Contrast that very modern business core with one of the oldest and most beautiful structures in the city – the Guadalajara Cathedral, a minor basilica that is part of the Roman Catholic Archdiocese of Guadalajara.  Located in the downtown Centro Histórico (Avenue16 de Septiembre, Hidalgo y Morelos), the neo-Gothic towers of the Cathedral dominate the skyline.

Originally built during the 16-17th century, parts of it have been destroyed by fire, earthquake, and the ravages of time.  Repairs and rebuilding have attempted to keep as much as possible.

Walking into the cathedral is like taking a big step back in time.  The main altar is made of marble and silver, but you’ll also find ten other altars around the side of the cathedral.  Behind the main altar are sufficient chairs to seat the council of Cardinals.  The cathedral has beautiful stained glass (imported from France, and reminiscent of Notre Dame), many religious artifacts and pieces of art, a mural by Mexican artist Bartolomé Esteban Murillo, and relics of St. Innocent (among others).  This is also home to the largest organ in the country.

Surrounding the cathedral are spacious plazas perfect for strolling, getting a bite to eat, people watching, or enjoying the many artisans the set up shop here.  Don’t hurry through!  Slow down your pace, and enjoy the culture and history of Guadalajara.

Photo credit:  personal collection

Post from: Fly Away Cafe

Harry is a fellow Seattle resident, and a recognized expert on the life of one of the world’s most famous adventurers – Marco Polo.  Harry gave me his recently published book, and I was finally had time to sink my teeth into it.

Over a period of about ten years, Harry became the first person to re-trace Marco Polo’s 13,000 mile Silk Road across Europe and Asia. 

In three expeditions (1971, 1981, and 1985), and using every imaginable type of transportation (including camels, goatskin rafts, and farm tractors), this journey went from Venice to Israel, Turkey, Iran, Afghanistan, Pakistan, and finally crossed China to Beijing.

During this time Harry also produced and appeared in On the Roof of the World with Marco Polo, a documentary film about his travels.  The film premiered at the Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York City in 1981.

Following the completion of the last expedition, Harry wrote The Marco Polo Odyssey, chronicling his adventures and authentication of the journey of this famous 13th century explorer.  The book tells the story of Harry’s journey, weaving in a little history from the writings of Marco Polo as well, and how the Silk Road gave birth to what became global markets. 

Combining geography, history, culture, humor, adventure and a love of travel, this book is easy to read, getting you hooked from the very beginning.  It features photos and maps, and I felt like I was along with Harry for the journey as well. 

In Harry’s words:

As journeys often do, my Marco Polo odyssey began in dreams, designed with maps and books.  It began in a love of travel; an eight year old boy’s craving to explore places where ancient cultures lived and still live today.  In the end, my odyssey became “living history” making history come alive by traveling along the Old Silk Road and entering the world of Marco Polo.

The book comes with the DVD On the Roof of the World with Marco Polo.  You can find it at your local bookstore or through Amazon for $20.40.  You can purchase an autographed copy through the Marco Polo Foundation.

Image credit:  Amazon

Post from: Fly Away Cafe

The American Presidents itinerary explores the lives, contributions and historical sites of all 43 presidents.  (President-elect Obama is not yet on the list.)  Among the sites listed are birthplaces, home and memorials.  There’s also a general presidential itinerary that includes the White House, Mount Rushmore, and other general sites.

The list includes over 70 sites spanning the country, all listed in the National Register of Historic Places, and about half part of the National Park System.

Here’s a sampling of what you’ll find:

• Description and significance of the site
• Information and maps on how to visit
• Photographs, old and new
• Accompany links to essays by presidential historians
• A “Learn More” section that will steer you to a bibliography and additional travel sites to help you plan a visit to any of the historic locations

I checked out a few places that have been on my to-visit list for awhile now, as well as added a few:  Thomas Jefferson’s Monticello (in photo above), Adams National Historic Park, Eisenhower National Historic Site, and the First Ladies National Historic Site.

How about you?  Any place on the list inspire you to visit?

Photo credit:  wikimedia

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“Listen my children and you shall hear, of the midnight ride of Paul Revere. . . . “

In Boston’s North End you’ll find the small wooden home that Paul Revere left on April 18th, 1775 when he began the ride that made him a legend.  He lived here with his wife, five children, and mother, and sold the house around 1800.

The Paul Revere House still stands today at 19 North Square, and is downtown Boston’s oldest building.  The home was opened as a museum in 1908, one of the first historic house museums in the country.  Today it is one of the few buildings remaining from the colonial era.

Although it has been renovated substantially over the years, about 90% of the building is original back to 1680.  This includes two doors, three window frames, and portions of the flooring and rafters.  The heavy beams and large fireplaces were typical interiors of colonial homes.  The upstairs chambers contain furniture believed to have belonged to the Revere family.

The Paul Revere house is located on the Freedom Trail (between the Faneuil Hall stop and the Old North Church stop), and can also be reached via the T (subway).  On the green line get off as Government Center or Haymarket, on the blue line get off at Government Center or Aquarium, and on the orange line get off at State or Haymarket.

Self-guided tours of the home take you through home.  Admission is $3 for adults, $2.50 for seniors and college students, and $1 for children 5-17.  Winter hours (November 1st – April 14th) are 9:30 am – 4:15 pm; Summer hours (April 15th – October 31st) are 9:30 am – 5:15 pm.  Closed on Mondays January – March.

