Wednesday, June 30, 2010
Day 4: Natchez
Today we took a day off from our riding to explore Natchez. We visited the Stanton plantation house. It is one of the largest ones in Natchez. We walked through the historic downtown area visiting art galleries and stores. We aye lunch at a little cafe. I has a salmon pecan salad that was totally amazing. We even toured the historic cemetery. We got to use some of our slow speed drive skills as we traveled through the narrow road and tight turns of the cemetery. We then traveled across the Mississippi River over the bridge that connects Natchez with Vidalia. Consequently we can claim we went to Louisiana on this trip.We hung out at the hotel and swam in the pool getting out as we saw the dark clouds approaching. Hurricane Alex is off the coast of Mexico and Texas and we ate seeing the bands of clouds and rain overhead.
Day 3: Tupelo to Natchez
We spent a good portion of the day on the Natchez Trace seeing the various sites. We did take a side trip to a Harley Davidson dealer in Jackson Mississippi. I now appreciate my Harley dealer so much more.
Our morning began early with breakfast at the hotel. We were on the Trace by 9:00 am central time. At that point the day was sunny and warm, but the humidity hadn't reached it's peak. This part of the Trace seemed more shaded. The clouds slowly built through out the day. We expected the typical pop up scattered showers we have had the whole trip.
Our first stop of the day was an overlook that was 614 feet high and considered the highest point in Mississippi. While we have each seen much higher places, this was no less beautiful. From there we continued down the Trace. We stopped at a swamp that wad really cool. I walked along the bridge through the swamp and listened to all the sounds of frogs and cranes and blue herons. The swamp was it's own world. From there we visited an overlook that was on the south end of a man made lake. We also stopped at a series of Indian mounds. While there our friend Kathy made a bold prediction that we were going to dodge the rain that was so evident I'm the cloud about. We left the Indian mound and were no more than five minutes down the road when the sky opened up with rain falling hard. About five minutes into the rain storm as I considered pulling over to put on rain gear, it stopped; just as quickly ad it began. Within ten minutes travel time we had dried off as the humidity climbed. In no time we exited the Trace in Natchez. We found out hotel, nicely located on the Mississippi River. A newer hotel, with a great pool which is a nice treat after a hot day on the bike. We traveled about 280 miles today. Tommie is a down day for whatever exploration we want to do.
Our morning began early with breakfast at the hotel. We were on the Trace by 9:00 am central time. At that point the day was sunny and warm, but the humidity hadn't reached it's peak. This part of the Trace seemed more shaded. The clouds slowly built through out the day. We expected the typical pop up scattered showers we have had the whole trip.
Our first stop of the day was an overlook that was 614 feet high and considered the highest point in Mississippi. While we have each seen much higher places, this was no less beautiful. From there we continued down the Trace. We stopped at a swamp that wad really cool. I walked along the bridge through the swamp and listened to all the sounds of frogs and cranes and blue herons. The swamp was it's own world. From there we visited an overlook that was on the south end of a man made lake. We also stopped at a series of Indian mounds. While there our friend Kathy made a bold prediction that we were going to dodge the rain that was so evident I'm the cloud about. We left the Indian mound and were no more than five minutes down the road when the sky opened up with rain falling hard. About five minutes into the rain storm as I considered pulling over to put on rain gear, it stopped; just as quickly ad it began. Within ten minutes travel time we had dried off as the humidity climbed. In no time we exited the Trace in Natchez. We found out hotel, nicely located on the Mississippi River. A newer hotel, with a great pool which is a nice treat after a hot day on the bike. We traveled about 280 miles today. Tommie is a down day for whatever exploration we want to do.
Tuesday, June 29, 2010
Day 2: Nashville to Tupelo
We began our day with a trip to the Hermitage, the home of our seventh president Andrew Jackson. The home sits on just over 1000 acres of land that was used as a cotton farm. Andrew and his wife Rachel has over 100 slaves that worked the farm prior to their emancipation after the Civil War. We were able to tour a museum that chronicled the life of the Hermitage as intertwined with the life, military career and presidency of Andrew Jackson. The matter of fact portrayal of slavery was striking. No judgement implied - it was just part of the story. I was also interested in how Andrew's adopted daughter Sarah began the Women of Hermitage society prior to her passing. This society has maintained the home for over 140 years. Amazing for sight.
