightly shows. The official dance of Guam is the cha-cha. A favorite song in which to cha-cha is “The cha-cha Chamorro.”
Cha-Cha Chamorro;
Cha-Cha Chamorro… Baila I cha-cha
When it comes to dance cha-cha
Everyone is on the floor
It’s the #1 baila for the Chamorros
And after working all day long
Cha-cha is the song
In my native language “baihu kanta!”
Na namagof este, maolek I siniente
An man dana is Chamorro
Hu hongge na namagof este na baila
Metgot I guinaiya gi tanota este
I bailan I cha-cha
Cha-Cha Chamorro…Baila I cha-cha
I Chamorro yaniha este na baila
Este I cha-cha minagof niha
I man gachong man adana
Parahu fan gimen tamona
Ma celebra, ma bailay I cha-cha
“TaoTao Tano“, “Bailan Uritao“, a lively warrior dance of jumps, shouts, and crashing together of sticks, “Bailan Lina’ La” the dance of life, and “Pa’a Taotao Tana” which means the way of life of the people of the land are all celebrated by the Chamorro people.
Information on the Guam Pacific Island Club
Phone: 1-671-646-9171
Email: [email protected]
www.picresorts.com
Saipan culture
The Saipan Pacific Island Club has the same night show and the dances is primarily Polynesian. The people of Saipan are Chamorro or Carolinian thus the influence of Guam is upon the people and cha-cha is their dance of choice. The beaches are beautiful, and the history is rich with the remains of WWII.
Information on the Saipan Pacific Island Club
Phone: 1-670-234-7976
Email: [email protected]
Go find some culture
The Hawaiian Polynesian Cultural Center is a theme park, the Pacific Island Clubs are hotels, each has more to offer than is included in this article so check out their information. Go find your culture whether in an obscure place or in a package.
Zoo Poem
A Zoo of Endangered Species
Copyright Canita M. Prough (Pro) 2019
A great day trip with the children. This zoo is packed full of endangered animals.
Dorothy Porter Zoo - Brownsville, Texas
The Gladys Porter Zoo opened September 3, 1971 under the careful direction of Gladys Sams Porter. She was very involved in the planning, construction, expansions and stocking of the zoo. Gladys is the daughter of the famed Earl C. Sams who was the “first man” for 33 years for the J.C. Penny Company. Mrs. Porter and her husband Dean traveled extensively throughout Africa. In the 1960’s Gladys became interested in the plight of wildlife and from that interest came the creation of this zoo.
The zoo consists of 31 acres of land and has 375,000 + visitors annually. It is currently owned by the city of Brownsville, Texas.
The zoo has a reputation for its breeding program for rare and endangered animals.
Copyright Canita M. Prough (Pro) 2019
A great day trip with the children. This zoo is packed full of endangered animals.
Dorothy Porter Zoo - Brownsville, Texas
The Gladys Porter Zoo opened September 3, 1971 under the careful direction of Gladys Sams Porter. She was very involved in the planning, construction, expansions and stocking of the zoo. Gladys is the daughter of the famed Earl C. Sams who was the “first man” for 33 years for the J.C. Penny Company. Mrs. Porter and her husband Dean traveled extensively throughout Africa. In the 1960’s Gladys became interested in the plight of wildlife and from that interest came the creation of this zoo.
The zoo consists of 31 acres of land and has 375,000 + visitors annually. It is currently owned by the city of Brownsville, Texas.
The zoo has a reputation for its breeding program for rare and endangered animals.
Andean bear
The Andean bear is called the spectacled bear. This bears natural habitat is from Argentina to Panama. The last of the so-called short faced bear was placed on the vulnerable list on November 12, 2007. The loss of their habitat is due to poaching, development, mining, and oil exploration.
The Andean bear is called the spectacled bear. This bears natural habitat is from Argentina to Panama. The last of the so-called short faced bear was placed on the vulnerable list on November 12, 2007. The loss of their habitat is due to poaching, development, mining, and oil exploration.
Mountain gorilla
The Mountain gorilla is the most endangered animal in the world. Their natural habitat is east central Africa. They are were listed as critically endangered in 2007. The loss of the habitat is due to poaching and war.
The Mountain gorilla is the most endangered animal in the world. Their natural habitat is east central Africa. They are were listed as critically endangered in 2007. The loss of the habitat is due to poaching and war.
Rhinos
Rhinos in general are endangered, the black rhino was listed as critically endangered in 1996. Rhinos are found in Europe, Africa and Asian countries. Poaching for their horns is the main cause of their endangerment.
Camels
The camels in the Gladys Porter zoo are the Dromedary camel and they are not endangered. The Bactrian camel of China and Mongolia is endangered. Hunting them for food and because they compete with the domestic animal for water, they also are losing the battle because of mining, industrial development, also oil and gas exploration.
Rhinos in general are endangered, the black rhino was listed as critically endangered in 1996. Rhinos are found in Europe, Africa and Asian countries. Poaching for their horns is the main cause of their endangerment.
Camels
The camels in the Gladys Porter zoo are the Dromedary camel and they are not endangered. The Bactrian camel of China and Mongolia is endangered. Hunting them for food and because they compete with the domestic animal for water, they also are losing the battle because of mining, industrial development, also oil and gas exploration.
Mandrill monkey
Mandrill monkeys are the World’s largest monkey. They are vulnerable endangered because of the destruction of forest and over hunting them for meat. Their natural habitat is Cameroon, Gabon, Equatorial Guinea and Congo.
Bearded pigs
Bearded pigs found in this zoo are on the vulnerable endangered list as of 2008. Their natural habitat is Malaysia, Sumatra and Borneo. The loss of fruit bearing trees from logging and being hunted for food are the reason they are endangered.
Mandrill monkeys are the World’s largest monkey. They are vulnerable endangered because of the destruction of forest and over hunting them for meat. Their natural habitat is Cameroon, Gabon, Equatorial Guinea and Congo.
Bearded pigs
Bearded pigs found in this zoo are on the vulnerable endangered list as of 2008. Their natural habitat is Malaysia, Sumatra and Borneo. The loss of fruit bearing trees from logging and being hunted for food are the reason they are endangered.
Pygmy hippo
The Pygmy hippo just arrived on the endangered list in 2015. Its natural habitat is West Africa. The loss of habitat is why it has ended up on this list. Logging, land being converted to farmland, poaching and hunting them for bush meat are the causes.
The Pygmy hippo just arrived on the endangered list in 2015. Its natural habitat is West Africa. The loss of habitat is why it has ended up on this list. Logging, land being converted to farmland, poaching and hunting them for bush meat are the causes.
Chinese alligator
The Chinese alligator found in this zoo has been on the endangered list since 1972. This alligator is the rarest crocodilian and also the smallest. It is considered a menace to their rice paddies. These alligators are found on the Yangtze River of China.
The Chinese alligator found in this zoo has been on the endangered list since 1972. This alligator is the rarest crocodilian and also the smallest. It is considered a menace to their rice paddies. These alligators are found on the Yangtze River of China.
Dama gazelle
The Dama gazelle which this zoo has so strikingly placed with the giraffes are on the critically endangered list. The Dama gazelle is the largest of the gazelles and at one time ran from the Atlantic Ocean on the west to the Nile river in Egypt on the east in Africa. Now they are only found in Chad, Mali and Niger.
The Dama gazelle which this zoo has so strikingly placed with the giraffes are on the critically endangered list. The Dama gazelle is the largest of the gazelles and at one time ran from the Atlantic Ocean on the west to the Nile river in Egypt on the east in Africa. Now they are only found in Chad, Mali and Niger.
https://youtu.be/qosNPf4p5Zs
For more information:
www.GPZ.org
500 Ringgold Street
Brownsville, Texas 78520
956-546-7187
956-546-2177 recording
Hours: 9-5 M-F
9-5:30 Sat and Sun
Admission: adults 14 -65 $13.00
Children 2-13 $8.00
Seniors: 65 and up $10.50
Children under 1 free
www.GPZ.org
500 Ringgold Street
Brownsville, Texas 78520
956-546-7187
956-546-2177 recording
Hours: 9-5 M-F
9-5:30 Sat and Sun
Admission: adults 14 -65 $13.00
Children 2-13 $8.00
Seniors: 65 and up $10.50
Children under 1 free
Dominican Republic
Altos de Chavon, Mausoleum, & First Cathedral
Copyright Canita M. Prough (Pro) 2019
The place Christopher Columbus landed in America. Visit the Dominican Republic.
Where did Christopher Columbus land when he discovered the Americas?
The answer to this question lies in the island Hispaniola. It is an island in the Caribbean that holds two countries; Haiti and the Dominican Republic. The Dominican Republic is the western three-eighths of the island and Haiti the remaining.
First Voyage - Columbus
Christopher Columbus (Cristobal Colon) in 1492 landed on the northern coast of Hispaniola. He built a fortress called “La Navidad” which was completed on Christmas day. He returned to Lisbon, Portugal leaving 39 men because the Santa Maria had run aground. The men were killed by a native chief Caonabo.
Second Voyage - Columbus
When Columbus returned to Hispaniola November 22, 1493 the fortress had been destroyed. On the northern coast further, inland he established the first formal European settlement in the New World “La Isabela.” Columbus left Hispaniola on April 24, 1494 visiting the other side of the island, which is modern day Haiti, then he returned to Spain.
Santa Domingo
“La Isabela” was abandoned in 1496. Christopher Columbus’ brother Bartholomew founded a new settlement and named it “Santa Domingo” which the current day capital of the Dominican Republic.
Third Voyage - Columbus
Columbus returned to Hispaniola on August 19, 1498 to find the people of Santa Domingo discontent because they believed that Columbus had mislead them regarding the abundance of gold. The Columbus brothers; Christopher, Bartholomew, and Christopher’s son, Diego were removed in chains from Hispaniola on October 1, 1500 because of slavery, lack of gold and treatment of natives. They were sent back to Spain.
Fourth Voyage - Columbus
On June 29, 1502 with his riches and name restored Columbus took his final journey back to Hispaniola, a hurricane was on the horizon and he wanted to harbor in Hispaniola, but the current Governor denied him port. They ported in Jamaica. On November 7, 1504 they arrived back in Castile, Spain. Columbus returned to Valladolid, Spain where he died on May 20, 1506 at the age of 54 years.
Where in the world is Columbus now?
There has been for years a controversy as to where Christopher Columbus has finally been laid to rest. He was a traveler when he was living and his bones have traveled much since his death. His request was that he be buried in the New World. And for a time, he got his request and was buried in Santa Domingo. Recently, it has been resolved that he is at rest in Seville, Spain. The Dominican Republic claims that he still resides there or at least part of him. Is it possible that the bones of Christopher Columbus have been mixed with the bones of another person so both places could have a piece of him?
El Alcaza de Colon
Modern day Dominican Republic has the rich history of being the home of Christopher Columbus and family but, it also has a lively, rich culture thriving today.
El Alcaza de Colon was built by Christopher Columbus’ son Diego in 1510. It was the residence of his son and family. It was also where Columbus stayed on his visits. It is now the most visited museum in the Santa Domingo. It houses medieval and Renaissance art.
Christopher Columbus, Mausoleum.
A lighthouse built in 1986 called the Mausolea de Cristobal Colon or Christopher Columbus, Mausoleum. It was built for the 500th anniversary of the discovery of America and as a tribute to Columbus. It is where remains or partial remains of Christopher Columbus is believed to be placed. The lighthouse is a cross shaped monument. There are 157 rotating giant beams that projects 3,000 feet and can be seen in Puerto Rico. The lighthouse is no longer in use, but the museum houses artifacts from each American country.
First Cathedral of America
The oldest church in the Americas is found in Santa Domingo “Cathedral Primada de America” or “First Cathedral of America.” Columbus’ tomb was originally located in this church before being moved to Christopher Columbus Mausoleum. It is architecturally the Gothic style with 500-year-old Mahogany door and silver hammered altars.
The Three eyes cave
The natural limestone swimming pool or cave “ Cueva Los Tres Ojos” or “The three eyes cave” is located in Santa Domingo. It was discovered in 1916 and is fed by an underground river of sulfur water.
Altos de Chavon
One hundred miles east of Santa Domingo there is the resort “Altos de Chavon.” It has an open-air amphitheater that seats 5,000 people and host many international concerts, it is a place of professional training and cultivation of the arts.
Beaches of the Dominican Republic
Beaches with their palm trees, white sand, and clear turquoise water such as; Bavaro Beach in Punta Cana, Playa Bonita in Las Terrenas and a quiet beach the Playa Moron in Las Terrenas.
Damajaque Cascades - water falls
Rent a water proof camera, get your bug spray, wear shorts and sneakers and head to the Damajaque Cascades of twenty-seven water falls in Puero Plato. You can spend a few hours jumping off a twenty-three-foot-high fall or slide down the falls. And visit seven of the twenty-seven falls.
Discover what he discovered the Dominican Republic
The largest shell ever found in my beach walking was found on a beach in the Dominican Republic it was a complete 5 x 3-inch conch shell in excellent shape. The people are warm, interesting and considerate. The weather is excellent. It is definitely a place to visit and relax. Definitely check out the territory that Christopher Columbus and family roamed.
The place Christopher Columbus landed in America. Visit the Dominican Republic.
Where did Christopher Columbus land when he discovered the Americas?
The answer to this question lies in the island Hispaniola. It is an island in the Caribbean that holds two countries; Haiti and the Dominican Republic. The Dominican Republic is the western three-eighths of the island and Haiti the remaining.
First Voyage - Columbus
Christopher Columbus (Cristobal Colon) in 1492 landed on the northern coast of Hispaniola. He built a fortress called “La Navidad” which was completed on Christmas day. He returned to Lisbon, Portugal leaving 39 men because the Santa Maria had run aground. The men were killed by a native chief Caonabo.
Second Voyage - Columbus
When Columbus returned to Hispaniola November 22, 1493 the fortress had been destroyed. On the northern coast further, inland he established the first formal European settlement in the New World “La Isabela.” Columbus left Hispaniola on April 24, 1494 visiting the other side of the island, which is modern day Haiti, then he returned to Spain.
Santa Domingo
“La Isabela” was abandoned in 1496. Christopher Columbus’ brother Bartholomew founded a new settlement and named it “Santa Domingo” which the current day capital of the Dominican Republic.
Third Voyage - Columbus
Columbus returned to Hispaniola on August 19, 1498 to find the people of Santa Domingo discontent because they believed that Columbus had mislead them regarding the abundance of gold. The Columbus brothers; Christopher, Bartholomew, and Christopher’s son, Diego were removed in chains from Hispaniola on October 1, 1500 because of slavery, lack of gold and treatment of natives. They were sent back to Spain.
Fourth Voyage - Columbus
On June 29, 1502 with his riches and name restored Columbus took his final journey back to Hispaniola, a hurricane was on the horizon and he wanted to harbor in Hispaniola, but the current Governor denied him port. They ported in Jamaica. On November 7, 1504 they arrived back in Castile, Spain. Columbus returned to Valladolid, Spain where he died on May 20, 1506 at the age of 54 years.
Where in the world is Columbus now?
There has been for years a controversy as to where Christopher Columbus has finally been laid to rest. He was a traveler when he was living and his bones have traveled much since his death. His request was that he be buried in the New World. And for a time, he got his request and was buried in Santa Domingo. Recently, it has been resolved that he is at rest in Seville, Spain. The Dominican Republic claims that he still resides there or at least part of him. Is it possible that the bones of Christopher Columbus have been mixed with the bones of another person so both places could have a piece of him?
El Alcaza de Colon
Modern day Dominican Republic has the rich history of being the home of Christopher Columbus and family but, it also has a lively, rich culture thriving today.
El Alcaza de Colon was built by Christopher Columbus’ son Diego in 1510. It was the residence of his son and family. It was also where Columbus stayed on his visits. It is now the most visited museum in the Santa Domingo. It houses medieval and Renaissance art.
Christopher Columbus, Mausoleum.
A lighthouse built in 1986 called the Mausolea de Cristobal Colon or Christopher Columbus, Mausoleum. It was built for the 500th anniversary of the discovery of America and as a tribute to Columbus. It is where remains or partial remains of Christopher Columbus is believed to be placed. The lighthouse is a cross shaped monument. There are 157 rotating giant beams that projects 3,000 feet and can be seen in Puerto Rico. The lighthouse is no longer in use, but the museum houses artifacts from each American country.
First Cathedral of America
The oldest church in the Americas is found in Santa Domingo “Cathedral Primada de America” or “First Cathedral of America.” Columbus’ tomb was originally located in this church before being moved to Christopher Columbus Mausoleum. It is architecturally the Gothic style with 500-year-old Mahogany door and silver hammered altars.
The Three eyes cave
The natural limestone swimming pool or cave “ Cueva Los Tres Ojos” or “The three eyes cave” is located in Santa Domingo. It was discovered in 1916 and is fed by an underground river of sulfur water.
Altos de Chavon
One hundred miles east of Santa Domingo there is the resort “Altos de Chavon.” It has an open-air amphitheater that seats 5,000 people and host many international concerts, it is a place of professional training and cultivation of the arts.
Beaches of the Dominican Republic
Beaches with their palm trees, white sand, and clear turquoise water such as; Bavaro Beach in Punta Cana, Playa Bonita in Las Terrenas and a quiet beach the Playa Moron in Las Terrenas.
Damajaque Cascades - water falls
Rent a water proof camera, get your bug spray, wear shorts and sneakers and head to the Damajaque Cascades of twenty-seven water falls in Puero Plato. You can spend a few hours jumping off a twenty-three-foot-high fall or slide down the falls. And visit seven of the twenty-seven falls.
Discover what he discovered the Dominican Republic
The largest shell ever found in my beach walking was found on a beach in the Dominican Republic it was a complete 5 x 3-inch conch shell in excellent shape. The people are warm, interesting and considerate. The weather is excellent. It is definitely a place to visit and relax. Definitely check out the territory that Christopher Columbus and family roamed.
Haiti of the Caribbean
Copyright Canita M. Prough (Pro) 2019
Thirty-one days of May 1985 in Haiti with a team from Youth with A Mission giving time and energy to a few of the struggling people in this poverty-stricken country.
Republic of Haiti
The country of Haiti is the western half of the island Hispaniola which is in the Caribbean. Its official name is the Republic of Haiti. It is a country of 9.9 million people. It is 681 miles south of Florida. It takes one hour and fifty-two minutes by plane to reach the capital of Port-au-Prince from Miami, Florida. The country of Haiti is divided into ten provinces. The currency is called “gourdes.” The official language is Creole which is a mix of French and Spanish.
The Capital (Port-au-Prince)
The capital and largest city in this Caribbean country of Haiti is Port-au-Prince which is located on the wishbone shaped bay called the Gulf of La Gonave. You can drive up Route Nationale #2 into the Pic le Selle Mountains and look back for a spectacular view of the bay. This is a ride and view you do not want to miss.
Third World Country
Haiti is a third world country which means it is an underdeveloped country with widespread poverty. The amphitheater mountainside is dotted with slum communities and card boxes in which the majority of the people live.
