Exploring World Civilizations at the British Museum

17 December 20243 May 2025

I was overwhelmed with excitement as I entered each of the rooms at the British Museum. I have never before seen so much history represented in one place. Unprepared for the amazing relics and archaeological objects spanning thousands of years, I was excited for the opportunity to glimpse into the lives and cultures of so many ancient civilizations. Established in 1753, the British Museum is the oldest public museum in the world and in my opinion, one of the most fascinating.

Credited as the first “archeologist”, Roman Queen Helena’s pilgrimage to the Holy Land in the 4^th century AD was focused on preserving the sites and relics relating to biblical accounts of the life of Jesus Christ. It was her desire to protect the Christian items and locations so that others could visit them in the future.

Today, museums such as the British Museum, house spectacular finds through archaeological digs and private collections that span thousands, even millions of years. Covering the rise and fall of some of the most powerful civilizations such as Egypt, Assyria, Greece and Rome, these insights explain their religious, political and societal beliefs. From artwork to architecture and skeletons to sarcophagus, visitors have the ability to understand how these societies evolved over many generations.

Ancient Egypt:

The mummies are one of the most popular exhibits among visitors and are located in rooms 61 – 66 upstairs. On display are some of the various instruments used by embalmers to preserve the bodies before they were entombed. This floor also houses Coptic art, fancy jewelry and one of my favorite statues, the bronze cat with the gold nose ring.

Entering through the main entrance and arriving into the Grand Court, the Egyptian Exhibit is located to the left of the Reading Room in Room 3. Displays of large, colossal statues and Egyptian sculptures dominate the space dating from 3000 BC. One of the most historically significant finds in all of ancient history is the Rosetta Stone.

One of the most visited objects in the British Museum, along with the mummies, is the Rosetta Stone. Unearthed in the Egyptian desert in 1799, the Stone was used by Francois Champollion, a French scholar, to decipher Egyptian hieroglyphics. This black slab of rock included three inscriptions in three different languages (Classical Greek and the two forms of ancient Egyptian) which assisted in the decoding of the Egyptian pictographs. Their biggest breakthrough was when it was discovered that the name of ruler Ptolemy V appeared on the sixth line of the stone. The Rosetta Stone dates back to 196 BC, made in honor of the coronation of Ptolemy. Large stones, such as this one, would have been displayed in temples all across Egypt and there are another seventeen quite similar that have since been discovered.

Not far from the Rosetta Stone (about 20 steps), is the Limestone False Door and Architrave of Ptahshepses dating back to 2400 BC. The door as well as the lintel are inscribed with hieroglyphics which tell the life story of a man named Ptahshepses. False doors were similar to our grave markings today, yet they were used as a ceremonial entrance into the room in which the mummified deceased was buried with his belongings. The purpose of the door was to allow the soul to come and go as it pleased but also used to keep out grave robbers from removing the earthly possessions of the dead.

Towering over the Ancient Egypt complex on the main floor, I easily spotted the Colossal Statue of Ramesses II in the distance. Ramesses took the throne in 1279 BC and reigned for 66 years. Known for his building accomplishments erecting temples, tombs, palaces and a large number of statues of himself, it is debated that he may have been the King of Egypt during the Exodus of Moses.

Weighing in at twenty tons, the full size sculpture stood 8 – 9 feet high. It was the largest Egyptian sculptures the British had ever seen and only the upper half of Ramesses statue is displayed at the British Museum. The statue dates back to approximately 1250 BC and was found in the Ramesseum, the pharaoh’s mortuary temple in Thebes. This memorial complex was built so that Ramesses could be worshiped as a god for many years after his death.

Exiting the Egyptian Room through the door facing the back of the Ramesses statue, there is a set of stairs that leads up to the mummies, coffins and one of the most fascinating displays I had ever seen, the human remains of the Gebelein Man (nicknamed Ginger due to a tuft of reddish hair) a naturally preserved body.

