Sat, 24 November 2007  Today we visit the Harper's Ferry, West Virginia, focusing on the National Historical Park. We think Harper's Ferry is worth renting a car for! You can also take the MARC train to visit Harper's Ferry. We use the National Park Service's Lower Town Map for our walk through the town of Harper's Ferry.
We begin our visit at the visitor's center, where we part, visit the small museum, and take the shuttle bus into the town. (6:14) Once in town we visit the Restoration Museum, Frankel's clothing store, and the industry museum. We travel to the riverside, beyond the railroad trestle, where we visit the ruins of Hamilton Street. (13:43) We move to the back yard of Mrs. Stipes boarding house, the building that houses the Video program, and Julie talks about the history of the founding of the town and about Robert Harper. (17:09) We play Chuga Choo-choo by West Virginia country artist Skyla Spencer. It comes to us via the Podsafe Music Network. (20:12) We visit Arsenal Square, the Firehouse, or John Brown's castle, then wander over to check out the original site of the arsenal and the Firehouse. Julie talks a little about John Brown. (24:30) We visit a number of museums at Harper's Ferry: The John Brown Museum, the Wetlands Exhibit, and the Storer College/Niagara Movement museum. We also visit the watch repairman and the Confectionary. (30:12) We head up the stone stairs to visit the Harper House, St. Peter's Roman Catholic Church and the ruins of St. John's Episcopal. (43:38) We finish up at Harper's Ferry's beginning - at Jefferson Rock (47:59) Our Opening Theme Music is Garden Walk by Kim Evans, we interspersed bits of the National Park Service's Radio recording, and recording from the shuttle bus between the visitor's center and the lower town between our stops, and our logo design is by Kathleen Hamm at Hamm Multimedia. Our Photo Album for Harpers Ferry has some great Fall Pictures of the historic town! Comments[7] |
Mon, 19 November 2007  Today we visit the Gettysburg National Battlefield, in Gettysburg, PA. While it is about 2 hours from Washington, we think Gettysburg is worth renting a car for!
In addition to our podcast, if you are a real civil war history buff we recommend the Civil War Traveler podcast. This podcast goes into much more history than we can on the site, and provides you with a number of great walking tours.
We begin our visit trying to get into the visitor's center. Since we're carrying backpacks, we're unable to, so we don't visit the museum, interpretive film or gift shop. No worries, though, we have plenty to talk about without it! Julie then proceeds to get a little long-winded about the history of the battle of Gettysburg. (4:12) We begin the driving tour, starting at stop #1, McPherson Ridge. (13:43) We play the Hunter's Chorus from The Rose of Erin from a Library of Congress Concert of Civil War Era vocal, piano and band music. The piece was written by Sir Julius Benedict, and the arranger is unknown. (15:17) We continue on to the Eternal Flame monument, stop #2, and stop #3, the end of the first day, where there is also an observation tower. (23:11) We begin exploring the second day, July 2, 1863, visiting stop #4. Julie talks a little bit about the history of the second day of the battle. (29:50) We play Upon a Summer's Day from a Library of Congress Concert of Civil War Era vocal, piano and band music. The song was written by Adolf Fredrik Lindblad, and is sung in Swedish, and was one of Jenny Lind's Swedish songs. (36:03) Stop #5, dedicated to Pickett's charge, contains the Virginia Memorial, and moves into the third day. At Stop #6 we are back to the second day, and Barksdale's Charge, and we continue to Stop #7, about General Longstreet. (38:17) Julie spends some time talking about the various things to do at Gettysburg, while Mark drives to stop #8, Little Round Top, which has a lot of signs, monuments, and a great view. (44:45) We continue on to the Wheatfield (stop #9), the location of the single most bloody battle of the Civil War, and then on to the Peach Orchard (Stop#10). Then finally at stop #11 we end our exploration of the second day. (48:20) On our way to the Pennsylvania Memorial (stop #12) Julie talks a little about the strategy and battle of the third day of the battle. Once at the Memorial, we are pretty awed by the structure - the largest one at Gettysburg. (54:04) We continue on to stop #15 (we take the two-hour tour), the High Water Mark which is where the Union troops are finally successful. (59:56) We finish up at the Soldiers' National Cemetery, and the Lincoln speech memorial. Lincoln gave his Gettysburg Address at the dedication of this cemetery, on November 19, 1863 (exactly 144 years before the posting date of this podcast) (1:02:10) Email us at: Our Opening Theme Music is Garden Walk by Kim Evans, and our logo design is by Kathleen Hamm at Hamm Multimedia. Our Photo Album for Gettysburg follows the tour we took! Comments[5] |
Fri, 9 November 2007  Today we visit the Sidney Harman Hall/Harman Center for the Arts, the Shakespeare Theater's brand new performance venue. We went for an open house, but you are more likely to go for a play - so be sure to visit The Shakespeare Theater's Web Site. We recommend you use the Gallery Place/Chinatown metro stop to get there.
We begin our visit outside, watching an acrobat perform from a hanging hoop in the street. We read the 2007-2008 schedule of plays - which we'll see (:55) The first performance, from Macbeth comes to us from Speak the Speech, Universal Shakespeare Broadcasting. All the performances are provided under their Creative Commons License. (6:45) We enter the Hall and take the self-guided tour of the facility. After the main lobby, we visit the basement level, which is made up of the education center, meeting rooms, dressing rooms, costume shop and other backstage facilities. (9:55) The second performance, also by Speak the Speech is the All the World's a Stage speech from As You Like It. (19:03) We head into the Theatre itself, and check out our seats. We head up to the balcony, pausing by the theatre bar and looking out the huge open glass windows there. (20:48) The third performance from Speak the Speech is the opening speech from Richard III. (23:40) Finally, we discover another bar on the balcony level, and we visit the balcony, noting some of the work that is still ongoing. (26:04) Email us at: Our Opening Theme Music is Garden Walk by Kim Evans, and our logo design is by Kathleen Hamm at Hamm Multimedia. Our Photo Album for Sidney Harman Hall follows the tour we took! Comments[6] |
Sat, 3 November 2007  Today we visit the Folger Shakespeare Library, the World's largest collection of Shakespeare-related books and objects. We recommend you use the Capitol South metro stop to get there. We begin our visit in the Garden and we view some of the statuary, which relates to Shakespeare plays. We get to hear some of the Shakespeare scenes and monologues associated with the statuary, performed somewhat better than we can manage. (3:06) The performance of the Epilogue from the Tempest comes to us from Speak the Speech, Universal Shakespeare Broadcasting, in compliance with their Creative Commons License (6:12) The readings of the "To be or not to be" speech from Hamlet (10:35), and the "Now the hungry lion roars" speech from A Midsummer Night's Dream (13:00) came to us from Libri Vox, and are in the public domain. We finish up in the garden and continue into the Folger Library. We take a docent led tour, then sit in the great hall afterwards and talk about the tour, the architecture, and the history of the founding of the Folger Library. (14:17) We talk about the founder's room, and the art in that room, and about the Great Hall and the display therein. We also stop by the box office. (20:30)We visit the theatre and the box office. We see the marble Puck statue. Julie talks about the Old Reading Room, and the Seven Ages of Man Window. (27:00) We go outside, enjoy the ground level bas-reliefs, and finish up at the aluminum Puck Fountain. (31:01) We finish up with Puck's Song by Virginia singer-songwriter and Word Nerd Dave Shepherd. This comes to us courtesy of the Podsafe Music Network. (34:43) Email us at: Our Opening Theme Music is Garden Walk by Kim Evans, and our logo design is by Kathleen Hamm at Hamm Multimedia. Our Photo Album for the Folger will let you see some of the statuary and architecture we talk about! Comments[5] |
Sun, 28 October 2007  Today we visit the Old Post Office Pavilion, on Pennsylvania Avenue. We recommend you use the Federal Triangle metro stop to get there.
We happened to do this podcast (and several others) on the day of a major anti war rally on the mall. We bring you some of the sounds (and sights, if you look at the photo album) of this experience! (0:54) Once past the anti-war rally, we make our way to the Post Office Pavilion, and admire the statue of Franklin in front of the Pavilion. (8:03) We get a chance to get an introduction to the building and it's history from Park Ranger Marcia Phillips. (9:23)Returning to the building, we head for the tower, going via a number of exhibits and information about the building. (16:21) We play Right Again by Maryland singer Cheri Arnett. This comes to us courtesy of the Podsafe Music Network. (20:35) Once inside the observatin deck, we enjoy the view, despite the obstruction by steel wires (you can see the issue on our pictures). We visit the information on the Congress Bells, and see the bells themselves. (24:40) Back on the ground, we finish up by enjoying an ice cream cone in the food court. (34:51) Email us at: Our Opening Theme Music is Garden Walk by Kim Evans, our walking music during the tour is Find Me, by H, and our logo design is by Kathleen Hamm at Hamm Multimedia. Our Photo Album for the Post Office Pavilion has some unique views of DC! Comments[6] |
Mon, 22 October 2007 Sorry folks. We`ve tried any number of ways to upload our podcasts for you while we are on vacation. Nothing seems to work. The internet cafes we have visited here in Berlin and in Salzburg don`t allow for us to hook up a USB drive, and we cannot get the internet in the Sony Center to work with our Macintosh. Schade! as they say here in Deutschland.# We expect to get our next episode up on Sunday evening - once back in North America. This is what we get for staying in cheap hotels with no internet. It's produced, so we should be able to do it fast! Category: general -- posted at: 12:58 PM Comments[5] |
Thu, 11 October 2007  Today we tour the Bureau of Engraving and Printing. We recommend you use the Smithsonian metro stop to get to the Bureau.