If you carry extra weight you are considered rich for most of the people are starving thus very thin with big bellies. Their tin huts are usually one room and are barren of furniture. There may be a few boards, tin or fronds that make the roof and flooring, generally the floor is dirt. The kitchen is a pit in the front of tin hut. The restroom is an open ditch running through the community. It is a regular occurrence for a mother to bring their baby to the visiting Americans in hopes of giving their child a better life.
Thirty-one days of May 1985 in Haiti with a team from Youth with A Mission giving time and energy to a few of the struggling people in this poverty-stricken country.
Republic of Haiti
The country of Haiti is the western half of the island Hispaniola which is in the Caribbean. Its official name is the Republic of Haiti. It is a country of 9.9 million people. It is 681 miles south of Florida. It takes one hour and fifty-two minutes by plane to reach the capital of Port-au-Prince from Miami, Florida. The country of Haiti is divided into ten provinces. The currency is called “gourdes.” The official language is Creole which is a mix of French and Spanish.
The Capital (Port-au-Prince)
The capital and largest city in this Caribbean country of Haiti is Port-au-Prince which is located on the wishbone shaped bay called the Gulf of La Gonave. You can drive up Route Nationale #2 into the Pic le Selle Mountains and look back for a spectacular view of the bay. This is a ride and view you do not want to miss.
Third World Country
Haiti is a third world country which means it is an underdeveloped country with widespread poverty. The amphitheater mountainside is dotted with slum communities and card boxes in which the majority of the people live.
If you carry extra weight you are considered rich for most of the people are starving thus very thin with big bellies. Their tin huts are usually one room and are barren of furniture. There may be a few boards, tin or fronds that make the roof and flooring, generally the floor is dirt. The kitchen is a pit in the front of tin hut. The restroom is an open ditch running through the community. It is a regular occurrence for a mother to bring their baby to the visiting Americans in hopes of giving their child a better life.
Weather
Haiti has a tropical wet and dry climate. The yearly average temperature is 84 degrees Fahrenheit. There is a wet season when you get rain sixteen days in the month and a dry season when you do not get one day of rain.
There are eight roads on Haiti. Route Nationale 1-8;
#1 goes north
#2 goes south through port-au-price then west
#3 goes northwest
#4 goes south
#5 goes northeast then turns northwest
#6 goes southeast us of Cap-Haitian
#7 goes northwest to Jeremie
#8 is the shortest route and it goes east to the Dominican Republic
It is stated that one fourth of the island’s roads are paved, but the roads are more potholes than tar.
The common form of public transportation is a taxi which is called a “tap-tap.” They are called “tap-taps” because the fare or coins are used to tap the side of the vehicle, which is a brightly painted pick-up truck, to let the driver know that there is a passenger wanting off. Some of the trucks are rigged with a bell and a string. The passenger pulls the string that is strung down the center of the tarp and it rings a bell in the cab letting the driver know you want to get off. The back of a small pickup truck hold from 20 to 30 passengers which may include a chicken or a goat.
For those who have a motorcycle available this is a favored form of transportation. If you are wanting to travel any distance from the capital you get the public transportation on the back of a truck loaded with merchandise. You can take a boat alas the boats are often overloaded and not safe for passengers.
Politics 1985
Jean-Claude Duvalier or “Baby Doc” was the 41st President of Haiti. His father “Papa Doc” passed away in 1971 leaving the dictatorship to him as the President for Life. “Baby Doc” in his gleaming white presidential palace continued his iron-fisted rule for the next fifteen years under the National Unity Party. Late in 1985 massive anti-Government demonstrations began taking place around the country in the outer provinces. Four school children were shot dead by soldiers, an event that unified popular protest against the regime’. In early 1986 the world’s youngest President left Haiti and moved to France for his and his family’s safety.
Food
Rice and Beans, Beans and Rice those are the staple food for the Haitians. If you can make it to the Caribbean Cultural Center, they have awesome Mango Ice Cream. If you happen to be around the day the Amish deliver some of their hearty, tasty meat patties you will feel blessed. Storing food in Haiti is an issue. You may have a refrigerator, but not have electricity. It is necessary to daily gather your food. You usually get bread from the bakery. Day old bread is usually less expensive. You gather fruit from your favorite local vendor. If you have the money and the time you can go to the local market and purchase a chicken or a slice of beef.
Influence of music
1985 is the year the song “We are the World” written by Michael Jackson and Lionel Richie. It was performed by the supergroup USA for Africa. The song was released on March 7, 1985. While visiting with some local Haitians in St. Marc, Haiti in May 1985 I was told by a young man “You should make Michael Jackson your President because he would allow the Haitians into your country.” I began questioning him and he explained that "Michael Jackson wrote the song 'We are the World, so he understands the struggles and would allow them to enter the United States.”
Remains from the occupation
When the American military occupied Haiti from 1914 to 1934 they left behind many unwed mothers with children. Those children have grown, had children of their own and are still waiting for a father to return for them. In a hopeless situation it is something to hang on to from generation to generation.
The Year of our Lord 1985A month in Haiti in the year of our Lord 1985 was spent painting tuberculosis clinics, pastoral training centers, digging for outhouses, manning orphanages, and putting on puppet shows as we tried to make the lives of a few of these people easier for a time. The experience makes you very aware of the wealth and waste in America.
Haiti 2015
Haiti in 2015 is still a third world country. It is trying to recover from the earthquake of 2010. There is still much political unrest. Mother’s will still bring you their children hoping to get them a better life. The daily gathering of food, living in cardboard boxes and slums is still a part of life in Haiti.
Haiti has a tropical wet and dry climate. The yearly average temperature is 84 degrees Fahrenheit. There is a wet season when you get rain sixteen days in the month and a dry season when you do not get one day of rain.
There are eight roads on Haiti. Route Nationale 1-8;
#1 goes north
#2 goes south through port-au-price then west
#3 goes northwest
#4 goes south
#5 goes northeast then turns northwest
#6 goes southeast us of Cap-Haitian
#7 goes northwest to Jeremie
#8 is the shortest route and it goes east to the Dominican Republic
It is stated that one fourth of the island’s roads are paved, but the roads are more potholes than tar.
The common form of public transportation is a taxi which is called a “tap-tap.” They are called “tap-taps” because the fare or coins are used to tap the side of the vehicle, which is a brightly painted pick-up truck, to let the driver know that there is a passenger wanting off. Some of the trucks are rigged with a bell and a string. The passenger pulls the string that is strung down the center of the tarp and it rings a bell in the cab letting the driver know you want to get off. The back of a small pickup truck hold from 20 to 30 passengers which may include a chicken or a goat.
For those who have a motorcycle available this is a favored form of transportation. If you are wanting to travel any distance from the capital you get the public transportation on the back of a truck loaded with merchandise. You can take a boat alas the boats are often overloaded and not safe for passengers.
Politics 1985
Jean-Claude Duvalier or “Baby Doc” was the 41st President of Haiti. His father “Papa Doc” passed away in 1971 leaving the dictatorship to him as the President for Life. “Baby Doc” in his gleaming white presidential palace continued his iron-fisted rule for the next fifteen years under the National Unity Party. Late in 1985 massive anti-Government demonstrations began taking place around the country in the outer provinces. Four school children were shot dead by soldiers, an event that unified popular protest against the regime’. In early 1986 the world’s youngest President left Haiti and moved to France for his and his family’s safety.
Food
Rice and Beans, Beans and Rice those are the staple food for the Haitians. If you can make it to the Caribbean Cultural Center, they have awesome Mango Ice Cream. If you happen to be around the day the Amish deliver some of their hearty, tasty meat patties you will feel blessed. Storing food in Haiti is an issue. You may have a refrigerator, but not have electricity. It is necessary to daily gather your food. You usually get bread from the bakery. Day old bread is usually less expensive. You gather fruit from your favorite local vendor. If you have the money and the time you can go to the local market and purchase a chicken or a slice of beef.
Influence of music
1985 is the year the song “We are the World” written by Michael Jackson and Lionel Richie. It was performed by the supergroup USA for Africa. The song was released on March 7, 1985. While visiting with some local Haitians in St. Marc, Haiti in May 1985 I was told by a young man “You should make Michael Jackson your President because he would allow the Haitians into your country.” I began questioning him and he explained that "Michael Jackson wrote the song 'We are the World, so he understands the struggles and would allow them to enter the United States.”
Remains from the occupation
When the American military occupied Haiti from 1914 to 1934 they left behind many unwed mothers with children. Those children have grown, had children of their own and are still waiting for a father to return for them. In a hopeless situation it is something to hang on to from generation to generation.
The Year of our Lord 1985A month in Haiti in the year of our Lord 1985 was spent painting tuberculosis clinics, pastoral training centers, digging for outhouses, manning orphanages, and putting on puppet shows as we tried to make the lives of a few of these people easier for a time. The experience makes you very aware of the wealth and waste in America.
Haiti 2015
Haiti in 2015 is still a third world country. It is trying to recover from the earthquake of 2010. There is still much political unrest. Mother’s will still bring you their children hoping to get them a better life. The daily gathering of food, living in cardboard boxes and slums is still a part of life in Haiti.
Unique Ways to Travel in Germany
Copyright Canita M. Prough (Pro) 2019
Germany is a fascinating place to visit. Why not try out several different ways of transportation as you see it. This is a list of a few of the modes of travel in touring Germany.
Transportation Rides of Germany
European travel can be expensive. It is especially expensive for the Europeans within their own countries. The modes of travel covered in this article is rail, bus, boat and more. Europeans want tourist money so they have created ways for foreigners to travel for less. European travel savings can be created by planning ahead. One way to travel for less is the Eurail passes which MUST be bought in the US and about six months prior to traveling.
Eurail
The Eurail Global Pass is a flexi saver pass. Eurail was created in 1959 by a consortium of thirty European railways. You purchase the pass you need according to countries you want to visit and length of time you will be visiting. There are several companies that offer the Eurail or you can still purchase them from the original company called Rail Europe at www.raileurope.com. It depends on the pass you get, but some of the passes include; free or minimal bus fees, museum fees, boat fees, subway fees, and more. There may be discounts for restaurants etc.
Bus tours
The Romantic Road bus tours are other ways to see Germany. The Romantic Road Tours were first created in the 1950’s as a way to attract tourist. There are several tours by different companies. The Romantic Road tour from Mainz to the Alps offered by Europabus-Linien Romantische Strasse covered six cities. The stops on this tour are about one hour each. You can choose to stay overnight in a city, but this must be prearranged.
Mainz to the Alps
· Wurzburg - suggested sight - Baroque Rococo Chapel just outside the entrance of the Residenz.
· Creglingen - Fingerhut museum - thimbles and sewing tools from all continents - [email protected].
· Rothenburg - Medieval Crime Museum - www.kriminalmuseum.eu - if you stay overnight suggested tour is the forty-minute night watchman tour.
· Dinkelsbuhl - Haus of Geschichte - a hands on museum for children - www.dinkelsbuchl.de
· Nordlingen - Schloss Wickersham - gardens
· Schwangau - suggest staying here overnight - Neuschwanstein (castle Disney replicated for Sleeping Beauty Castle and Cinderella's Castle) and Hohenschwangau castles.
For more information on bus tours www.eurolines.de.
Boat Rides
The Romantic Rhein boat trip is another way to tour Germany. You can cruise with a major cruise line and visit cities with ports or you can get a copy of the Fahrplan 2015 and do your own planning. The boat cruises up and down the Rhein once a day. You can take a day trip, make it a week-long trip or a week of daily trips by following the current plan or schedule. You can find the schedule at www.fahrplanetwurfich.
Mainz to Koln by boat
There are 26 stops made by the boat. The boat starts in Koln travels to Mainz and then back to Koln. There are different schedules for each month. The following are a few stop highlights;
· Bonn - suggested stop - Bonn Botanic gardens for a serene scroll around the well-kept gardens. More information at www.botgart.uni-bon.de.
· Konigswinter - Castle Drachtenberg - 19th century castle-villa - More information at www.schloss-drachenburg.de.
· Koblenz - Ride the cable car up the mountain for a bird’s eye view of the Rhein. Arrive at the top to view the Ehrenbreitstein fortress - mountain station. More information at www.seilbahn-koblenz.de.
· Braubach - Marksburg Castle - An original castle, with armor, smithy, dungeon and more - It has narrow steep steps and can be a lot of walking. More information at www.marksburg.de.
· Boppard - Ride the Sesselbahn or chair lift for a stunning view of Boppard. It is a twenty-minute ride to the top where Gedeonsek restaurant awaits you. For more information - www.boppar-tourismus.de.
· St. Goar or Sankt Goar - visit the Burg Rheinfels - it is the largest castle overlooking the Rhein. It has a museum and restaurant. More information at www.st-goar.de.
· Rosenheim - Take a gondola ride over the vineyards to the Niederwald monument which was created to celebrate the unification of Germany in 1871. More information at www.seilbahn-ruedesheim.de.
· Wiesbaden - Biebrich - Take a tram to Neroberg, and the 1888 Nerobergbahn funicular - view all of Wiesbaden from top, you can walk or take a water-gravity propelled train ride and visit a Russian Orthodox church. More information at www.nerobergbahn.de.
· See from the boat or by car
· Things to watch for as you pass them on the boat are Loreley or Lorelei which means murmuring rock or lurking rock. It is on the right headed north across from St. Goar. Then watch for the rock wall of the Hostile Brothers of Liebenstein and Stermeberg close to Loreley. There is an interesting saga that goes with the wall.
· Planning Tip
- Please note crossing over the river after the boat has passed is hard to accomplish so plan your trips on each side not crossing over the Rhein. Always check ahead on everything, season, time and repairs can make a difference on the tour.
- Germany is a country of awesome food, interesting people, exotic culture and loads of history. This is a list of transportation modes available in Germany, but not an exhausted list, there are car, volksmarches, bicycle rides, and more. Make Germany a part of your next holiday outside the United States, but plan ahead.
Bullfight - Barcelona, Spain
Copyright Canita M. Prough (Pro) 2019
Bullfight (corrida de toros) of Barcelona, Spain
A bullfight is a traditional spectacle of Spain. It was once considered a noble sport now is considered an art, not a sport. It is when a matador is trained to perform formal moves, that place him in close proximity to the raging bull, in danger of being gored or trampled by the bull. Bullfights take place between March to October each year in Spain. They usually start around 6:00 or 7:00 p.m. and last between two and three hours. There are normally two or three bulls killed in a fight.
Formal moves of a bullfighter
The formal moves or passes are called the “faena” which means “job.” One such move is called the “natural” which is a left-hand pass. There are three to five “tandas or series” and then the finishing touch is the “remates.” When there are spectacular passes made, they are celebrated with the audience shouting “ole!”
History of Bullfighting
The first record of bullfighting is found in the Epic of Gilgamesh which was written in approx. 2100 BC. Originally bullfighting was performed on horseback with a lance until around 1726 AD when it was introduced on foot. The current style of bull fighting was introduced by Francisco Romero Lopez in the 1950’s.
La Maestranza of Seville, Spain
The first arena for bull fighting was built in Seville, Spain. It was built out of wood and was originally rectangular. Later the arena was rebuilt round so the bulls could not retreat to the corners then in 1881 AD the La Maestranza was built. The arena holds 12,500 people. If you prefer to not attend a bullfight, you can visit the arena, see the chapel, stables and historical architecture.
Special bull for bullfighting
A special breed of bull is used called the “toro bravo” which originated from the uru bred of bull. Uru is a type of oxen. The toro bravo is the favored type of bull because of turn of their horns. They enter the arena when they are between four and six years old. The bulls used in the ring weigh in at around 1,014 pounds.
Running of the bulls
Bull fights begin during the day with an event called the encierro (running) or Entrada de toras y caballa, which is the running of the bulls and horses that will be in the bullfight that evening through the streets to the pens in plaza where the bulls are held to until the evening bullfight. The runners guide the bulls and horses through the streets to the pens and if you want to risk it you can join in this event
Parade of entourage
The fight begins with a single bugle sound. Then the cuadrilla or entourage enter in a parade called the paseillo. The entourage consists of a matador and six assistants; there are two picadores (lancers), three banderilleros (flagmen) in their silver suits, and one mozo de espada (sword servant). All six of the assistants arrive on horseback and the matador in his Anda gold suit (suits of light) is on foot. This is a striking sight event to see. They precede to the President’s balcony for nod of their heads to start the fight.
The fight consists of three stages;
Stage 1 - Tercio de varas (the lancing third) - the matador observes the bull’s behavior as two flagmen wave him across the arena.
Stage 2 - Two picadors with lances (vara) stab the bull behind his shoulders with the lances weakening him.
Stage 3 - Tercio de muerte (the third death) - The matador enters alone with a small red cape stretched over a dowel. He completes several passes bringing the bull close to his body. After the first pass he has 15 minutes to kill the bull. He uses an estoque or sword to pierce the heart of the
bull. The bull is then pulled around the arena
Victory lap
If the crowd demands the matador is allowed a lap of victory around the ring. This is interesting event. At the fight I attended they threw bags of wine, their pants, flowers, shoes, and more. The gentleman who threw his pants was made to do without them until the matador returned them at the end of his victory lap. The matador drank wine from the shoes threw them back to the owners. He also threw some of the long-stemmed flowers back into the audience as they shouted “ole!”
Judging
If the judges deem the fight a “good fight” the matador is awarded one of the bull’s ears, if an “exceptional fight” both of the bull’s ears, and an “excellent fight” both ears and its tail. The excellent fight means the President has decided that the bull may live and it is returned to the pen and not killed. The President signifies this decision by hanging an orange flag from their balcony during the final stage. If the President stands the bull is to be killed. Officially, the ears and tail are only removed from dead bulls so the ears and tail are from another bull.
What do they do with ears and a tail?
The question was asked what do they do with the ears and tail? They have them taxidermy and keep them as trophies.
Sol y Sombra - Corrida De Toros
The bullfight I attended was the Sol y Sombra - Domingo 31 Julio 1994 - Corrida De Toros. (Rain or Shine - Sunday July 31, 1994 - “running of the bulls”)
The Matador
The Torero or Matador was the famous Je'sus Janerio Ubrique - Bazan. He was a twenty-year-old young man who, started out as a goalkeeper in soccer who upon injuring his knee, pursued bullfighting. On October 7, 1994 he hosted the first ever bull fight dedicated to women with over 9,000 women attending from all over Spain. All of the officials of this fight were women. He killed seven bulls, and received 8 ears and 1 tail.
Another bullfight?
There was much I loved about Barcelona and would return to see more of it if the opportunity arose. I do not believe that I would go to another bullfight. The bull is butchered thus it is not a waste of good meat, but it is called a “bloody sport” for a reason.
Copyright Canita M. Prough (Pro) 2019
Bullfight (corrida de toros) of Barcelona, Spain
A bullfight is a traditional spectacle of Spain. It was once considered a noble sport now is considered an art, not a sport. It is when a matador is trained to perform formal moves, that place him in close proximity to the raging bull, in danger of being gored or trampled by the bull. Bullfights take place between March to October each year in Spain. They usually start around 6:00 or 7:00 p.m. and last between two and three hours. There are normally two or three bulls killed in a fight.