From there we found the Natchez Trace Trail and began the 260 mile journey to Tupelo. The day was very hot and humid. I was sweating Judy standing still. The welcomed breeze one creates by riding the motorcycle was very refreshing. Our first stop on the Trace was an overlook that gave us a great view of the 155 foot high double arched bridge. What was amazing was that it spanned a wheat field. I have never imagined a bridge over a wheat field.
As the afternoon wore on we watched the clouds form. The formation was beautiful. The Trace was a perfect road to allow a bit of sight seeing as I rode. The Trace was a flat, gracefully curved road. There were very few cars. What was surprising was that there were berthed motorcycles. We virtually has the road to ourselves.
One of the more amazing sites for me was when we road over the Tennessee River. The river was much wider than I realized. There were boats with people fishing and skiing. It looked so beautiful and refreshing. We had planned to stop at the Alabama state line. One of our riders was born on Alabama and we wanted a picture. We were surprised by hoe pronounced the state line was. Our first site was of a very small sign that said Alabama state line near a pull off. I pulled off thinking we would walk back to the sign one to discover a big pronounced sign with the two state seals and flowers. It was really cool. The Trace only passes through a very small corner of Alabama so we were in the state a very short time. By now it was clear we had just missed a rain shower. The road was wet and steam billowed upward. There were times the ride felt cold as we progressed through shady parts and times it was humid thanks to the steam from the earlier shower. We encountered a brief shower but was pretty lucky. We saw the storm moving in from the west, but managed to get to the hotel before the next rain.
We ordered in Italian and had it delivered to the room. We rested and shared stories and observations of our first day on the Trace.
From there we found the Natchez Trace Trail and began the 260 mile journey to Tupelo. The day was very hot and humid. I was sweating Judy standing still. The welcomed breeze one creates by riding the motorcycle was very refreshing. Our first stop on the Trace was an overlook that gave us a great view of the 155 foot high double arched bridge. What was amazing was that it spanned a wheat field. I have never imagined a bridge over a wheat field.
As the afternoon wore on we watched the clouds form. The formation was beautiful. The Trace was a perfect road to allow a bit of sight seeing as I rode. The Trace was a flat, gracefully curved road. There were very few cars. What was surprising was that there were berthed motorcycles. We virtually has the road to ourselves.
One of the more amazing sites for me was when we road over the Tennessee River. The river was much wider than I realized. There were boats with people fishing and skiing. It looked so beautiful and refreshing. We had planned to stop at the Alabama state line. One of our riders was born on Alabama and we wanted a picture. We were surprised by hoe pronounced the state line was. Our first site was of a very small sign that said Alabama state line near a pull off. I pulled off thinking we would walk back to the sign one to discover a big pronounced sign with the two state seals and flowers. It was really cool. The Trace only passes through a very small corner of Alabama so we were in the state a very short time. By now it was clear we had just missed a rain shower. The road was wet and steam billowed upward. There were times the ride felt cold as we progressed through shady parts and times it was humid thanks to the steam from the earlier shower. We encountered a brief shower but was pretty lucky. We saw the storm moving in from the west, but managed to get to the hotel before the next rain.
We ordered in Italian and had it delivered to the room. We rested and shared stories and observations of our first day on the Trace.
Monday, June 28, 2010
Day 1: On to Nashville
We left at 8 am for a long day if interstate riding. Destination was Nashville where we would meet up with a friend who would be joining us on the Natchez Trace. The morning was already warm and humid and we were to expect it only to climb. The ride through Ohio was good and traffic wad light on this Sunday. The only notable moment was outside Dayton when we passed this church that is known for their huge statue of Jesus. However the statue wasn't there.it has been struck by lightning and burned.the only thing remaining was the metal frame. Very weird.We exited 75 onto 71 in northern Kentucky. As we rounded the ramp we could see this dark clouds. I headed for the nearest exit and as we exited, huge drops of rain fell that turned into a down poor just as we got under the overhang at the BP station. We stayed there for 30 minutes and waited out the storm before putting on rain gear and heading to Louisville. We road a good 60 miles in rain and the sun speared. We found the Bluegrass. Harley Dealer and took off the rain gear before heading in to buy a t-shirt. From there it was a long rode to Nashville through on again off again showers that were annoying. They would start and stop so quickly that we didn't even put on the rain gear. Finally we approached Nashville. The city is bigger than I realized.We made our way through the city to our hotel on the east side near the Hermitage, our first destination tomorrow. Once here we jettisoned the wet clothes, put on the shorts and found s Mexican restaurant for dinner. Five hundred and fifteen miles down. More than what we wanted in a day.