We start off with our usual directions, followed by a flashback to Julie picking up the tickets in the morning. She shares her 7:30 AM ticket pickup experience. (2:18) We play If You've Got the Money, I've Got the time by Merle Haggard. This comes to us courtesy of the Podsafe Music Network. (16:07) Returning to the evening, we wait in line to get in for our tour. We talk about taking the tour and logistics. (13:45) Inside we are firmly admonished not to videotape or photograph inside. Julie is a bit too scared to tape any of the tour, however, the microphone was accidentally on for a short period of time, so we share those few minutes with you. (13:45) Once in the gift shop we reflect on the tour, and talk a little bit about how you might fit this short (45 minute) tour into your visit to Washington. (17:03) Email us at: Our Opening Theme Music is Garden Walk by Kim Evans, and our logo design is by Kathleen Hamm at Hamm Multimedia. Our Photo Album for the Bureau is rather small, since we could not take pictures inside. Comments[3] |
Sat, 6 October 2007  Today we take the Potomac Riverboat Company's Water Taxi/Monuments Tour from the Georgetown Waterfront to Old Town Alexandria. We recommend you use the Foggy Bottom metro stop to get to the Washington Harbor, where the tour starts.
We start off buying our ticket at the Washington Harbor, and talking about the Harbor and the view of the river from that point. (3:10) We board the Matthew Hayes. While we wait on the boat, we talk a little about the river. We hear the safety and informational announcements. Once under weigh, we begin to move down the river, past the Kennedy Center and the Watergate. (7:02) We go under several bridges. As we approach the Memorial Bridge, we also begin to see the memorials on the mall, including the Lincoln Memorial, as well as the Washington Monument and East Potomac Park, where we catch a glimpse of Iwo Jima, and Arlington Cemetary on the Virginia side. (13:30) We play This Day was Made for Sailing by A Sunken Ship Irony. This comes to us courtesy of the Podsafe Music Network. (16:07) We continue on south, under the 14th Street Bridge, and past National Airport. We get to see the Awakening at the south end of East Potomac Park. (20:04) After wondering what the residential are is off the port side, we discover that it is the US Naval Research Laboratory, and head on south. (27:01) We finally arrive in Old Town Alexandria, at the Torpedo Factory, and wrap up while listening to drummers. (29:49) Email us at: Our Opening Theme Music is Garden Walk by Kim Evans, and our logo design is by Kathleen Hamm at Hamm Multimedia. Our Photo Album for the day displays what wonderful photos can be taken on a nice day from the water. Comments[5] |
Sat, 29 September 2007  Today we take the City Segway's Moonlight Tour of Washington. We recommend you use the Gallery Place/Chinatown Metro stop to get to City Segway, which is across the street from the National Portrait Gallery.
After signing disclaimers and paying, we meet our tour guide, Matt, who spends a half hour or so teaching us all how to ride Segways. Then we set off for a long ride down H Street and New York Avenue, with little to see, but lots of broad sidewalks to practice our newly developed Segway skills. We share only a little of Matt's beginning talk. (2:40) We let Matt talk about the buildings near the White House, including the Treasury and Blair House. (9:37) We pass the White House and head south of 17th street, into the night. We head around the Elipse, and begin to hear thunder. We protect the machines with disposable plastic ponchos, and a rainstorm begins. (12:10) We begin heading down Constitution Avenue and past the Smithsonian. We play Code Monkey by Jonathan Coulton. This is used by permission, and under the terms of Jonathan's Creative Commons License. Soon after we pass the National Museum of Natural History we begin to get rain. After a few stops and starts, after we visit the National Archives, the sky opens up. We take shelter at the National Gallery of Art's East Building which has a large sheltered porch. (21:18) Once the lightning moves a little bit away from where we are, we leave the National Gallery of Art, and head on toward the Capitol in the rain. we ride the Segways around the Capitol. (27:50) After leaving the Capitol grounds, we head on up Pennsylvania Avenue, past the Navy Memorial and Ford's Theatre before returning to the Segway shop to end our tour. (35:43) Email us at: Our Opening Theme Music is Garden Walk by Kim Evans, and our logo design is by Kathleen Hamm at Hamm Multimedia. We have a limited but interesting Photo Album of the first half of the tour, before the rain started. Comments[6] |
Sat, 22 September 2007  Work pressures, life pressures, and Xtreme business, have prevented our posting this week. If we were a regular radio show, we'd do a rerun. We suggest, as a rerun our podcast #2, Capitol Hill!Back next week with a Segway Tour of DC! Julie Category: general -- posted at: 9:42 AM Comments[5] |
Sun, 16 September 2007  Today we take a tour on Tourmobile, Washington DC's on and off tour busses of the mall area and Arlington Cemetery. We started at Union Station but you can get on anywhere along the route. Convenient areas might include Smithsonian Station, the Washington Monument and Arlington Cemetery.
We start out with some logistics, how to get tickets at Union Station, and what the Tourmobile is all about. (2:00) We take the Tourmobile route from Union Station to Arlington Cemetery. (5:37) We play Security Girl by DC Recording artist Joe Shade. His music comes to us courtesy of the Podsafe Music Network. (15.53) We switch busses and take the tour of Arlington Cemetery, which has three sites, the Kennedy Gravesite, the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier, and the Custis Lee Mansion. (19:10) We return to the regular bus, return to DC and complete the circuit, ending up at Union Station. (26:11) Our Theme Music is Garden Walk by Kim Evans. Incidental music during the walk is from find me by H. You can email us at feedback@washingtontravelcast.com. You can Skype us via skype name JulieorMark, and Julie answers Washington DC travel questions on Yahoo! Answers. Our Tourmobile Photo Album gives you a better idea of what the tour is like! Comments[3] |
Sat, 8 September 2007  Today we take the DC Ducks Tour of Washington. We recommend you use the Union Station metro stop to get to the start of the DC Ducks tour which is at Union Station.
After talking about the logistics of the tour, we head out in front of Union Station, ready to start the tour. Our tour guide, Cap'n Hap, starts us out along Louisiana Avenue, visiting some of the locations that we visited on our earlier, Capitol Hill, Tour. (4:19) We head on to the Federal Triangle area, and follow it from the Archives to Freedom Plaza. (8:21) We talk about the route through Washington, head into Virginia, past National Airport. At Gravelley Point we go in the water. (12:10) We play Six Little Ducks, performed by the Rockosaurus Rex. This came to us courtesy of the Podsafe Music Network. (14:14) We enter the Potomac at Graveley point, watch the planes take off from National Airport, appreciated the view in the river, and get Quackers. This is a very silly portion of our podcast (16:56) We exit the Potomac at Graveley Point, also, and we head back into the District of Columbia. (27:33) We head back to the mall, past the Smithsonian, and stop in front of the Capitol Building, before we return to Union Station, at the end of our tour. (30:06) Email us at: Our Opening Theme Music is Garden Walk by Kim Evans, and our logo design is by Kathleen Hamm at Hamm Multimedia. We have an extensive Photo Album of our DC Ducks tour. Comments[3] |
Fri, 31 August 2007  We finish our visit to Shenandoah National Park.
We start at Mary's Rock Tunnel, just a bit south of the Thornton Gap entrace to the park. We talk about the building of Mary's Rock Tunnel, and the history of the founding and construction of Shenandoah National Park. (3:55) We play Two Roads, performed by the Woodshedders, which comes to us via the Podsafe Music Network. (10:58) We visit Stony Man Overlook and talk some more about the haze. (14:54) We visit Skyland Lodge, and talk about the guest services here. (17:02) We finish up at Big Meadows, and visit the new Byrd Visitor's Center. (26:11) Our Theme Music is Garden Walk by Kim Evans. Incidental music during the walk is from find me by H, and from the National Park Service's Radio Broadcast at Mile 0 of Skyline Drive. You can email us at feedback@washingtontravelcast.com. You can Skype us via skype name JulieorMark, and Julie answers Washington DC travel questions on Yahoo! Answers. Our Shenandoah Part 2 Photo Album has some really great pictures today! Comments[3] |
Sat, 25 August 2007  We spend a lovely summer day visiting nearby Shenandoah National Park. You would be nuts not to rent a car for this trip!
We start in Front Royal, at the North Entrance of the Park. We actually start our discussion at the Shenandoah valley overlook. (2:45) We let the Shenandoah National Park Radio Broadcast let you know the logistics and fees. (4:11) At Dickey Ridge Visitor Center, Ranger Denise talks about Black Bears at Shenandoah National Park - we include a couple of bits of her talk. (4:44) We further explore the Dickey Ridge Visitor's Center, including talking with Ranger Laura about accommodations in the park. (6:50) We hike the Fox Hollow Trail, seeing and hearing wildlife from butterflies to deer, and exploring the history of the hollow and the Fox family. (12:17) We play Shenandoah, performed by the Singing Sergeants, the premiere choral group of the U.S. Air Force. (26:05) After finishing up our Fox Hollow Trail, we visit the Hog Wallow Flats Overlook, where we talk about the geology of the Blue Ridge. (32:34) We stop at the Hogback Ridge Overlook, which is one of the highest points in the park, looking out toward the Shenandoah River, and we talk about the issue of natural and man-made haze. (36:15) We stop at Elk Wallow for lunch - and talk about visitors' services here. (39:31) And we finish at Pass Mountain. We will continue this visit to Shenandoah National Mark next week, covering the area from Thornton Gap to the Byrd Visitor's Center and Big Mountain. (42:05) Our Theme Music is Garden Walk by Kim Evans. Incidental music during the walk is from find me by H, and from the National Park Service's Radio Broadcast at Mile 0 of Skyline Drive. You can email us at feedback@washingtontravelcast.com. You can Skype us via skype name JulieorMark, and Julie answers Washington DC travel questions on Yahoo! Answers. Our Shenandoah Part 1 Photo Album has some really great pictures today! Comments[6] |
Fri, 17 August 2007  Today we visit the Smithsonian's National Postal Museum. We recommend you use the Union Station metro stop to visit the Postal Museum.