Formal moves of a bullfighter
The formal moves or passes are called the “faena” which means “job.” One such move is called the “natural” which is a left-hand pass. There are three to five “tandas or series” and then the finishing touch is the “remates.” When there are spectacular passes made, they are celebrated with the audience shouting “ole!”
History of Bullfighting
The first record of bullfighting is found in the Epic of Gilgamesh which was written in approx. 2100 BC. Originally bullfighting was performed on horseback with a lance until around 1726 AD when it was introduced on foot. The current style of bull fighting was introduced by Francisco Romero Lopez in the 1950’s.
La Maestranza of Seville, Spain
The first arena for bull fighting was built in Seville, Spain. It was built out of wood and was originally rectangular. Later the arena was rebuilt round so the bulls could not retreat to the corners then in 1881 AD the La Maestranza was built. The arena holds 12,500 people. If you prefer to not attend a bullfight, you can visit the arena, see the chapel, stables and historical architecture.
Special bull for bullfighting
A special breed of bull is used called the “toro bravo” which originated from the uru bred of bull. Uru is a type of oxen. The toro bravo is the favored type of bull because of turn of their horns. They enter the arena when they are between four and six years old. The bulls used in the ring weigh in at around 1,014 pounds.
Running of the bulls
Bull fights begin during the day with an event called the encierro (running) or Entrada de toras y caballa, which is the running of the bulls and horses that will be in the bullfight that evening through the streets to the pens in plaza where the bulls are held to until the evening bullfight. The runners guide the bulls and horses through the streets to the pens and if you want to risk it you can join in this event
Parade of entourage
The fight begins with a single bugle sound. Then the cuadrilla or entourage enter in a parade called the paseillo. The entourage consists of a matador and six assistants; there are two picadores (lancers), three banderilleros (flagmen) in their silver suits, and one mozo de espada (sword servant). All six of the assistants arrive on horseback and the matador in his Anda gold suit (suits of light) is on foot. This is a striking sight event to see. They precede to the President’s balcony for nod of their heads to start the fight.
The fight consists of three stages;
Stage 1 - Tercio de varas (the lancing third) - the matador observes the bull’s behavior as two flagmen wave him across the arena.
Stage 2 - Two picadors with lances (vara) stab the bull behind his shoulders with the lances weakening him.
Stage 3 - Tercio de muerte (the third death) - The matador enters alone with a small red cape stretched over a dowel. He completes several passes bringing the bull close to his body. After the first pass he has 15 minutes to kill the bull. He uses an estoque or sword to pierce the heart of the
bull. The bull is then pulled around the arena
Victory lap
If the crowd demands the matador is allowed a lap of victory around the ring. This is interesting event. At the fight I attended they threw bags of wine, their pants, flowers, shoes, and more. The gentleman who threw his pants was made to do without them until the matador returned them at the end of his victory lap. The matador drank wine from the shoes threw them back to the owners. He also threw some of the long-stemmed flowers back into the audience as they shouted “ole!”
Judging
If the judges deem the fight a “good fight” the matador is awarded one of the bull’s ears, if an “exceptional fight” both of the bull’s ears, and an “excellent fight” both ears and its tail. The excellent fight means the President has decided that the bull may live and it is returned to the pen and not killed. The President signifies this decision by hanging an orange flag from their balcony during the final stage. If the President stands the bull is to be killed. Officially, the ears and tail are only removed from dead bulls so the ears and tail are from another bull.
What do they do with ears and a tail?
The question was asked what do they do with the ears and tail? They have them taxidermy and keep them as trophies.
Sol y Sombra - Corrida De Toros
The bullfight I attended was the Sol y Sombra - Domingo 31 Julio 1994 - Corrida De Toros. (Rain or Shine - Sunday July 31, 1994 - “running of the bulls”)
The Matador
The Torero or Matador was the famous Je'sus Janerio Ubrique - Bazan. He was a twenty-year-old young man who, started out as a goalkeeper in soccer who upon injuring his knee, pursued bullfighting. On October 7, 1994 he hosted the first ever bull fight dedicated to women with over 9,000 women attending from all over Spain. All of the officials of this fight were women. He killed seven bulls, and received 8 ears and 1 tail.
Another bullfight?
There was much I loved about Barcelona and would return to see more of it if the opportunity arose. I do not believe that I would go to another bullfight. The bull is butchered thus it is not a waste of good meat, but it is called a “bloody sport” for a reason.
1980's Israel
Wadi-Qumran Caves - Solomon's Stables - Herod's Aquaduct
Copyright Canita M. Prough (Pro) 2019
In 1980 Israel had only about ten authentic things. Now much more has been authenticated. This is short descriptions of the authentic places and a description of Jesus.
Israel
Visiting Israel could be a scary thing with all the political unrest. There are armed soldiers on every street corner and at most hotels with foreigners. There is a prevalent presence of military personnel everywhere yet, there is a peace and calmness that prevails. The people living there are aware, but do not let fear rule them. Guards stood on the corner watching a wedding that was being celebrated near a canal in Jerusalem next to the hotel. The scariest things were being pulled from a line into another area by a Lebanese soldier to be searched and crossing the border into Jordan. In Lebanon being pulled from the line which just happened to be all men and being a woman, I was to have separate quarters. At the border they pulled a machine gun on us to get us line up against a wall. It was the soldier’s way of communicating since he did not speak English. Where is the translator when you need him? He is standing guard over the passports as our visas are being processed.
1980 Israel
In 1980 only about ten of the sites visited in Israel were authenticated. Thirty-one years later there has been much development in some of the sites and some new sites have been authenticated. The whole country of Israel is an archaeological site and new things are being discovered regularly. The following are places that were authentic in 1980;
Walls of Jericho (Joshua 6:1-27)
There four stone towers connected by mud-brick walls that were five feet thick and 12 - 17 feet high. It was built on the West Bank for defense and to prevent floods. It held between 2,000 and 3,000 people.
Herod’s Aqueduct of Caesarea (2 Chronicles 32:2-4)
A bridge built with a slant causing the water to move from Shummi to Caesarea which is approximately ten miles.
The Dead Sea Scrolls - Wadi-Qumran Caves (Luke 4:17, 18)
There are 981 different texts, mostly in Hebrew, some in Aramaic. These texts were canonized into the Hebrew Bible.
Western Wall at the Temple Mount (Revelation 11:19)
This is a sacred place for the Jewish people because it is the last remnant of the Temple Mount. It is also close to the location of the Holy of Holies where the Ark of the Covenant was placed in the Temple.
Roman Road (Josephus-War of the Jews- book 3, chapter 6, par 2)
Roads built by the Romans that were the major roads during the time of Jesus.
Solomon’s stables - feeding trough (1 Kings 10:26)
The stables are not authentic from the time of Solomon, but from the time of Herod and the second temple. It is an underground vaulted space containing single stalls for at least 450 horses and sheds for 150 chariots. The feeding troughs are from the time of Herod.
Jacob’s Well at Sychar (Nablaus-Shechem)(John 4:6)
This is a well dug by Jacob near Samaria in a place called Sychar. The well is approximately 135 feet deep and encased in a limestone wall. The story in the Bible about the “Samaritan woman” took place at this location.
Foundation Stone or The Dome of the Rock (Genesis 22:1-18)
This is located in Jerusalem over the temples Holy of Holies where the Ark of the Covenant was placed and is thought to be buried. It is the place where Abraham offered Isaac to God. It is now the Islamic Dome of the Rock.
Elisha’s Fountain - Well (2 Kings 2:19-20)
This is called Ain es-Sultan Spring now. It is the spring where the people of Jericho complained to Elisha that the water was bad. Elisha threw a bowl of salt into the spring and purified the water.
Kidron Valley - King’s Valley (2 Samuel 15:23) (John 18:1)
This is also known as Qidron Valley. It is located in Jerusalem. It is the place with the most rock-hewn tombs in Israel. It was the main burial place during the time of the second temple. It starts in the old city of Jerusalem and ends at the Dead Sea.
Sea of Galilee (Matthew 8:23-27) (Luke 8:22-25) (Matthew 14:22-33)
The Sea of Galilee is 33 miles in circumference, 13 miles long, 8.1 miles wide and 141 feet deep. It is the lowest freshwater lake on Earth. It flows from the North to the South.
Jordan River (175 times OT, 15 times NT)
The Jordan River is 156 miles long. It flows from West Asia, runs through the Sea of Galilee and ends at the Dead Sea in Israel.
Pilot's Hall
There is a place called Pilot’s Hall. It is a house that someone said was located in the same place as Pilot's Hall, but is not authenticated. You can visit the place and when visiting they could read the “Description of Jesus” to you. This is information on that documentation;
Description of Jesus
(From a letter written by Roman Publius Lentulus to the Emperor, Tiberius)
The following is a historical description of Jesus by Publius Lentulus (there is no record of this governor), governor of Judea, addressed to Tiberius Caesar, emperor of Rome. It was written in Aramaic, on stone and found in an excavated city.
"Their lives, at this time, in Judea, a man of singular virtue whose name is Jesus Christ, whom the barbarian’s esteem as a prophet, but his followers love and adore him as the offspring of the immortal God. He calls back the dead from the graves, and heals all sorts of diseases with a word or a touch.
He is a tall man (this is sometimes translated as medium not tall), and well-shaped, of an amiable and reverend aspect; his hair is of a color that can hardly be matched, the color of chestnut full ripe (some version do not have the color), falling in waves about his shoulders. His forehead high, large and imposing; his cheeks without spot or wrinkle, beautiful with lovely red: (this is the same red coloring that is accredited to David) his nose and mouth formed with exquisite symmetry; his beard thick and of a color suitable to his hair, reaching below his chin. His eyes bright blue, clear and serene, look innocent, dignified, manly and mature. In proportion of his body, most perfect and captivating, his hands and arms most delectable to behold.
He rebukes with majesty, counsels with mildness, his whole address, whether in word or in deed, being eloquent and grave. No man has ever seen him laugh, yet his manner is exceedingly pleasant; but he has wept in the presence of men. (The prior sentence is removed from some versions of this letter). He is temperate, modest and wise; a man, for his extraordinary beauty and divine perfections, surpassing the children of men in every sense."
This letter dates back to the 15th century and because there is not record of this ruler it is not accepted as authentic. There are three other descriptions in history of Jesus; John of Damascus, Dionysius of Fourna and Nicephorus Callistus who all agree on many of the details given in this letter of Jesus.
Do your research.
When visiting Israel, you will be shown where Jesus was born. This can one of two places; a temple or a cave. You will be shown where he was crucified, the tomb and a place called Golgotha. The place call Golgotha is authentic, but the crucifixion site, Garden of Gethsemane and tomb are not authenticated. Israel is a fascinating place and there is much to see and do, just do your homework before you go so you know what is a sure thing and what is not.
In 1980 Israel had only about ten authentic things. Now much more has been authenticated. This is short descriptions of the authentic places and a description of Jesus.
Israel
Visiting Israel could be a scary thing with all the political unrest. There are armed soldiers on every street corner and at most hotels with foreigners. There is a prevalent presence of military personnel everywhere yet, there is a peace and calmness that prevails. The people living there are aware, but do not let fear rule them. Guards stood on the corner watching a wedding that was being celebrated near a canal in Jerusalem next to the hotel. The scariest things were being pulled from a line into another area by a Lebanese soldier to be searched and crossing the border into Jordan. In Lebanon being pulled from the line which just happened to be all men and being a woman, I was to have separate quarters. At the border they pulled a machine gun on us to get us line up against a wall. It was the soldier’s way of communicating since he did not speak English. Where is the translator when you need him? He is standing guard over the passports as our visas are being processed.
1980 Israel
In 1980 only about ten of the sites visited in Israel were authenticated. Thirty-one years later there has been much development in some of the sites and some new sites have been authenticated. The whole country of Israel is an archaeological site and new things are being discovered regularly. The following are places that were authentic in 1980;
Walls of Jericho (Joshua 6:1-27)
There four stone towers connected by mud-brick walls that were five feet thick and 12 - 17 feet high. It was built on the West Bank for defense and to prevent floods. It held between 2,000 and 3,000 people.
Herod’s Aqueduct of Caesarea (2 Chronicles 32:2-4)
A bridge built with a slant causing the water to move from Shummi to Caesarea which is approximately ten miles.
The Dead Sea Scrolls - Wadi-Qumran Caves (Luke 4:17, 18)
There are 981 different texts, mostly in Hebrew, some in Aramaic. These texts were canonized into the Hebrew Bible.
Western Wall at the Temple Mount (Revelation 11:19)
This is a sacred place for the Jewish people because it is the last remnant of the Temple Mount. It is also close to the location of the Holy of Holies where the Ark of the Covenant was placed in the Temple.
Roman Road (Josephus-War of the Jews- book 3, chapter 6, par 2)
Roads built by the Romans that were the major roads during the time of Jesus.
Solomon’s stables - feeding trough (1 Kings 10:26)
The stables are not authentic from the time of Solomon, but from the time of Herod and the second temple. It is an underground vaulted space containing single stalls for at least 450 horses and sheds for 150 chariots. The feeding troughs are from the time of Herod.
Jacob’s Well at Sychar (Nablaus-Shechem)(John 4:6)
This is a well dug by Jacob near Samaria in a place called Sychar. The well is approximately 135 feet deep and encased in a limestone wall. The story in the Bible about the “Samaritan woman” took place at this location.
Foundation Stone or The Dome of the Rock (Genesis 22:1-18)
This is located in Jerusalem over the temples Holy of Holies where the Ark of the Covenant was placed and is thought to be buried. It is the place where Abraham offered Isaac to God. It is now the Islamic Dome of the Rock.
Elisha’s Fountain - Well (2 Kings 2:19-20)
This is called Ain es-Sultan Spring now. It is the spring where the people of Jericho complained to Elisha that the water was bad. Elisha threw a bowl of salt into the spring and purified the water.
Kidron Valley - King’s Valley (2 Samuel 15:23) (John 18:1)
This is also known as Qidron Valley. It is located in Jerusalem. It is the place with the most rock-hewn tombs in Israel. It was the main burial place during the time of the second temple. It starts in the old city of Jerusalem and ends at the Dead Sea.
Sea of Galilee (Matthew 8:23-27) (Luke 8:22-25) (Matthew 14:22-33)
The Sea of Galilee is 33 miles in circumference, 13 miles long, 8.1 miles wide and 141 feet deep. It is the lowest freshwater lake on Earth. It flows from the North to the South.
Jordan River (175 times OT, 15 times NT)
The Jordan River is 156 miles long. It flows from West Asia, runs through the Sea of Galilee and ends at the Dead Sea in Israel.
Pilot's Hall
There is a place called Pilot’s Hall. It is a house that someone said was located in the same place as Pilot's Hall, but is not authenticated. You can visit the place and when visiting they could read the “Description of Jesus” to you. This is information on that documentation;
Description of Jesus
(From a letter written by Roman Publius Lentulus to the Emperor, Tiberius)
The following is a historical description of Jesus by Publius Lentulus (there is no record of this governor), governor of Judea, addressed to Tiberius Caesar, emperor of Rome. It was written in Aramaic, on stone and found in an excavated city.
"Their lives, at this time, in Judea, a man of singular virtue whose name is Jesus Christ, whom the barbarian’s esteem as a prophet, but his followers love and adore him as the offspring of the immortal God. He calls back the dead from the graves, and heals all sorts of diseases with a word or a touch.
He is a tall man (this is sometimes translated as medium not tall), and well-shaped, of an amiable and reverend aspect; his hair is of a color that can hardly be matched, the color of chestnut full ripe (some version do not have the color), falling in waves about his shoulders. His forehead high, large and imposing; his cheeks without spot or wrinkle, beautiful with lovely red: (this is the same red coloring that is accredited to David) his nose and mouth formed with exquisite symmetry; his beard thick and of a color suitable to his hair, reaching below his chin. His eyes bright blue, clear and serene, look innocent, dignified, manly and mature. In proportion of his body, most perfect and captivating, his hands and arms most delectable to behold.
He rebukes with majesty, counsels with mildness, his whole address, whether in word or in deed, being eloquent and grave. No man has ever seen him laugh, yet his manner is exceedingly pleasant; but he has wept in the presence of men. (The prior sentence is removed from some versions of this letter). He is temperate, modest and wise; a man, for his extraordinary beauty and divine perfections, surpassing the children of men in every sense."
This letter dates back to the 15th century and because there is not record of this ruler it is not accepted as authentic. There are three other descriptions in history of Jesus; John of Damascus, Dionysius of Fourna and Nicephorus Callistus who all agree on many of the details given in this letter of Jesus.
Do your research.
When visiting Israel, you will be shown where Jesus was born. This can one of two places; a temple or a cave. You will be shown where he was crucified, the tomb and a place called Golgotha. The place call Golgotha is authentic, but the crucifixion site, Garden of Gethsemane and tomb are not authenticated. Israel is a fascinating place and there is much to see and do, just do your homework before you go so you know what is a sure thing and what is not.
Japan of the '80's
Copyright Canita M. Prough (Pro) 2019
Narita, Tokyo and Taito, Japan
A friend and I had a long weekend and we headed off to visit Japan.
In Japan we visited three cities; Narita, Tokyo and Taito. We flew into and left through the Narita International Airport. The airport is located between the Pacific Ocean and Tokyo Bay and is surrounded by a number of small rivers.
Limousine bus
Japan is a country made up of islands. The country of Japan consists of 6,852 islands. Tokyo is the capital and largest city of Japan. We arrived at the airport, purchased yen and waited for the Limousine bus that arrives every 15 - 20 minutes. We were the first to arrive in line and the last to get on the bus. You make a reservation for this bus, but a reservation does not mean you get a certain seat, it means that you are guaranteed to have a seat on that bus. When the bus arrived, the people ran for the door and shoved until they were all on, then the bus driver helped us put our luggage below and then we entered an already packed bus. This bus ride cost 3,000 yens and lasted two hours.
McDonalds
Once we arrived in Tokyo, we hailed a taxi. It was late when we arrived at the hotel, so that first night we just stayed in our room. Next morning, we decided to try some local food for breakfast. We found a quaint little café style place to eat and the food was good. Then for lunch we tried another small café thinking this was the way to go. We tried the food and it was not good. We went in search for something to eat we could recognize. We came across a McDonald’s. We ate a hot apple pie and a medium coke the cost was $6.50 American dollars.
Toei Subway
We then took the Toei Subway to the Asakusa-Senso-ji Buddhist-Shinto Temple. The Toei Subway cost between 160 and 240 yen. It has 106 stations and 4 lines. The subway route is on computer which is mounted to the inside wall of the subway train. The routes are color coded and easily figured out. The ride was uncomfortable for we were stared at constantly. Apparently, women do not ride the subway unaccompanied by a man.
