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Scott Bubar
Colonial Militia

USA

Bumppo's Patron since [at least]:
May 17 2002

Status: offline

Posted - February 21 2003 : 8:46:35 PM

]williamsburg.com

quote:
That's why everyone… Kids, Parents & Grandparents …
enjoy coming to Williamsburg again and again and again.

Spend some time in terror hanging upside down in a Roller Coaster moving at what seems to be the speed of a rocket... or time in sheer wonderment at the resolve and fears of men, women and children crossing an Ocean in a Susan B. Constant... a small boat that today, seems like an oversize mini van. Or tap your toes to authentic traditional balladeers while visiting Ireland... play Golf where Presidents and Prime Ministers have ' chased the little white ball' in frustration... and where Champions compete every year.
Enjoy a 'Cold One' in the same Taverns where the likes of Tommy Jefferson and Patrick ("Give me liberty, or give me death") Henry, argued over the fate of a super power's Colony… and their lives. See a live Music Show… Shop at hundreds of Factory Outlet Stores, Artisan Shops, quaint Book Stores, Antique Malls. Dine Gourmet… or gnaw on mouth watering, traditional slow cooked southern Barbecue Ribs and Chicken.

If you enjoy the 'New'… and the 'Old'…
Relaxation with family and friends…
it doesn't get much better than Williamsburg.
That's why it's referred to as 'The Fun Capitol of the Southeast'

williamsburg.com

OK, so this may be a bit of guilt by association, but then the associations are very close, aren't they? One ticket to get you into the various attractions, all conveniently electronically linked with tracking, and presumably financially linked as well.

Now, I did say I love Williamsburg, and this is no lie. I first visited about 35 years ago, and fell in love with both Williamsburg and the area.

On my last visit with my son three or four years ago and the first time I stayed on the grounds, she seemed a bit down on the heels, especially considering her new "connections", but perhaps this was the jaundiced view of age.

What I really didn't appreciate were the living history tours. Living history is all very well and good in its place, but standing in line in the people corrals (how Disneyesque) in a cold Virgina spring rain didn't appeal to me at all. I wrote off the House of Burgesses and the Governor's palace, in spite of the fact that there were things I wanted to see. I'm quite capable of doing my own interpretation thank you.

The best time was in the gunsmith's shop, listening to and talking with Richard Frazier.

Seamus--peeked at your pics before, glad they've come through. Also glad to see your not wearing mouseketeer caps. Oops, musketeer.

~~Aim small, miss small.

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Seamus
Guardian of Heaven's Gate

USA

Bumppo's Patron since [at least]:
May 19 2002

Status: offline

Posted - February 21 2003 : 9:31:36 PM

AHA! Scott, I understand now. You are talking about Williamsburg, the area.....not Colonial Williamsburg? I agree that lines waiting to get into various places in CW are a pain,(that's why WE sneak in the back doors!) but let's not link the trashy touristy Chamber of Commerce drivel with a place like CW. Yes....guilty by association it may be, but when I think of Williamsburg it is the College of William and Mary, it is Colonial Williamsburg and all that happened THERE two and a quarter centuries ago, it is Carter's Grove and Wolstenholme Town, it is Jamestown and the whole peninsula....not Busch Gardens, Six Flags, the "strip" nor the Pottery, the golf courses and the condos, chicken joints and the Outback Steakhouse. THEY all are leeching off Colonial Williamsburg. They know a good thing when they see one. They know how to capitalize on a good draw. People still come for COLONIAL WILLIAMSBURG and the 18th century experience, and the lines of tourons we abhor just might be the source of the lifeblood to keep OUR hobby (hobby, Hell! Our WAY OF LIFE!!!!!) alive. The "Disney-seekers" can go to the other places and play all they want!! Up their's!!!! Come on, Scott! Forget them!! Come play with US!!!

Life's journey is not to
arrive at the grave safely
in a well preserved body,
but rather to skid in sideways,
totally worn out, shouting
'...holy sh*t ...what a ride!'

~~Mavis Leyrer, Seattle

Seamus

~~Aim small, hit the b*****d right between the eyes!~~

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Wilderness Woman
Watcher of the Wood

USA

Bumppo's Patron since [at least]:
November 27 2002

Status: offline

Donating Member

Posted - February 21 2003 : 9:53:34 PM

Yes, Seamus, I came to that conclusion too... that Scott appears to be speaking of something that is somewhat separate from Colonial Williamsburg. As for the "touron" (cool word!) lines... it is unfortunate that when something becomes successful or popular, people will tend to come. The more that come... the longer the lines. It's unavoidable.

It sounds to me as though one must decide before going just what aspect of the area to focus on. If you want Disneylandesque, you can certainly find it. If you want history and "flavor", it is there. Perhaps you simply try to see what you want to see... and tune out what you don't? I can do that, and I still really want to see it. The historical part of it.

It is a necessary "evil", isn't it, that commercialism must nearly always be present in some form or another, in order to support the historical... the really good stuff.

Morgaine...? Are you feeling cheerier? We hope so! You see, we fully appreciate your passion for CW, and do share it with you.

Oh, by the way, Seamus... after seeing the photos... you guys will do!

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morgaine
Pioneer

USA

Bumppo's Patron since [at least]:
May 19 2002

Status: offline

Posted - February 21 2003 : 11:35:39 PM

Hello again, everyone.

Seamus, I loved your photos and am quite impressed with your credentials. You and your friends look terrific! I admire your dedication. I loved what you wrote about your Williamsburg experiences--you are exactly right. When I saw Scott's last post, I realized that he was not talking about the real Colonial Williamsburg.

quote:
when I think of Williamsburg it is the College of William and Mary, it is Colonial Williamsburg and all that happened THERE two and a quarter centuries ago, it is Carter's Grove and Wolstenholme Town, it is Jamestown and the whole peninsula....not Busch Gardens, Six Flags, the "strip" nor the Pottery

Seamus, your words could be mine for that is exactly how I feel. I have explained this to people countless times. I have never been to the Pottery or Busch Gardens. I go to be as close to the eighteenth century as possible. I constantly have to explain to people that I am going to Colonial Williamsburg, not Williamsburg. Yes, Wilderness Woman, you need to decide what your focus is going to be and filter out what does not appeal to you. Like you, I have no problem doing that.

I am feeling much cheerier now. Thank you for asking. I am happy to know that we do share this passion.

This is wonderful.

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Seamus
Guardian of Heaven's Gate

USA

Bumppo's Patron since [at least]:
May 19 2002

Status: offline

Posted - February 22 2003 : 06:59:10 AM

Good morning, Morgaine!

Thank you for your kind words, you are most welcome anytime to share your passions with us! We DO understand them, and the pleasure is ours.....

~~Aim small, hit the b*****d right between the eyes!~~

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Theresa
Bumppo's Tavern Proprietress

USA

Bumppo's Patron since [at least]:
May 17 2002

Status: offline

Posted - February 22 2003 : 08:48:38 AM

quote:
Originally posted by morgaine

Hello again, everyone.

Seamus, I loved your photos and am quite impressed with your credentials. You and your friends look terrific! I admire your dedication.

Morgaine,

You would most definitely be impressed by these gentlemen should you ever have the opportunity to sit around a campfire with them and hear some of their stories. Love you guys!!