The body was discovered in 1856 in the desert of Egypt in a grave covered by stones. A combination of elements contributed to the preservation of the human tissue to include the hot sand naturally dehydrating and protecting the body and the additional layer of grave stones may have kept animals away. Scientists estimate Ginger to have died 5400 years ago, long before the pyramids were erected. He was found buried with bowls, beads and a flint blade next to his arm.

New technology has brought additional information to light about the death of Ginger. With digital imagery, it was determined that Ginger was “certainly murdered” and “his injuries suggest he was the victim of a deliberate, violent killing….consistent with a stab wound”. Additional information states that he was between the ages of 18 and 21 and was “stabbed by a blade of copper or flint at least five inches long.”

Ancient Assyria

Assyria, known today as modern-day Iraq, was a power-house civilization of the Middle East. Making their way as conquerors and traders, this Semitic culture expanded their dominion in a fierce ruthless manner terrorizing their neighbors from 900 – 600 BC. Some of the most beautiful artwork comes from the Assyrians on display at the British Museum.

Backtracking back to the Rosetta Stone in the Egyptian Gallery in Room 6, there are Two Winged Lions with Human Heads dating back to 870 BC. Found guarding the Assyrian palace of Ashurnasirpal II at Nimrud was called the Lamassu, the god of protection which defended the king from evil spirits. What makes this statue interesting is that it has 5 legs. The small marks between the loins of the Lamassu is cuneiform writing.

Passing through the Two Winged Lion entrance, turn right into Room 7, a narrow red hallway leading into a room with brown stoned panels. The beautifully detailed reliefs would have been painted and varnished, displayed in the throne room of Ashurnasirpal II’s palace. These intricately carved panels tell the story of Ashurnasirpal’s victories and hail him as the greatest king of the world.

Known to be ruthless in battle, the Assyrians carried their brutality into their leisurely activities as depicted in a set of reliefs in Room 10 labeled the Royal Lion Hunt. The impressive artwork depicts the horses and dogs preparing for the hunt while lions await unknowingly until the lions are killed by arrows. Lion hunts were the sport of kings and when wild lions were not available, staged hunts were arranged with animals bred for the fight. One of the reliefs shows King Ashurbanipal riding in a chariot participating in the hunt. Soon after the king’s death, the civilization of Assyria is overthrown by the Babylonians in 613 BC.

In Room 55, an extraordinary artifact is on display. Dating between 1500 – 500 BC it is identified as the “Flood Tablet”, which was found in King Ashurbanipal’s library. While many people are familiar with the story of Noah and the Great Flood, according to this writing, a similar story to the biblical account is referred to as the “Epic of Gilgamesh”. The gods planned to destroy the world with a flood, so Ut-napshti built a large boat to save his family and every type of animal. Of course the finding of this documentation in the late 1800’s caused quite a scandal due to the similarity between the Gilgamesh and Noah accounts.

Ancient Greece:

Visiting Greece last summer, a trip to the Acropolis was one of the highlights of my travels. I remember standing at the bottom stair leading up towards the Propylaea. This Panathenaic Way led to the Parthenon, the temple dedicated to Athena, the goddess of wisdom and victory. Inside, there once stood a colossal statue of her likeness made of gold and ivory, while the exterior was just as extravagant, with columns and colorful relief carvings.

Today, the ninety-two reliefs, known as the Elgin Marbles, are on display at the British Museum. These metopes, carved out of stone, depict war and battle scenes in elaborate detail. Some of them represent mythological conflict, while others portray actual battles. While many visitors stroll the exhibit to view the fifth century artwork, many are also intrigued by the political controversy that surrounds the display…should these ancient artifacts stay in London or should they be returned to Greece?

Ancient Rome:

The Romans embraced many gods from various cultures and celebrated an assortment of beliefs. From Persia, they adopted the worship of Mithras, or Mithraism which involved a number of initiations and rituals. The Mysteries of Mithras lasted in Rome between the first and fourth centuries so there is limited knowledge about the religion. It was so secretive that there were underground temples. What remains of this faith are several marble sculptures portraying the god Mithras, including the Statue of Mithras on display at the British Museum.