Asakusa-Senso-Ju Temple
The Asakusa-Senso-Ji is the oldest temple in Japan. This temple is located in Taito, Japan. The building was rebuilt after being burned during WWII. This temple was originally built in the mid 600’s. It was made to the goddess Kannon. A goddess for the fishermen of the Sumida River.
Asakasa Temple is located off Nakamise-dori a shopping street. You enter the Kaminarimon gate leading to the temple yard. Between the yard and the gate is huge caldrons, one for washing hands and one of burning incense. You wash your hands, then you as you pass the next caldron you wave the incense toward your body. You proceed on into the yard and a flutter of pigeon will take off.
Prediction sheet
Then for 100 yen you can get a prediction sheet for the future. You take the container with the sticks, shake it, draw one and note the number. You continue into the temple and find the drawer with the corresponding number; open it and you find a printed sheet. The predictions are; Good luck, medium good luck, average, medium bad luck, and really bad luck. If you should draw one of the bad predictions you take it and tie the sheet of paper to the stands or a tree which are located all around the yard. If you attach the paper to the tree the bad luck will not follow you home.
Information on the temple;
Asakasa-Senso-ji-Buddish/Shinto Temple
Telephone 03-3842-0181
Open sunrise to sunset
Free
5-minute walk from the Asakusa Station
Diver City, Japan
Just across the Rainbow Bridge, in the middle of Tokyo Bay, is a place called Diver City in Odaiba, Japan. The island is an artificial island constructed in 1853. Recently, it has become the home of a giant robot. It is a RX78-2 1/1 scale model of the Gundom from the long running science fiction media series. There is a Gundom Show every hour during the months when the weather is warm.
Another place children and adults can enjoy is the Ueno Zoo. It is the oldest zoo in Japan. It was founded in 1882 and covers 35.2 acres. This zoo is involved in the international breeding cooperation which is working to keep endangered species alive. This zoo has Panda bears, Hokkaido brown bears, Okapis, aye-ayes’ lemurs, pygmy hippos, Japanese macaques and wild cormorants-aquatic birds which are all endangered species.
Zoo information;
Zoo hours 9:30 am - 5:00 pm
Closed on some Monday and Tuesdays check to make sure it is open.
Cost; Adults 600 yen, Seniors 300 yen, Students 200 yen, and children 0 - 12 are free.
Address; 9-83 Ueno Park, Taito-ku, Tokyo
www.tokyo-zoo.net
+81-3-3828-5171
Museum of Criminology
A gruesome, but interesting place to visit is the Museum of Criminology at Meiji University. It tells the story of crime and punishment in Japan. You will find guillotines, iron maidens, torture techniques used through the ages in Japan and more.
Information on Criminology Museum
Kanda Surugadai, Chyoda-ku
Hours 10-4:30
Cost; Free
www.meiji.ac.jp
Sumo Town, Japan
If you are interested in attending a sumo tournament they are held in January/May/September. Each tournament is 15 days in length. The tournaments are held in Kokugikan a stadium which seats 10,000 visitors. There is a museum and gift shop where sumo goods can be purchased. The museum/gift shop is located in the stadium which is open 10-4 M-F, they are closed on holidays and between exhibitions during tournaments. The museum is free. Kokugikan is located in Ryogoku - Sumo Town. Ryogoku is the center of the sumo world. The stables are where the sumo wrestlers live and train. If you would like to visit a stable, you can view the morning sumo practice, but you will need to make advance application by phone. This cost is approximately 10,000 yen for a single person and 4,000 yen for a guided tour. You must be accompanied by a Japanese speaking guide.
Kokugikan information;
Address; 1-3-28 Yokoduna, Sumida-ku, Tokyo
Phone; 03-3623-5111
Never miss an experience
The taxi rides, limousine bus rides, hotel, food, prediction sheet, subway and the airport tax cost the $300.00 and a $20.00 draw on the ATM two days and one night in Japan. We took home many memories of Japan. I have been told that Kyoto, Japan is awesome in the spring when the cherry trees blossom. I would like to visit one of the hot springs of Japan. My advice is if you get a chance to go, “never miss an experience.”
I also visited Korea on this trip read about that part of the trip below.
Copyright Canita M. Prough (Pro) 2019
Narita, Tokyo and Taito, Japan
A friend and I had a long weekend and we headed off to visit Japan.
In Japan we visited three cities; Narita, Tokyo and Taito. We flew into and left through the Narita International Airport. The airport is located between the Pacific Ocean and Tokyo Bay and is surrounded by a number of small rivers.
Limousine bus
Japan is a country made up of islands. The country of Japan consists of 6,852 islands. Tokyo is the capital and largest city of Japan. We arrived at the airport, purchased yen and waited for the Limousine bus that arrives every 15 - 20 minutes. We were the first to arrive in line and the last to get on the bus. You make a reservation for this bus, but a reservation does not mean you get a certain seat, it means that you are guaranteed to have a seat on that bus. When the bus arrived, the people ran for the door and shoved until they were all on, then the bus driver helped us put our luggage below and then we entered an already packed bus. This bus ride cost 3,000 yens and lasted two hours.
McDonalds
Once we arrived in Tokyo, we hailed a taxi. It was late when we arrived at the hotel, so that first night we just stayed in our room. Next morning, we decided to try some local food for breakfast. We found a quaint little café style place to eat and the food was good. Then for lunch we tried another small café thinking this was the way to go. We tried the food and it was not good. We went in search for something to eat we could recognize. We came across a McDonald’s. We ate a hot apple pie and a medium coke the cost was $6.50 American dollars.
Toei Subway
We then took the Toei Subway to the Asakusa-Senso-ji Buddhist-Shinto Temple. The Toei Subway cost between 160 and 240 yen. It has 106 stations and 4 lines. The subway route is on computer which is mounted to the inside wall of the subway train. The routes are color coded and easily figured out. The ride was uncomfortable for we were stared at constantly. Apparently, women do not ride the subway unaccompanied by a man.
Asakusa-Senso-Ju Temple
The Asakusa-Senso-Ji is the oldest temple in Japan. This temple is located in Taito, Japan. The building was rebuilt after being burned during WWII. This temple was originally built in the mid 600’s. It was made to the goddess Kannon. A goddess for the fishermen of the Sumida River.
Asakasa Temple is located off Nakamise-dori a shopping street. You enter the Kaminarimon gate leading to the temple yard. Between the yard and the gate is huge caldrons, one for washing hands and one of burning incense. You wash your hands, then you as you pass the next caldron you wave the incense toward your body. You proceed on into the yard and a flutter of pigeon will take off.
Prediction sheet
Then for 100 yen you can get a prediction sheet for the future. You take the container with the sticks, shake it, draw one and note the number. You continue into the temple and find the drawer with the corresponding number; open it and you find a printed sheet. The predictions are; Good luck, medium good luck, average, medium bad luck, and really bad luck. If you should draw one of the bad predictions you take it and tie the sheet of paper to the stands or a tree which are located all around the yard. If you attach the paper to the tree the bad luck will not follow you home.
Information on the temple;
Asakasa-Senso-ji-Buddish/Shinto Temple
Telephone 03-3842-0181
Open sunrise to sunset
Free
5-minute walk from the Asakusa Station
Diver City, Japan
Just across the Rainbow Bridge, in the middle of Tokyo Bay, is a place called Diver City in Odaiba, Japan. The island is an artificial island constructed in 1853. Recently, it has become the home of a giant robot. It is a RX78-2 1/1 scale model of the Gundom from the long running science fiction media series. There is a Gundom Show every hour during the months when the weather is warm.
Another place children and adults can enjoy is the Ueno Zoo. It is the oldest zoo in Japan. It was founded in 1882 and covers 35.2 acres. This zoo is involved in the international breeding cooperation which is working to keep endangered species alive. This zoo has Panda bears, Hokkaido brown bears, Okapis, aye-ayes’ lemurs, pygmy hippos, Japanese macaques and wild cormorants-aquatic birds which are all endangered species.
Zoo information;
Zoo hours 9:30 am - 5:00 pm
Closed on some Monday and Tuesdays check to make sure it is open.
Cost; Adults 600 yen, Seniors 300 yen, Students 200 yen, and children 0 - 12 are free.
Address; 9-83 Ueno Park, Taito-ku, Tokyo
www.tokyo-zoo.net
+81-3-3828-5171
Museum of Criminology
A gruesome, but interesting place to visit is the Museum of Criminology at Meiji University. It tells the story of crime and punishment in Japan. You will find guillotines, iron maidens, torture techniques used through the ages in Japan and more.
Information on Criminology Museum
Kanda Surugadai, Chyoda-ku
Hours 10-4:30
Cost; Free
www.meiji.ac.jp
Sumo Town, Japan
If you are interested in attending a sumo tournament they are held in January/May/September. Each tournament is 15 days in length. The tournaments are held in Kokugikan a stadium which seats 10,000 visitors. There is a museum and gift shop where sumo goods can be purchased. The museum/gift shop is located in the stadium which is open 10-4 M-F, they are closed on holidays and between exhibitions during tournaments. The museum is free. Kokugikan is located in Ryogoku - Sumo Town. Ryogoku is the center of the sumo world. The stables are where the sumo wrestlers live and train. If you would like to visit a stable, you can view the morning sumo practice, but you will need to make advance application by phone. This cost is approximately 10,000 yen for a single person and 4,000 yen for a guided tour. You must be accompanied by a Japanese speaking guide.
Kokugikan information;
Address; 1-3-28 Yokoduna, Sumida-ku, Tokyo
Phone; 03-3623-5111
Never miss an experience
The taxi rides, limousine bus rides, hotel, food, prediction sheet, subway and the airport tax cost the $300.00 and a $20.00 draw on the ATM two days and one night in Japan. We took home many memories of Japan. I have been told that Kyoto, Japan is awesome in the spring when the cherry trees blossom. I would like to visit one of the hot springs of Japan. My advice is if you get a chance to go, “never miss an experience.”
I also visited Korea on this trip read about that part of the trip below.
South Korea
Copyright Canita M. Prough (Pro) 2019
Seoul, Korea home to fifty percent of the population of South Korea.
Seoul
Five days and four nights is all the friend going with me had off from our work. We went to Seoul, South Korea and Tokyo, Japan. Three days and three nights in Korea, two days and one night in Japan. Research had revealed that we could stay for the same amount of money for three days in Korea and only one night in Japan.
I had taken a class in Japanese, but only remembered greetings. I knew no Korean, but knew that most South Koreans spoke English.
My friend wanted to go to Korea to shop. I wanted to go to Korea to attend the Yiodo Full Gospel Church. The first thing we did upon arrival was exchange the $300.00 dollars we had prepared to spend into wons.
Largest Metropolis
Seoul, Korea is officially known as the Republic of Korea. It is the capital and largest metropolis and contains 50% of the population of Korea. Seoul is located in the northwest part of South Korea.
Headquarters to US products
Korea is home to many prosperous businesses we purchase products from here in the US. Samsung electronics headquartered in Gyeonggi-do, Hyundai automotive headquarters in Seoul and LG Group electronics is headquartered in Yeouido-dong, Korea. This is just a few of the well-known businesses based out of Korea.
Yiodo Full Gospel Church
Yiodo Full Gospel Church is the largest full gospel church in the world. It runs 830,000 members. It has seven services each Sunday that is translated into sixteen languages. When I attended in 1992 it was holding five Sunday morning services. It was founded by Mr. David Yonggi Cho.
Yiodo church is located in the middle of the Han River which runs through the city of Seoul. The church purchased an island called Yeouido or Yoi Island and built the church there.
Bible Study cell groups
In the continental United States, the concept of homes with cell groups for Bible studies was very popular. I had participated in a cell group and was curious how it was operated in such a large congregation. The day of my visit we met with a cell leader for the American military in Korea. The only difference I could find between what we were doing in the US and what the Koreans were doing in their cell groups was that the Korean cell group leaders prayed together for an hour or so weekly. They did not study, teach or preach they just came together and prayed for the group as a whole and each of their individual groups. I attended the third of the five services held that morning, but Pastor Cho was not there. It was not until 1993 in Frankfort, Germany when I had the opportunity to hear Pastor David Cho speak.
Myeongdong Market
We went shopping in the Myeongdong Market. It was there that my friend found what she was looking for jade. There in the open market was all grades and colors of jade. Jade can be white, black, yellow and green. Green begin the most common type of jade. Jade comes in many shapes and sizes. They had raw jade, and every conceivable type of jewelry for sale. It was a yellow bracelet made from square one-inch pieces that finally caught my friends’ eye.
Jade
Jade began being mined and polished around 57 BC in Korea. It is a semi-precious stone. Real jade is a cold stone. To tell if the stone is true jade and not jadeite it should be cold and stay cold to the touch. It should feel smooth and like soap. It can warm up, but this should take quite some time. You can perform a scratch test to real jade, but it could damage it for it is fragile. If it scratches glass or steel it is not real jade. Jade is thought to have magical powers. The Koreans believe that it can improve your health, ward off evil spirits, and give you general wellbeing. The Royal Family of Korea uses the symbol of jade to mean authority and fortune.
National Treasure
The national treasure of South Korea is a 610-year-old, pagoda style gateway called the Namdaemun Gate. It is located in Jung-gu. It stands 20 feet high. In 2008 an arsonist set fire to the gate and destroyed the top two levels. Repairs on the gate began immediately and took five years to complete. The repairs to the gate were completed in 2013. Namdaemun means gate of ceremonies. The gate was originally built in 1398. It was one of three original gates built in a fortress to control access to the city, greet foreign emissaries and to keep out Siberian Tigers.
Bongeunsa Temple
If you want to be a monk for a few hours you can visit the Buddhist Temple-Bongeunsa. It is located in Samseong-dong, Gangnam-gu on the slope of the Sudo mountain, across the street from the COEX mall.
Massages
Things I remember well from my Korean trip were nightly massages, a bad manicure experience, awesome food and not enjoying television.
We had a couple of masseuses come to our room just before we retired for bed each evening and for 30 American dollars, they would give us a relaxing one-hour massage. Several military personnel, that had been stationed in Korean, stated that massages were the best in Korea. I could get used to having a personal masseur.
Manicure
We decided to have a manicure. There was a manicure parlor connected to the hotel. Apparently, the Koreans believe having uncut cuticles is unclean or so we were told by the manicurist. They cut off my cuticles. It took a while to get, what I consider, healthy cuticles after that experience.
Korean Food
We ate at street vendors, in the hotel and at Korean restaurants. I loved the Korean food. It was rich in flavor and hot if you wanted it hot. I found the way they cut their meat interesting. We cut around our ribs and Bar-B-Que them. They cut their ribs across the bone making a thin slice of meat with four to six small oval rib bones throughout it. They marinated the ribs in a sweet, oniony sauce which I find delicious.
Television
I tried to watch television several times and the results were the same. The only channel I could pick up clearly was a military channel. I could watch the North and South Korean army marching in formation for hours. They never let you forget there was a war going on between North and South Korea.
1992 was an election year for South Korea. Hyundai businessman Chung Ju-Yung ran in the election although it was the Democratic Liberal Party candidate Kim Young-Sam who won the Presidential election that year.
I found Korea enjoyable; the weather was great, the food was awesome, sleep was exquisite, and the sights interesting.
Copyright Canita M. Prough (Pro) 2019
Seoul, Korea home to fifty percent of the population of South Korea.
Seoul
Five days and four nights is all the friend going with me had off from our work. We went to Seoul, South Korea and Tokyo, Japan. Three days and three nights in Korea, two days and one night in Japan. Research had revealed that we could stay for the same amount of money for three days in Korea and only one night in Japan.
I had taken a class in Japanese, but only remembered greetings. I knew no Korean, but knew that most South Koreans spoke English.
My friend wanted to go to Korea to shop. I wanted to go to Korea to attend the Yiodo Full Gospel Church. The first thing we did upon arrival was exchange the $300.00 dollars we had prepared to spend into wons.
Largest Metropolis
Seoul, Korea is officially known as the Republic of Korea. It is the capital and largest metropolis and contains 50% of the population of Korea. Seoul is located in the northwest part of South Korea.
Headquarters to US products
Korea is home to many prosperous businesses we purchase products from here in the US. Samsung electronics headquartered in Gyeonggi-do, Hyundai automotive headquarters in Seoul and LG Group electronics is headquartered in Yeouido-dong, Korea. This is just a few of the well-known businesses based out of Korea.
Yiodo Full Gospel Church
Yiodo Full Gospel Church is the largest full gospel church in the world. It runs 830,000 members. It has seven services each Sunday that is translated into sixteen languages. When I attended in 1992 it was holding five Sunday morning services. It was founded by Mr. David Yonggi Cho.
Yiodo church is located in the middle of the Han River which runs through the city of Seoul. The church purchased an island called Yeouido or Yoi Island and built the church there.
Bible Study cell groups
In the continental United States, the concept of homes with cell groups for Bible studies was very popular. I had participated in a cell group and was curious how it was operated in such a large congregation. The day of my visit we met with a cell leader for the American military in Korea. The only difference I could find between what we were doing in the US and what the Koreans were doing in their cell groups was that the Korean cell group leaders prayed together for an hour or so weekly. They did not study, teach or preach they just came together and prayed for the group as a whole and each of their individual groups. I attended the third of the five services held that morning, but Pastor Cho was not there. It was not until 1993 in Frankfort, Germany when I had the opportunity to hear Pastor David Cho speak.
Myeongdong Market
We went shopping in the Myeongdong Market. It was there that my friend found what she was looking for jade. There in the open market was all grades and colors of jade. Jade can be white, black, yellow and green. Green begin the most common type of jade. Jade comes in many shapes and sizes. They had raw jade, and every conceivable type of jewelry for sale. It was a yellow bracelet made from square one-inch pieces that finally caught my friends’ eye.
Jade
Jade began being mined and polished around 57 BC in Korea. It is a semi-precious stone. Real jade is a cold stone. To tell if the stone is true jade and not jadeite it should be cold and stay cold to the touch. It should feel smooth and like soap. It can warm up, but this should take quite some time. You can perform a scratch test to real jade, but it could damage it for it is fragile. If it scratches glass or steel it is not real jade. Jade is thought to have magical powers. The Koreans believe that it can improve your health, ward off evil spirits, and give you general wellbeing. The Royal Family of Korea uses the symbol of jade to mean authority and fortune.
National Treasure
The national treasure of South Korea is a 610-year-old, pagoda style gateway called the Namdaemun Gate. It is located in Jung-gu. It stands 20 feet high. In 2008 an arsonist set fire to the gate and destroyed the top two levels. Repairs on the gate began immediately and took five years to complete. The repairs to the gate were completed in 2013. Namdaemun means gate of ceremonies. The gate was originally built in 1398. It was one of three original gates built in a fortress to control access to the city, greet foreign emissaries and to keep out Siberian Tigers.
Bongeunsa Temple
If you want to be a monk for a few hours you can visit the Buddhist Temple-Bongeunsa. It is located in Samseong-dong, Gangnam-gu on the slope of the Sudo mountain, across the street from the COEX mall.