We start off with Julie talking a little about the architecture of the museum building. We enter, go through security and then explore the floor that housed the historic DC City Post Office - back when this building housed the main Post Office for Washington. We talk about the history of the Post Office. (1:35) We walk down the stairs to the exhibit areas of the museum, starting in the Franklin Foyer, then visit the exhibit in the atrium, called "Moving the Mail."(5:08) We go through a number of the permanent exhibits, tracing the history of the mail, the postal inspection service and the art of the mail box. (11:15) We play Mail Order Bride, performed by the Monkeyshine. This came to us courtesy of the Podsafe Music Network. (25:50) We visit a number of interactive, high-tech exhibits, including ones on Mail Order, and direct mail. (29:29) After watching the introductory video, we cross back into the atrium and visit the National Stamp Collection. (34:04) We brought our son, George with us, and we help him create a postcard for his Grandma. (39:28) We finish up with a gallery of stamp art, and an exhibit on postal innovation, including military mail. (42:17) Email us at: Our Opening Theme Music is Garden Walk by Kim Evans, and our logo design is by Kathleen Hamm at Hamm Multimedia. We have an extensive Photo Album of the National Postal Museum . Comments[3] |
Sat, 11 August 2007  Today we visit three of Washington's many service memorials, the U.S. Navy Memorial, the Air Force Memorial, and the Marine Memorial, popularly known as Iwo Jima.
We start off at the US Navy Memorial. We recommend you get off at the Archives/Navy Memorial metro station to visit this Memorial. (1:11) We play Anchors Aweigh, the Navy Song, performed by the U. S. Navy Band. (5:57) We visit the Lone Sailor and highlight National Park Service Bicycle Tours while we are here. (6:33) We play U.S. Air Force Song, performed by the U. S. Air Force Band and the Singing Sergeants. (19:11) We travel to the U.S. Air Force Memorial. We recommend that you get off Metro at the Pentagon metro station to visit this Memorial. (20:04) We play music performed on the Netherlands Carillon as we arrive at the carillon and the U.S. Marine Memorial, also known as Iwo Jima. We recommend that you get off Metro at the Rosslyn metro station to visit this Memorial. The music is performed by a volunteer carillon player whose name we don't know. (31:07) We play Marine Hymn, performed by the U. S. Marine Band. (39:38) We finally shake ourselves loose of the carillon music. and visit Iwo Jima, the U.S. Marine Memorial. (40:29) Email us at: Our Opening Theme Music is Garden Walk by Kim Evans, and our logo design is by Kathleen Hamm at Hamm Multimedia.
We have an extensive Photo Album of the three memorials and the carillon.
Comments[5] |
Sat, 4 August 2007  Today we visit the U.S. Capitol Building. We recommend you get off at the Capitol South metro station.
We start off telling you how to get same day tickets and hours of the building. Julie talks about the history of the building of the Capitol, as we wait in line to get into the building. She doesn't finish before the tour starts. List of Prohibited Items (2:27)
While you are waiting in line you can listen to Constant Architect by DC Band Lejune This comes to us via the PodsafeMusicNetwork, and is from Lejune's new album We talk a little about processing through security, an inevitable experience in Washington. (13:32) We do the rest of the tour in flashback - recording our impressions afterward. We start with meeting Alice, our tour guide, and visit the Capitol Rotunda, and view many artworks, including The Apotheosis of Washington. Scenes on the fresco band around the dome. (15:19) We play Cohan's Big Three by the US Air Force Band and the Singing Sergeants. (20:23) We visit statuary hall, and learn about the 100 State Statues, and King Kamehameha, whose day was June 11. (24:06) We head down to the Crypt, and also get to visit the Burundi Corridors (not usually on the tour - check out our photo album to see them) and the Supreme Court chamber. (27:34) Email us at: Our Opening Theme Music is Garden Walk by Kim Evans, and our logo design is by Kathleen Hamm at Hamm Multimedia. We have a great Photo Album including some photos of the Burundi Corridors on the Senate Side. Comments[5] |
Fri, 27 July 2007  Today we return downtown and visit the National Archives. We recommend you get off at the Archives/Navy Memorial/Penn Quarter metro station, and be prepared to wait in line, especially if you visit in the spring and summer.
The day we visited, the city was very busy. While we were in line we met a number of young people associated with the National Anthem Project, who sang the Star Spangled Banner with Julie. She interviews Sarah, from Morrisville, Indiana, one of the young people, about the project. (2:29) We finally get inside the Archives and Julie talks a little about the history of the Archives and it's architecture. (6:50) We get in line again, and wait to visit the Charters of Freedom: The Declaration of Independence, the Constitution, and the Bill of Rights. (12:47) To fill some of the wait-in-line time, we play Minor Swing by the WhizBang Shufflers This comes to us via the PodsafeMusicNetwork. (14:15) We visit the exhibit on the Charters of Freedom, and see John Hancock's John Hancock. (21:01) We visit the Magna Carta. Note that the copy in Washington is not the original, but a 1297 copy. (29:16) We head down to the Public Vaults, where we see a number of exhibits, including some interactive exhibits we think would delight a child. (29:50) We finish outside the archives, reading the inscriptions on the building and discussing the architecture. (40:21) Email us at: Our Opening Theme Music is Garden Walk by Kim Evans, and our logo design is by Kathleen Hamm at Hamm Multimedia. Check out our Archives Photo Album. Comments[15] |
Thu, 19 July 2007  Today we take you on a tour of our home town, Vienna Virginia. We recommend you get off at the the Dunn Loring metro station, and take the 2T bus to downtown Vienna.
We have a map of the tour on Google Maps. We start off talking about the how Vienna has striven to maintain a small town atmosphere, while existing in the very heart of Northern Virginia traffic. We don't recommend a car for this trip. Julie talks a bit about the history of Vienna, Virginia while we visit the Patrick Henry Library and the Walk of Fame. (2:45) We visit Mark's (and our daughter Catherine's) elementary school, Vienna Elementary, and explain why it has a Walter. (9:45) We continue by visiting the Bowman House, now an Arts and Crafts Center providing pottery classes. We interview B.J. Schmidt, who tells us about the center and about the ghosts of the Bowman House. (12:32) We visit the Vienna Volunteer Fire Department, and the Vienna Community Center and athletic fields. Julie talks about the community events that occur through the year in the town of Vienna. (16:06) We continue on to the Washington and Old Dominion Regional Park, known affectionately to us as "the bike trail". Julie talks about the history of the park and the Civil War history of Vienna. (23:30) We play You Never Know by Virginia band GUM! 75% of the members of GUM! lived for some time in Vienna, Virginia. This music is used by permission. (28:17) We visit the new Vienna Town Green, which was recently dedicated, then go and have lunch at the unique and exciting Vienna Inn. (32:01) We double back to the W&OD Trail, where Julie continues her discussion of the history of the Town of Vienna. We follow the bike path past the Town Green to the Freeman Store and Museum. We also stop briefly by the Vienna Presbyterian Church. (36:23) We visit the Vienna Centennial Park, and the Red Caboose, then walk down the trail to the Vienna railway station. (44:04) After an unsuccessful effort to find the original Vienna Library, and some reminiscing about Church Street, we visit the Knights of Columbus Hall, formerly the location of the First Baptist Church of Vienna. We talk about the rich history of this church. (50:04) We end up in the Windover Hills neighborhood, a national historic neighborhood made up of many lovely large Victorian houses. Julie finishes talking about the history of Vienna. We also give you directions back to the metro. (53:23) Email us at: Our Opening Theme Music is Garden Walk by Kim Evans, and our logo design is by Kathleen Hamm at Hamm Multimedia. Check out our Vienna, Virginia Photo Album. Comments[13] |
Sat, 14 July 2007  Today we finish our tour of Georgetown, starting just after the Stone House, and ending at the Exorcist Stairs. While we recommend that you start this tour from the end of our Georgetown 1 tour, we give you directions from the Foggy Bottom metro station.
We have a map of the tour on Google Maps. We visiting the C and O Canal, the nearby buildings, and then walking down to the Waterfront. (2:15) We walk back under the Whitehurst Freeway, and visit the Old Georgetown Incinerator. (6:40) We continue by visiting the Grace Episcopal Church. (10:34) We visit the Georgetown Market building, currently inhabited by Dean and Deluca. (12:51) We travel through the streets of Georgetown, and we visit Smith Row, Cox Row, and a home that was once the home of Senator John F. Kennedy. Somewhere in there we discuss the history of public transport in DC. (14:35) We play Send Yourself to Work by DC band All City Affairs. It comes to us courtesy of the the Podsafe Music Network. (19:16) We briefly visit Quality Hill, which is under reconstruction, then move on to Holy Trinity Parish. (23:19) We visit the Volta Bureau, and talk about the Visitation School, then visit Pomander Walk. (26:51) We continue to Georgetown University, and take a short break on the grassy quad, admiring the buildings on the campus. (31:12) We finish up our walk at the "Exorcist" stairs near Georgetown University. (36:08) Email us at: Our Opening Theme Music is Garden Walk by Kim Evans, and our logo design is by Kathleen Hamm at Hamm Multimedia. Check out the second part of our Georgetown Photo Album. Comments[13] |
Fri, 6 July 2007  We finally get to Georgetown, the oldest neighborhood in DC. We'll be doing this over two podcasts. We walked to Georgetown via the Foggy Bottom Metro Station, but you can also take the Circulator Bus from Union Station or along K street.
We start in front of the Four Seasons Hotel, where Pennsylvania Avenue meets M Street. We find the Chagall Mural, at 28th and N Street, then visit 2806, 2808 and 2812 N Street, Federal Townhomes from the early 19th Century, and then Julie tells us a bit about Georgetown history on the way to Mt. Zion United Methodist Church. (5:15) We visit the Dumbarton House, which once was the very edge of Georgetown. It was reworked by Benjamin Henry Latrobe, and is currently the headquarters of the Colonial Dames of America. (16:15) We visit the outside of the Oak Hill Cemetery, which contains a gothic chapel, but was closed when we visited. (19:00) We play Girls Night OUt, performed by the Virginia Group Full Minute of Mercury. It comes to us via the Podsafe Music Network. (22:00) We visit Cook's Row, Victorian Row Houses, both Second Empire and Italianate, and continue our Italianate theme with a visit to Tudor Place. (25:26) We visit the house that Jackie Kennedy lived in briefly after John F. Kennedy was Assassinated. More about the Kennedys in part 2! Then we stop by a house with a fire plaque. (32:12) We visit the Georgetown Station Post Office. (33:54) And we end up the first part of our Georgetown tour at the Old Stone House, the oldest building in Washington. (35:47) Our Theme Music is, appropriately, Garden Walk by Kim Evans. Incidental music during the walk is from find me by H. You can email us at feedback@washingtontravelcast.com. You can Skype us via skype name JulieorMark, and Julie answers Washington DC travel questions on Yahoo! Answers. Our Georgetown Part 1 Photo Album is up, and we also have a Google Map of our tour today! Comments[3] |
Sun, 1 July 2007  In this podcast we're out on the road again, visiting Manassas Battlefield National Historical Park, the site of two important U.S. Civil War Battles.