Dating somewhere around the 2^nd century, the beautifully carved stone shows Mithras performing the ritual slaughtering of a bull. Wearing a Phyrgian cap and trousers, his attire depicts the fashion of the east. The bull’s blood was said to have had cleansing properties, which would explain the dog and snake licking the blood, while the scorpion is shown attacking the bull’s testicles.

The detail of this sculpture, the flowing skirt and cape, and the folds in the shirt are exquisite. The sculptor is unknown, but it is one of the most fascinating pieces of Roman art in the museum.

The British Museum collection includes additional artifacts from other cultures around the world. For example, the North American Otter Pipe, found in Ohio dates back to 200 BC – AD 100 or the Shang bronzes from 15=00 BC. There are modern plaques from Africa, Mayan statues, and the Lewis Chessman found on an Isle in Scotland. Even the Great Court and Reading Room are both impressive and historical.

Have you had the opportunity to visit the British Museum? What was your most fascinating memory of your visit? I would love to hear about your experience if you would kindly leave a message in the comments section below. Want to know where to go, eat and stay in London? Check out more of my recommendations below for a magical experience in London! Many thanks for exploring the British Museum through my post and wishing you many Happy Travels!

What to See and What to Do:

The British Museum
Great Russell Street
Bloomsbury, London WC1B 3DG, UK
Telephone: +44 20 7323 8000

Admission Fee: There is no fee for visiting the British Museum
Hours: Open daily from 10AM to 5:30PM and open until 8:30PM on Fridays
Amenities: scheduled tours, audio guides are provided in 10 languages, special exhibitions, restaurant, cafes, shops
Scenic View: Photograph the glass ceiling of the round reading room designed by Sidney Smirke
Length of Visit: At least 2 – 3 hours to see the highlights
Tips for Your Visit: Wear comfortable shoes for walking, pick up a map of the venue for planning your visit.

Where to Stay:

The Montague on the Gardens
15 Montague Street
London WC1B 5BJ, UK
Telephone: +44 20 7637 1001

Where to Eat:

Afternoon Tea at The Montague on the Gardens
15 Montague Street
London WC1B 5BJ, UK
Telephone: +44 20 7612 8416

On my first visit, I happened upon the Safari Themed afternoon tea which included an African-themed menu. I enjoyed a selection of finger sandwiches of African-spiced chicken and apricot, scones baked fresh with Devonshire clotted creme, a giraffe macaron with toasted coconut mouse, banana meringue and a wide variety of teas to include traditional, flavored, aromatic, fruit and green teas. I couldn’t pass up the Leopard Cocktail made with Amarula cream liquor, decorated with leopard spots and a paw print.

On Sunday, I returned for the Free Flowing Champagne garnished with fresh strawberries. From 2 to 6, I could enjoy as much champagne as my heart desired along with a wonderful selection of scones, pastries, sandwiches and cakes.

What to Eat:

Afternoon Tea at Fortnum & Mason’s Diamond Jubilee Tea Salon in Piccadilly
Bangers and Mash at Mother Mash in Soho
Beef Welington at Simpsons on the Strand
Cockles, a type of clam, are best tried at Borough Market
Crumpets, similar to English Muffins should be ordered at Ask for Janice in Farringdon
Eton Mess is an amazing British dessert made of crushed meringue, cream ans strawberries at the National Cafe at the National Gallery
Fish & Chips at Poppies Camden in London
Full English Breakfast, which also includes blood pudding (a blood sausage) at The Ivy
Pie and Mash at the Windmill Mayfair
Pimm’s Cup, a gin-based drink made with ginger ale or lemon lime soda, fruit and mint is the official drink of Wimbledon and is best ordered at Lido Cafe Bar in Hyde Park
Scones at Gail’s Bakery
Scotch Egg is a dish that includes a hard boiled egg wrpeed in sausage meet, breaded and then fried; Try this at Fortnum & Mason’s Diamond Jubilee Tea Salon in Piccadilly
Shepard’s Pie is on the menu at The Ivy Restaurant
Sticky Toffee Pudding at the Queens Arms in Kensington
Sunday Roast with Yorkshire Pudding in Nottinghill at The Windsor Castle
Toad in the Hole, a pastry filled with sausage at Bistro Union
Victoria Sponge is a vanilla sponge cake filled with jam and whipped cream at the Wallace Collection Museum

