(Posted by Andy)
We've been neglectful of our blog, so we’ve covered quite a bit since we checked in last.
Right out of Chicago we stopped briefly in Cleveland, Oh for some day hikes in the foliage. Pics below. We then promptly made our way to Niagara Falls. This was my second time seeing the falls, Caitlin’s first. Winter temperature inflated with wind and “mist” (rain) aside, it was still an awesome experience. It is the only constant natural feature of the Earth that I’ve experienced that you can hear from a mile away, and see the mist from 10 miles away on the freeway. We have day pictures below, but we first saw it at night, where white lights shine on the lifeblood rivers, and colorful cascades of light illuminate the falls, courtesy of Canada. We spent Halloween near the falls, where we feasted on a Milky Way Midnight candy bar from the closest gas station.
Hurriedly, we hauled on toll roads (resentfully) to Boston, Massachusetts. Wow, is Boston small. We walked the entirety of this quaint brick city in 2 days North to South. Boston attracted us for 2 reasons, Ben Sommer, Caitlin’s high school friend, and the Paul Revere history. Ben was very gracious, walking with us throughout the city, extending his shower to us, and overall being great company. Historic Boston is home to (amongst many other things), Paul Revere’s home, the Old North Church, and Copp’s Hill cemetery. Paul’s house cost money to go into, so that was out. The Old North was not only free, but was the church that Paul Revere warned that lanterns would be hung on the arrival of the British. “One if by land, two if by sea.” The cemetery held the bodies of many historic figures, including those involved with the Old North lanterns. Again, everything very quaint and made of brick, this is not only a historic site, but a pleasant trip back in time.
When I was 9 or 10ish, I was assigned a research project of 1 of the 50 states of the United States of America. I chose Rhode Island. Ever since then, the nautical theme and such small distance of the state attracted me and I wanted to ride my bike across it. This was my chance! Taking a leisurely 4 hour tour the long way (N to S), I rode through small colonial towns, great foliage and Providence up North, and long stretches of wooded homeland and ocean-side communities in the South. Other than the surprising lack of intellectual quotient in the North, without exaggeration in the slightest I can say that the ride was just as I had imagined it when I was 10. It was cool.
I have relatives in West Suffield, Ct who we were eager to visit since before we left; my Aunt Barbara and my Uncle Stosh that I haven’t seen in 4 years. They were kind enough to let us into their home on a 2 day notice! They fed us home cooked, warm meals, let us bathe, and were very informative about what life is like on a farm with land (and 200 acres at that!). This was the first time that Caitlin and I had felt like we were home since we left. Thank you Uncle Stosh and Aunt Barbara for being so kind and giving.
The next 3 days were very rushed, with over 500 miles of driving. First we saw, Gettysburg. It is one thing to read about in the history books, but a completely different internal reaction in person. With what seemed like thousands of plaques, gravestones and cannons covering this historic battlefield that was a turning point of the Civil War, Gettysburg is a must-see for Americans. I’m not going to label every picture below, they’re just to give you an idea of the feel of our experience. Mind blowing and gut wrenching at the same time, I re-iterate that Gettysburg is a must see.
Let me start by saying that this next bit is a recount of a life-highlight that Caitlin and I experienced yesterday. Frank Lloyd Wright’s Fallingwater. Mr. Wright was a master architect and Fallingwater is a masterpiece. In the Pensilvania wilderness, Falligwater is a sculpture of a house that acquired its name by the waterfall that runs directly through the property and beneath the house. Though the waterfall is the main natural attraction, the house features natural spring water trickling down boulders that the house was built around, overhanging beams bending around trees, integrated natural lighting and pools. The interior was way ahead of its time as well in architecture and interior design. Caitlin and I were pleasantly surprised by multiple, pay attention now, ORIGINAL Picasso’s, Tiffany’s, Rivera’s, and more including pottery and Japanese wood block art from famous artists. Another statement that I swear is not an exaggeration was I saw a picture of this house when I was 6 and wanted to become an architect until very recently. This masterpiece was the inspiration for my passion for architecture. Since all the trips my parents have taken me on and since my travels for the past 3 years covering 23 States, 12 countries and 3 continents, Falligwater is my “favorite part.” GO SEE IT. To do so, start here: http://www.fallingwater.org/
Tomorrow Caitlin and I set out on a 4 day, 3 night backpacking trip in Shenandoah National Park, and then we will be off to see more relatives, Mike and Jennifer Szego.
**Due to time constraints and slow internet, pictures for this blog will be posted as a separate blog in a few days**