We arrive just as a young volunteer is leading a group, so we head out with Zack Ford to visit the Henry House, and a couple of memorials. We let Zack tell us about the Civil War Uniform issue. (2:45) We visit the Stonewall Jackson Memorial, and Zack talks about how Jackson got his name. (11:15) We play How may the Red Rose Live Alway by Stephen Foster, and performed at the Library of Congress in a Concert for Brass Band, Voice and Piano, from their Civil War Era Band Music Collection. This music is in the public domain. (13:55) We continue to Chin Ridge and complete the short walking tour of the First Battle of Manassas. We let Zack get one quick additional word in. (19:04) After the walking tour we head into the Visitors' Center, where we check out the museum, the bookstore, and the film. We warn families with children that the film can be quite graphic. (22:46) We play The Battle Hymn of the Republic, performed by the U.S. Air Force Band (29:23) We finish up by taking the driving tour of the Second Battle of Manassas. (34:43) Our Theme Music is, appropriately, Garden Walk by Kim Evans. Incidental music during the walk is from find me by H. You can email us at feedback@washingtontravelcast.com. You can Skype us via skype name JulieorMark, and Julie answers Washington DC travel questions on Yahoo! Answers. Our Manassas Battlefield Photo Album is up! Comments[4] |
Fri, 29 June 2007  In this special midweek edition we take you to Piola restaurant in Rosslyn, a favorite of ours. We recommend you get there via the Rosslyn station.
We visit with the owner and manager, Nabil Elachi. We play Soup du Jour by Virginia singer Bill Williams. This music is used by permission. We have a small Photo Album on Piola, which makes up, we hope, for not having one for our dining podcast! Comments[13] |
Tue, 26 June 2007  It's late but it's here! Today we stay in the studio and talk about dining in DC and the Virginia Suburbs. We share our favorite restaurants.
We start out talking about dining on the mall, primarily in the museums. (1:40) We head on out to places near the mall - Union Station, The Reagan International Trade Building, and the Post Office Pavilion. (5:51) We talk about dinner options in the Capitol Hill area. (12:32) We move on to discussions of restaurants we like in the Penn Quarter and Chinatown. (19:26) We visit restaurants in Adams Morgan and near DuPont Circle. (28:34) We travel in our culinary memories over the Potomac River and into Arlington area. We will be posting a midweek edition this week on Piola, our favorite in Rosslyn. We continue on into Ballston, and Shirlington areas. (35:13) We come home to Vienna, and the rest of Fairfax County. (41:15) Our email addresses are: Our Opening Theme Music is Garden Walk by Kim Evans, and our logo design is by Kathleen Hamm at Hamm Multimedia. There is no photo album for this podcast. Comments[4] |
Sat, 16 June 2007  Today we take you to a Ball Game, specifically a Washington Nationals Major League Baseball Game! We recommend you take Metro to the Stadium-Armory station on the Orange Line.
We attended the game on Friday, May 18 against the Baltimore Orioles. (During the podcast we say May 19, but we were mistaken.) After getting you to the stadium we talk about the stadium, logistics of getting tickets, and food. We start out the way every US Major League game starts, with a rendition of The Star Spangled Banner. For the podcast we use a version performed by the Air Force Band and Singing Sergeants. (6:20) As the game begins, Julie starts about the Washington Senators of the National League. while Guzman steals second base, Julie talks about the Senators being cut and the birth of the American League, and the second Washington Senators. (7:34) Second Inning, Julie talks about Walter Johnson, and the glory days of the Washington Senators, including their 1924 World Series Victory. (11:31) Fourth Inning, Julie talks about Clark Griffith, his ownership of the team, and Griffith field. The Orioles get a run. (19:40) We experience the race of the Presidents, and Julie talks about the culture of the ballpark experience. We do some chants, as Ryan Church bats. The Orioles score two runs in the fifth inning, and Julie talks about the second set of American League Senators, and the current Nationals. (25:30) In the sixth inning, Young hits a two run homer for Washington. (38:00) Julie talks about some of the unique things about Washington DC baseball, including Presidents throwing out balls, baseball spies, and Damn Yankees. (39:42) We sing "Take Me Out to the Ballgame" during the seventh inning stretch. The lovely bass voice you hear is Mark. Julie continues to talk about some oddities associated with Washington Baseball. (44:30) We talk about RFK Stadium, Mark's memories of Senators' baseball while he was growing up, the future of the team, and the new ballpark. Both Orioles and Nationals score in the 8th inning, with each getting two runs, and Ryan Zimmerman hitting a two run homer. (48:50) We finish up with the end of the game, which is pretty darn exciting, then we head on home. (52:37) Our Theme Music is Garden Walk by Kim Evans. Incidental music during the walk is from Take Me Out to the Ball Game from RoyaltyFreeMusic.com. You can email us at feedback@washingtontravelcast.com. You can Skype us via skype name JulieorMark, and Julie answers Washington DC travel questions on Yahoo! Answers. We take you to RFK in pictures with our Photo Album. Comments[4] |
Fri, 8 June 2007  Today we return to Hillwood Gardens, at the home of Marjorie Merriweather Post. Since they let us tour the mansion with the recording gear, we did!
We recommend you take Metro to Van Ness/UDC station on the Red Line.
We start out in the entry hall, and appreciate the various decorations and furniture in it. (1:24) We visit the Russian Porcelain room. (3:43) We head through a hallway with some display cabinets, and into the Pavilion. (6:57) Walking back past the porcelain, we head into the French Drawing Room, then into the Russian Icon Room, where we see the Faberge collection. (11:55) We stop for a moment in the library, then go into the dining room. (14:07) We visit the very 20th century kitchen, before heading on to view the exquisite collection of Russian liturgical items. (19:35) We play The Infernal Dance of Kaschey's Subjects from Stravinsky's Firebird Suite performed by the Air Force Concert Band. (24:25) Heading upstairs, past the French porcelain, we start off in the second floor library, then go on into the Adam Bedroom Suite - appreciating the pinkness of it. (29:05) We finish in Marjorie Merriweather Post's own bedroom suite. (32:34) Our theme music is Garden Walk by Kim Evans. Incidental music during the walk is from find me by H. You can email us at feedback@washingtontravelcast.com. You can Skype us via skype name JulieorMark, and Julie answers Washington DC travel questions on Yahoo! Answers. We don't have a new Photo album this week (no cameras allowed inside) but you can enjoy the grounds and exterior of Hillwood in our Photo Album from last week. Comments[14] |
Fri, 1 June 2007  Today we visit Hillwood Gardens, at the home of Marjorie Merriweather Post. We were unable to get the whole visit into one podcast - next week we'll cover the mansion.
We recommend you take Metro to Van Ness/UDC.We start out at the Visitor's Center, paying our admission and seeing a movie. (5:09) We visit the French Parterre, right off the Mansion's French Drawing Room, and Julie talks about the life of Marjorie Merriweather Post. (6:43) We head around the house to the Lunar Lawn and check out the statuary and the patio that looks out over Rock Creek Park. We check out the flagpole on the lawn. (19:45) We visit the Adirondack House, and the Dacha. (24:29) We stop briefly in Marjorie's pet Cemetary. (26:51) We linger a bit in the Japanese Garden, for Julie the highlight of the gardens. (27:50) We play Sally Gardens by Nathan Granner and Beau Bledsoe, from the album Departure. This is brought to us by Ioda Promonet. (30:27)
 More On This AlbumWe visit the Putting Green, the Rose Garden, and the Friendship Garden. (32:43) We finish up at the greenhouse, with their lavish collection of Orchids. (40:29) Our Theme Music is, appropriately, Garden Walk by Kim Evans. Incidental music during the walk is from find me by H. You can email us at feedback@washingtontravelcast.com. You can Skype us via skype name JulieorMark, and Julie answers Washington DC travel questions on Yahoo! Answers. There is only one Photo Album for both our garden and mansion visits at Hillwood. Comments[5] |
Fri, 25 May 2007  Today we take a World War II themed walk through Washington We recommend that you take Metro to the Union Station station for this tour. We start the tour at Union Station, and talk a little bit about the station during those World War II days.
We continue to the National Japanese American Memorial. Julie suggests how to add this walk to the Union Station and vicinity walk. (#60) (3:45) We Play Waltz of the Trumpets by The Airmen of Note, the 50+ year old Big Band Ensemble, founded by Glen Miller, of the US Air Force Band. (17:42) We talk about the museums on the Mall and World War II, particularly the National Gallery of Art, the National Air and Space Museum and the National Museum of American History. We stop by the Carousel and note that there are many families and locals on the Mall on this early May Saturday. (19:45) We pay attention to the Kickball League of Washington, and visit the German American Friendship Garden, near the Washington Monument. (27:22) We visit the World War II Memorial. (30:32) We Play Big Mama Louse, also by The Airmen of Note. (37:38) We visit the Lincoln Memorial and discuss its involvement in the whole story of Washington, DC and World War II. (16:36) We visit the FDR Memorial. Franklin Delano Roosevelt was President of the United States from 1933 to 1945, including during World War II. (45:29) We finish at the National Holocaust Memorial Museum. We talk a little about why we will probably never do a podcast on this museum, and talk about what is inside here. We recommend strongly that you visit it. (48:12) ) Our email addresses are: Our Opening Theme Music is Garden Walk by Kim Evans, and our logo design is by Kathleen Hamm at Hamm Multimedia. Here's our Photo Album for our World War II walk. Comments[43] |
Fri, 18 May 2007  Today we visit Washington's 100 year old Beaux Arts Train Station- Union Station. Not surprisingly, we recommend that you take Metro to the Union Station station for this tour.
