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BY Nancy Mueller Leave a Comment ON September 5, 2019

Weekend Getaway to Whidbey Island

Weekend Getaway to Whidbey Island, View from Deception Pass Bridge

View from Deception Pass Bridge

Introduction

How about a weekend getaway to Whidbey Island for your next travel adventure?

Lucky those of us who live in the beautiful Pacific Northwest. When the weather clouds part long enough to reveal clear blue skies, we can head to a nearby island for the perfect coastal getaway. Unless, of course, you already live on one and can simply hop to another one nearby.

While technically not one of the popular San Juan Islands’ archipelago north of Seattle, Whidbey Island lies close enough to often be mistaken as one. Stretching from north to south, the island covers an area forty-five miles long and up to 10 miles wide. Whether it ranks as the longest island in the contiguous United States remains a matter of some dispute among purists. Regardless, few would question Whidbey’s wild beauty, spellbinding views or launchpad to year-round adventures. 

Here’s how to make the most of your  weekend getaway to Whidbey Island:

Take a Ferry.

Mukilteo-Clinto WA State ferry

Aboard the Mukilteo-Clinton Washington State Ferry

Travelers have the option of driving across the Deception Pass Bridge from Anacortes at the north end or catching the Clinton-Mukilteo Washington State ferry that serves the south end.

While no visit to Whidbey Island would be complete without a drive across Deception Pass Bridge, arriving by ferry helps set the mood for the easy living you’re sure to enjoy over the next couple of days. The 15-20 minute ride is just enough time to view spellbinding scenery, kick back and experience how refreshing it feels to leave your cares behind. So go ahead and set your phone to “island time.” Better yet, put that phone away as the first step in your digital detox weekend.

Travel Tip: Be prepared for long wait times for the ferry during the summer high season, however. To minimize the lines and wait times, consider walking on if you can arrange transportation on the island, buy your tickets online, and/or travel early in the day or late at night.

For ferry schedule information, visit Washington State Ferries.

Visit Langley, “Village by the Sea.”

Begin your weekend getaway to Whidbey island with a stop by the sea in downtown Langley, a friendly community featuring boutique shops, fine restaurants, and art galleries. Stroll the walkways, pick up an espresso and pastry at Useless Bay Coffee Company, or order a picnic to go from The Star Store Market & Deli.

Shop if you must – and you must – at any one of several unique gift galleries: for just the right book, Moonraker Books; artworks, Rob Schouten Gallery, Callahan’s Firehouse Glass; home decor, Artisan Crafted Home, Edit, Wish by the Sea; chocolate, Sweet Mona’s Chocolate Boutique, Chocolate Flower Farm; handicrafts, Music for the Eyes; and clothing, Fair Trade Outfitters.

Travel Tip:

Weekend Getaway to Whidbey Island, Boy and Dog

Looking for Whales with Boy and Dog

What can be more endearing than a village that celebrates whale watching with its own springtime “Welcome the Whales Festival” as gray whales make their annual passage to Alaska and Canada? You can keep an eye out for whales yourself on the waterfront side of Front Street. Peer out at Puget Sound next to the “Boy and Dog” sculpture designed by artist Georgia Gerber. If you do sight a whale, wake the community by ringing the bell at Whale Bell Park.

Learn more about whale watching with a visit to the Langley Whale Center. 

For more information, go to VisitLangley.com.

Have a Slice of Pie at Greenbank Farm.

Jan Gunn at Whidbey Island Pies Café

For some locals and visitors, Greenbank Farm’s the place to go for endless water vistas, dog-friendly hiking trails, art galleries, and master gardens. But for pie lovers like myself, Whidbey Pies Café takes top billing. Among my favorites? How about marionberry, rhubarb, or triple berry for starters? But let’s not leave out the salted caramel apple or huckleberry. Sigh. So many Whidbey pies, so little room to digest – at least in one sitting – which is why I make a point of stopping by each time I head to Whidbey Island. The good news is you can always purchase a pie (or two) to go.

For more mouth-watering news about Whidbey Island Pies, see my previous post here.

Travel Tip:  Do walk the easy trails for unforgettable 360-degree views of the region. Puget Sound and the Olympics lie to the west while Camano Island, the Cascades, and Saratoga Passage lie to the east.