Massages
Things I remember well from my Korean trip were nightly massages, a bad manicure experience, awesome food and not enjoying television.
We had a couple of masseuses come to our room just before we retired for bed each evening and for 30 American dollars, they would give us a relaxing one-hour massage. Several military personnel, that had been stationed in Korean, stated that massages were the best in Korea. I could get used to having a personal masseur.
Manicure
We decided to have a manicure. There was a manicure parlor connected to the hotel. Apparently, the Koreans believe having uncut cuticles is unclean or so we were told by the manicurist. They cut off my cuticles. It took a while to get, what I consider, healthy cuticles after that experience.
Korean Food
We ate at street vendors, in the hotel and at Korean restaurants. I loved the Korean food. It was rich in flavor and hot if you wanted it hot. I found the way they cut their meat interesting. We cut around our ribs and Bar-B-Que them. They cut their ribs across the bone making a thin slice of meat with four to six small oval rib bones throughout it. They marinated the ribs in a sweet, oniony sauce which I find delicious.
Television
I tried to watch television several times and the results were the same. The only channel I could pick up clearly was a military channel. I could watch the North and South Korean army marching in formation for hours. They never let you forget there was a war going on between North and South Korea.
1992 was an election year for South Korea. Hyundai businessman Chung Ju-Yung ran in the election although it was the Democratic Liberal Party candidate Kim Young-Sam who won the Presidential election that year.
I found Korea enjoyable; the weather was great, the food was awesome, sleep was exquisite, and the sights interesting.
|
Pohnpei not Pompeii
Copyright Canita M. Prough (Pro) 2019 Magical Tropical Island A magical weekend trip to a tropical island. This was my first break from the stresses of moving from the continental US to the island of Guam. I experienced and viewed things on this trip that I will never forget. I am fascinated by the legends of Nan Mandol and the people of Pohnpei. Mangrove Tree Belt The Island of Pohnpei is the wettest place on earth. This lush tropical rainforest gets around 300 inches of rain each year. It rains for an hour or so each morning and clears for the rest of the day in December/January. The island is completely surrounded by a belt of mangrove trees, therefore there are no beaches. The island is thirteen miles straight across and approximately 60 miles around. It is frequented by green sea turtles, Eagle rays, reef sharks, Dog Toothed tuna and barracuda. There are excellent shallow coral gardens between the island and the belt of mangroves. These colorful coral gardens are full of fish which makes it great for snorkeling. Atoll Joy/Joy Island Late one afternoon friends and I took a ferry out to an atoll. This atoll is called Joy. This atoll is not far from the main island and close to the airport. An atoll is an island created by coral not a volcano. As you approach the atoll it looks like an overstuffed finger as the palm trees completely cover it and dangle off the ends. On the pier awaiting arrivals were three dogs. I spent a couple of hours walking the coral reef. I found a shell that I sent to my mother. The water was 72 degrees and clear. I ate a picnic on the beach and watched the sunset as a wave of purple clouds flew by and a spray of white rays sprang through them as the sun fell. I stayed overnight in a small hut that held two army cots, my luggage had to be placed under the cots to have enough room to turn around. It was very basic accommodations for they did not provide blankets or pillows. The hut allowed a cool breeze and kept us safe from the dogs, rats and bats. I woke the next morning to the rooster crowing and dogs barking at the arrival of the ferry. I was allowed one bucket of water for my shower. When the bucket was empty your shower was over. I caught the ferry back to the mainland. The Venice of the Pacific I took a bumpy truck ride over pothole ridden road to the east side of the main island. Followed by a slippery fishing boat ride across the mile-deep lagoon to visit the ruins of a thousand-year-old royal city called Nan Mandol or the Venice of the Pacific. Nan Mandol is the grounds which was once the center of activity; a place of worship, prayer and eventually the burial place of the Nanmwarki’s and Saudeleur’s. Nan Mandol is man-made island. The builders were Olosihpa and Olosohpa. The source of the stones was; Takaieu, Sokehs Rock and Chicken Shit Mountain (this mountain received this name from Marine of the United States military because of its looks.) If you study the island you will find that the mountains in which these stones were removed is fifty to sixty miles across the island. The consensus is that the method used for construction of this location was the stones were floated by wooden raft, towed underwater or rolled/pulled upon ramps into place. However, according to Pohnpei legend, these stones were flown into their place by magic. Hypothesis After years of thinking on this legend I believe that perhaps there was another mountain of basalt stone close by this location and that mountain was complete dislodged to build this city. Another hypothesis is Takaieu, Sokehs Rock and Chicken Shit Mountain are piles of this basalt stone that was hewn in shape for future use in building. Scene from South Pacific It was back across the lagoon, in the slippery boat, to eat at a restaurant built on the hill. It was like a scene in a movie, South Pacific large fan back rattan chair and large rattan fans blowing the corners of our napkins as we dined. Later, we walked the shore of the lagoon. I was amazed by the size of the starfish. They were the size of a grown man’s hand and were the vivid colors of royal blue and orange. There were five or more of the blue ones and only two or three of the orange ones. My friends and I had a great time taking pictures of each other with these starfish draped over our legs, arms and head. Ship Graveyard As I journeyed back to Kolonia, the capital, by we passed a ship graveyard. It is a colorful bay filled with rusty, sinking ships sitting in the water ready to be buried. It is said that there are WWII ships and ammo sunk in this area. Scuba divers find the graveyard an excellent place to dive. As Close as It Gets Our host took us one afternoon to a remote place that was clear of mangroves which is as close to being a beach as Pohnpei can boast. It is where the volcanic part of the island had caved into the sea and the coral was building a lagoon. The water was very clear. The roots of the mangroves were stretching out trying to fill the gap. Among the seaweed and mangroves there was a lone electric eel and several Eagle rays. We did some walking in the shallow, clear waters on the inside edge of the mangroves, enjoying the smell of the salty air, the sounds of the waves hitting the coral reef, and the feel of the warm sunshine. Precious Memory This trip will always be beautiful memories for me. It was my first Christmas away from home. The weekend was peaceful, restful and surreal. I would love to return to Pohnpei and do an in-depth research of the legends of the island |
|
India
Copyright Canita M. Prough (Pro) 2019
My visit to Central and Eastern cities in India.
A Diamond shaped country full of diamonds
India’s official title is Republic of India. It consists of twenty-nine states. The two states and the three major cities I visited were in the states of Telangana (Hyderabad) and Andhra Pradesh (Nandyal and Vizag). India received its name from the Indus River that runs along its northwest border.
India was the first country to recognize and mine diamonds.
Many famous diamonds have come from India.
Diamonds such as;
Noor-ol-ein diamond - pink
Sancy diamond - yellow diamond
India’s most prized diamonds
From the Golconda mines in Hyderabad;
Princie diamond - pink
Archduke Joseph diamond - intense pink
Shah diamond - yellowish
Darya-I-Nur the largest pale pink diamond
Koh-I-noor - colorless diamond largest cut diamond
Hope diamond - grayish-blue diamond
Regent diamond - colorless - last diamond take from India
Wittelsbach diamond - blue
Nassak diamond - blue
National Bird of India
The national bird of India is the peacock. They have made a dramatic display in which they display their diamonds known as the Peacock throne.
Hyderabad, India
I visited three major cities while in India; Hyderabad, Nandyal, and Visakhapatnam or nickname Vizag.
Hyderabad known as the City of Pearls because historically it was known as the trade center for pearls and diamonds. This city holds the famed diamond mine of Golconda. I flew into Hyderabad and spent a couple of days getting acclimated to the city and the climate before visiting surrounding villages. Hyderabad’s terrain is hilly and located near the Musi River. The year I visited the Musi River had flooded for the first time in 100 years leaving many homeless and dead. Many of the vineyards and gardens were also destroyed leaving many starving. I visited a flooded vineyard and as I walked the bank, I saw a tibia bone, part of a vertebra and a human rib bone. The owner of the vineyard said that there had been a graveyard up river and the graveyard had emptied into their vineyard. It will take many months for them to clear the land and plant again. Many of the people buried in the graveyard will never be buried again.
Golconda Fort/Mine
I had the opportunity to visit the archeology dig and sight-sound show at Golconda. It is also known as Golkonda or Golla konda. Golconda is a fort that reside over the now depleted diamond mine. Golconda means “shepherd’s hill.” It is located west of the city Hyderabad. It has four forts build on a granite hill that stands 400 feet high. The main entrance is the Bala Issar Gate which is located on the east side. The dome at Bala Issar reverberates and a hand clap can be heard a little over a mile away. This was the method used to notify the king when there were visitors. The architecture is Hindu - Muslim. The sight and sound show are shown at dusk and takes you through the history of Golconda. This is must do if you visit Hyderabad, India.
Nandyal, India
One hundred and eighty-four miles to the south of Hyderabad is the city of Nandyal. The trip from Hyderabad to Nandyal is usually four hours or so. We left Hyderabad with a bad spare tire and finding tubes or tires for our type vehicle was complicated. The four-hour trip, included many hours sitting beside the road, as the driver walked to the nearest town to find a place for the repairs. This happened twice on this trip making it twelve hours long. Nandyal is in a dense forest near the river Kundu. Granite is mined in this city. This is the center point of the nine Nandi temples or temple of Lord Siva. This city is primarily a Hindu city.
Sanjeev Regency in Nandyal, India
We stayed in the Sanjeev Regency near R.T.C. Bus-Stan in Nandyal. The rooms were 350 to 900 rupees a night this included a/c. The hotel provided breakfast and the recommended food was Idili and Chutney. Idili is made from the Basmati rice, mixed with red parboiled rice, and flattened poha. It is fermented, cooked and served with Chutney or other foods. I thought I liked rice and this sounded like a good choice, the hotel personnel said it was very healthy. I had a quick education on rice that morning. It became apparent that I did not know very much about rice. I do not enjoy fermented foods. I had several more serving of different kinds of rice on my trip. I have a lot more to learn about rice.
Night Train to Vizag
It was a night train to Visakhapatnam or Vizak. The train took us seven and half hours and four hundred and seven miles to the east. Vizag is nestled between the Eastern Ghats mountain range and the Bay of Bengal. This city is called the Jewel of the East Coast. This city was occupied by Great Britain for years. This city is primarily influenced by Buddhism.
Bay of Bengal
Vizag is located on the Bay of Bengal. This bay is the largest bay in the world. It is located in the northeast part of India. It is a salt water bay. This bay is strategically crucial for India. Some of the biggest ports in the world are in the Bay of Bengal. I visited the Hindustan Shipyards. The smell turned my stomach, so I did not really enjoy what I was seeing during my visit.
East Indian Trading Company
This city and bay have a very colorful history for they were once the trading center for both the British and French East Indian Trading Company. This is also the area that Marco Polo visited. I visited a cemetery that had many British and French people who made that one-way trip to India to trade spices with the Indians.
On the road in India
I made a trip to a store that sold pearls. Some precious salt water pearls were strung while we waited. I wore Saris and bought one to bring home. India is a colorful and intriguing place to visit.
Traveling by car was very enlightening. A red light in India does not mean stop. It means I pause until the intersection clears. There is a mass amount of people in India and moving them safely about is an awesome task. One of the areas they have chosen to relieve some pressure is allowing the pause not the stop. Of course, they will come to a dead stop and wait a whole red, yellow or green light for a cow.
The one thing I remember the most is how the Indian women would balance on a motorcycle while riding side saddle. I admire their ability to do this for to keep the motorcycle balanced, to stay on, keep from getting burned on the exhaust pipes and holding packages is quite an accomplishment.
Final thoughts on my visit to India
India is on the cutting edge of technology. Its fastest growing industry is software for computers. The price of an 8G flash drive was about $15.00 when I visited. I had the opportunity to visit a school science fair while I was in the country. Their science projects dealt with issues of clean air, clean streets, technology, but nothing on how to clean up their water. People are dying because they do not have clean water or just water period.
Copyright Canita M. Prough (Pro) 2019
My visit to Central and Eastern cities in India.
A Diamond shaped country full of diamonds
India’s official title is Republic of India. It consists of twenty-nine states. The two states and the three major cities I visited were in the states of Telangana (Hyderabad) and Andhra Pradesh (Nandyal and Vizag). India received its name from the Indus River that runs along its northwest border.
India was the first country to recognize and mine diamonds.
Many famous diamonds have come from India.
Diamonds such as;
Noor-ol-ein diamond - pink
Sancy diamond - yellow diamond
India’s most prized diamonds
From the Golconda mines in Hyderabad;
Princie diamond - pink
Archduke Joseph diamond - intense pink
Shah diamond - yellowish
Darya-I-Nur the largest pale pink diamond
Koh-I-noor - colorless diamond largest cut diamond
Hope diamond - grayish-blue diamond
Regent diamond - colorless - last diamond take from India
Wittelsbach diamond - blue
Nassak diamond - blue
National Bird of India
The national bird of India is the peacock. They have made a dramatic display in which they display their diamonds known as the Peacock throne.
Hyderabad, India
I visited three major cities while in India; Hyderabad, Nandyal, and Visakhapatnam or nickname Vizag.
Hyderabad known as the City of Pearls because historically it was known as the trade center for pearls and diamonds. This city holds the famed diamond mine of Golconda. I flew into Hyderabad and spent a couple of days getting acclimated to the city and the climate before visiting surrounding villages. Hyderabad’s terrain is hilly and located near the Musi River. The year I visited the Musi River had flooded for the first time in 100 years leaving many homeless and dead. Many of the vineyards and gardens were also destroyed leaving many starving. I visited a flooded vineyard and as I walked the bank, I saw a tibia bone, part of a vertebra and a human rib bone. The owner of the vineyard said that there had been a graveyard up river and the graveyard had emptied into their vineyard. It will take many months for them to clear the land and plant again. Many of the people buried in the graveyard will never be buried again.
Golconda Fort/Mine
I had the opportunity to visit the archeology dig and sight-sound show at Golconda. It is also known as Golkonda or Golla konda. Golconda is a fort that reside over the now depleted diamond mine. Golconda means “shepherd’s hill.” It is located west of the city Hyderabad. It has four forts build on a granite hill that stands 400 feet high. The main entrance is the Bala Issar Gate which is located on the east side. The dome at Bala Issar reverberates and a hand clap can be heard a little over a mile away. This was the method used to notify the king when there were visitors. The architecture is Hindu - Muslim. The sight and sound show are shown at dusk and takes you through the history of Golconda. This is must do if you visit Hyderabad, India.
Nandyal, India
One hundred and eighty-four miles to the south of Hyderabad is the city of Nandyal. The trip from Hyderabad to Nandyal is usually four hours or so. We left Hyderabad with a bad spare tire and finding tubes or tires for our type vehicle was complicated. The four-hour trip, included many hours sitting beside the road, as the driver walked to the nearest town to find a place for the repairs. This happened twice on this trip making it twelve hours long. Nandyal is in a dense forest near the river Kundu. Granite is mined in this city. This is the center point of the nine Nandi temples or temple of Lord Siva. This city is primarily a Hindu city.
Sanjeev Regency in Nandyal, India
We stayed in the Sanjeev Regency near R.T.C. Bus-Stan in Nandyal. The rooms were 350 to 900 rupees a night this included a/c. The hotel provided breakfast and the recommended food was Idili and Chutney. Idili is made from the Basmati rice, mixed with red parboiled rice, and flattened poha. It is fermented, cooked and served with Chutney or other foods. I thought I liked rice and this sounded like a good choice, the hotel personnel said it was very healthy. I had a quick education on rice that morning. It became apparent that I did not know very much about rice. I do not enjoy fermented foods. I had several more serving of different kinds of rice on my trip. I have a lot more to learn about rice.
Night Train to Vizag
It was a night train to Visakhapatnam or Vizak. The train took us seven and half hours and four hundred and seven miles to the east. Vizag is nestled between the Eastern Ghats mountain range and the Bay of Bengal. This city is called the Jewel of the East Coast. This city was occupied by Great Britain for years. This city is primarily influenced by Buddhism.
Bay of Bengal
Vizag is located on the Bay of Bengal. This bay is the largest bay in the world. It is located in the northeast part of India. It is a salt water bay. This bay is strategically crucial for India. Some of the biggest ports in the world are in the Bay of Bengal. I visited the Hindustan Shipyards. The smell turned my stomach, so I did not really enjoy what I was seeing during my visit.
East Indian Trading Company
This city and bay have a very colorful history for they were once the trading center for both the British and French East Indian Trading Company. This is also the area that Marco Polo visited. I visited a cemetery that had many British and French people who made that one-way trip to India to trade spices with the Indians.
On the road in India
I made a trip to a store that sold pearls. Some precious salt water pearls were strung while we waited. I wore Saris and bought one to bring home. India is a colorful and intriguing place to visit.
Traveling by car was very enlightening. A red light in India does not mean stop. It means I pause until the intersection clears. There is a mass amount of people in India and moving them safely about is an awesome task. One of the areas they have chosen to relieve some pressure is allowing the pause not the stop. Of course, they will come to a dead stop and wait a whole red, yellow or green light for a cow.
The one thing I remember the most is how the Indian women would balance on a motorcycle while riding side saddle. I admire their ability to do this for to keep the motorcycle balanced, to stay on, keep from getting burned on the exhaust pipes and holding packages is quite an accomplishment.
Final thoughts on my visit to India
India is on the cutting edge of technology. Its fastest growing industry is software for computers. The price of an 8G flash drive was about $15.00 when I visited. I had the opportunity to visit a school science fair while I was in the country. Their science projects dealt with issues of clean air, clean streets, technology, but nothing on how to clean up their water. People are dying because they do not have clean water or just water period.
Bali Indonesia - Top Honeymoon pick
Copyright Canita M. Prough (Pro) 2019
Bali, Indonesia - Exotic location, fabulous beaches, succulent food and a captivating culture.
Bali, Indonesia
Bali is an island with rich black soil. It is located on the Sunde shelf in the Bali Sea which is fed by the Pacific and Indian Oceans. It is an exotic island with interesting people and a captivating culture. I will try to pass on my love of this island by telling you about their wildlife, beaches, fruit, temperature, temples and religions.
Bali’s Wildlife
The only wildlife I saw while in Bali was the Macaque monkeys and Fruit bats. Bali does have the Muntijak deer which is of great interest in evolution studies because they have the lowest recorded chromosome numbers with the male having seven and the female six chromosomes.
Bali is home to the Chevrotain mouse-deer which is only three generations from being extinct. The waters of Bali are home to the Dugong which is related to the Elephant. The Dugong was inspiration to the Ancient seafaring tales of mermaids and sirens. They have the Banteng Cow, Pangolin - Anteater, Cuscus - Possum, Wild Pig, Black Panther, and Dolphin which are well known animals.
I loved the free-range monkey forests with the Macaque monkeys. I had opportunity to visit two monkey forests and several temples that had many of these monkeys. Bali also boast to being home to the slow Loris monkeys and Leaf monkeys. The Loris monkey is endangered and the only primate that is poisonous.