Union Station is a transportation hub. Some of the transport that is available here includes Amtrak, the Virginia Railway Express (VRE), the MARC Commuter Rail Service, Metrorail and Metrobus, Tourmobile, Old Town Trolley, DC Ducks, and the Circulator. We start at the top of the Metro escalator, and talk about Beaux Arts architecture, and how this station fits into that genre. (2:35) We head around front, look at the detail of the front of the station, and Julie talks about the history of the station. (8:01) We Play Helen by The Tone Rangers, an award winning a cappella octet from Northern Virgnia. The song is off the Tone Rangers' new album, We Think You Love Us and is used by permission. You can also catch the Tone Rangers on their myspace page. The Tone Rangers are definitely a favorite of the Washington TravelCasters, and we are thrilled to be including their music this week! (20:41) We head inside the terminal, visiting the Central and East Halls. We interview the manager of one of the shops there, Aurea. (16:36) We head past the Amtrak counter, then down to the food court and talk about the variety of food here, as well as the popularity with tour groups. (28:20) We head to top floor, then to the the back of the station, and check out the train station and the shops. We discover a new left luggage facility. (32:57) We leave Union Station by the back door, out first street, and walk a couple of blocks the the Government Printing Office. (41:03) We go down first street to near the station, where we talk about the Smithsonian's National Postal Museum, the Capitol City Brewing Company, the the Dubliner and the Irish Times. (46:40) We continue down to the Senate Terrace Fountain or Senate Garage Fountain. (51:07) We visit the Taft Carillon. (53:45) We return to the station and check out the Columbus Fountain. (57:05) Our email addresses are: Our Opening Theme Music is Garden Walk by Kim Evans, and our logo design is by Kathleen Hamm at Hamm Multimedia. Here's our Photo Album for Union Station. Comments[12] |
Sat, 12 May 2007  Today we visit Congress' own library - the Library of Congress. Specifically we tour the Jefferson Building. We recommend that you take Metro to the Capitol South station for this tour.
We start in front of the Library, at Neptune's fountain, where Julie gives us some historic background on the Library, and the fountain. (5:02) After a mercifully short attempt at humor, we head upstairs, starting in the South Corridor, devoted to Poetry. (10:02) We check out the Gutenberg Bible and the Bible of Mainz, which is contemporaneous with the Gutenberg, but hand lettered instead of being in movable type. The Bibles are located in the East corridor, which also has art associated with the history of books, and with good and bad government. (16:36) We visit the Great Hall, in the center of the Jefferson Building. (22:18) We visit the West corridor, near the original, and now largely ceremonial, entrance. (25:55) We visit the North corridor, which is clearly used for special exhibitions, and paintings devoted to the well-ordered life. (27:45) We Play The Reader of 360 Million Books by Shams, who comes to us courtesy of The Podsafe Music Network. (29:24) We start in the North end of the second floor, and are overwhelmed by the detail on this level. (33:42) We visit the West corridor, devoted to the sciences, and the South corridor with it's depictions of the senses. (37:00) The East Corridor is devoted to Literature, with ceiling pictures devoted to the life of man. We appreciate Minerva of Peace, but are unable to visit the main reading room. (38:41) Don't email us this week! You'd embarrass us. But if you must, the contact information is: Our Theme Music is Garden Walk by Kim Evans, and our logo design is by Kathleen Hamm at Hamm Multimedia. Here's our Photo Album for the Library of Congress. Comments[10] |
Thu, 3 May 2007  Today we visit the East Building of the National Gallery of Art.
We recommend you take Metro to Smithsonian Station on the Orange or Blue Line or the Archives Navy Memorial Station on the Green or Yellow Line. Judiciary Square and Union Station are the closest Red Line Stations.
Julie starts off talking about the archeology (maybe that is architecture) and the history of the Building. We visit a half dozen artworks along the north side of the building. (3:33) We enter the building and visit Andy Goldsworthy's Roof, and then Julie talks about the building from the inside, focusing on the Calder mobile, and then about the roof and the Concrete that Pei used for the museum. The Pei discussion of the concrete is available at the East Building Architecture Tour on the Gallery's excellent web site. (15:39) We continue around the atrium area of the ground floor, discovering the variety of art there. Julie sits on one of the pieces. (22:18) We play the song Let Freedom Swing performed by the U.S. Air Force Band Diplomats.(24:45) We explore the ground floor galleries, starting with American Paintings from the early 20th Century which include paintings moved from the main building for the renovation. We talk about one of these in our National Gallery of Art West Building tour. There's a small balcony looking down into the Calder Room from this exhibition. We also visit the Small French Paintings. (26:55) We go into the basement, and we discover a lot of modern art, including Mark Rothko's Mural Projects (a favorite of Mark's) point out a few notable pieces, and find the Calder Room from the bottom floor. (30:30) We take a gelato break and play Drive by the DC Band Rotoscope. This came to us courtesy of the The Podsafe Music Network. (37:49) We skip the Mezzanine and the tower - the Mezzanine since it is usually temporary exhibitions, not part of the permanent collection, and the tower because it was closed when we got to it. We visit some of the modern masters - particularly noting the Picassos, and Brancusis. We take a minute to look out over the balcony. (42:02) We leave the building, and check out the sculpture along the south end of the building to finish our tour. (46:13) Our Theme Music is Garden Walk by Kim Evans. Incidental music during the walk is from find me by H. Comments[3] |
Wed, 2 May 2007 Life has gotten in the way - and the day jobs are very stressful and requiring many extra hours right now. So Washington TravelCast is taking a week off - because there aren't enough hours to prepare it. We expect to be back the weekend of May 6th. We're also saddened by the fire that severely damaged Washington's Eastern Market this week. We'd planned to cover Eastern Market in May, and to record this coming weekend. Now we will have to wait at least 18 months. Eastern Market was a local institution; a farmer's market started early in DC's history, which had become much more - a community treasure. We'll be sure to visit when it reopens. Category: general -- posted at: 8:18 AM Comments[7] |
Fri, 20 April 2007  Today we visit the smallest of the geographic quadrants of the city, Southwest.
We recommend you take metro to Waterfront-SEU station on the Green Line.
Julie starts out talking about the geographic divisions of the city. We then talk about Waterside Mall, at the top of the Metro escalator, and designed by architect I.M. Pei. (1:04) We head south on 4th Street, visiting a few eighteenth century buildings, and the heritage trail markers, and then visiting Ft. Mc Nair. (4:20) We head out to the Washington Channel and see Washington's Titanic Memorial. (8:45) We play Remember Me by Maryland artist Jessica Mellott. Her music comes to us courtesy of The Podsafe Music Network. (10:31) We head north along the Waterfront, past the parks, the dinner cruise ships, the restaurants and the marina. We visit another 18th century house, and Arena stage on the way. (13:55) We finish up at the Washington Fish Market, then tell you how to get back to the metro. (21;25) Our Theme Music is Garden Walk by Kim Evans. Incidental music during the walk is from find me by H. You can email us at feedback@washingtontravelcast.com. You can Skype us via skype name JulieorMark, and Julie answers Washington DC travel questions on Yahoo! Answers. Photo Album for our Southwest Washington walk. Comments[7] |
Wed, 11 April 2007  Today we return the Washington National Cathedral, to tour the exterior of the building and the nearby Bishop's garden.
We recommend you take metro to Farragut West and then pick up the Pennsylvania Avenue bus line, Route 30, 32, 34, 35, 36, to get to the Cathedral.
We start out in the Narthex, after coming down from the Observation Tower, and look at the West Facade. (2:12) We play the song Wie soll ich dich empfangen by Bach, performed by the Sanctuary Choir of Little River United Church of Christ, which is the choir we sing in. (8:34) We visit the gargoyles along the west and south facade of the Cathedral. (10:51) We play the song Sonata in E Major by Dietrich Buxtehude, and performed by Craig Stapert, Choir director and Organist of Little River United Church of Christ. Both this and the earlier piece are from the Album Forever Blessed.(23:42) We finish up with a short early spring walk through the Bishop's Garden. (26:52) Our Theme Music is Garden Walk by Kim Evans. Incidental music during the walk is from find me by H. Comments[4] |
Sat, 7 April 2007  Today we visit the Washington National Cathedral.
We recommend you take metro to Farragut West and then pick up the Pennsylvania Avenue bus line, Route 30, 32, 34, 35, 36, to get to the Cathedral. (2:34)
We start out in the Narthex, and read one of the inscriptions there.(1:01) We enter the church and talk about the history of the cathedral, and it's construction and architecture. We talk about the Space Window. (5:14) We visit the side of the cathedral, for a better look at the Space Window, the bosses in the ceiling near it, and the Woodrow Wilson Bay. (12:18) We play the song Cantate Domino by Pitoni, performed by the Sanctuary Choir of LIttle River United Church of Christ, which is the choir we sing in. (15:44) We visit the Mellon Chapel, which contains a Coventry Cross of Nails, and talk a little about Coventry Cathedral and the Coventry Cross. (16:45) We visit the central part of the church, the crossing, then visit the Veteran's Memorial and Children's Chapels. (18:37) We visit the St. John's chapel, the choir, the Great Altar, and the St. Mary's chapel, in the nave of the Cathedral (28:17) We stop at the Holy Spirit Chapel, just before going down into the Crypt Church. (36:07) We play the song Prelude from Prelude and Fugue in D Major by J. S. Bach, and performed by Craig Stapert, Choir director and Organist of Little River United Church of Christ. Both this and the earlier piece are from the Album Forever Blessed.(38:18) In the basement, we visit the Bethlehem Chapel and the tomb of Bishop Satterlee. (43:53) We head on to visit the Joseph of Arimithea chapel, located under the crossing in the upper church. (47:49) Appropriate for a podcast we are putting up on Easter weekend, we end in the Resurrection chapel. (52:16) We take one quick last visit to the observation deck. Next week we'll bring you a tour of the outside of the Cathedral! (53:03) We hope to continue to spotlight DC area music on our podcast. If you are a local musician and you would like to hear your music on Washington TravelCast, you can leave us a message here on our web page, or email us at washingtontravelcast@yahoo.com. Our Theme Music is Garden Walk by Kim Evans. Incidental music during the walk is from find me by H. Photo Album for the first part of our tour of the National Cathedral. Comments[4] |
Sun, 1 April 2007  Today we wander just a bit far from home, and visit Seattle Washington, and Vancouver, British Columbia. We guess this is worth hopping a plane for.