Friday, June 18, 2010
Day 5: Amsterdam
Today we had a " cultural day" to explore Amsterdam or other places. We decided to explore the Haag. To get there we took the subway to a train station. We then took a train to Des Haag. Once there we had to locate a map. We wandered into what we though was an information building like we find in the US. However, it turned out to be the Ministry of Space Planning. We spoke with the person on duty about the city and eventually found a map. I am continually delighted about the people's willingness to talk with tourists and strangers and share about their country and the places to see. It strikes me as a sense of pride.
After some conversation we headed to the "centrum" to see if we could locate the parliament building and some museums. We wandered into a sporting goods store. This day the Netherlands soccer team would be playing Japan. Everyone was in their orange gear. It was very much like a college football game. Several of us wanted to find items to take back to children or friends. I was hoping for a warmer coat that displayed the Netherlands colors. Much to my delight I found just the item. Several in my group purchased Netherlands shirts or jerseys or balls. We were decked out in orange for the day.
We walked on coming to the parliament building. We spent some time studying the architecture. I find European buildings to be very beautiful. The center square included a fountain with gold trim that was amazing. From there we managed to find the royal house. The gate was ordained with gold. The house struck me as rather plain compared to the other buildings throughout the city. I could imagine that the slogans of this home was contained within.
By now the Netherlands soccer game was about to begin. We headed to find a pup for lunch and the game. What better way to experience a culture than through their sports. We found a pub that was packed with people, as was all pubs. We ordered and watched. I do not understand soccer as well as other sports, but I can appreciate the athleticism I see. I have watched a number of soccer games in the past as I have taught at two private colleges with very good soccer teams. However, it was soon clear that people in the Netherlands watch soccer very differently than Americans. they cheer plays that I found myself wondering what was so important. I found that in time that they understood the strategy and finer points of the game that I haven't even begun to master. It was very cool! The Netherlands scored a goal early in the second period and the pub erupted! The game ended 1 to 0 with the Netherlands winning. The celebration began.
We decided to leave Des Haag and head to Madurodam. Madurodam is a place where all of the famous buildings from the Netherlands are displayed in miniture. Word can not capture the detail and elegance of these models. The churches and castles were beautiful. They even included the schropol airport. The airplanes moved and made sounds.
We headed back to the hotel from there to rest and pack for our return trip. They day was full of adventure and fun. I am discovering that I enjoy learning about other cultures.
After some conversation we headed to the "centrum" to see if we could locate the parliament building and some museums. We wandered into a sporting goods store. This day the Netherlands soccer team would be playing Japan. Everyone was in their orange gear. It was very much like a college football game. Several of us wanted to find items to take back to children or friends. I was hoping for a warmer coat that displayed the Netherlands colors. Much to my delight I found just the item. Several in my group purchased Netherlands shirts or jerseys or balls. We were decked out in orange for the day.
We walked on coming to the parliament building. We spent some time studying the architecture. I find European buildings to be very beautiful. The center square included a fountain with gold trim that was amazing. From there we managed to find the royal house. The gate was ordained with gold. The house struck me as rather plain compared to the other buildings throughout the city. I could imagine that the slogans of this home was contained within.
By now the Netherlands soccer game was about to begin. We headed to find a pup for lunch and the game. What better way to experience a culture than through their sports. We found a pub that was packed with people, as was all pubs. We ordered and watched. I do not understand soccer as well as other sports, but I can appreciate the athleticism I see. I have watched a number of soccer games in the past as I have taught at two private colleges with very good soccer teams. However, it was soon clear that people in the Netherlands watch soccer very differently than Americans. they cheer plays that I found myself wondering what was so important. I found that in time that they understood the strategy and finer points of the game that I haven't even begun to master. It was very cool! The Netherlands scored a goal early in the second period and the pub erupted! The game ended 1 to 0 with the Netherlands winning. The celebration began.