Discover Ebey’s Landing National Historic Reserve.

Weekend Getaway to Whidbey Island, Ebey's Landing

Beauty Abounds at Ebey’s Landing National Historical Reserve

Boundless beauty awaits visitors to Ebey’s Landing National Historical Reserve. From beach walks to nature hikes, from wildlife sightings to whale watching, from fishing to sailing, Ebey’s Landing offers the ultimate respite when “the world is too much with us,” as Wordsworth knew too well.

The Reserve includes Fort Casey, Ebey’s Landing, and Fort Ebey State Parks.  In 2018 the 19,333-acre Reserve celebrated its 40th anniversary. Thanks to concerned citizens, numerous volunteers, and creative, thoughtful stewardship, the Reserve provides a lesson in protection and preservation of nature’s finest gifts.

Travel Tip: Purchase a Discover Pass for access to Washington State Parks, or opt for fee-free days when no pass is required.

Explore Historic Coupeville.

Weekend Getaway to Whidbey island, Coupeville Wharf

Coupeville Wharf

Within Ebey’s Landing National Historical Reserve, the historic town of Coupeville in Penn Cove is noteworthy for its claim to fame as Washington State’s second-oldest town. Its famed red building at the end of the pier is an eye-catcher from land and water. Stroll the wooden walkways, rent a kayak, or shop for souvenirs at the gift shop.

For lunch or dinner, Christopher’s on Whidbey is a local favorite. Additional favorite eateries include Ciao, Front Street Grill, Penn Cove Brewing, The OysterCatcher, Toby’s Tavern and Tyee Restaurant & Lounge. You won’t go hungry in Coupeville!

When dining in Coupeville, expect to find plenty of fresh shellfish on your dining menu. That’s because Penn Cove Shellfish is one of the largest sustainable farmed shellfish producers in the United States. Fresh from the waters of Penn Cove, diners can savor mussels, Manila clams, and over 27 varieties of Pacific Oysters.

Travel Tip: Place an order of Penn Cove mussels, clams or oysters to sample the fresh shellfish bounty of Whidbey Island.

Fly a Flight Simulator.

Take a Turn on the PBY Flight Simulator

The PBY – Naval Air Museum located in Oak Harbor takes you to the north end of Whidbey Island. An amphibious patrol bomber, the PBY was used to perform rescues and to search for enemy vessels during World War II, especially in coastal areas. The museum honors those who flew PBYs as well as service personnel from Naval Air Station Whidbey Island.

For an overview of the history of Oak Harbor and Whidbey Island, tour the museum’s artifacts and interactive exhibits. Take the opportunity to pause and reflect on the tremendous sacrifices endured by war veterans in order to preserve the fundamental tenets of U.S. American freedom and democracy.

Travel Tip: Engage the volunteer docents on your tour to learn fascinating facts about service personnel, flight equipment, and memorabilia. For sure experience a flight on the PBY in one of two simulators at the museum.

Drive Deception Pass Bridge.

Weekend Getaway to Whidbey Island, Deception Pass Bridge

Deception Pass Bridge

Deception Pass Bridge towers 17 stories above the turbulent waters below. The bridge is noted for its unparalleled views, elegant engineering design, and pragmatic solution to connecting three neighboring islands: Whidbey, Pass Island, and Fidalgo. The two-lane bridge is framed by giant cedar trees within the Deception Pass State Park and the Olympic Mountains to the west.

Travel Tip:  Park your car on either end of the bridge to walk across and snap photos of the spectacular landscape. Hike below to marvel at the challenge its construction posed to engineers and to appreciate the beauty of its architecture.

Enjoy your weekend getaway on Whidbey Island. Wander on!

Have you visited Whidbey Island? What’s your favorite Whidbey experience?

Next stop: Camano Island, “the Easy Island” for relaxing getaways.

Filed Under: Whidbey Island Tagged With: weekend getaway

BY Nancy Mueller 2 Comments ON March 11, 2019

Fun Fashion Makeovers for the Young at Heart

With Spring right around the corner, “a young man’s fancy turns lightly to thoughts of love,” says poet Alfred Tennyson. But for young-at-heart adventurers like us wanderboomers, our fancies turn to thoughts of fun fashion makeovers for future travels!