We start in Seattle, and discuss how we came to be there, some history, and some of the sights to see. (0:48) We head out to the harbor and talk about the ferries, and the view of the city from the water. (22:16) We finish up with a discussion of the supremacy of Washington, DC over Seattle, Washington. This might be a tad tongue in cheek. (25:52) We Play April Fool by The Fallen Stars, who comes to us courtesy of Garageband.com. (28:07) We move on, using different means of transport, to Vancouver, British Columbia. We start out by the harborside. (10:44) We move on to the Gastown District, and visit a fairly silent Steam Clock. (34:43) We visit Water Street, and the Storyeum, and talk about the Harbor Centre Tower and other Vancouver Tourism possibilities. (37:14) We visit Gaeoler's Mews and Gassy Jack. (40:49) We finish up by finally getting a few notes out of the steam clock. (43:58) Don't email us this week! You'd embarrass us. But if you must, the contact information is: Our Opening Theme Music is Garden Walk by Kim Evans, our walking music is Find Me by H, and our logo design is by Kathleen Hamm at Hamm Multimedia. Yes, we took a few Photos out there on the left coast. Comments[4] |
Fri, 23 March 2007  Today we are celebrating a year of podcasting. And we take our first 52 shows and craft them into a great set of itineraries.
We start with suggestions for things to do if you have a long layover at the Washington Area Airports, or the train station. (0:48) We Play Simple Ways by former Charlottesville musicianSharif, who comes to us courtesy of The podsafe music network. (6:06) We talk about ideas for visiting for just an evening or a day.(10:44) We play The Washington Post March, written by DC native John Philip Sousa, and performed by one of the many service bands from the area, The US Army Band.(15:50) We suggest a variety of ideas for a two or three day weekend in Washington. (18:26) We play Everytime I Run by Centerville, VA band GUM!, which we played on show #1. (27:15) We suggest a more in-depth and relaxed set of itineraries for trips in the five day to weeklong (or longer) visit to DC. We include a few ideas for day and even weekend trips out of the area, which are worth renting a car for. (30:30) We play Hosanna Filio David, by The Little River United Church of Christ Sanctuary Choir, which Mark and Julie actually sing in!. (33:23) We finish up with a discussion of specialty tours, and special times of year to visit, and we talk about touring Washington with kids. (35:12) Millennium Stage does have a performance EVERY evening. Email us and let us know what you think of our show! We want to know what you think, and what you'd like us to cover! Our Opening Theme Music is Garden Walk by Kim Evans, and our logo design is by Kathleen Hamm at Hamm Multimedia. Our Photo Album has all the best photos of our first year! And, we've done a slideshow of the pictures, available in Smaller (8.9 megabites) and Really Huge (213 mb) versions. Comments[11] |
Sat, 17 March 2007  Today we visit Mark's favorite museum, the National Museum of Natural History. We recommend you use the Smithsonian Station, Mall exit, to visit the museum.
Julie starts off by talking about the history and architecture of the building. (2:38) We meet inside, and talk about the elephant in the room, then visit the Kenneth E. Behring Family Hall of Mammals, including visits to South American and Australian exhibits. (6:17) We play Dinosaurs by Ben Manuel which comes to us via Garageband.com (17:22) We continue on to an exhibit on the Sikh people, originally from the Punjab in India. (22:55) We stop near the Bug Corner, which provides access to real live insects while the O. Orkin Insect Zoo undergoes construction. You can still see tarantula feedings in the Bug Corner. (26:20) We visit the Fossils and Dinosaurs. (27:54) We play some selections from the song Ode to the Wooly Mammoth by the Dragon Ritual Drummers. This song comes to us from the Podsafe Music Network (32:30) We continue on past giant ground sloths and the Wooly Mammoth into the ice age exhibit. (34:21) We explore the African Diaspora in the Voices of Africa exhibit. (37:51) We head up to the second floor and visit the Origins of Ancient Culture Exhibit, then the gems and minerals. (40:36) We finish up our visit with a visit to the ground floor, past the gift shops, to where the Easter Island Statue, and several totem poles can be found. (50:30) Our Theme Music is Garden Walk by Kim Evans. Incidental music during the walk is from find me by H. Photo Album for our visit to the National Museum of Natural History.. Comments[2] |
Fri, 9 March 2007  Today we discover an exotic, international neighborhood only steps from the Mall, at Chinatown. You can use the Chinatown metro station to get there, but our walking tour starts at the Judiciary Square metro station.
We start off at the National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial and the National Building Museum. We walk on into the Chinatown area, appreciating some of the architecture along the way. (2:29) We Play You Are My Everything by Lyndsey Highlander, from Richmond, Virginia, who comes to us courtesy of Garageband.com. (9:27) Julie begins to talk about the history of immigration in the Chinatown area, and how the Chinese immigrants displaced the earlier German immigrants. Then we visit St. Mary's Roman Catholic Church, which was built by the German immigrants. (12:41) At the Corner of 6th and H we talk about the Wah Luck House, and Mary Surrat's Boarding House. Here we're in the heart of DC's Chinatown, and there are dozens of wonderful restaurants within a couple blocks of this point. (17:19) We visit Chinatown's most notable feature the Chinatown Gateway Arch, and Julie talks about the history of Chinatown over the last thirty or so years. Mark reads the inscription at the bottom of the arch. (20:01) We visit the location of the Goethe Institut, in a building that was built by DRI in the 90s. (25:24) We play Chinatown, by maestross, which comes to us courtesy of The Podsafe Music Network. (27:24) We visit the Greater New Hope Baptist Church, which was originally a Synagogue, and the 19th century Calvary Baptist Church, designed by Adolph Cluss, who designed quite a number of buildings in Washington DC in the mid to late 19th Century. (31:05) We finish up at 9th and G, across from the National Museum of American Art/National Portrait Gallery, near the west-most entrance of the Gallery Place/Chinatown Metro Station. (36:08) Email us and let us know what you think of our show! We want to know what you think, and what you'd like us to cover! Our Opening Theme Music is Garden Walk by Kim Evans, and our logo design is by Kathleen Hamm at Hamm Multimedia. Our Chinatown Photo Album is up! Comments[2] |
Fri, 2 March 2007  On a cold winter afternoon, we stay inside and look forward to an early spring (promised by both the American and Canadian groundhogs.) We're spending this week reviewing the many events that occur in Washington and vicinity during the spring season. We're reporting on events roughly from the Cherry Blossom Festival (late March) to the Smithsonian Folklife Festival (late June/early July)
We start off with a look at the highlights of the Cherry Blossom Festival. (1:48) We Play calling from Japan by comfortable, from Japan, which comes to us from The Podsafe Music Network. (9:30)
We move on to look at the other classic events of Washington. (15:06)
We talk about Gardens and House tours. (21:02)
We play Irish Jigs, by Murder the Stout, which also comes to us from The Podsafe Music Network. (27:15)
We continue by exploring the many festivals that come to DC in the spring. (29:15)
We review the opening of Washington's outdoor music venues: (34:29) We finish up looking at events especially for Families and Kids: (36:10) Email us and let us know what you think of our show! We want to know what you think, and what you'd like us to cover! Our Opening Theme Music is Garden Walk by Kim Evans, and our logo design is by Kathleen Hamm at Hamm Multimedia. No Photo Album this week. Comments[8] |
Thu, 22 February 2007  Today we visited the Smithsonian's Museum of African Art. We recommend you exit Metro at the Smithsonian Metro Station. As you get there, you head through the Enid Haupt Garden, which we note is a free wireless HotSpot! We note that this means you can download WTC right there in the heart of the Smithsonian!
We enter the museum, go through security, past the information desk and the coat room, and talk a little about photography in the Museum, and about getting in. On the first sub-level we note that a major exhibit is not yet opened. (4:09) We visit the exhibit on The Art of the Personal Object. Mark makes a very tasteless joke, but Julie manages to keep him at least partly in check. (6:58) We Play Djibi by Mamadou, a West African artist currently living in Massachusetts, which comes to us from The Podsafe Music Network. (6:56) We continue on to the exhibit titled Body of Evidence, which is an exhibit of contemporary African Art. (15:58) We head to the second floor, talk a little about some of the smaller exhibits, and go in an. (18:42) We play Oyebisi Nga, by South African group Egyptian Nursery, which also comes to us from The Podsafe Music Network. (19:49) We visit the Exhibit from the New Orleans Museum. Unfortunately, I think this exhibit has ended, and another one has started up again. So you may not be able to see this exhibit, unless you go to the New Orleans Museum of Art (24:25) We finish up by visiting the ground floor and the ceramics collection, and then the gift shop. (38:03) Email us and let us know what you think of our show! We want to know what you think, and what you'd like us to cover! Our Opening Theme Music is Garden Walk by Kim Evans, and our closing theme this week is Chicago Breakdown by Louis Armstrong's Hot 7. Logo design is by Kathleen Hamm at Hamm Multimedia. Check out our great Photo Album, to see some of the pieces we talk about today. We were not able to photograph the collection from the New Orleans Museum of Art but we were able to photograph in the rest of the museum. Comments[2] |
Fri, 16 February 2007  Today we head to a corner of Washington not well known to the average tourist, but with a lot of history, the Anacostia neighborhood, and the Anacostia Museum, a museum of the Smithsonian Institution. We recommend you exit Metro at the Anacostia Metro Station, and then take the W2 or W3 Bus toward the Southeast Community Hospital, getting off at the museum.