What to Read:

A Parcel for Anna Browne by Miranda Dickinson
A Week in December by Sebastian Faulks
Absolute Beginners by Colin MacInnes
Act Like It by Lucy Parker
Bridget Jones’s Diary by Helen Fielding
London: The Novel by Edward Rutherford
My Best Friend’s Girl by Dorothy Kroomson
Oliver Twist, by Charles Dickens
The Adventures of Sherlock Holmes by Arthur Conan Doyle

Photo Guide to London:

The Lobby of the British Museum
Covent Garden Market
St. Paul Cathedral from the Restaurant Madison at One New Change, Millenium Bridge or Paternoster Square
Summerset House, especially during the Christmas holiday
The houses of Notting Hill
The architecture of Pancras Renaissance Hotel
Saturday market at Portobello
For amazing views, photos from the Coppa Club, close to Tower Bridge
The lovely pink cafe in London, Peggy Porschen
Panorama of London from Sky Garden Rooftop
Street art in Shoreditch
Leadenhall Market looks like Harry Potter’s Diagon Alley
South Bank for photos of the Thames
Panoramic Views of London from the London Eye
Saint Aymes Cafe for lovely feminine photos

The Fremont Street Experience in Las Vegas

19 March 201921 September 2024

Images reflecting off of the canopy, screaming teens riding the zip-line, and stages of entertainment on the outstreets of Fremont Street summed up my Fremont Street Experience in the Old Town of Las Vegas.

It was a short distance for our hotel where we picked up the shuttle for Old Las Vegas. Dave and I grabbed a seat on the local city bus and within fifteen minutes we had arrived. Fremont Street spans four blocks with casinos, buffet specials and bars on each side. Three stages provide live music and we were excited to take in the tunes of the Beatles with look-a-like musicians dressed up as John, Paul, Ringo and George. The electric atmosphere and intimate space differs than the wide open spaces of Las Vegas Boulevard and the prices were less expensive as well.

We enjoyed our time strolling the old strip where historical casinos have existed since the early 1900s. The Golden Gate & Casino Hotel, once known as the “Hotel Nevada” was the first casino in Las Vegas, built in 1906. More casinos would soon follow in the early 1930’s and Vegas’ gambling industry would grow over the next few years. People continue to visit the Golden Gate with a bit of nostalgia, but most will stop by for their cheap shrimp cocktails and best odds of winning.

The Fremont Hotel & Casino opened in 1956 and was the first high rise to be built in Las Vegas and was considered to be the tallest building in the whole state of Nevada. This hotel makes up one of the “four corners” located at the crossroads of Casino Center Boulevard and Fremont Street. It is here where Wayne Newton made his Las Vegas debut in 1959.

Fascinated with the crime show, “Snapped” I had somewhat of a morbid interest in the Ted Binion case. Strolling the slots of Binion’s Gambling Hall and Casino I thought of the episode in which Ted Bunion was allegedly killed by his girlfriend and her lover. The indictment would eventually be overturned in 1998.

The hotel first opened in 1951 under the name of the Horseshoe Club and was owned by the Binion family until 2004. Poker players will recognize this building as the venue of the annual World Series of Poker which began in 1970. The hotel portion of Binion’s was closed in 2009.

The Golden Nugget was completed in 1946 and is said to be the largest of the downtown casinos. With close to 2,500 rooms and suites, it is known as the first building built as a casino from the ground up. The resort’s famed attraction is the 960 ounce gold nugget called the “Hand of Faith” and is on display inside.