Who among us hasn’t found ourselves in a fashion rut, choosing the same colors and clothing styles which may have worked well in the past, but now belong in the Smithsonian? Who says you have to cultivate the rumpled or same old boring look when traveling?

A brief scan of my closet convinced me it was time to up my travel fashion game, time to stretch my clothing comfort zone and add pizazz. I was due for a fashion refresh, a reboot to mirror the new self I had become since my first fashion makeover with Clinton Kelly, former host of What Not To Wear, seven years earlier. But that’s a story for another time.

After researching my options online, for this makeover, I decided to go for the gusto in partnering with Seattle personal stylist Mellicia Marx of Poplin Style Direction. I opted for full-service personal styling + photoshoot since it had been a while since my last one. Here’s what followed.

Introductory Style Consultation


We started my fashion metamorphosis with an in-home “Introductory Style Consultation.” First, we identified keywords that described the image I wanted to create, like “Confident,” “Classic,” “Fun,” “Unexpected,”- and let’s not forget, “Sexy,” when out on the town. It’s never too late, friends!

Tip: Think about your travel persona. How do you want to feel and come across when you’re out and about, whether in your neighborhood, on a road trip, or traveling internationally?

Personalized Online Style Plan

Next, Mellicia analyzed my body figure silhouette which she classified as a petite slim hourglass shape. Following Dr. KellyAnn’s Bone Broth Diet really paid off, I’m happy to report. (Tip: Always check with your doctor first before embarking on any change of diet.) “Think Emma Watson, Nicole Richie, Olivia Palermo, Lea Michele, and Kelly Rippa,” Mellicia added. “Okay, I will, Mellicia!” Ha.

From here, Mellicia zeroed in on my style approach, colors, specific clothing pieces (tops pants, skirts, dresses, jackets, and shoes), and accessories to complement features I want to accentuate for my body figure silhouette and those I want to minimize instead. Also included? Recommended retailers where I’m most likely to find the pieces I’m looking for to add to my wardrobe.

Collaborative In-Home Closet Analysis

Mellicia believes, “Your closet should feel like a boutique curated just for you.” Sounds like a dream, doesn’t it?

For our three-hour closet edit, Mellicia’s goal was to set the foundation for identifying what clothing belongs in my curated boutique and what doesn’t. In other words, it was time to assess what clothing to keep, what to eliminate and what to consider purchasing based on my style and budget.

Out went pieces that no longer fit, weren’t tailor-friendly, meaning it would cost more to have tailored than the clothing was worth, or clothing that was hopelessly out of date. We had a few spirited exchanges about clothing with sentimental value supplemented by my occasional whining: “But it’s so comfortable!” “Does it represent the words you chose to define your new image?” Mellicia gently prodded. “Well . . . ” Her advice: “Keep it, but pack it away and get it out of your closet.” Done.

Tip: Wondering what to do with clothes you decide to let go? For gently-worn clothing her clients no longer want, Mellicia donates the items to YouthCare, whose mission is “to end youth homelessness and to ensure that young people are valued for who they are and empowered to achieve their potential.” Not only are clients creating the closet of their dreams, but they’re also providing clothing to those who can benefit most from it most.

Uber Wishlist

For the next fun phase of my fashion makeover, let’s go shopping! Once we explored my specific clothing needs, Mellicia drew up a personalized “Uber Wishlist” of 35 items, including shoes and accessories. As a travel journalist, a few of my main requirements were for clothing that travels well, i.e. wrinkle-free clothing that’s easy to pack, clothes that mix and match easily to lighten my luggage load, and at prices within my budget. I scored big time on all fronts.

How fun to scan through the clothing wishlist Mellicia had selected for me to consider! I loved her detailed descriptions of why she had selected the individual pieces, explaining how each would take me where I wanted to go stylistically. A few items were definitely outside the box for me, but then that’s why I chose to work with her, to look at my fashion style in a new light.

Outfit Strategy and Documentation Session

Once I had the basis for my curated personalized boutique, including a few new pieces, it was time for Mellicia to weave her fashion magic by documenting a variety of different fashion looks for me with the pieces in ways that wouldn’t have occurred to my former self.