Allow half an hour to an hour for a leisurely walk through of the house.  During heavy tourist times, lines can back up.

Photo credit:  wikimedia

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Hot Springs is known for it historic downtown area, and now with the addition of the recently opened Gangster Museum, it’s edgy history from the 1920-40’s is also showcased.  After all, back in “the day” Hot Springs was a popular vacation spot for many members of the mob, including Al Capone (in mug shot above) and Lucky Luciano.  It’s said that they came for the waters, the healing powers of the area’s hot mineral baths.

Inside the museum are exhibits from the town’s history, including artifacts a slot machine and a roulette wheel from the Southern Club, and dice and poker chips from other local gambling clubs.

There’s also a Tommy Gun (a Thompson submachine gun), a 1928 Cadillac owned by Al Capone, and a Victor Victrola, believed to have been owned by Ralph Capone, Al’s brother, on display.

Features of the museum include video presentations and an “underground” tunnel designed to disorient people.  Photos from the era are also on display, and tell the story of how the mob and Hot Springs came to have such a close relationship.

The Gangster Museum of America is located at 113 Central Avenue, Hot Springs, Arkansas, and is open daily from 10 am – 10 pm.  Admission is $8 adults; $7 seniors; and $4 children (under 12).

Photo credit:  public domain

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The Harding Home, located at 3890 Mt Vernon Avenue in Marion, Ohio, has been restored to its original Victorian splendor, and now serves as a historial site dedicated to Harding’s life and Presidency.  Nearly all the furnishings in the home were pieces originally owned by President and Mrs. Harding, making a tour of the home a historical treat.

Next to the home itself is a separate press house (used during the presidential campaign) that now serves as a museum.

The President Harding Home and Museum is open Thursday – Sunday from Memorial Day weekend through Labor Day (Thursday – Saturday, 9:30 am – 5 pm, Sunday noon – 5 pm).  During April, May, September and October it is open weekends only.  The museum is closed during the winter.

Admission is $6 for adults, $3 for children 6-12, FREE for children 5 and under.  AAA, Senior and Military discounts available.

A visit will appeal to fans of presidential history, loves of Victorian architecture and furnishings, and political enthusiasts.  For a home tour, along with some time at the museum, allow about 1 1/2 -2 hours.

Photo Credit: wikimedia

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FDR hated to fly, preferring to travel by ship or train, and the USS Potomac was outfitted to accommodate his mobility issues.  It could cruise along at speeds of 10-13 knots, and FDR would often hold informal strategy meetings aboard, enjoying the privacy and seclusion the yacht provided.  Visiting dignitaries were entertained on the yacht, and at least one of FDR’s famed radio broadcasts originated from onboard.  There were many “secret” meetings held aboard, only some of which have been made public.

The yacht was also used for recreational activities, at least up until the bombing of Pearl Harbor.

Following the death of FDR, the Potomac went through a series of owners.  Elvis Presley owned her for awhile!  Eventually, though, she was used in more infamous endeavors, and was seized in 1980 as a front for drug smugglers.  Her hull was pierced one night and she sank — the once proud and majestic yacht had fallen.

After being refloated by the Navy, the Potomac was sold to the Port of Oakland (for a mere $15,000) and a $5 million restoration campaign was launched.  It took a cooperative effort between organized labor, maritime corporations, and a bunch of dedicated volunteers, to finally complete the restoration.

The task complete, the yacht was berthed at Jack London Square, 540 Water Street, in Oakland (California), and opened to the public in 1995.  It has been declared a National Historic Landmark, and is a Coast Guard certified, fully seaworthy vessel.

It sounds impressive and beautiful — where can I see it?

The Potomac is now a floating museum, with a nearby Visitor Center.

Dockside tours of the Potomac are conducted on Wednesday and Friday at 10:30 am and 2:30 pm, and Sunday at noon and 3:30 pm..  The tour includes a 15-minute video, and then a 45-minute guided tour.  Tour prices are $7 for adults, $5 for seniors (60+), and FREE for youth ages 12 and under.  Reservations are not required.

History cruises onboard the Potomac are offered (May through November) on alternating Thursdays and Saturdays.  (Check the schedule for details.)  After watching the video, you’ll enjoy a 2-hour cruise around the San Francisco Bay, learning about surrounding landmarks and the historical connection between the FDR presidency and the area.  You can choose a guide or self-guided tour onboard.  Tickets prices are $40 for adults, $35 for seniors (60+), $20 for youth (ages 6-12), and FREE for children ages 6 and under.  You can purchase your tickets online.

Special event cruises are also offered on the Potomac, including a Father’s Day cruise and a Veterans’ Day Cruise.  I think the Fourth of July Cruise would be a wonderful way to celebrate our country’s independence!  Offerings and prices vary, so check the schedule of special events for details and ticketing information.  These events sell out, so plan in advance.

The grandeur and 1940’s ambiance of the Potomac is perfect for special events, and it is available for private charters.  It’s been used for weddings, anniversary parties, reunions, and a variety of special events.

Parking at Jack London Square is available at the Washington Street Garage (between 2nd and Embarcadero Streets), one block from the Potomac.

Photo Credit: wikimedia

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