Surfers and Sunbathers
The best time for sunbathers to visit Bali's beaches is April to October. The beaches have less debris from tides. For the surfers, May to September, is the time the Antarctica current brings the largest swells. The nirvana cave entry beach of Uluwatu is great during both the wet and dry seasons. During the wet season the waves are thinner and you will need the right board. The swell size at Uluwatu is from the left and goes from 3 feet to 12 feet depending on the day. Padang Padang is best during the dry season for beginner surfers.
Unforgettable Fruit
The fruits of Bali are unforgettable. I remember having a large plate of fruit for $1.00. The plate was loaded with Mango, Pineapple, Banana, Papaya, Jackfruit, Star fruit, Mangosteen, Pomelo, Salak, Rambatan and Sour sop. The fruits are exotic and have unusual textures.
The Mango, Pineapple, Banana, Papaya and Star fruit are fruits we get to enjoy here in the continental United States. Some of the other fruits will on occasion end up here, but there are some of the fruits of Bali that do not transport well and are best enjoyed on the island.
The Jackfruit is the world largest fruit weighing up to 80 pounds. It is a huge, spined, oval fruit. the peal is not eaten. The sweet flesh and seeds are editable. It smells like rotten eggs.
This large yellow or green citrus fruit, Pamelo, is spongy and has a sweet white or pink flesh., the pink flesh can sometimes be bitter.
Salak is also known as snake or snakeskin fruit. It is not pleasant or inviting to view with its dark brown color and rubbery peal. It is exotic, because it looks like a snake’s skin and is a tasty acidic delight.
Rambatan is a hairy fruit and the white flesh that is sweet and succulent. It has a thick, red rubbery peal. The flesh is light pink and has an acidy taste.
The lime green Sour sop is aromatic and messy. It is having a creamy flesh texture and is pulpy like an orange or grapefruit.
My very favorite fruit is the Mangosteen. It is round apple-sized and deep purple. It exudes a reddish, thick, juicy, sap which can stain clothing. You can easily remove the thick purple peal to reveal a white inner flesh. Its nickname is “blood fruit.” It produces a sweet strike to the taste buds.
Bartering for the Bargain
The prices were great in 1990 when I had the privilege of visiting Bali. The hotel room cost me $8.00 a night. You could get a large plate of lobster for $5.50. To buy things in the open market you had to barter. If you were the first to the shop, they would give you really good prices to get you to purchase something. They felt it was "bad luck" if first customer did not buy. There were some shop keepers who would close for the day if you did not buy.
What’s the Weather Like?
The average temperature in Bali is 80 degrees year around. There is between 6-10 hours of sunlight daily. The average sea temperature is in the lower 80-degree range year around. Bali has wonderful breezes which are refreshing.
Cave Temples
I visited two caves Goa Gajah an eleventh century “Elephant Cave” and Pura Goa Lawah which is a “Bat Cave.” Both caves are places of worship. I visited the inside of the “Bat Cave” it was full of very large fruit bats. The floors were covered with deep piles of bat guano and it was packed so tight it was like walking on a paved road. The cave had a foul smell, but watching the bats ranging in size from 2 ½ inches to 5 ½ inches in size was fascinating. As the evening fell, we watched dark clouds of bats circle and enter the caves. We also visited the Elephant Cave. I was with a friend who refused to go inside the Elephant Cave because the local belief that you would have "bad luck" if you pass through the entrance of the cave. I viewed the “Elephant Cave” from a safe distance. I could only see bats, guano, and darkness.
Seven Spectacular Balinese Temples
· On the side of Mount Agung is the Mother Temple of Pura Luhur.
· I viewed Tarah Lot Temple from a distance. If you choose to view the inside you will have to come prepared to swim. Tarah Lot means “Land in the middle of the sea.”
· Pura Luhur at Uluwatu is my favorite of the temple. Uluwatu is a 11th century temple. Luhur means “Something of divine origin.” I was instructed to go just as the sun was setting to see the boats returning to the shore. I hired the taxi to be at the hotel in time to see this sight. I arrived about an hour prior to sundown. Giving myself enough time to walk the quarter of a mile up the steps to the top temple. I peeked the top of the temple steps just in time to see the fleet 13th century style ships heading to shore. It was a strikingly, elegant view as the boats, single file, crossed the horizon of the Western sky headed for shore.
· Pura Tirta Empul, built in 926 ADS, is said to have healing waters.
· Pura Ulun Dana Bratan, build in 1926, is the second most important temple, after the Mother Temple.
· Goa Lawah Temple, built in 1007 AD, is carved into the rock surrounding the entrance to bat caves.
· Taman Ayun Temple, built in 1634, in Megwl means “beautiful garden” and is a family temple.
I only visited two of the temples; Uluwatu and Tarah Lot.
Religions of Bali
It was Easter when I visited Bali. I had hoped to visit a friend in Java, but did not make the connection. I tried to reach a Christian Church to get the time of the Resurrection Service, but never reached the Pastor. I did find out that there was a Catholic Church holding a service connected with the Hotel.
Bali is a country that worships in the religions of Buddhist, Hindu and Moslem. I am not sure which religion was being practiced when the people put out their offering each day. They offered food and flowers to their god for "good luck." I observed that these offerings were eaten by birds, ridden through with bicycles, walked upon by people and swept up at the end of the day. This experience left me feeling their offerings were in vain.
Wonderful Things
This is just a few of the wonderful things found in Bali. I took a boat ride on a lake which is on an inactive volcano, watched a shadow puppet show on the beach at sunset and saw many beautiful terraced rice fields. There was a lady carrying thirty or more baskets on her head, I attended a traditional (non-tourist,) Barong-Rangda Dance. I was sitting Indian style on a concrete temple floor for four hours listening to tinkling finger cymbals and watching a gruesome dance of good and evil. Your airplane ticket is the most expensive thing about your trip, but once you get their things are reasonable priced. If you are planning a honeymoon, Bali is the ideal place to spend it.
Copyright Canita M. Prough (Pro) 2019
Bali, Indonesia - Exotic location, fabulous beaches, succulent food and a captivating culture.
Bali, Indonesia
Bali is an island with rich black soil. It is located on the Sunde shelf in the Bali Sea which is fed by the Pacific and Indian Oceans. It is an exotic island with interesting people and a captivating culture. I will try to pass on my love of this island by telling you about their wildlife, beaches, fruit, temperature, temples and religions.
Bali’s Wildlife
The only wildlife I saw while in Bali was the Macaque monkeys and Fruit bats. Bali does have the Muntijak deer which is of great interest in evolution studies because they have the lowest recorded chromosome numbers with the male having seven and the female six chromosomes.
Bali is home to the Chevrotain mouse-deer which is only three generations from being extinct. The waters of Bali are home to the Dugong which is related to the Elephant. The Dugong was inspiration to the Ancient seafaring tales of mermaids and sirens. They have the Banteng Cow, Pangolin - Anteater, Cuscus - Possum, Wild Pig, Black Panther, and Dolphin which are well known animals.
I loved the free-range monkey forests with the Macaque monkeys. I had opportunity to visit two monkey forests and several temples that had many of these monkeys. Bali also boast to being home to the slow Loris monkeys and Leaf monkeys. The Loris monkey is endangered and the only primate that is poisonous.
Surfers and Sunbathers
The best time for sunbathers to visit Bali's beaches is April to October. The beaches have less debris from tides. For the surfers, May to September, is the time the Antarctica current brings the largest swells. The nirvana cave entry beach of Uluwatu is great during both the wet and dry seasons. During the wet season the waves are thinner and you will need the right board. The swell size at Uluwatu is from the left and goes from 3 feet to 12 feet depending on the day. Padang Padang is best during the dry season for beginner surfers.
Unforgettable Fruit
The fruits of Bali are unforgettable. I remember having a large plate of fruit for $1.00. The plate was loaded with Mango, Pineapple, Banana, Papaya, Jackfruit, Star fruit, Mangosteen, Pomelo, Salak, Rambatan and Sour sop. The fruits are exotic and have unusual textures.
The Mango, Pineapple, Banana, Papaya and Star fruit are fruits we get to enjoy here in the continental United States. Some of the other fruits will on occasion end up here, but there are some of the fruits of Bali that do not transport well and are best enjoyed on the island.
The Jackfruit is the world largest fruit weighing up to 80 pounds. It is a huge, spined, oval fruit. the peal is not eaten. The sweet flesh and seeds are editable. It smells like rotten eggs.
This large yellow or green citrus fruit, Pamelo, is spongy and has a sweet white or pink flesh., the pink flesh can sometimes be bitter.
Salak is also known as snake or snakeskin fruit. It is not pleasant or inviting to view with its dark brown color and rubbery peal. It is exotic, because it looks like a snake’s skin and is a tasty acidic delight.
Rambatan is a hairy fruit and the white flesh that is sweet and succulent. It has a thick, red rubbery peal. The flesh is light pink and has an acidy taste.
The lime green Sour sop is aromatic and messy. It is having a creamy flesh texture and is pulpy like an orange or grapefruit.
My very favorite fruit is the Mangosteen. It is round apple-sized and deep purple. It exudes a reddish, thick, juicy, sap which can stain clothing. You can easily remove the thick purple peal to reveal a white inner flesh. Its nickname is “blood fruit.” It produces a sweet strike to the taste buds.
Bartering for the Bargain
The prices were great in 1990 when I had the privilege of visiting Bali. The hotel room cost me $8.00 a night. You could get a large plate of lobster for $5.50. To buy things in the open market you had to barter. If you were the first to the shop, they would give you really good prices to get you to purchase something. They felt it was "bad luck" if first customer did not buy. There were some shop keepers who would close for the day if you did not buy.
What’s the Weather Like?
The average temperature in Bali is 80 degrees year around. There is between 6-10 hours of sunlight daily. The average sea temperature is in the lower 80-degree range year around. Bali has wonderful breezes which are refreshing.
Cave Temples
I visited two caves Goa Gajah an eleventh century “Elephant Cave” and Pura Goa Lawah which is a “Bat Cave.” Both caves are places of worship. I visited the inside of the “Bat Cave” it was full of very large fruit bats. The floors were covered with deep piles of bat guano and it was packed so tight it was like walking on a paved road. The cave had a foul smell, but watching the bats ranging in size from 2 ½ inches to 5 ½ inches in size was fascinating. As the evening fell, we watched dark clouds of bats circle and enter the caves. We also visited the Elephant Cave. I was with a friend who refused to go inside the Elephant Cave because the local belief that you would have "bad luck" if you pass through the entrance of the cave. I viewed the “Elephant Cave” from a safe distance. I could only see bats, guano, and darkness.
Seven Spectacular Balinese Temples
· On the side of Mount Agung is the Mother Temple of Pura Luhur.
· I viewed Tarah Lot Temple from a distance. If you choose to view the inside you will have to come prepared to swim. Tarah Lot means “Land in the middle of the sea.”
· Pura Luhur at Uluwatu is my favorite of the temple. Uluwatu is a 11th century temple. Luhur means “Something of divine origin.” I was instructed to go just as the sun was setting to see the boats returning to the shore. I hired the taxi to be at the hotel in time to see this sight. I arrived about an hour prior to sundown. Giving myself enough time to walk the quarter of a mile up the steps to the top temple. I peeked the top of the temple steps just in time to see the fleet 13th century style ships heading to shore. It was a strikingly, elegant view as the boats, single file, crossed the horizon of the Western sky headed for shore.
· Pura Tirta Empul, built in 926 ADS, is said to have healing waters.
· Pura Ulun Dana Bratan, build in 1926, is the second most important temple, after the Mother Temple.
· Goa Lawah Temple, built in 1007 AD, is carved into the rock surrounding the entrance to bat caves.
· Taman Ayun Temple, built in 1634, in Megwl means “beautiful garden” and is a family temple.
I only visited two of the temples; Uluwatu and Tarah Lot.
Religions of Bali
It was Easter when I visited Bali. I had hoped to visit a friend in Java, but did not make the connection. I tried to reach a Christian Church to get the time of the Resurrection Service, but never reached the Pastor. I did find out that there was a Catholic Church holding a service connected with the Hotel.
Bali is a country that worships in the religions of Buddhist, Hindu and Moslem. I am not sure which religion was being practiced when the people put out their offering each day. They offered food and flowers to their god for "good luck." I observed that these offerings were eaten by birds, ridden through with bicycles, walked upon by people and swept up at the end of the day. This experience left me feeling their offerings were in vain.
Wonderful Things
This is just a few of the wonderful things found in Bali. I took a boat ride on a lake which is on an inactive volcano, watched a shadow puppet show on the beach at sunset and saw many beautiful terraced rice fields. There was a lady carrying thirty or more baskets on her head, I attended a traditional (non-tourist,) Barong-Rangda Dance. I was sitting Indian style on a concrete temple floor for four hours listening to tinkling finger cymbals and watching a gruesome dance of good and evil. Your airplane ticket is the most expensive thing about your trip, but once you get their things are reasonable priced. If you are planning a honeymoon, Bali is the ideal place to spend it.
ALASKA
Copyright Canita M. Prough (Pro) 2019
The dangerous tundra, unique flowers, and distinct culture of Ekuk, Alaska - Nushagak Bay.
Nushagak Bay
Ekuk is located on the East coast of Nushagak Bay and spreads two miles South to Ekuk Bluffs which is shaped like a hook. Ekuk mean “the last village down” it being the farthest village South on Nuskagak Bay. The correct pronunciation of the Ekuk is Ecook not Ecock.
By Air or By Sea
Ekuk can be reached by air or by sea however, air travel is the most common means of transportation. The airstrip is a 1,200-foot sand and gravel strip. The closest village that can be reached by snow machine in the winter is Clark’s Point which is about two miles to the North of Ekuk.
(Sittin on) The Dock of The Bay
After my first visit to Ekuk and all the time I spent resting my bones waiting on the salmon reminded me of the song (Sittin on) THE DOCK OF THE BAY by Otis Redding and Steve Cropper from 1968 and 1975. I changed the words to fit my situation.
Sittin in the morning sun, I’ll be sittin when the evening
come, watch in the boats roll in, then I’ll be watch ‘em,
roll away again.
Left my home in Oklahoma, headed for the Bristol Bay,
I have something to live for, looks like something gonna
come my way.
Sittin’ here restin’ my bones and this loneliness won’t
leave me alone. Two thousand miles I roam just
make this dock my job.
(1) Yeah, (2) So, (3) Now, I’m sittin on the dock of the
bay, watchin the tide rolls away oo ee sittin on the dock
of the wastin time.
Cannery Village
Ekuk is a cannery village. It began as a cannery in 1903. The 1982 movie “Cannery Row” starring Nick Nolte and Debra Winger gave me a romantic view of the word “cannery.” The movie is a romantic-comedy, a pair of mismatched lovers making their way in the area of shut down canneries. The movie is set in Monterey, California in the, now closed, 1940’s canneries. Of course, the canneries are not as romantic as the movies made them.
The Tundra Terrain
While waiting for the Salmon run to begin, I went to discovered the tundra. I spent hours drawing them and coloring them the correct colors. I drew lots of flowers, but have not been able to identify all of them yet. I have identified the Arctic Daisy, Bearberry, Larkspur, Geranium psilostemon or Bressingham Flair, Labrador tea, Anemone and the Cotton grass. The tundra can be a dangerous place. The bushes and grass grow so thick you think it is solid, but stepping on to it you can end up in a hole that is waist deep or more in water. I saw tracks of a moose that were the size of my hand. There are several types of birds. My father identified one for me as the loon. The tundra is like no other terrain, it is exciting and dangerous.
Stuck in the Mud
I began hearing stories about fishermen becoming stuck in the mud and dying. How could a man get stuck in the mud? I knew that animals; such as cows, horses, etc.… would get stuck in the mud by going out to far to get to water. But why would a man get stuck to the point of dying? A couple to trips to the shore in the morning explained this quandary. When the tide goes out there is a mile or two of mud beach from the shore to where there is water. If a boat does not plan ahead and dock before the tide goes out then they are caught in the mud. The story goes that they try walking in, on the mud, get stuck and no one knows they are out there. Having visited many beaches, I never knew a tide would go in and out to such lengths.
Egg House
The Salmon Run at Ekuk is the month of June and sometimes into July. One summer I worked in the Egg House which is making roe and caviar. The next summer I worked in the kitchen feeding the crews. The company that supported my summers in Alaska closed in 2002.
Working the Egg House, I learned a little about salmon. There are five types of salmon; King, Sockeye (red), Chum, Pink and Silver. In Ekuk we had mostly Sockeye and Chum. You can identify the male Sockeye salmon by his hooked jaw, top lip hangs over the lower lip. The Sockeye have a red vein down the center of their backs and the Chum have a red vein down their sides. Most of the time I could tell which fish the eggs were from by the size of the egg sack. I was taught about brimming the eggs to make caviar and about braiding and packing the roe.
Ariel's Friend
While walking the muddy shore one afternoon after the salmon run had begun. My walk was stepping over ropes mooring the nets and over flounders. As I walked by one net a local fisherman said to me “Ariel’s friend is a pest.” He was referring to the 1989 movie titled “The Little Mermaid.” There were hundreds of dead flounder lying on the shore. The fishermen would throw them to shore because they did not want them to get into their nets again. They would take some of the larger flounder home to eat, but smaller flounder have little meat to prepare. There was one fisherman who would throw them just along the shoreline giving them a fifty-fifty chance of surviving. If they were strong, they could flip and flop to the water or if they were patient the tide would eventually reach them.
A people rich in history
When you meet an Alaskan in this environment you can see clearly that they are descendants of the Mongolian people. They are an amazing and strong people.
Ekuk Alaska, a cannery village with a rich history. Those two summers in Ekuk gave me a love and longing for Alaska.
Copyright Canita M. Prough (Pro) 2019
The dangerous tundra, unique flowers, and distinct culture of Ekuk, Alaska - Nushagak Bay.
Nushagak Bay
Ekuk is located on the East coast of Nushagak Bay and spreads two miles South to Ekuk Bluffs which is shaped like a hook. Ekuk mean “the last village down” it being the farthest village South on Nuskagak Bay. The correct pronunciation of the Ekuk is Ecook not Ecock.
By Air or By Sea
Ekuk can be reached by air or by sea however, air travel is the most common means of transportation. The airstrip is a 1,200-foot sand and gravel strip. The closest village that can be reached by snow machine in the winter is Clark’s Point which is about two miles to the North of Ekuk.
(Sittin on) The Dock of The Bay
After my first visit to Ekuk and all the time I spent resting my bones waiting on the salmon reminded me of the song (Sittin on) THE DOCK OF THE BAY by Otis Redding and Steve Cropper from 1968 and 1975. I changed the words to fit my situation.
Sittin in the morning sun, I’ll be sittin when the evening
come, watch in the boats roll in, then I’ll be watch ‘em,
roll away again.
Left my home in Oklahoma, headed for the Bristol Bay,
I have something to live for, looks like something gonna
come my way.
Sittin’ here restin’ my bones and this loneliness won’t
leave me alone. Two thousand miles I roam just
make this dock my job.
(1) Yeah, (2) So, (3) Now, I’m sittin on the dock of the
bay, watchin the tide rolls away oo ee sittin on the dock
of the wastin time.