By having this detailed documentation accessible in my personal online profile, I’m able to look for fresh ideas whenever I feel stuck in a clothing rut. If it’s in my closet, I’m going to wear it, mixing it up as I go along, whether out & about running errands, traveling, or out for a night on the town.

Photo Shoot

Make up

Everything Mellicia set in motion culminated in the final payoff: an outdoor fashion shoot. For this, Mellicia brought in her team of make-up and photography artists. It takes a village, folks! We started with my in-home session with Seattle make-up artist, Kat St. John, followed by an outdoor photo shoot with portrait photographer, Amy Paine.

Locations

Talk about fun! Mellicia selected locations both within my neighborhood, then further afield in Seattle, to create just the right mood to go with the outfits we selected for different occasions. If you’ve ever wondered what it felt like to be the star of your own show, have a fashion photo shoot! And if you think you’re past the age of adding animal prints to your wardrobe, think again.

Ready for your own fun fashion makeover? PoplinStyle Direction offers several package options to suit your fashion needs and budget, whether for a one-time special occasion or a comprehensive update.

Many thanks to personal stylist Mellicia Marx of PoplinStyle Direction, make-up artist, Kat St. John and photographer Amy Paine for a fabulously fun way to celebrate the new me!

 

 

 

 

Filed Under: Fashion

BY Nancy Mueller 2 Comments ON January 11, 2019

“Cowboy Up” at Canada’s Calgary Stampede!

Summer’s the season for outdoor festivals, fireworks and family fun. And where better to celebrate the “Best of the West” activities and attractions than at the Calgary Stampede in Alberta, Canada?

Our adventure begins at the airport where White Hat Volunteers greet us in international arrivals. Before long dancers in full cowgirl regalia strut their two-step to the musical strains of strumming guitars and banjos. No one seems in a hurry to leave.

But leave we do, eventually, eagerly anticipating the Calgary Stampede, “The Greatest Outdoor Show on Earth,” itself. We hear there’s plenty of fair food, star-studded entertainment, and a slate of rip-roaring competitions ahead.

So “Cowboy Up!” and see what it’s like to join this annual Western extravaganza.

History

The modest origins of the Stampede began two years after the town of Calgary was formed in 1884 when residents held their first exhibition showcasing best agricultural practices in the region. But it took trick roper Guy Weadick to suggest a grander vision for Calgary. How about the town hosting a “Stampede,” he offered, a world-class rodeo competition that would capture the spirit of the Wild West before it completely disappeared?

After enlisting the support of Calgary’s “Big Four,” four wealthy Alberta ranchers, “The Greatest Outdoor Show on Earth” began that September. Since then, that first six-day celebration with roping and bronc events has morphed into a 10-day international spectacle that draws more than 1,000,000 visitors each year.

At a Glance

Cowboy fashion sets the tone for the town during the month of July. And with the gift of our own white hat and plaid shirts from our hosts, we’re soon caught up in the Stampede spirit. All we need now are boots, denim jeans and jackets to fit right in at the festival.

If you don’t have much in the way of Western wear in your current wardrobe, no worries. The ever-popular Lammle’s Western Wear & Tack store on site offers just what any self-respecting cowboy or gal needs to dress the part. Just be sure to break in those boots before doing too much walking the grounds.

Country music is the lifeblood of the Stampede, attracting superstars like Brad Paisley and Luke Bryan. But rock n’ roll fans will find artists like Sheryl Crow here as well as popular groups at the legendary Nashville North.

Most festivities take place at Stampede Park, flanked by the Elbow and Bow Rivers in the southeast downtown area. For insight into the town’s true grit, consider the Calgary flood of 2013. When the catastrophe threatened to derail the Stampede two weeks before opening, volunteers rallied. Promoters proclaimed, “We’re greatest together,” and the town pulled off a massive recovery effort to open the event on time.

Indian Village in ENMAX Park is another favorite Stampede tradition. To learn about the cultural customs of Canada’s First Nations, visitors can tour a tipi, watch native dances and games and taste authentic bannock, a type of traditional flatbread favored by indigenous nations.

The mission of the Calgary Stampede is “to preserve and celebrate our western heritage, cultures and community spirit.” That said, visitors can expect to find plenty of activities centered around these three pillars. Many of the sports, like roping, were first born of necessity and remain among the core events held today.