We travel to the Anacostia neighborhood to visit the Smithsonian's only community Museum, the Anacostia Museum. While waiting for the bus, Julie talks about the history of the Anacostia neighborhood. (2:31) We Play Gentle Whisper by Washington, DC R&B Artist Ebony Jackson, which comes to us from The Podsafe Music Network. (6:56) We ride to the museum and describe the architecture, visiting a sculpture out front, Real Justice - The Spirit of Thurgood Marshall, an Ancestral Guardian Sculpture by Allen Uzikee Nelson. (11:20) We enter the museum and visit an exhibit about African American Paper Dolls. (11:20) We move onto an exhibit highlighting high school bands in the District. (15:20) We play The Washington Post March, written by Washingtonian John Philip Sousa performed by the US Army Band from their album American Spirit. (18:33) The final section we see photographs by DC Photographer Steven Cummings - an exhibit entitled DC Undercover. (21:09) We return to the Metro, and Julie talks a little about the history of the Anacostia Museum before signing off. (24:31) Email us and let us know what you think of our show! We want to know what you think, and what you'd like us to cover! Our Opening Theme Music is Garden Walk by Kim Evans, and our closing theme this week is Chicago Breakdown by Louis Armstrong's Hot 7. Logo design is by Kathleen Hamm at Hamm Multimedia. Check out our brief Anacostia Museum Photo Album, to see some of the sights we talk about today. Unfortunately the Museum limits photography, so we have a relatively short album today. Comments[5] |
Fri, 9 February 2007  #On a very windy day we return to U Street for a tour of that area, and the Shaw Neighborhood. We suggest you start out on the walking tour at the U Street/African American Civil War Memorial/Cardozo Metro Station.
We start off at the African American Civil War Memorial - and after talking about the role of African Americans in the Civil War and the impact of that war on the population of Washington, DC. (1:18) We Play Make Yourself Comfortable performed by Sarah Vaughn, from Jazz-on-line.com. (9:37) We visit the Thurgood Marshall Center for Service and Heritage, which was also the historic 12th Street YMCA. We visit a corner that is dominated by churches. (12:15) We visit 13th and T streets, the location of the Whitelaw hotel, deep in the center of Duke Ellington's neighborhood. (16:43) We play Hop Head, performed by Duke Ellington's Washingtonians, from Jazz-on-line.com. (19:56) We visit fourteenth street, the border between the black Shaw community and the surrounding white neighborhoods, and an area where segregation issues were particularly evident. (22:55) We play Georgia on My Mind, performed by Billie Holiday, from Jazz-on-line.com. (28:34) At New Hampshire and U Street we visit the Beaux Arts Buildings and the legacy of Mary Foote Henderson. (31:49) We visit Meridien Hill Park, then head back to the heart of the U Street Corridor. (35:12) We play Minnie the Moocher, performed by Cab Calloway. The recording comes to us from from Jazz-on-line.com. (22:19) We stop by the U Street Cardozo metro station and go down into the 12th and U Street Entrance to see the Community Rhythms Mural, also appreciating the Duke Ellington Mural outside on the True Reformers Building. We end our podcast out front of Bohemian Caverns, a famous Jazz Club. (20:44) Email us and let us know what you think of our show! We want to know what you think, and what you'd like us to cover! Our Opening Theme Music is Garden Walk by Kim Evans, and our closing theme this week is Chicago Breakdown by Louis Armstrong's Hot 7. Logo design is by Kathleen Hamm at Hamm Multimedia. Check our our U Street/Shaw Photo Album, to see some of the sights we talk about today. Comments[2] |
Thu, 1 February 2007  We're back in the District for February, exploring the African American history of the District of Columbia. We start off with a walk through neighborhoods and sights associated with one of Washington's favorite sons, Duke Ellington. We suggest you start out on the walking tour at the Foggy Bottom Station.
We start off in the West End, the neighborhood just north of Foggy Bottom, with a visit to the site of his grandparents' house, where he was born. (3:09) We play Down in our Alley Blues performed by Duke Ellington's Washingtonians. This music, and all the music on this podcast come from a fantastic source for public domain jazz recordings, Jazz-on-line.com, which we heartily recommend. After the music we find ourselves at the U Street/African American Civil War Memorial/Cardozo metro station, right in the heart of the U Street Corridor. Indeed next week we'll do a tour of this neighborhood, and we invite you to add that walking tour to this one to get a real feel for the neighborhood that nurtured Duke Ellington, which was known as "Black Broadway." We visit the street where Duke lived, and check out U Street's Duke Ellington Mural.(9:16) We play Happy Go Lucky Local Part 1, performed by Duke Ellington and his Orchestra. This also comes to us via Jazz-on-line.com. (13:32) We visit True Reformers Hall, where a young Duke Ellington played his first paying Gig as a Jazz Musician. Next week we'll be telling you more about the history of True Reformers Hall. (16:26) We play Trumpet No End (Blue Skies), performed by Duke Ellington and his Orchestra, from Jazz-on-line.com. (18:10) We visit the former site of Griffith Stadium, the original home of the Washington Senators, where at the age of 14, Duke Ellington took his first job as a concessionaire. (20:44) We play Take the A Train, Duke Ellington's theme song, written by Billy Strayhorn and performed by Duke Ellington and his Orchestra. The recording comes to us from from Jazz-on-line.com. (22:19) We talk about the move of the center of black culture from Black Broadway to Harlem, and Duke's exodus from Washington to New York City. We talk about three other Ellington-related sights. (25:11)
We don't have the directions to Armstrong school yet - will post later.
Directions to the Duke Ellington School for the Arts Email us and let us know what you think of our show! We want to know if you enjoyed our visit this month to the historic triangel Our Opening Theme Music is Garden Walk by Kim Evans, and our closing theme this week is New York City Blues by the Duke Ellington Orchestra. Logo design is by Kathleen Hamm at Hamm Multimedia. Check our our Duke EllingtonPhoto Album, which includes a signed portrait of Duke Ellington, used by permission of Mark Mitchell, whose web site BlackHistoryMatters.com is worth a visit. Comments[3] |
Fri, 26 January 2007  #
We finish up our visit to the Historic Triangle with a visit to Yorktown, where the American War of Independence ended. We visit two sites associated with Yorktown, the Yorktown National Battlefield, and the Yorktown Victory Center. We start off at the visitor's center, of the National Battlefield, which is run by the US National Park Service. Mark and I take the Siege Line walking tour with Stefan, a gentlman with a German acccent and an encyclopedic grasp of the history of the Battle of Yorktown. After the tour we play Captain O'Kaine/Rover Reform, performed by the Old Guard Fife and Drum Corps, one of the U.S. Army Bands. Then Mark and I set off on the driving tour and visit Redouts 9 and 10. (17:04) Despite what we say we're going to do, we skip the Moore Farm (actually we stop there, but it's closed so we just take a couple of pictures and leave). On the way we visit the interpretive sign at the Deposit, then we head on to Surrender field, and talk about the surrender. (20:36) We visit the Yorktown Victory Monument, near the battlefield. (22:47) We play Songs of War, actual songs of the Revolutionary War, performed by the Old Guard Fife and Drum Corps. (23:59) We arrive at the Yorktown Victory Center, visit the Visitor's Center and head out to visit the Revolutionary War Timeline, whereupon we are interrupted by the firing of a Gun!(29:22) We check out the camp, and discover how the American Army lived during the revolutionary war, including a gun demonstration. We explore hard and unsatisfying food (as well as occasional hunger), latrines and camp followers (women of the woods), and catch a Musket firing demonstration, before moving on. (33:04) We play Drowsy Maggie performed by the Old Guard Fife and Drum Corps. (45:32) we finish up our visit by touring the Farm, which shows us how an average family might have lived on their 100 or so acres of farmland around and after the Revolution. (46:21) Email us and let us know what you think of our show! We want to know if you enjoyed our visit this month to the historic triangel Our Theme Music is Garden Walk by Kim Evans, and our walking music today was Yankee Doodle peformed by the Old Guard Fife and Drum Corps.. Logo design is by Kathleen Hamm at Hamm Multimedia. Check our our YorktownPhoto Album to visit the sites along with us. Comments[12] |
Fri, 19 January 2007  We continue our visit to the Historic Triangle area, in celebration of the 400th anniversary of the first permanent English settlement in North America. This week we move forward more than 150 years to visit that incredible slice of colonial life in Colonial Williamsburg.
We start our visit at Colonial Williamsburg's large and useful Visitor's Center, seeing the movie and getting situated. Our admission was part of our triangle pass, which covered 5 days at the various sites in Jamestown, Williamsburg, and Yorktown. (1:32) As we arrive at the gatehouse near the Governor's palace, we are informed that a play is going on throughout the day, and so we visit a scene of The Cost of Freedom, performed in the street in front of the Raleigh Tavern on Duke of Glouchester (known to locals as Dog) Street. (2:41) We take a tour of the Virginia Capital. This was the Capital of Colonial Virginia for 75 years. We have an outstanding guide, who walks us through chambers for the court, the upper house and the House of Burgesses. Julie talks a little about the history of Williamsburg, and how the city came to be preserved, and to be presented today as an incredible historic site. (8:21) We head on next to the Gunmith's Shop. (23:54) After Passing one of the ticket offices, we seek out the Gaeol, and visit it. (25:25) We play the Menuet from J.S. Bach's French Suite #6 performed on harpshichord by John F. Hamm, Jr., specifically for Washington TravelCast. (27:49) Returning to Duke of Glouchester Street, we stop by the archeological excavation at Charleton's Coffeehouse, then visit some of the shops down the street. We make particular note of the restaurants associated with Colonial Williamsburg - and remind you to make reservations in advance. (29:00) We encounter another scene from the play, then visit the perruke (wig) maker, silversmith's and milliner's, the blacksmith's. Mark talks about the rental of period costume, and about the kids running around in some of the rented costumes. You can see a couple pictures of young people in costume in our Williamsburg Photo Album. (31:52) We visit the Hunter's store, a Grocery, the bindery and post office, before a militia passes in the street, and we are told that General Washington will be speaking shortly at the Courthouse. (39:42) General Washington speaks to the crowd from the county courthouse steps. Across from the courhouse is an encampment, and we are thrust into the Revolutionary Fever. (41:51) We take a tour of the Randolph House. (43:35) We Play the Allemande from J. S. Bach's French Suite #5, music that might have been played on the harpsichord sitting in the Ballroom of the Governor's Palace here in Williamsburg. We are again thankful to John Hamm, Jr. for performing these works exclusively for Washington TravelCast. (45:59) We tour the Governor's Palace, one of the most interesting and elaborate buildings in Colonial Williamsburg. (49:24) We finish up our visit at Burton Parish Church, the Episcopal Church that was a church home for many of our founding fathers while they lived in Williamsburg. This church houses a modern congregation, as well as being a historical site. (56:36) Our Theme Music is Garden Walk by Kim Evans and our walking music today was from Find Me by H. Logo design is by Kathleen Hamm at Hamm Multimedia. Comments[3] |
Thu, 11 January 2007  Today we continue our exploration of Jamestown with a walk that picks up where last week's left off. Today we visit Jamestown Settlement, a historical sight and out door museum. We give you directions from the nearby Historic Jamestown site.
