The DC Traveler

The Mikado is one of the most popular and most often produced opera/plays in the history of theater.
This comic opera, written by Gilbert and Sullivan, first opened in London in 1885.  It was so popular, it is estimated that over 150 theatrical companies were putting on performances in both Europe and the U.S. within a year of its London opening.
The story is set in a Japanese village where the main character, a wandering musician (who’s hiding his real identity) is in search of the woman he has fallen in love with, the maiden Yum-Yum.
He is told by the town’s officials …read more

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The development of motion pictures started in the 1860s with image machines such as the zoetrope. As the images inside a spinning cylinder are viewed through a small hole, the image blur together producing the illusion of motion.   As film and associated cameras developed, still photographs were displayed in a series, at a speed to create movement.
By 1890, early versions of the motion picture camera and projector were in use. The oldest known surviving frame of film is from Roundhay Garden Scene by Louis Le Prince from 1888.
The public became enamored with the early silent films and by the early …read more

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Kites…kites everywhere.
With Spring in bloom (although you wouldn’t know it based on today’s weather), it’s time to grab your kite and twine and come to the 41st Annual Smithsonian Kite Festival being held on the grounds surrounding the Washington Monument.
The theme this year is “Japan WOW!” So flying dragons, giant sea creatures, Godzilla and perhaps even a piece or two of flying sushi might make an appearance.
It’s up to your imagination. This is a great family event and also fun for lovers to toss a blanket, bring a picnic, hold hands and watch the kites dance in motion.
There are some …read more

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For years, DC visitors wishing to tour the U.S. Capitol Building have been forced to wait outdoors in at times, long lines during DC’s humid summers and cold, windy winters. Unfortunately, last week, the Washington Post reported that tourists will have to wait a bit longer for the new visitor center – at least until next summer.  The new Capitol Visitor Center’s opening has been delayed for over three years, plagued by delays.
In planning since 1998 and under construction since 2000, the three-level underground visitor center is the largest and most extensive renovation or construction project of the Capitol Building since the …read more

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With the National Cherry Blossom Festival just a couple weeks away…stay tuned for more details coming soon.
The National Parks Service is predicting the blooms will peak starting the 1st of April.__________________________________________________________

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…and Philly Cheese Steaks!!
As my last post mentioned, I visited Philly this past weekend, mainly to see the King Tut exhibit, but Philly is a great town for a quick day trip or get-away weekend.
      
Here’s my list of fun things to do – all in one day or over a weekend:

Independance National Historical Park – visit The Liberty Bell and see the famous bell that rang in freedom and democracy and tour Independence Hall, where the Second Continental Congress met and signed the Declaration of Independence and the first independent government of the U.S. took shape. Open daily 9:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.
Rodin Museum -  …read more

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I’ve mentioned before, I grew up in Chicago. And as a kid, I recall visiting two major exhibits at local museums. The first was in the early 1970s, soon after the Apollo 11 moon landing. NASA allowed samples of moon rocks to be exhibited around the U.S., so as a kid who loved astronomy, the space program and looking through my telescope, seeing moon rocks up close was really “cool”.
About eight years later, the Field Museum of Natural History had an exhibit from Egypt, The Treasures of Tutankamun. 
The exhibit was a national sensation and the result of President Nixon’s visit to Egypt and his …read more

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Thirza Defoe of the Ojibwe and Oneida Nations of Wisconsin – or the Chippewa tribe, celebrates the Spring Equinox with Native American dances.  Her dances represent the Four Directions: Iroquois Smoke Dancing (East), Eagle Dances (Southwest), Hoop and Fish Dances (North), and Round Dances (West).
Thirza Defoe is known for her sacred hoop dancing that she has been performing since the age of 8.  In 1992, she danced in the opening ceremonies of the Olympic Games in Barcelona, Spain.
She’ll shares her culture, traditional Iroquois songs and dance for audiences of all ages and cultural backgrounds.
    
All are welcomed and you are encouraged …read more

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For you non-French speaking people (like me) that roughly translates to the Big Party of the French-speaking World.
French is the official language in 41 countries throughout Europe, Africa, the Caribbean and South America, and the second most frequently taught language after English. It’s also the official or administrative language of NATO, the World Trade Organization, the European Union, the international Court of Justice and even the International Olympic Committee. 
Visit the lands, taste the food and hear the music of 30 French-speaking countries as their embassies and governments present their respective cultures, people, traditions and culinary specialties.
The Casablanca Band will be performing …read more

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Benjamin Banneker was a free-born descendent of African slaves who was not only a mathematician, clockmaker, astronomer and publisher, but also had a near photographic memory.  Some historians consider him the first African-American scientist.
Raised on a tobacco farm in Maryland, he was self-taught in the sciences and problem-solving skills.
From 1792 to 1797, he was appointed to assist DC urban planner Pierre Charles L’Enfant in surveying and planning the land that was to become Washington, D.C.
     
Working closely L’Enfant before he quit over bureaucratic frustration and taking the only printed plans to the city with him, legend has it that Banneker …read more

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