Rodeo Events

A bright afternoon sun bears down on the crowd as we make our way to the viewing stands. The air prickles with energy and excitement, the electricity of anticipation, as we await our first rodeo competition of the day. If we’re feeling slightly on edge for the competitors, imagine what’s going through their minds as they enter the chutes poised for either stardom and the chance to walk away with the top prize of $100,000. – or the disappointment of crushing defeat, even injury. 

Regardless of final outcomes, winners and also-rans know they’ve made it when they get to the Calgary Stampede. Only the top 120 rodeo superstars from around the world are invited to participate in the 10-day cultural event.

When the chute finally opens, rider and animal rush past in a blur of speed, strength, and force. Within the maelstrom of pounding hooves and flying dust, from the sidelines, whether witnessing bareback riding, steer wrestling, tie-down roping, bull riding or barrel racing, the experience is thrilling and nerve-wracking at the same time.

Tip: Wondering what to look for from the judges’ perspective? Your handy program guide tells you everything you need to know. For example, I was surprised to learn that the judges rank both rider and animal a score between 1 – 100, up to 50 points each.

As this is a family affair, buckaroos, too, have their day at the rodeo. In one event, the Wild Pony races, teams of three, ages eight to twelve, compete to see who can get a rider aboard a wild pony for a two-jump ride in the fastest time. Even for buckaroo bystanders, the Calgary Stampede can’t be beat as evidenced by one toddler walking by who loudly declared to his parents, “Best day ever!”

Chuckwagon Racing (GMC Rangeland Derby)

Visionary-founder Guy Weadick must have been quite the persuasive guy because in 1923 he convinced several working ranchers to enter their chuckwagons and roundup crews to compete in what is now known as the GMC Rangeland Derby.

Today thirty-six wagons race every night. By Showdown Sunday, the final four with the fastest times compete for the chance to claim the title, bragging rights, and a cool $100,000. award.

In moments of hair-raising, heart-pounding action, drivers and teams explode across the arena, careening around the barrel positions, striving not to knock any over, in as fast a time as possible.

Midway Food and Rides

After watching the thrilling rodeo events, our hunger and thirst get the better of us. We join the Stampede’s new fun food tour, “Where Feast Meets West,” for an overview of sweet and savory, quirky and familiar Midway food fare.

We start off with the Big Pickle Tornado, a delectable concoction of sliced dill pickle filled with a hot dog, then topped with cheese and bacon and deep fried in a wrapped tortilla.

After sampling a few churro fries dipped in chocolate – because what doesn’t taste better with chocolate? – we try the Smoking Charcoal Ice Cream in a Cup. I have no problem polishing off the entire treat of coconut-flavored soft-serve ice cream. Apparently, the black activated charcoal has health benefits. Who knew?

And the Oreo Creamsicle Delight topped with whipped cream and a sprinkling of Oreos? The perfect thirst-quencher on this hot summer day.

Still ahead on my Midway food bucket list, street corn brushed in Mexican crème, and coated with cheese, chili powder, garlic and cilantro. And let’s not leave behind the Stampede-Sized Meatball and Lavender Lemonade. But tomorrow is another day.

In case you’re still hungry, there’s lots more quirky foods on the menu. For the record, bacon lovers craved the Bacon Onion Bombs and Deep-fried Bacon Wrapped Reese Cups dusted in powdered sugar. Cheese Chicken Hearts and The Spicy Chicken Arepa were big hits with others.

While most of us chose to forego the rides after our food tour, ride enthusiasts will find more than a few adrenalin-rushing attractions to get their juices flowing. How about the WestJet Skyride or Midway Zip Line? Or maybe Extreme Thrill Rides featuring the Sky Scraper and Slingshot better suit your fancy.

Grandstand Show

Cap off each day of your visit to the Calgary Stampede at the Grandstand Show, featuring performances by notable world-class entertainers.

On our visit, the Stampede celebrated its 50th year with standout acts by the Young Canadians, acrobats, Music Hall of Fame songwriter, Andy Kim (Sugar, Sugar), and – drumroll, please – Eddie the Eagle, 1988 Olympic ski jumper who stole the hearts of millions of fans around the world for his daring dashes down the slopes. What a thrill for me to meet the man behind the myth! And let’s not forget the spectacular evening fireworks, the fitting razzle-dazzle finale to the day’s main events.