We start off at the visitor's center, which also houses a gift shop, a restaurant (with good vegetarian chili) and a large museum complex. We head out into the grassy space called the mall to admire the tower that was erected for the 350th anniversary of Jamestown. We set out to visit the Powhatan Indian Village, and learn how the indigenous people lived at the time that the British settlers arrived and settled here. (3:05) We head on to James Fort, where we see the soldiers of the watch, an armorer, and a number of food-based presentations, including some men butchering hogs, and women cooking. We bring you a number of those conversations(7:01) We head on to visit the ships of Jamestown, and board first the Godspeed and then the Susan Comfort. We learn a bit about sails and get a picture of Mark with a sailor. (22:41) Email us and let us know what you think of our show! We particularly wanted to know if this studio show was helpful to you! Our Theme Music is Garden Walk by Kim Evans, and our logo design is by Kathleen Hamm at Hamm Multimedia. Check our our Jamestown Settlement Photo Album to see what we talked about. Comments[5] |
Wed, 3 January 2007  Today we visit Historic Jamestowne, which is gearing up to celebrate 400 years since the landing of the settlers to the first permanent English colony in the new worldAfter talking about directions and the Historic Triangle Pass, we start at the Visitor's Center, where we talk about the options available to you at Historic Jamestown. (5:24) We walk over the bridge and continue at the Tercentennary Monument. Julie talks a little about the settlers who came to Jamestown. (6:40) We head on to visit the Pocohontas statue, read the plaque with the history of Pocohontas on it, then visit the church, outside and inside. This church was the site of the first representative government in the Americas. (10:11) From the Church, we move on to the site of the original Fort - which has a replica of the fort being built upon it. (15:05) We play Sonata IV Opus I: Alle, composed by Dietrich Buxtehude, and played by Ensemble Vermillion. This piece is from the later 17th century, and contemporaneous with the Jamestown colony. It comes to us from Magnatune, an internet record distributor.(16:45) We stop by the statue of John Smith, hear about his biography, then talk about it's setting by the seawall, the church, and the nearby archeological dig. (23:07) We move on to another section of the site - and visit an ancient well, a memorial to Hunt, the colonies first Anglican minister. We note the Dale House Cafe, and the Archaerium. (27:00) On our way back we talk about how the settlers found the Virginia environment, and about the accessibility of the site to the handicapped. (29:59) We check out the Great Road - the first English highway in America. Beyond the Obelisk we visit again the ruins and foundations. Mark reads about the foundations. (32:31) Email us and let us know what you think of our show! We particularly wanted to know if this studio show was helpful to you! Our Theme Music is Garden Walk by Kim Evans, and our walking music is from Find Me by H. Logo design is by Kathleen Hamm at Hamm Multimedia.\ Our Historic Jamestowne Photo Album complements the visit. Comments[11] |
Fri, 29 December 2006  Today we take you to one of the finest museums in the world for Asian Art, the Smithsonian's The Freer Gallery of Art. We recommend you take the Smithsonian Station, as the Mall entrance is practically across the street from the Museum.
Julie talks about the history of the museum and of Charles Lang Freer, who gave the nation this museum. (2:02) We visit galleries associated with Buddhist art, Freer's travels in Egypt, and Chinese Art from the Zhou tribe. (5:50) We cross to an inside gallery, dediated to Daoism in Chinese ARt (15:52) We play "As the Wind Blows" by Kitaro, which comes to us from Ioda Promonet, and you can follow the link below to find out more about the artist and the music. (18:18)
Download "As The Wind Blows" (mp3)
We visit Whistler's "Harmony in Blue and Gold, The Peacock Room," reading the information about it and the history of it's building, then we continue on to view the Whistler collection, then the rest of the contemporaneous American Art (23:12) We rest for a few minutes in the Loggia on the side of the Courtyard.(30:54) We pass through exhibits of Korean Ceramics, Japanese Art, and Art of the Indian subcontinent. We finish up with a look at a portrait of Freer, painted by Whistler. (32:30) Our Theme Music is Garden Walk by Kim Evans and our walking music today was from Find Me by H. Logo design is by Kathleen Hamm at Hamm Multimedia. Our Freer Gallery Photo Album depicts some of our visit, and some of the pieces we talked about. Comments[15] |
Fri, 22 December 2006  Today we visit the Home of George Washington, the first American President. Mount Vernon provides evening candlelight tours during three weekends in late November and early December. We reserved and paid for our tour a few weeks in advance. The tickets in 2006 cost $15 per person. We recommend taking metro to the Huntington Station on the Yellow Line, then the Fairfax Connector Bus #101, the Fort Hunt Line. This is an efficient and quick way to get to the mansion.
We start off when out tour is called by the crier, and listen to a couple of the period-clad docents talk about visiting the Washington household and Christmas in the 18th Century. (2:54) We play Personent Hodie performed by the Little River United Church of Christ Contemporary Choir. This is from the CD Forever Blessed. (Mark and Julie sing in this choir.) (12:27) We are unable to record inside the house, so when we finish the tour, we sit on the porch and discuss the experience of the tour. (14:30) We visit outbuildings on one side of the house, quarters of the secretary, and various work buildings. (21:35) We play People Look East. performed by the Little River United Church of Christ Sanctuary Choir. This is from the CD Forever Blessed. (Mark and Julie sing in this choir, too!) (25:45) We visit outbuildings on the other side of the mansion, including slave quarters. We hear a special, bell-infused rendition of "I Saw Three Ships."(26:15) We return to the Visitors' Center at the end of our tour, enjoy some more carols, visit the gift shop, and end our visit to Mount Vernon. (40:16) Email us and let us know what you think of our show! We particularly wanted to know if this studio show was helpful to you! Our Theme Music is Garden Walk by Kim Evans, and our Jingle Bells come to us from the Freesound Project, a creative commmons licensed cooperative database of sound effect. Logo design is by Kathleen Hamm at Hamm Multimedia.You can visit Mount Vernon at night with us via our Mount Vernon Photo Album. Comments[1] |
Fri, 15 December 2006  This week Julie and Mark celebrate the season by visiting the National Christmast Tree and the Pageant of Peace on the Ellipse right behind the White House. We recommend you use the Farragut West or Federal Triange Stations on Metro.
We start at the National Christmas Tree, on the White House side. (1:00) Mark reads about the history of the National Christmas Tree, and we approach and describe the tree. (2:47) We begin visiting the various state trees, which are in alphabetical order. Therefore we visit trees from the states and territories of Nevada (cut paper ornaments), New Hampshire (pewter), New Jersey (paper Cranes), New Mexico (glitter-coated chilis), New York (peace ornaments), North Carolina (houses), North Dakota (beaded pipecleaners), Commonwealth of the North Mariana Islands, Ohio (Musical ornaments), Oklahoma, getting ready to celebrate a centennial, Oregon (decorated bows), Pennsylvania (pink paper cranes), before looking back at the tree. (5:43) We play "Glouchestershire Wassail" performed by Gary. It comes to us courtesy of the Podsafe Music Network. (14:29) We visit more trees, from states and territories of Vermont (folded funeral flags), Virginia (colonial heritage ornaments) Territory of the Virgin Islands, Washington (blown glass ornaments), West Virginia (bead and fabric art stars). (17:15) We stop at the stage area and talk about the Pageant of Peace's performance programs, and the performers expected this year. (20:48) We walk down to the far end of the Pageant (away from the National Tree), and see the Louisiana tree, then visit the creche and the Yule Log. We also see the trees from Iowa (quilt squares), Indian (paper ornaments), Illinois (cranes), Idaho (bead ornaments and stick ornaments, wooden ornaments). (23:50) While we warm ourselves by the Yule Log we play the song "I Wonder as I Wander" performed by Motherlode, and also coming to us from the Podsafe Music Network. (29:51) We visit trees from Guam (handmade ornaments), Georgia (Remember Our Troops ribbons), Florida, the District of Columbia (presidential pictures on big red bows). (32:05)
There are lots of pictures of the trees and the ornaments in our Pageant of Peace Photo Album.
Comments[2] |
Thu, 30 November 2006  Today we curl up in front of our virtual fireplace and spend some time talking to you about how Washington, DC handles the winter holidays. There is so much going on for Christmas, Hanukkah, Kwanzaa, and New Year's. And we're including links here to all the things we discuss, so you can follow up on our suggestions!
We start out with the major events - the big ones that really define the season here in Washington. (2:09)
We play
Next, we talk about Christmas Light Displays. (13:29)
We move on to discuss performances in Washington. Which, of course, you cannot do without talking about the Kennedy Center(17:17)
Our next area of attention is Theatre and Dance for the Holidays.(25:00)
We then turn to the religous observances in Washington.
We play Hanukkah Blessings, performed by the W.T. Woodson Select Vocal Ensemble, including our son, George. (30:44)
The Smithsonian Institution always has a great lineup for the Holidays - and 2006 is no exception! (33:26)
We enjoy Auld Lang Syne performed by Friction Bailey and brought to us via the The Podsafe Music Network. (36:27)
We finish up with a look at the opportunities in Washington to party in the New Year! (38:06)
Email us and let us know what you think of our show! We particularly wanted to know if this studio show was helpful to you! Our Theme Music is Garden Walk by Kim Evans and our walking music today was from Find Me by H. Logo design is by Kathleen Hamm at Hamm Multimedia. Comments[8] |
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