Virginia Beach

One of the best advantages of working at a boarding academy is the extra-curricular stuff you get to do. Because we're much smaller than public schools, our seniors get to take a class trip to a place of their choice (that they can afford). This year, I was invited by the senior class to go with them as a sponsor to Virginia Beach. Although I didn't know all of the seniors that well, I knew a few well enough, and I love the Virginia Beach area. How could I pass it up?

Virginia Aquarium

While we mostly went to the beach and the Busch Gardens/Water Country areas, there are tons of things within an hour and a half radius to be explored. I'm a huge history buff (I guess that's why I got a degree in it), so Jamestown, Williamsburg, and Yorktown are all places I could spend days and still feel like I haven't soaked up enough information. Jamestown, of course, was the first permanent English settlement that carried John Smith to the eastern shores of the North American continent in 1607. Williamsburg was not only the first location of an English government, but also served as the capital to the Virginia colony into the late 1700s. The College of William & Mary is also located in Williamsburg, and has a beautiful campus which has graduated three US Presidents. Yorktown was one of the most important sites of the Revolutionary War, where General Cornwallis surrendered to General Washington. Duh.

Virginia Aquarium

As well, there is a US Naval Base out toward the Virginia Beach area. When traveling across the Hampton Roads Bridge Tunnel, you can look to your right or left and see Aircraft Carriers, Destroyers, and even the occasional fighter jet streaking across the sky. The military history along the southern coasts of Virginia is incredible.

However, we didn't see any of these things while we were there. We visited the beach frequently (we stayed in Sandbridge, renting two beach houses, which is an excellent idea), and went to the amusement parks. We also visited the aquarium. Busch Gardens is always worth a trip, for me. I'm a roller coaster junkie, and their coasters are pretty awesome. They have a new one, the Verbolten, which is the replacement of the Big Bad Wolf. It's a pretty good replacement. With most of the original coaster track still there, but repainted, there are definitely some new, thrilling additions. I would tell you, but it's definitely something you just have to experience for yourself.

Here are some tips for making a trip to amusement parks cheaper and maybe more enjoyable.

• Ask for water. At amusement parks, they are usually required to give out water cups if you ask. And it's free! There's no limit, so you can stay hydrated without paying for it.
• Look into picnicking. Check with the amusement park before you go, but some parks allow you to bring meals or to at least leave the park to go eat lunch at your car. You can get a stamp for reentry. But don't assume that all parks do this. Look into it!
• If you do buy food... look into meal plans and souvenir cups that come with free or cheaper refills. Especially if you have multiple people sharing.
• Skimp on souvenirs and in-park extras. It's really easy to look at a giant stuffed octopus and want it, but those $3 games add up quick. Also, things are so overpriced that money goes very quickly. Set a budget before you go and don't spend more than that. In fact, get cash out of an ATM and don't bring your card. Only spend what you got out.

Virginia Aquarium

Happy summer travels, folks! Vermont is the next on the list in the middle of June. Pictures will come when I get back :) Adieu Caribou! xoxo

Jeffersonian State of Mind

This past weekend, I travelled to Jefferson, TX where I was a history teacher for a couple of years. It was one of the coolest life-changing experiences ever, and the students there are so incredibly talented. They're stunning. So, I felt honored when the Class of 2014 asked me to teach Sabbath School and do special music on Sunday. I flew into Houston to see a friend and travel up to Jefferson with him. The road trip was fantastic, and the weekend overall couldn't have been better.

Jefferson itself is a small town with a population of less than 3,000. It's known for its Bed & Breakfasts, historic houses and its General Store. If you're ever traveling up or down 59 in Texas, you should take an hour or so to adventure through downtown. It's lovely and quaint. But, as I was discussing with my friend, it's not the buildings or sites that always make a place memorable. Most of the time, it's the people and the connection you make with them. That was definitely the case for me.

If you're interested in listening to the song we (my friend, Gabriel, from Houston and myself) did, the link to our practice session is here. The actual song is here.

Shoe Design

This is just a post for future reference - I'm currently a little tight on money because there are a lot of "adventures" coming up. I'm going to Texas in a couple of weeks, and then to Virginia shortly after. Of course, summer has a lot of promise: amusement parks, beach days, and going to Vermont. Lots of excitement.

However, I wanted to post this so I can come back to it when I have a little bit of free time and extra pocket change. It's designing a pair of TOMS. I'm not sure what I want to do yet, but I know I want a Maryland theme. I love our state flag, I love Natty Boh, crabs, Old Bay and the Orioles. So I'll have to keep those things in mind. I'm going to put a couple links to good DIY websites and a few pictures of things that inspired me. Yay! Get creative!

• Style Your Toms
• How to Paint Your Own TOMS
• Natural Canvas Classics (to buy for the project)

 Adieu Caribou! xoxo