Fresh notes of English boxwood. Time-worn cobblestones slipping against the soles of my shoes. Strains of a distant fife floating in the air. A vacation in its truest sense—a journey to another time, another place.
Colonial Williamsburg is a place where time slows, where the demands of our 21st-century lives become a far off memory. Here the day begins and ends with the rise and fall of the sun.
A crowd gathers at the gates of the Capitol to learn that a band of Redcoats has been spotted less than a day’s journey away. The Raleigh Tavern is buzzing with news of a possible advance. We forget that we know how our story unfolds—at this moment we stand caught between the promise of a new life, and the uncertainty of these tumultuous times.
This is what brings me back to Colonial Williamsburg year after year—the opportunity to immerse myself in the most critical moment of our nation’s history. To see our story unfold through the eyes of the courageous men and women who believed everything was possible.
The flicker of candlelight through a hand blown hurricane glass. The taste of buttery spoonbread served in a piping hot skillet. The creak of a rope bed after an enriching day’s journey through time. Each and every detail, every sight, sound and color, is fraught with history. I can’t wait to return.
GUEST BLOGGER: AMANDA MUCHNICK
Amanda Muchnick, a native of New York City, has been visiting Williamsburg since she was a child. Her lifelong interest in Revolutionary Period history was brought to life walking along the Duke of Gloucester, and interacting with the historical interpreters. Amanda received her B.A. in American History from Brown University, and even wrote her college admissions essay about a chance encounter with one of her great historical heroes, Thomas Jefferson, during a visit. Amanda is also a classical violinist and had the opportunity to perform at the Raleigh Tavern.
What dok-hi batch saw? Can I know? Whom is Korean Dokhi batch?
First all, Korean Dok hi, whom smell under arm, smell so badly, after, Lily W. left him, Dok-hi got in, Jimmy W. turn her down, Smell so bad, Jimmy W. don’t fuck her. She got to go back to where she come from. I feel so sad to see that kind things, Tammy’s Kim worth better than her that time. Tammy’s Kim more close to Jimmy W. nom, that time.
After all. this kind info, all come out by the Kim’s mouth. She think she’s better than Dok-hi.
Mandrin So-Dom castle.
For me it a selfish act of escapism. Especially when we have stayed in a guesthouse in the restored area, it is a chance to push all of today’s world into the back of a closet, and focus on a different time period. Of course, one recognizes that the Williamsburg we visit today was never quite so tidy, clean, and picturesque, what with lack of running water, sewage systems and someone to remove other un-pleasantries. Add to that the tension of living in a new country facing, or in the midst of, war made for many heated conversations and anxieties. However, in today’s restored area, one is able to have a fresh perspective on the issues, the mannerisms, the style of dress and hair, all worthy of our reflection. The current interpretation, with people of the period reenacting scenes, conversations, debates, marching, etc., has been a great benefit. I am able to fully soak in the time period, and leave with new perspectives on how issues were discussed and acted upon as never before in my many earlier visits. And reflect, too, on how, had there not been so many smart, gifted, and articulate people of all social levels, willing to challenge the old ways, propose new ways, and implement actions, we could be leading a life so different that we do today. Thank you.
I couldn’t agree with you more. I live within 30 minutes of St Augustine Florida and rarely go there because it’s so commercial. I love Williamsburg!