When You Go

To experience the best of the Calgary Stampede, allow yourself at least two days to immerse yourself in the festivities. Include the Art Walk that winds through the Stampede grounds and extends into the community, one of the many ways to experience Calgary beyond the festival.

Need more suggestions on what to do and see during your stay?

  • Food options abound at the Calgary Stampede! Kick off your event at Modern Steak, a steakhouse featuring prime-grade Alberta beef and Jack Daniel whiskey. Have lunch at the Clubhouse Rustic Kitchen. For top seats at the Evening Show, head to The Lazy S, the exclusive”restaurant in the seat deck.” Follow up the next day with a Pancake breakfast at Fluor Rope Square or have Breakfast with the Pandas at the Calgary Zoo.
  • Explore Stampede Market and Western Oasis at the BMO Centre.
  • Check out the Canine Stars in the Corral or take a free barn tour.

Stampede Park is about a 15-minute walk from the downtown core or visitors can hop on Calgary’s CTrain transit which makes a stop at the Stampede Main Entry. Once you arrive, be sure to pick up a map and schedule to get your bearings and discover where to find your favorite attractions.

For more information, visit Calgary Stampede.

Filed Under: Festivals Tagged With: Greatest Outdoor Show on Earth, Lammle's, Midway food, rodeo

BY Nancy Mueller Leave a Comment ON December 17, 2018

How to Celebrate Dia de los Muertos in San Miguel de Allende, Mexico

For insight into an unfamiliar culture, how better than to celebrate a popular festival, or in this case, fiesta, in the country where it originated? For this event, I joined hosts Sharon Gonzalez and Tom Travers, owners of Eat The Peach Travel, in San Miguel de Allende, Mexico. Our mission? To share an authentic experience of Dia de los Muertos (Day of the Dead) on their small-group tour.

Here’s an insider’s view of our fun adventure.

About Dia de los Muertos 

But first, you may ask, what IS Dia de los Muertos exactly? Commonly confused with Halloween, Dia de los Muertos does feature skeleton costumes. It’s also celebrated close to Oct. 31st, as both events originated in proximity to Fall harvest celebrations. Yet there are notable differences between the two. 

Spanish Catholic Heritage

Dia de los Muertos reflects a nod to its Spanish Catholic heritage. Combining both All Saints’ Day and All Souls’ Day, the festivities are a show of love and respect to the dearly departed. Here death takes a holiday, evoking a joyful, rather than fearful ambiance, unlike its Halloween counterpart.

The mood is indeed merry. Yet throwing a party to celebrate, rather than mourn, the dead might seem mind-boggling, if not downright macabre, to the uninitiated of this Mexican tradition. But in fact, showcasing skulls (calaveras) and skeletons (calacas) suggests a way to not only laugh in the face of death. Party-goers also welcome the dead back among the living, however briefly, in this annual event. 

La Calaveras Catrina

Iconic La Calaveras Catrina, a female fashionista skeleton, looms large (literally) over the festivities leading up to the two-day event on Nov. 1st and 2nd. Whether strolling through El Parque Juarez, the Artisan Market or the Jardin in San Miguel’s historic town square, you can see her likeness everywhere. 

Artist José Guadalupe Posada first depicted La Calaveras Catrina shown only in an elegant, wide-brimmed hat in an 1813 etching. Posada had intended his caricature as a slight to native Mexicans whom he felt were adopting European customs at the expense of their own.

Later, another artist, Diego Rivera, developed the figure in his mural, Sueño de una tarde dominical en la Alameda Central (Dream of a Sunday Afternoon in the Alameda Central). In Rivera’s rendering, La Calaveras Catrina takes center stage among the leading figures of the day. The artist includes himself, then-wife Frida Kahlo, and Posada among the people in the painting. The mural reminds all of our close association with death regardless of our rank and status in this life.

Beyond La Calaveras Catrina

Beyond La Calaveras Catrina, costumes, skulls and skeletons, we discovered the significance of other symbols of Dia de los Muertos. Colorful Mexican marigolds (Cempasuchitl) adorn headstones and doorways. Why? Because celebrants believe the pungent scent of the flowers assists the departed in finding their way back to the living.