Cannery Village
Ekuk is a cannery village. It began as a cannery in 1903. The 1982 movie “Cannery Row” starring Nick Nolte and Debra Winger gave me a romantic view of the word “cannery.” The movie is a romantic-comedy, a pair of mismatched lovers making their way in the area of shut down canneries. The movie is set in Monterey, California in the, now closed, 1940’s canneries. Of course, the canneries are not as romantic as the movies made them.
The Tundra Terrain
While waiting for the Salmon run to begin, I went to discovered the tundra. I spent hours drawing them and coloring them the correct colors. I drew lots of flowers, but have not been able to identify all of them yet. I have identified the Arctic Daisy, Bearberry, Larkspur, Geranium psilostemon or Bressingham Flair, Labrador tea, Anemone and the Cotton grass. The tundra can be a dangerous place. The bushes and grass grow so thick you think it is solid, but stepping on to it you can end up in a hole that is waist deep or more in water. I saw tracks of a moose that were the size of my hand. There are several types of birds. My father identified one for me as the loon. The tundra is like no other terrain, it is exciting and dangerous.
Stuck in the Mud
I began hearing stories about fishermen becoming stuck in the mud and dying. How could a man get stuck in the mud? I knew that animals; such as cows, horses, etc.… would get stuck in the mud by going out to far to get to water. But why would a man get stuck to the point of dying? A couple to trips to the shore in the morning explained this quandary. When the tide goes out there is a mile or two of mud beach from the shore to where there is water. If a boat does not plan ahead and dock before the tide goes out then they are caught in the mud. The story goes that they try walking in, on the mud, get stuck and no one knows they are out there. Having visited many beaches, I never knew a tide would go in and out to such lengths.
Egg House
The Salmon Run at Ekuk is the month of June and sometimes into July. One summer I worked in the Egg House which is making roe and caviar. The next summer I worked in the kitchen feeding the crews. The company that supported my summers in Alaska closed in 2002.
Working the Egg House, I learned a little about salmon. There are five types of salmon; King, Sockeye (red), Chum, Pink and Silver. In Ekuk we had mostly Sockeye and Chum. You can identify the male Sockeye salmon by his hooked jaw, top lip hangs over the lower lip. The Sockeye have a red vein down the center of their backs and the Chum have a red vein down their sides. Most of the time I could tell which fish the eggs were from by the size of the egg sack. I was taught about brimming the eggs to make caviar and about braiding and packing the roe.
Ariel's Friend
While walking the muddy shore one afternoon after the salmon run had begun. My walk was stepping over ropes mooring the nets and over flounders. As I walked by one net a local fisherman said to me “Ariel’s friend is a pest.” He was referring to the 1989 movie titled “The Little Mermaid.” There were hundreds of dead flounder lying on the shore. The fishermen would throw them to shore because they did not want them to get into their nets again. They would take some of the larger flounder home to eat, but smaller flounder have little meat to prepare. There was one fisherman who would throw them just along the shoreline giving them a fifty-fifty chance of surviving. If they were strong, they could flip and flop to the water or if they were patient the tide would eventually reach them.
A people rich in history
When you meet an Alaskan in this environment you can see clearly that they are descendants of the Mongolian people. They are an amazing and strong people.
Ekuk Alaska, a cannery village with a rich history. Those two summers in Ekuk gave me a love and longing for Alaska.
U. S. Canyons
Copyright Canita M. Prough (Pro) 2019
Five Canyons - Physical Science Course The way to do a physical science course is to do it in the summer while hiking five canyons. If the University you attend offers this course for credit, jump on the opportunity. The canyons to visit are listed in the rock strata order are Palo Duro Canyon, Texas, Bryce Canyon, Utah, Mesa Verde, Colorado, Zion, Utah, and Grand Canyon, Arizona. That is if you enjoy hiking and camping. Rock Strata Rock strata youngest to oldest is Cenozoic, Mesozoic and Paleozoic.
Palo Duro Canyon strata is early Cenozoic era which means fossils of modern animals, apes, monkeys and early mammals will be found in this Canyon. Bryce Canyon is early Mesozoic era, Mesa Verde is mid Mesozoic era, Zion is mid to late Mesozoic meaning these canyons hold dinosaur fossils, and the Grand Canyon is the Paleozoic era means fossil found in this area will be reptiles, amphibians, jawed and jawless fish and invertebrates Palo Duro Canyon National Park, Amarillo, Texas Palo Duro Canyon State Park was the first park we visited. This canyon was formed from Prairie Dog Towns. It is made up primarily of hoodoos and caves. Palo Duro Canyon is located in Amarillo, Texas. It was made into a National Park in 1976. Youngest Canyon It was a time of learning to put up our tents, assignment of daily duties, short hikes in practice for the “Big One,” learning about May flies, and rock strata. We woke to the sounds of gobbling wild turkeys and the brays of wild mules. We visited a museum and began learning about the Anasazi Indians. Palo Duro is the youngest of the five canyons visited. Bryce Canyon, Utah Bryce Canyon is located in Southwest Utah. It has a wonderful color pallet; red, pink, tan, orange and white. It is located Northern part of the mountain range that holds Zion National Park, and the Grand Canyon. It was named after Ebenezer Bryce. It was made into a National Park in 1928. It was formed from rain seeping into the cracks, freezing, expanding, and then thawing. Breaking off slice after slice of rock. Hoodoos We hiked the rim trail of Bryce canyon. It was a 4.7-mile hike in preparation for the “Big One.” This canyon is primarily “hoodoos.” You may wonder what is a “hoodoo?” It is an irregularly shaped rock produced from effects of the weather. Bryce Canyon is a place of superstition for the Native Americans. We did not camp in or around this canyon for our time was limited in this area. We did not see any dinosaur fossils only the wildly formed “hoodoos.” Mesa Verde National Park, Colorado Mesa Verde Canyon is located in Montezuma County, Colorado. It was named a National Park in 1966. There is a monument of dinosaurs in this area, but our course took us to the study of the Anasazi Indians. The Balcony The Anasazi moved from the top of the mesa to inside the mesa around 1190 AD. They built “The Balcony.” It is 45 rooms carved into the ledge of the cliff. There are two kivas located at “The Balcony.” We took the tour of the cliff dwelling and exited by climbing a 32-foot ladder and crawling through a 12-foot-long tunnel to the top of the mesa. We had been having campfire talks for a couple of nights by this time and we were learning much about the Anasazi Indians, their kivas and its uses. We learned about their pottery, possible reasons why they chose this area, possible reasons why they left this area, and the possibility that they were cannibalistic. Louis L'Amour's - The Haunted Mesa The Haunted Mesa by Louis L’Amour is an excellent book to learn about a kiva and the superstitions surrounding them. Zion National Park, Moab, Utah Zion National Park is located near Moab, Utah. Zion is a Paiute word that means “weep,” It became a National Park in 1919 The Narrows This is my favorite canyon. The professors helped us pick out sturdy sticks. It had to be as tall as we were. We were to clean it down to just the bare wood and no branches. This we were to carry with us as we traverse the “narrows.” It is a gorge where the Virgin River runs through the canyon. There are very steep, reddish-tan colored walls made of Navajo sandstone on both sides. The water runs about knee deep between sand dunes. There was a nice breeze blowing down the gorge and it made for a beautiful hike. The park is from the era of dinosaurs, but we saw no dinosaur fossils this trip. Grand Canyon National Park, Arizona The Grand Canyon National Park is located in the Northwest corner of Arizona. It was made into a National Park in 1919. It is a 19.5-mile hike from the South Rim to the North Rim. We took the Bright Angel Trail to Bright Angel Campgrounds for the night, then we took the North Kaibab Trail to the top of the North Rim. It took about 16 hours and two days to hike the Grand Canyon. When we went only 3% of the people who visited the Grand Canyon had hiked it. The Big One This was the “Big One.” Repeatedly we were told that the first day would be the worst. It was all downhill how could it be the worst? We were soon to discover that your toes pounding the toe of your boots is worse than fighting the altitude. We were assigned to find petroglyphs along our hike. Journaling was over 50% of the grade for the course, so journaling took up a big chunk of your time. Instructed not go into the black hills during the heat of the day. You had time to journal and take a short nap if needed. Suspension Bridge If you are afraid of heights. You get up early and leave before anyone else leaves camp. You skip breakfast and head to the river in hopes that no one else is on the bridge. The swinging bridge or suspension bridge, 420 feet across the Colorado River. Just 60 feet below is the roaring river, the bottom of the Canyon. You slowly cross over, kissing the ground when you get to the other side. Thanking God no one else was on the bridge with you. This is the scariest part of the whole trip. Paleozoic Era This canyon was formed during the Paleozoic era therefore it has many fossils, but there is no digging in this National Park. We see fossils in museum, among our study notes, but they are not seen on this trip. We know where to find them if we ever need them. Plan Your Own You can hike any of these canyons. For my favorite, Zion National Park, be sure to get a big stick, camp a night and then go to Bryce Canyon. Palo Duro is near the Painted Desert and the Petrified Forest. Mesa Verde is close to the Four Corners and for the “Big One” plan your own trip at: http://www.grandcanyonhiker.com/traildata/rimtorim.shtml. Do a quick study on the Anasazi Indians for they are associated with all five canyons. You may not see fossil at each strata of these canyons, but you will know where to find them.
Where America’s Day Begins – Guam
Copyright Canita M. Prough (Pro) 2019
The Gems of Guam
Guam is a glamorous island located in the Pacific Ocean. It has a year around temperature of 87 degrees. It is 212 square miles and made of volcanic ash and coral limestone. The water is 72 degrees year around. The native people are the Chamorro (Taotao tano or people of the land). This island is Northeast of the deepest part of the ocean in the world. The Marianas Trench at seven miles deep called Challenger Deep. Guam gems are the fact that it’s size and geographic location are extremely valuable features.
Two Lover's Point
Arriving in Guam you see the luscious green palm trees, green grass and a tall cliff. There is a sad love story that is attached to this cliff called, Two Lover’s Point. It’s a Romeo and Juliet story. Read about it at http://guam.stripes.com/travel/legend-two-lovers-point. You smell the rotting palm fronds, hear the passing planes, and taste the salt in the air.
Colorful Nouns
It will not be long until you start hearing phrases like; boonie car, boonie dog, or boonie stomps. What is a boonie you ask? It is a slang word for the boondocks. Boondocks comes from the Filipino word “bundok” which means mountain. The definition of boonie is rural area that is difficult to access, rustic or uncivilized. A boonie dog is uncivilized or a stray. A boonie car is rustic or rusty, and the boonie stomp is difficult to access. Boonie is attached to many nouns.
Hotel Mecca
There is a pun that Guam’s national bird is the “crane.” This was during the time when Tumon Bay in Guam was being built into the hotel Mecca of the island. There were anywhere from three to five cranes on the bay each day. The sad part of this joke is that Guam has very few birds.
The story of the Pied Piper, nursery rhyme, a song and book of “There was an old lady who swallowed a fly,” and the book “If you give a mouse a cookie…” all make me think of Guam and its lack of birds. These seem like a strange assortment of stories and song that cause that memory. I’ll describe the nursery rhyme, song and story, then explain why it reminds me of Guam.
The Pied PiperThe story of the Pied Piper is about this city, Hamelin, that had way too many rats and the cats couldn’t clear them out. A piper comes to town and clears the town of the rats. Then the King does not pay him what they had agreed. Read the story for the ending. This one is told by the famous Grimm Brothers.
If You Give a Mouse a Cookie
“If you give a mouse a cookie…” by Laura Numeroff. Tells what happens when you give a mouse a cookie. You give it a cookie, then it will want milk, then a straw and the story go on.
There was an old Lady who swallowed a fly
“There was an old lady who swallowed a fly.” This nursery rhyme has been made into books, videos, and a song. This old lady swallows a fly, then to get the fly, she swallows a spider, a bird, a cat, a dog and so on. Simms Taback wrote one book and there is a video at http://wwwkidsstuffthings.com of the song.
Cause and Effect
The term “cause and effect” fit these stories and song. The same term is true of Guam. The cause of the lack of birds is the brown trees snakes. The removal of brown trees snakes brought, the effect of, banana spiders.
Brown Tree Snake
The nocturnal brown tree snake is not native to Guam. They got aboard boats or in the wheel wells of airplanes. They arrived on Guam via Australia, Papua New Guinea and the Solomon Islands. They are a poisonous snake. The good thing is that their two fangs are located at the rear of their mouths. So, the first strike to an adult is just a tap. To a smaller person or animal that all it takes. The populous brown tree snake took over the island and gobbled up most of Guam’s native forest birds at one time there were approximately two million brown tree snakes on the island. Trying to limit the number of brown trees snakes on the island a new truck loaded with Spam would be given for free to the person who brought in the brownest tree snakes. A century or more of contests and creative population control techniques, the population of the brown tree snakes is dwindling.
Banana Spider
Now enters the nocturnal banana spider. The banana spiders came to the island in bunches of bananas. They are originally from Brazil. Their official name is the Brazilian wandering spider, or the armed spider. This spider in 2010 was the Guinness World’s most venomous spider. It is aggressive and poisonous. They are large and make big spider webs in which to get tangled. They have now become a major problem on the island.
Lack of Birds
The lack of forest birds, came from the arrival of the fast-producing brown tree snakes, population control of the brown tree snakes and then comes the banana spiders. One thing leads to another, thus the cause and effect.
Termites
Another sight to see, which occurs on Guam, is when the termites swarm on the bay. Termites are attracted to light, thus why they are attracted to the bay. The bay is lit for there are many hotel lights. Termites require moisture to live, without moisture they dry out and die. They swarm after a rainstorm for this gives them the best chance of starting a new colony. Trying to walk on the beach while they are there is not comfortable, but the sight of the swarm hovering over the bay is worth the visit. Most housing is made of cement blocks in Guam which is sensible considering the termites.
If Once You Have Slept on An Island
This poem is what will happen to you when you visit Guam.
If Once You Have Slept on An Island
By Rachel Lyman Field
“If once you have slept on an island
You’ll never be quite the same;
You may look as you looked the day before
And go by the same old name,
You may bustle about in the street and shop
You may sit at home and sew,
But you’ll see blue water and wheeling gulls
Wherever your feet may go
You may chat with the neighbors of this and that
And close to your fire keep,
But you’ll hear ship whistles and lighthouse bell
And tides beat through your sleep
Oh, you won’t know why and you can’t say how
Such a change upon you came,
But once you have slept on an island,
You’ll never be quite the same.
Guam Wonderful and not so Wonderful Qualities
Guam has many wonderful qualities. It has some of the most gorgeous air orchids. The people are friendly and generous. There are colorful sunsets from the shore of the ocean. Warm sand on the beaches. It also has some not so wonderful qualities such as brown tree snakes and banana spiders. One thing is for sure after visiting there you will never be quite the same.
Copyright Canita M. Prough (Pro) 2019
The Gems of Guam
Guam is a glamorous island located in the Pacific Ocean. It has a year around temperature of 87 degrees. It is 212 square miles and made of volcanic ash and coral limestone. The water is 72 degrees year around. The native people are the Chamorro (Taotao tano or people of the land). This island is Northeast of the deepest part of the ocean in the world. The Marianas Trench at seven miles deep called Challenger Deep. Guam gems are the fact that it’s size and geographic location are extremely valuable features.
Two Lover's Point
Arriving in Guam you see the luscious green palm trees, green grass and a tall cliff. There is a sad love story that is attached to this cliff called, Two Lover’s Point. It’s a Romeo and Juliet story. Read about it at http://guam.stripes.com/travel/legend-two-lovers-point. You smell the rotting palm fronds, hear the passing planes, and taste the salt in the air.
Colorful Nouns
It will not be long until you start hearing phrases like; boonie car, boonie dog, or boonie stomps. What is a boonie you ask? It is a slang word for the boondocks. Boondocks comes from the Filipino word “bundok” which means mountain. The definition of boonie is rural area that is difficult to access, rustic or uncivilized. A boonie dog is uncivilized or a stray. A boonie car is rustic or rusty, and the boonie stomp is difficult to access. Boonie is attached to many nouns.
Hotel Mecca
There is a pun that Guam’s national bird is the “crane.” This was during the time when Tumon Bay in Guam was being built into the hotel Mecca of the island. There were anywhere from three to five cranes on the bay each day. The sad part of this joke is that Guam has very few birds.
The story of the Pied Piper, nursery rhyme, a song and book of “There was an old lady who swallowed a fly,” and the book “If you give a mouse a cookie…” all make me think of Guam and its lack of birds. These seem like a strange assortment of stories and song that cause that memory. I’ll describe the nursery rhyme, song and story, then explain why it reminds me of Guam.
The Pied PiperThe story of the Pied Piper is about this city, Hamelin, that had way too many rats and the cats couldn’t clear them out. A piper comes to town and clears the town of the rats. Then the King does not pay him what they had agreed. Read the story for the ending. This one is told by the famous Grimm Brothers.
If You Give a Mouse a Cookie
“If you give a mouse a cookie…” by Laura Numeroff. Tells what happens when you give a mouse a cookie. You give it a cookie, then it will want milk, then a straw and the story go on.
There was an old Lady who swallowed a fly
“There was an old lady who swallowed a fly.” This nursery rhyme has been made into books, videos, and a song. This old lady swallows a fly, then to get the fly, she swallows a spider, a bird, a cat, a dog and so on. Simms Taback wrote one book and there is a video at http://wwwkidsstuffthings.com of the song.
Cause and Effect
The term “cause and effect” fit these stories and song. The same term is true of Guam. The cause of the lack of birds is the brown trees snakes. The removal of brown trees snakes brought, the effect of, banana spiders.
Brown Tree Snake
The nocturnal brown tree snake is not native to Guam. They got aboard boats or in the wheel wells of airplanes. They arrived on Guam via Australia, Papua New Guinea and the Solomon Islands. They are a poisonous snake. The good thing is that their two fangs are located at the rear of their mouths. So, the first strike to an adult is just a tap. To a smaller person or animal that all it takes. The populous brown tree snake took over the island and gobbled up most of Guam’s native forest birds at one time there were approximately two million brown tree snakes on the island. Trying to limit the number of brown trees snakes on the island a new truck loaded with Spam would be given for free to the person who brought in the brownest tree snakes. A century or more of contests and creative population control techniques, the population of the brown tree snakes is dwindling.
Banana Spider
Now enters the nocturnal banana spider. The banana spiders came to the island in bunches of bananas. They are originally from Brazil. Their official name is the Brazilian wandering spider, or the armed spider. This spider in 2010 was the Guinness World’s most venomous spider. It is aggressive and poisonous. They are large and make big spider webs in which to get tangled. They have now become a major problem on the island.
Lack of Birds
The lack of forest birds, came from the arrival of the fast-producing brown tree snakes, population control of the brown tree snakes and then comes the banana spiders. One thing leads to another, thus the cause and effect.