Whether it is the Fremont Street Experience or the endless wandering among the Fremont Street casinos, visitors leave the strip to explore Old Vegas made famous by the Rat Pack. A trip to “Glitter Gulch” is an experience of unusual dimensions. Given this nane due to the number of neon signs, many of the originals have since retired and can be found refurbished in the Neon Museum exhibit.

The most famous of the neon signs on Fremont Street is Vegas Vic. With his cowboy boots and cigarette, it is one of the most prominent of all figures representing Las Vegas. The number of lights can be overwhelming yet its animation is entertaining.

Classic movies such as Elvis Presley’s “Viva Las Vegas”, the James Bond film “Diamonds are Forever” and the 1997 comedy “Vegas Vacation” will forever memorialize the original Las Vegas. What an amazing Strip of history.

Do you prefer the atmosphere of “Old Vegas” or “The Strip?” I would love to hear your opinion, so please leave your comments below! Many thanks for joining me on my Fremont Street Experience and wishing you many Happy Travels!

What to See and What to Do:

The Fremont Street Experience

Golden Gate & Casino Hotel
1 Fremont Street
Las Vegas, NV 89101
Telephone: 702 385 1906

The Fremont Hotel & Casino
200 Fremont Street
Las Vegas, NV 89101
Telephone: 702 385 3232

Binion’s Gambling Hall and Hotel
128 Fremont Street
Las Vegas, NV 89101
Telephone: 702 382 1600

The Golden Nugget
129 Fremont Street
Las Vegas, NV 89101
Telephone: 702 385 7111

Where to Stay:

Harrah’s
3475 S. Las Vegas Blvd.
Las Vegas, NV 89109
Telephone: 800 214 9110

Where to Eat:

Golden Gate for its cheap shrimp cocktails!

What to Eat:

Anything! Las Vegas has it all!

What to Read:

Fear and Loathing in Las Vegas, by Hunter S. Thompson
Leaving Las Vegas, by John O’Brien

Photo Guide for Las Vegas:

“Welcome to Fabulous Las Vegas” Sign
The Paris Hotel Entrance and Eiffel Tower
The Luxor Walkway and Sphinx
The Excalibur Hotel
New York New York Hotel
The Arc de Triomphe at the Paris Hotel
The Eiffel Tower view from the Bellagio
The Bellagio Fountains and its Conservatory and Botanical Gardens
The Rose Covered Entrance to the Mayfair Supper Club at Bellagio
The Linq Promenade with views of the High Roller and Inside the High Roller
The Venetian Stairs and Lobby
Gondola Ride at the Venetian
The Venetian Bridge
The Stairs at Wynn Las Vegas
Neon Museum signs
Fremont East District sign
Retro Vegas Sign
Abbey Road
The Empty Club
Fremont District Murals
Red Rock Canyon’s Red Rocks and Joshua Trees
Valley of Fire State Park – Slot Canyon, Fire Wave, Mouse Tank Road, Pastel Pink Canyon
Seven Magic Mountains
Mrs. Coco’s Cafe (book in advance)
Hoover Dam
Canyon West (about 2 hours from Vegas)

Disclosure: Please refer to our blog disclaimer tab for more information.

Faces & Stories Exhibit of Jimi Jones, Cincinnati Artist

14 May 201615 September 2024

Supporting local Ohio artists, the Springfield Art Museum hosted an exhibit of works by Cincinnati painter Jimi Jones. I caught a glimpse of his artwork during the Jason Morgan show and could not wait for the Grand Opening of “Faces & Stories”.

The first images I notice as I walk into the large exhibit hall are a quartet of paintings that immediately capture my attention. I am fascinated with the symmetry, graphic artistry and attention to detail represented in Jones’ artwork. The bright colors against the dark backgrounds allow my eyes to focus on the central images that are depicted in the art as I study each of the subjects’ facial expressions.