Ornamental ofrendas (altars) also honor the departed through a variety of elements representing water, wind, earth and fire. Each has its own symbolism: one or more candles to light their path home; decorated sugar skulls representing the bittersweet intersection of life and death; Copalli incense, like Mexican marigolds, to attract the spirits and ward off evil; pan de muerto (Day of the Dead sweet bread) flavored with anise and orange peel to please the spirits; and a photo of the deceased person together with a few personal possessions, like favorite foods or beverages. 

How to Celebrate Dios de los Muertos

Wander the Cobblestone Streets.

Start by wandering the cobblestone streets to get your bearings in this vibrant art community. One walk through the colorful, bougainvillea-filled vistas of San Miguel de Allende and you realize how much of your life you have lived in monochrome until now. 

Mingle with the Locals.

Mingle with locals in Parque Juarez or people watch at the Jardin in the heart of San Miguel’s historic center. Live Mariachi music, seemingly everywhere, will have you dancing to the Latino beat in no time. 

Tour Panteon de Nuestra Senora de Guadalupe.

At Our Lady of Guadalupe Cemetery, you can witness residents celebrating the lives of those they have lost with offerings brought for the occasion. Outside the cemetery, we viewed displays of elaborately-decorated ofrendas, poignant love altars for deceased friends and family members.

For our tour, Sharon and Tom invited us to bring photos of our own departed loved ones for a group niche which then became part of The Pyramid of the Dead. The brainchild of artist Tomas Burkey, the monumental structure is comprised of individual recessed structures honoring those who have died. 

Join La Catrina Parade. 

Our fun began as we made our way in full regalia to the luxury boutique Rosewood Hotel for a highly-recommended Pre-Parade Face-Painting Cocktail Party. Margaritas in hand, we sat while professional artists painted our faces in show-stopping skull designs in the tradition of indigenous Mexican culture. Plenty of photo opps., entertainment by local ballet dancers, Mariachi music and tasty nibbles soon followed.

Tip:

When choosing your costume for the festivities, think Steampunk more than Halloween. Eat The Peach Travel provided suggestions for transforming ourselves into Catrinas (ladies) and Catrins (gents): large hats, long dresses, feather boas, netting and corsets for women; top hats, dark trousers, shirt and jacket or waistcoat for men. 

Our big day culminated with La Catrina Parade, a relatively recent phenomenon of Dia de los Muertos celebrations throughout Mexico. The parade began at the Rosewood Hotel and wound its way to the historic center of San Miguel de Allende. After returning to the hotel, our tour included a Dinner Contest Party. While most chose to sit back and enjoy the show while dining, our fearless leader, Sharon, took to the stage. She came just shy of capturing the prize for “Best Costume Catrina.” My money’s on you for the big win next year, Sharon!

Tip:

Be sure to wear flat, comfortable shoes in general throughout your stay in San Miguel de Allende, but especially when on the parade route. You will be walking over cobblestones in the dark, maybe after having had a drink or two, so be sure to choose shoes that will be kind to your feet.

Give Back to the Local Community.

Each year Eat The Peach Travel donates $500.00 to sponsor a year of care for a child at Centro infantil De Los Angeles (casadelosangeles.org). This means that a portion of your tour fee goes directly into supporting local residents.

If You Go

Who: Eat The Peach Travel, specializing in “Boutique Tours for Adventurers”
What: Celebrate Dia de los Muertos (Day of the Dead)
Where: Hotel El Santuario, San Miguel de Allende, Mexico
When: 2019 Tour: 8 days/7 nights, Oct 27th – Nov 3rd
Why: For an intimate, unique cultural tour with fun, knowledgeable and caring hosts

Thanks to Sharon Gonzalez and Tom Travers for hosting!

Wanderboomers, how do you celebrate Dia de los Muertos? 

 

Filed Under: Festivals Tagged With: Day of the Dead, Dia de los Muertos, San Miguel de Allende

BY Nancy Mueller 1 Comment ON September 19, 2018

WWI’s Impact on Seattle Revealed in MOHAI Exhibit


Wondering what Seattle’s history has to do with WWI, The Great War, also called The War to End All Wars? Turns out, quite a lot, judging by MOHAI’s (Museum of History and Industry) current exhibit, WWI America.