We decided to leave Des Haag and head to Madurodam. Madurodam is a place where all of the famous buildings from the Netherlands are displayed in miniture. Word can not capture the detail and elegance of these models. The churches and castles were beautiful. They even included the schropol airport. The airplanes moved and made sounds.
We headed back to the hotel from there to rest and pack for our return trip. They day was full of adventure and fun. I am discovering that I enjoy learning about other cultures.
Thursday, June 17, 2010
Day 4: Amsterdam
Today was a conference day. We began with a number of plenary sessions that mainly focused on the move of the Netherlands and Bulgaria toward short cycle higher education. The name seems to come from the definitions of the various cycles of higher education that begin with a definition between what we would see as high school level and a bachelor's level. It appears that they are attempting to define the associates degree level. Also it appears that relatively recently they have defined professional degrees that end into a job as an additional degree apart from an academic degree. It is clear that the professional degrees are not as esteemed as the academic degrees. This is clearly evident on Bulgaria. Bulgaria is very behind in their move toward this process. This process is referred to as the Bologna process. In the US we have been doing the short cycle higher education in our technical and community colleges for quite some time. The Dutch are very interested in learning from us.
I am struck by the apparent unity in which Europe has adopted the process. I remember when Europe was switching to the Euro and how amazed I was that they were able to agree upon a currency. Now I am watching a degree of "standardization" (they would not like that word) of their higher education system.
Tonight our dinner was served on a canal boat. We took a two hour cruse through the canals of Amsterdam. The city is lovely. While there is much building and renovation occurring, the Dutch have been Abe to preserve the charm of the architecture. Rembrandt spent some time in the city. We saw a house where he spent a great deal of time painting and teaching students. We saw the various bridges and a couple of canals that regulate water levels. We also saw a few houses that lean due to their sinking. Amsterdam is on land reclaimed from the sea. If the foundation of the house was not properly set then the house will lean over time. In the US we would tear the house down and rebuild. Here the house is still occupied and serves as a viable residence. I was again struck by the leisurely approach to dinning. I really wish we Americans would adopt that approach.
I am struck by the apparent unity in which Europe has adopted the process. I remember when Europe was switching to the Euro and how amazed I was that they were able to agree upon a currency. Now I am watching a degree of "standardization" (they would not like that word) of their higher education system.
Tonight our dinner was served on a canal boat. We took a two hour cruse through the canals of Amsterdam. The city is lovely. While there is much building and renovation occurring, the Dutch have been Abe to preserve the charm of the architecture. Rembrandt spent some time in the city. We saw a house where he spent a great deal of time painting and teaching students. We saw the various bridges and a couple of canals that regulate water levels. We also saw a few houses that lean due to their sinking. Amsterdam is on land reclaimed from the sea. If the foundation of the house was not properly set then the house will lean over time. In the US we would tear the house down and rebuild. Here the house is still occupied and serves as a viable residence. I was again struck by the leisurely approach to dinning. I really wish we Americans would adopt that approach.
Day 3: Amsterdam Part 1
During the afternoon we met with our Dutch partners to talk about future collaborations. The conversation was very interesting and informative. I am amazed at how two educational systems can face similar challenges under very different governments and cultures. While funding is not an issue, retention, graduation and respect for short cycle education are issues. Also, the need for leadership training is an issue. For the Netherlands it is an issue because of the new concept of short cycle training while for US community colleges it is a matter of a agitate of trained and available people with advanced degrees. I was also surprised that the idea of studying "higher education" does not exist in Europe. While there are always one or two exceptions, there really is no field of study like higher educational administration and policy. This field of study in the US has it's tension as well. There are some who question it's relevance as a field of study as well.
After our meeting we returned to our hotel only to meet up later for dinner. I find Amsterdam to be very diverse. So to are the food options. We opted for a French restaurant. Our dinning experience began when the waiter took us to the pub area in the lower level of the building where we consumed pre-dinner drinks. There he shared with us a tray of herring and sausage. I tried both. I knew I would like the sausage from previous visits. The herring I had previously tried back in 1990 when I first traveled to the Netherlands with Sports Outreach International. I didn't care for it then. Tonight I tried it and it seemed wonderful. After drinks we were led to the dinning room. We ordered. I has Damon and it was outstanding. For our "salad" we were served a variety of items, one of which was a hard boiled quail egg. I tried one. I couldn't peal it but the shell was thin enough to eat it along with the egg. It was good, nothing real different than hard boiled chicken eggs other than the shell.
