Wednesday, May 16, 2012

Greetings from Colonial Williamsburg

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I'm in Williamsburg, Virginia for a work conference this week.  This is my first time traveling to this part of the state and I have to say one thing - boy, it's HUMID here!  In any case, I generally don't bring my camera with me when I travel for work.  And in this instance, I am sorely regretting it.  Off all the places to be without my trusty Nikon D60.  Shortly after I arrived yesterday evening, I took a walk around the historical district and was deeply struck and moved by the beauty of it all.  I don't think I've ever been to a place like this before.  Sure, having lived in Philadelphia and Boston, I've seen my fair share of old brick buildings.  But they were always viewed within the backdrop of modern day life.  Here in Colonial Williamsburg, aside from the tourists walking about, time seems to stand still.

I took the picture above with my blackberry phone.  Not great, I know.  Yesterday, I bought a disposable camera and am looking forward to waking up extra early tomorrow morning to take some pictures.  (I was surprised to find that they still made disposable cameras.)  And of course, I will be hunting for the Colonial gardens.  I found one that had artichoke plants that were 3 ft tall (Erin - you are missing out, girl!), shell peas that were 6 ft tall (mine are 6 inches tall in Vermont), wooden cold frames like I'd never seen before, and low tunnels made from bent branches and cotton muslin.  Hopefully I'll be able to get some decent pictures from the disposable camera and post some soon.

12 comments:

  1. So jealous! I've always wanted to go there. Awesome, can't wait to hear all about it. Enjoy your time!!! And take lots of pictures!

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  2. I'm looking forward to hearing more! I have always wanted to go there too!

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  3. Sounds like a great adventure and glad you were able to snag a temp camera to use. Although the cell phone pic was not all that bad! I just upgraded my phone and I am amazed at the picture quality from it. I posted some pics from my recent travels and they were all taken with my cell phone and I think were quite good considering.

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  4. What a great place to have to go for a business trip. :o)

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  5. Williamsburg has deep roots in the gardening past. Thomas Jefferson is the obvious link, but the end of the campus of The College of William and Mary has an oblique angle, apparently the uncompleted layout of a huge "WM" in trees and flowers, a tribute to the British sovereigns.
    The campus has many exotic trees.
    Across from Williamsburg is Gloucester, once the home of the daffodil industry in America. Its soils and climate are ideal. One of America's premiere bulb companies - Brent and Becky's Bulbs - still plies their trade there, and is well worth a visit at this time of year.

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  6. LOL! You aren't kidding about the humidity here, belch! People say "oh, you'll get used to it"...ummmm, I've lived here since 1994 so just how long does it take? :) You will definitely have to make a trip to Jefferson's Monticello here in VA sometime with Marc, it's spectacular and bonus it's in a college town with lovely microbrews and food!

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  7. that's "blech" not "belch" stupid auto correct :)

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  8. I was lucky enough to spend a Thanksgiving there. I love those living history museums.

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  9. I spent some time in Williamsburg years ago working on some minor jobs at the time. I did do quite a bit of sightseeing but never did go to Thomas Jefferson's Monticello and I do regret that. Enjoy yourself. There's nothing like history.

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  10. I can't wait for your post. We've got to go there. We're only a couple hours away.

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  11. We went to Montichello this Spring and it was wonderful! I had wanted to go for a long time and it was worth the wait. The tulips were in bloom and the gardens were fabulous. I am hoping next year we make it to Williamsburg.

    Andrea

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  12. Great place. I hope that you found their vegetable gardens. i was fascinated by them.

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