About

Native American volunteers in WWI, photo courtesy of Minnesota History Center

Hazel Archibald, Seattle 1918, photo courtesy of the MOHAI Collection

This multimedia, interactive exhibit chronicles events leading up to The Great War, the war itself and its aftermath. Most noteworthy, “It’s an exercise in sensory immersion,” says Brian Horrigan, Curator at Minnesota Historical Society. Horrigan helped develop the program over a three-year period. He invites visitors to explore America’s turbulent transformation onto the global stage through the exhibit’s 300 images, thirteen different media pieces and notable artifacts like a desk chair from the Lusitania.

1952.56.14 Photo courtesy of the MOHAI Collection

Or how about a pair of Houdini handcuffs, a women’s suffrage banner and President Woodrow Wilson’s top hat? Propaganda posters, documented peace efforts, news headlines from The Seattle Star all play a part in the exhibit. Visitors can even crank the handle of a vintage victrola to hear songs of the times like “Over There.”

Impact on Seattleites

The “Red Barn,” June 8, 1917, photo courtesy of the MOHAI Collection

The four-year, three-month and 14-day war “shaped the nation in profound and lasting ways,” explains Horrigan.

From local volunteers and those drafted into service, from the Skinner and Eddy shipyard to Boeing’s beginnings,  viewers can also follow the trail of national events to the war’s impact on Seattleites.

But what’s Seattle’s history have to do with our current state of affairs? Beyond the well-worn quote: “Those who fail to learn from history are doomed to repeat it,” Horrigan points out, “We’re still grappling with many of the same issues today that had their roots in WWI: women and civil rights, pandemics, labor struggles, returning veterans and immigration fears.”

Through the stories and photos of real people whose lives were upended irrevocably because of the war, visitors gain a sense of immediacy, emotional resonance and current relevance.

Events

Inspired to learn more about the origins and effect of WWI on past and present America?

MOHAI has lined up a number of special events to coincide with the Armistice Day Centennial Commemoration on November 11th, the day the war ended.

Wednesday October 3rd, 6PM, MOHAI presents a special performance of Northwest Passages by Living Voices to capture the devastating impact of The Spanish Flu, brought to America by returning veterans. Visitors can discover how to prevent the spread of flu today and even get a free flu shot, hosted by Bartell Drugs, on site.

Saturday October 20th, 11AM, 12 and 2PM – Hear the stories behind the clothing that people wore during the war, paving the way from The Edwardian Era to The Roaring Twenties.

Friday November 9th, 6:30 – 9PM, WWI America Member Celebration, kicks off MOHAI’s Armistice Day Centennial commemoration weekend.

Saturday November 10th – Monday November 12th, 10AM – 5PM, Attend a major highlight of the exhibit, featuring a special ceremony on the 11th hour of the 11th day of November. Officials will present a ceremonial ringing of the bells, as part of the National Bells of Peace Program, including The Seattle Fire Bell of 1890, which has not been officially rung this century.

Resources

And just in case you want to follow the rabbit hole a bit further, here are a few additional resources to check out:

The Guns of August – Thanks to MOHAI’s WWI America exhibit, this might be the year I finally heed my high school history teacher’s advice and read Barbara W. Tuckman’s Pulitzer Prize-winning classic.

American Experience: The Great War  – 3-part documentary, now streaming on PBS.

BBC Four – The First World War – In depth 10-part series

The First World War, The Complete Series – 4 DVD set

Downton Abbey – The Complete Series – Yes, that Downton Abbey, for a fan-favorite dramatic series with WWI as backdrop.

For More Information

Visit Seattle’s MOHAI.

 

Filed Under: Art, Culture, Museums Tagged With: MOHAI, The Great War, WWI

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Hello fellow wanderboomers! I’m a Seattle-based travel journalist, specializing in fun travel adventures for the young at heart. My articles have been featured in Hemispheres, AAA Highroads Magazine and Northwest Travel & Life Magazine where I'm a frequent contributor. When this Wanderboomer isn’t traveling, I help global executives polish their personal and professional brand for long-term results.
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