Dinning here is a much more casual, relaxed event. Time between courses of a meal are lengthier than in the U S. No one is trying to turn tables quickly to serve as many as possible. The relaxed approach is part of the experience. Dinning is highly social. People seem much more focused on one another than the TV or ambience of the decore.
After our meeting we returned to our hotel only to meet up later for dinner. I find Amsterdam to be very diverse. So to are the food options. We opted for a French restaurant. Our dinning experience began when the waiter took us to the pub area in the lower level of the building where we consumed pre-dinner drinks. There he shared with us a tray of herring and sausage. I tried both. I knew I would like the sausage from previous visits. The herring I had previously tried back in 1990 when I first traveled to the Netherlands with Sports Outreach International. I didn't care for it then. Tonight I tried it and it seemed wonderful. After drinks we were led to the dinning room. We ordered. I has Damon and it was outstanding. For our "salad" we were served a variety of items, one of which was a hard boiled quail egg. I tried one. I couldn't peal it but the shell was thin enough to eat it along with the egg. It was good, nothing real different than hard boiled chicken eggs other than the shell.
Dinning here is a much more casual, relaxed event. Time between courses of a meal are lengthier than in the U S. No one is trying to turn tables quickly to serve as many as possible. The relaxed approach is part of the experience. Dinning is highly social. People seem much more focused on one another than the TV or ambience of the decore.
Wednesday, June 16, 2010
Day 2: Amsterdam Part 1
I have found that jet lag is not a problem for me when going to Europe. That is nice because I can integrate into the day and events so much quicker. Today I began my day at the normal time of 6:00 am. I decided to start my day with a run. The place I am staying has a fitness center so I headed there. When I arrived it was closed. I was surprised, but it turned out to be a blessing. I headed out the door and ran on the trail next to the bike path outside the hotel. The morning was cool and very pleasant. I was surprised at all the activity. I am still at awe and a bit jealous of all the bicycles. There were more bikes than cars moving this morning; and I am not including the mopeds. I saw many kids heading to school. They were on bicycles and skate boards and rollerblades. They looked fit and I couldn't help thinking how we Americans could benefit from cycling to work and our kids cycling to school.
I also noticed all of the orange flags and banners representing the Netherland soccer team. Football is big here. That is an understatement. My colleague who arrived earlier than me said that he was here the day Netherland played Findland and that the country stopped. There was no one on the streets. All the pubs with tvs were packed and those without tvs were empty. It was amazing. I can't imagine soccer ever reaching that level in the United States.
I love the active Dutch culture and the canals; the cooler weather and the varied diverse people. I could live here.
I also noticed all of the orange flags and banners representing the Netherland soccer team. Football is big here. That is an understatement. My colleague who arrived earlier than me said that he was here the day Netherland played Findland and that the country stopped. There was no one on the streets. All the pubs with tvs were packed and those without tvs were empty. It was amazing. I can't imagine soccer ever reaching that level in the United States.
I love the active Dutch culture and the canals; the cooler weather and the varied diverse people. I could live here.
Tuesday, June 15, 2010
Day 1: Amsterdam
I arrived in Amsterdam at 10am Netherlands time. This was the first time I have traveled overseas alone. I was surprised at just how typical the airport in Amsterdam was as compared to the countless airports I have been in the US. My luggage beat me to the belt, so I was glad to see it waiting there for me. After retrieving the bag I was off to find a cab. The person I found understood English enough to understand where I needed to go. I was a bit nervous though when he had to pull out his map to find the hotel. None the less he got me there and I checked in early which was a welcomed event. After dome down time in the hotel I ventured out to what was a two mile walk to the centrum (downtown). There I found a sporting goods store decked out in Netherlands gear for the 2010 world cup. I purchased a Netherlands replica soccer jersey to celebrate my trip. Next, I set off to find lunch. Among the numerous restaurants was the Hard Rock Cafe. Had to try it. Amazingly, it was just like the one in Washington DC that we ate at during Memorial weekend. I then made the walk back to the hotel. Finally, the limited sleep from the flight was catching up with me. After a brief nap, our college president call and we finally connected and met up for dinner. Tomorrow begins the conference and a new adventure.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)