Termites
Another sight to see, which occurs on Guam, is when the termites swarm on the bay. Termites are attracted to light, thus why they are attracted to the bay. The bay is lit for there are many hotel lights. Termites require moisture to live, without moisture they dry out and die. They swarm after a rainstorm for this gives them the best chance of starting a new colony. Trying to walk on the beach while they are there is not comfortable, but the sight of the swarm hovering over the bay is worth the visit. Most housing is made of cement blocks in Guam which is sensible considering the termites.
If Once You Have Slept on An Island
This poem is what will happen to you when you visit Guam.
If Once You Have Slept on An Island
By Rachel Lyman Field
“If once you have slept on an island
You’ll never be quite the same;
You may look as you looked the day before
And go by the same old name,
You may bustle about in the street and shop
You may sit at home and sew,
But you’ll see blue water and wheeling gulls
Wherever your feet may go
You may chat with the neighbors of this and that
And close to your fire keep,
But you’ll hear ship whistles and lighthouse bell
And tides beat through your sleep
Oh, you won’t know why and you can’t say how
Such a change upon you came,
But once you have slept on an island,
You’ll never be quite the same.
Guam Wonderful and not so Wonderful Qualities
Guam has many wonderful qualities. It has some of the most gorgeous air orchids. The people are friendly and generous. There are colorful sunsets from the shore of the ocean. Warm sand on the beaches. It also has some not so wonderful qualities such as brown tree snakes and banana spiders. One thing is for sure after visiting there you will never be quite the same.
The Netherlands;
Holland, Michigan
copyright Canita M. Prough (Pro) 2019
Looking for the colors of Spring in the places where the prestigious tulips can be found.
Looking for Color
In late Winter I begin to long for Spring. I begin to think on colorful flowers and on wonderful cities visited associated with flowers. Two of those cities is Lisse, The Netherlands and Holland, Michigan.
In the Spring
It was in the Spring when I had opportunity to visit Keukenhof in Lisse, Holland. This is the tulip capital of the world. It was the time of year for the scarlet Amaryllis, white Freesia and Smokey blue Hyacinth. The tulips were up, but not in full bloom during my visit.
The Prestigious Flower
Tulips were brought to Holland from Turkey. When they arrived in Holland it was discovered they did well in its climate. Then during the “Dutch Golden Age” (1568 to 1648). The tulip became a “status symbol” costing 10 times the annual income of the skilled craftsman of that era. The tulip is a slow growing bulb taking 7-12 years to grow from a seed to a flowering bulb. You can look for its blooms in April and May.
Keukenhof - Lisse, Holland
This park is 70 acres with 6 million flower bulbs. There are beautiful theme gardens and 160-year-old trees. There are flower shows and flower arrangements for your enjoyment. Pavilions and restaurants for viewing in comfort. Located on the grounds is a Groningen corn mill dating from 1892. The brochure states, that the best time to visit for tulips and Iris' is April 7 to April 19. It was a refreshing visit, for outside of red clay roofs, there had been little color for months. The photo of the field of tulips all yellow with one misplaced red bulb is my favorite picture from Keukenhof. The picture has become quite famous and has been made into a postcard.
Amaryllis
As I write about the Amaryllis’ my peach Amaryllis is in bloom. I moved it this fall to a new window. I was looking for my blooms over Christmas this year and they never came, but come February and I have a window full of peach blooms. An inspiration of Spring to come.
The Ligneous Klomp
The wooden shoe is known as the Klomp in The Netherlands (Holland)
They are associated with the clog and considered a whole foot clog.
These shoes are made from white popular or willow. Originally, they were made high platform to keep the feet dry. Used in the muddy fields by the farmers and market gardeners, because they are easy to remove and clean. Most wooden shoe, of this age, are worn by dancers or cloggers for dances such as; the Candy Dance, tap or Jump hakken.
Ratterman Shoes
While in The Netherlands I had opportunity to visit the Ratterman shoe factory. We watched as they made a wooden shoe from a block of wood. Wooden shoemaker Herman Ratterman's has been in the business of making wooden shoes for over 150 years. It is located in Amstelveen-Zuid, Holland. With 150 years of experience in making shoes who could resist purchasing a pair of red wooden shoes. The most sought-after wooden shoe as souvenirs is the wedding wooden shoes. The wedding shoes have a lot of etched hand work and are natural in color or white. They are the ones on the far right in the picture.
Protective Clothing in Agriculture
Klomp or clog is accredited as a safety shoe because they are durable. If a heavy object should fall on the foot it will reflect the object or split preserving the foot and toes.
Shoe Fitting
When buying a wooden shoe, it should not fit tightly. After you insert your foot, there should be a gap the width of your thumb between your heel and the back of the wooden shoe. You should also wear a heavy pair of wool socks for comfort. If your wooden shoes are a bit too large, you can add a second or third pair of socks to tighten up the fit. When they are worn out you can re-purpose them by using them as firewood.
Dutch Folklore
There is folklore about origin of the wooden shoe and Holland. www.Dutch/Legend-of-the-Wooden-Shoe When I read over this story, I thought of the American Folklore story of “The Shoemaker and the Elves.” The elves turning the wood upside down. If you have seen the movie, “Ever After” in it, Leonard Di Vinci makes wooden shoes where he walks on water. Movies, books, words all can make you imagine interesting things about wooden shoes.
Dutch Village
It was in the Spring nine years later when I headed to Holland, Michigan. I was in search once again for color after a long winter. In Holland, Michigan there is a Dutch village with a museum of artifacts brought to the New World from The Netherlands. A windmill and, if I had not rushed my visit, there would have been tulips. The tulip festival is around May 2 to May 9. They presented a show of Klomp dancers, who were exchange students from The Netherlands. I purchase a miniature pair of wooden shoes in green as a souvenir. These high-quality wooden shoes are made in The Netherlands and shipped to Holland, Michigan.
Seeking Sunshine and Color
Winters seem really long to me. I miss the sunlight and color. So, in March and April I start searching for color especially in flowers. I have searched in Lisse, Holland and Holland, Michigan. I would love to visit these places just one month later and see the tulips. For that reason, I would visit either place again. I enjoyed my visit even if I was rushing things a bit. There was plenty of culture, lovely smells, shiny colors, and fun things to do.
Holland, Michigan
copyright Canita M. Prough (Pro) 2019
Looking for the colors of Spring in the places where the prestigious tulips can be found.
Looking for Color
In late Winter I begin to long for Spring. I begin to think on colorful flowers and on wonderful cities visited associated with flowers. Two of those cities is Lisse, The Netherlands and Holland, Michigan.
In the Spring
It was in the Spring when I had opportunity to visit Keukenhof in Lisse, Holland. This is the tulip capital of the world. It was the time of year for the scarlet Amaryllis, white Freesia and Smokey blue Hyacinth. The tulips were up, but not in full bloom during my visit.
The Prestigious Flower
Tulips were brought to Holland from Turkey. When they arrived in Holland it was discovered they did well in its climate. Then during the “Dutch Golden Age” (1568 to 1648). The tulip became a “status symbol” costing 10 times the annual income of the skilled craftsman of that era. The tulip is a slow growing bulb taking 7-12 years to grow from a seed to a flowering bulb. You can look for its blooms in April and May.
Keukenhof - Lisse, Holland
This park is 70 acres with 6 million flower bulbs. There are beautiful theme gardens and 160-year-old trees. There are flower shows and flower arrangements for your enjoyment. Pavilions and restaurants for viewing in comfort. Located on the grounds is a Groningen corn mill dating from 1892. The brochure states, that the best time to visit for tulips and Iris' is April 7 to April 19. It was a refreshing visit, for outside of red clay roofs, there had been little color for months. The photo of the field of tulips all yellow with one misplaced red bulb is my favorite picture from Keukenhof. The picture has become quite famous and has been made into a postcard.
Amaryllis
As I write about the Amaryllis’ my peach Amaryllis is in bloom. I moved it this fall to a new window. I was looking for my blooms over Christmas this year and they never came, but come February and I have a window full of peach blooms. An inspiration of Spring to come.
The Ligneous Klomp
The wooden shoe is known as the Klomp in The Netherlands (Holland)
They are associated with the clog and considered a whole foot clog.
These shoes are made from white popular or willow. Originally, they were made high platform to keep the feet dry. Used in the muddy fields by the farmers and market gardeners, because they are easy to remove and clean. Most wooden shoe, of this age, are worn by dancers or cloggers for dances such as; the Candy Dance, tap or Jump hakken.
Ratterman Shoes
While in The Netherlands I had opportunity to visit the Ratterman shoe factory. We watched as they made a wooden shoe from a block of wood. Wooden shoemaker Herman Ratterman's has been in the business of making wooden shoes for over 150 years. It is located in Amstelveen-Zuid, Holland. With 150 years of experience in making shoes who could resist purchasing a pair of red wooden shoes. The most sought-after wooden shoe as souvenirs is the wedding wooden shoes. The wedding shoes have a lot of etched hand work and are natural in color or white. They are the ones on the far right in the picture.
Protective Clothing in Agriculture
Klomp or clog is accredited as a safety shoe because they are durable. If a heavy object should fall on the foot it will reflect the object or split preserving the foot and toes.
Shoe Fitting
When buying a wooden shoe, it should not fit tightly. After you insert your foot, there should be a gap the width of your thumb between your heel and the back of the wooden shoe. You should also wear a heavy pair of wool socks for comfort. If your wooden shoes are a bit too large, you can add a second or third pair of socks to tighten up the fit. When they are worn out you can re-purpose them by using them as firewood.
Dutch Folklore
There is folklore about origin of the wooden shoe and Holland. www.Dutch/Legend-of-the-Wooden-Shoe When I read over this story, I thought of the American Folklore story of “The Shoemaker and the Elves.” The elves turning the wood upside down. If you have seen the movie, “Ever After” in it, Leonard Di Vinci makes wooden shoes where he walks on water. Movies, books, words all can make you imagine interesting things about wooden shoes.
Dutch Village
It was in the Spring nine years later when I headed to Holland, Michigan. I was in search once again for color after a long winter. In Holland, Michigan there is a Dutch village with a museum of artifacts brought to the New World from The Netherlands. A windmill and, if I had not rushed my visit, there would have been tulips. The tulip festival is around May 2 to May 9. They presented a show of Klomp dancers, who were exchange students from The Netherlands. I purchase a miniature pair of wooden shoes in green as a souvenir. These high-quality wooden shoes are made in The Netherlands and shipped to Holland, Michigan.
Seeking Sunshine and Color
Winters seem really long to me. I miss the sunlight and color. So, in March and April I start searching for color especially in flowers. I have searched in Lisse, Holland and Holland, Michigan. I would love to visit these places just one month later and see the tulips. For that reason, I would visit either place again. I enjoyed my visit even if I was rushing things a bit. There was plenty of culture, lovely smells, shiny colors, and fun things to do.
Dachau Concentration Camp-Jews
A life changing 1993 visit to the Dachau Concentration camp
copyright Canita M. Prough (Pro) 1999
Directions to Dachau
“Enter the Autobahn in direction to Munich and take the exit “Garmisch-Nuemberg-Stuttgart” and follow signs to Nuremberg/Stuttgart Autobahn (i.e. the first exit splits, keep to the right.) Do not enter the Nuremberg Autobahn. Continue following signs to “Stuttgart Autobahn” until you come to the “Oberschleissheim/Dachau” exit. As you enter Dachau (first 4-way intersection with traffic lights,) take a right and the camp is one kilometer down on the left.
Open Tues.-Sun. 0900 -1700 hours. English speaking movies at 1130 and 1530 hours. Entry is free; no guided tours are offered. Inside museum brochures cost DM 0.30 and can be purchased in any language. It gives the plan and explanation of the camp. Dachau is located about 1 ½ hour drive from Chiemsee. Dachau is closed on certain German holidays.”
The above was my first introduction to Dachau Concentration camp. I was at a retreat at Lake Chiemsee with Berean Missionary Fellowship to the American Military. I had been in Germany one month and eight days.
I had heard of Corrie Ten Boom and the movie “The Hiding Place.” Actually, “The Hiding Place” was the first movie I ever saw in a theatre. I knew of the horrible things that had happened in Germany. This was my first experience where the history, of a movie or a book, become something I could see, hear, smell, and feel.
What I saw at Dachau
What I saw was the museum. My stomach became more and more upset as I looked at the pictures and read the documentation. The first part of the museum was of the Nazi seizure of power. In this area, there was a special section showing the persecution of the Jews and the documents of the disease and medical experiments. There were shocking pictures of lamp shades and purses made out of human skin.
The second section was the grim, hollow walls that witnessed the horrors and brutality of the executions, vehicles used in the transportation of invalids and the creepy, smelly crematory. They gave me a map of where the blocks were located, where the bunkers, that were where the starving, freezing people stood for hours, and then the rolling mounds of the cemetery.
The pictures were very graphic and GRUESOME and when consumed along with the words it was enraging.
What I heard at Dachau
What I heard was that the camp was a total of 5 square miles in size. Thinking on the fact that people were being brought in daily by the trainloads and that no one was allowed to leave. There were 206,000 people registered to have been sent to Dachau and some were taken without being registered. That fact alone tells, a thinking mind, that something is wrong. This camp is located 15 miles from the town of Dachau. All those train loads of people coming into the camp and no one leaving where would you put them all?
What I smelled at Dachau
What I smelled brought back a memory. A memory from the day my maternal grandfather died. He had Alzheimer’s and laid for many a day in the hospital, just breathing, before he passed. On that final day, I walked into the room and there was a very musty, dry smell. I later identified the smell as “death.” At the Dachau Concentration Camp, I smelled “death” again, twelve years and seven day later. If ever you smell “death” it is a smell you will not forget. It is very distinct and memorable smell.
What I felt at Dachau
What I felt as I stood among the eerie buildings, brought on another memory. One day my Mother and I turned the corner a quarter of a mile from our home. There was a distinct smell and a sticky residue in the air. When we arrived home, we were informed that one of our pig pens had burned. When an animal or human is burned a sticky residue resides in the air. It is heavy, smelly, and sticky. Even after years of no deaths there was a heavy, smelly, sticky residue in the air at the Dachau camp.
Effect of Dachau
I have written papers and told people about this experience, trying to lessen the sickness, I felt when I visited this camp. I do not have enough words to explain what I saw, heard, smelled and felt that day. I do think of the place at some of the weirdest of times. People getting tattoos seems to make me think of this place and what happened in the nineteen thirties. A tattoo is a way to identify someone. We see it all the time on the crime shows on TV. A way to identify someone you love, and that someone, could have been standing in the snow, naked, and starving to death. You walking by each day, seeing the tattoo that identifies your sister, brother, uncle or neighbor, stretching, distorting and then not there. Something I saw in the pictures or read made this picture for me.
If you ever get the opportunity to visit Dachau Concentration camp, definitely go. Take the time to read documentation and look at the pictures. It will be a life changing experience. And maybe, you will see, hear, smell and feel some of the same things and make you want to make sure this does not happen again.
A life changing 1993 visit to the Dachau Concentration camp
copyright Canita M. Prough (Pro) 1999
Directions to Dachau
“Enter the Autobahn in direction to Munich and take the exit “Garmisch-Nuemberg-Stuttgart” and follow signs to Nuremberg/Stuttgart Autobahn (i.e. the first exit splits, keep to the right.) Do not enter the Nuremberg Autobahn. Continue following signs to “Stuttgart Autobahn” until you come to the “Oberschleissheim/Dachau” exit. As you enter Dachau (first 4-way intersection with traffic lights,) take a right and the camp is one kilometer down on the left.
Open Tues.-Sun. 0900 -1700 hours. English speaking movies at 1130 and 1530 hours. Entry is free; no guided tours are offered. Inside museum brochures cost DM 0.30 and can be purchased in any language. It gives the plan and explanation of the camp. Dachau is located about 1 ½ hour drive from Chiemsee. Dachau is closed on certain German holidays.”
The above was my first introduction to Dachau Concentration camp. I was at a retreat at Lake Chiemsee with Berean Missionary Fellowship to the American Military. I had been in Germany one month and eight days.
I had heard of Corrie Ten Boom and the movie “The Hiding Place.” Actually, “The Hiding Place” was the first movie I ever saw in a theatre. I knew of the horrible things that had happened in Germany. This was my first experience where the history, of a movie or a book, become something I could see, hear, smell, and feel.
What I saw at Dachau
What I saw was the museum. My stomach became more and more upset as I looked at the pictures and read the documentation. The first part of the museum was of the Nazi seizure of power. In this area, there was a special section showing the persecution of the Jews and the documents of the disease and medical experiments. There were shocking pictures of lamp shades and purses made out of human skin.
The second section was the grim, hollow walls that witnessed the horrors and brutality of the executions, vehicles used in the transportation of invalids and the creepy, smelly crematory. They gave me a map of where the blocks were located, where the bunkers, that were where the starving, freezing people stood for hours, and then the rolling mounds of the cemetery.
The pictures were very graphic and GRUESOME and when consumed along with the words it was enraging.
What I heard at Dachau
What I heard was that the camp was a total of 5 square miles in size. Thinking on the fact that people were being brought in daily by the trainloads and that no one was allowed to leave. There were 206,000 people registered to have been sent to Dachau and some were taken without being registered. That fact alone tells, a thinking mind, that something is wrong. This camp is located 15 miles from the town of Dachau. All those train loads of people coming into the camp and no one leaving where would you put them all?
What I smelled at Dachau
What I smelled brought back a memory. A memory from the day my maternal grandfather died. He had Alzheimer’s and laid for many a day in the hospital, just breathing, before he passed. On that final day, I walked into the room and there was a very musty, dry smell. I later identified the smell as “death.” At the Dachau Concentration Camp, I smelled “death” again, twelve years and seven day later. If ever you smell “death” it is a smell you will not forget. It is very distinct and memorable smell.
What I felt at Dachau
What I felt as I stood among the eerie buildings, brought on another memory. One day my Mother and I turned the corner a quarter of a mile from our home. There was a distinct smell and a sticky residue in the air. When we arrived home, we were informed that one of our pig pens had burned. When an animal or human is burned a sticky residue resides in the air. It is heavy, smelly, and sticky. Even after years of no deaths there was a heavy, smelly, sticky residue in the air at the Dachau camp.
Effect of Dachau
I have written papers and told people about this experience, trying to lessen the sickness, I felt when I visited this camp. I do not have enough words to explain what I saw, heard, smelled and felt that day. I do think of the place at some of the weirdest of times. People getting tattoos seems to make me think of this place and what happened in the nineteen thirties. A tattoo is a way to identify someone. We see it all the time on the crime shows on TV. A way to identify someone you love, and that someone, could have been standing in the snow, naked, and starving to death. You walking by each day, seeing the tattoo that identifies your sister, brother, uncle or neighbor, stretching, distorting and then not there. Something I saw in the pictures or read made this picture for me.
If you ever get the opportunity to visit Dachau Concentration camp, definitely go. Take the time to read documentation and look at the pictures. It will be a life changing experience. And maybe, you will see, hear, smell and feel some of the same things and make you want to make sure this does not happen again.