The painting titled You’re Fired, features images of Donald Trump and Jesus Christ, who are figures of extreme contrast. Mistakenly, I thought that this painting would have been one of the most recent works of Jones, but in fact, this piece of artwork was painted in 2102, long before Trump’s political run for the presidential race. There is a strong relationship of opposites when one compares the lives of Jesus and Donald. Jesus, the compassionate spiritual man who represents grace, forgiveness and a life of humility is what many would say is the complete opposite of Donald Trump, who is wealthy powerful and self-absorbed. The sharp lines that appear in the background give an image of shouting and aggression while these same lines above the head of Christ, represent holiness and spiritual divination. What kind of contrasts do you see in this painting?

The Monster Movie Aurora was painted by Jimi Jones in 2014. The figure on the left represents James Eagan Holmes who was convicted on 24 counts of murder and multiple accounts of attempted murder, when he entered a movie theater on July 20, 2012 and openly fired upon movie-goers. There seems to be an evil aura that dominates the top half of the painting, while innocent, unaware, families have not yet become aware of what is going to happen. The blue figure is obviously the shooter, while explosive-like objects seem to suggest some events have already occurred. Maybe the family members have not yet discerned the noise of the actual events to the action in the movie that is playing.

From John Wayne to Lil Wayne is one of the masterpiece paintings of Jones that represents two public figures from different eras and cultures. Painted in 2014, there are several graphic elements that include a hologram as well as cowboy clippings inserted into the artwork. What fascinates me is the stark difference between the two figures. John Wayne, known largely for his role as a cowboy in several movies in the 20^th century and Lil Wayne, an American hip hop recording artist are featured in this painting. I love that it may spark an intrigue by the viewer to further understand the person that represents the culture outside of his own. I knew very little about Lil Wayne, except that I liked a couple of his songs, so this painting led me to learn more about the rapper’s life and career. Has there ever been a painting that has left you wanting to know more?

Up Close View of John Wayne

Movies and pop culture seem to be a recurring theme in Jones’ artwork. What is Beauty? is one of Jones’ most recent paintings which he completed in 2016. I love the attention to detail In Cleopatra’s hair and makeup, the reflections from King Tut’s mask and the physique of Tarzan. From its inception, the movie industry has manipulated the thoughts and minds of the general population by dictating what makes someone beautiful. Beauty continues to evolve through each generation.

Many of Jimi Jones’ portraits are of African-American celebrities that also have a passion for the Neo-Ancestral movement. Born of Cherokee and African American descent, Jones grew up to become a founding member of the Neo-Ancestralist Art Collective in Cincinnati.

The portrait of Edith Mararo was painted by Jones in 2015. Mararo is a fellow portraiture artist from the Cincinnati area who specializes in painting children. With the use of pastels, oils, acrylic, graphite, watercolor and charcoal, she has made a living as a local, talented artist.

Jones’ strong graphic design background is evident in his 2008 painting titled Martyrs. The antique composition surrounds the colorful death of Jesus in the center, drawing my eyes directly to Christ’s post-crucifixion body. Jesus is surrounded by US political figures that also gave their lives for their beliefs such as John F. Kennedy, Abraham Lincoln and Martin Luther King, Jr. The multi-dimensional King depiction seems to under-shadow the other victims, but takes up more of the page.

According to the placard, Jones states “Lincoln, Kennedy and Dr. King lost their lives because they dared to stand against slavery, injustice, and inequality. Much of the great art of all time has been dedicated to reminding people of those sacrifices”, Jones said. “I feel honored that as an artist I can carry on this tradition.”

Having had the opportunity to see the Pieta in Rome, I enjoyed this homage to Michelangelo’s sculpture. With a harsh Picasso-like graphics approach, Jones is able to pull off his use of strong lines yet softens them in a way that gives this painting a soft, humble tone.

Why These Cultures, painted by Jones in 2008, showcases his talent for detail. The color, shapes and intricate facets of this art piece bring out a story within a story and layers of artistry all in one painting. The graphics components are incorporated more into the design of the actual figures which draws the eye to the images that seem distant and secondary. In fact, they become more interesting and center stage the more I gaze upon the masterpiece. Again, there is the use of antique coloring, but it does not dominate the piece.

The amazing detail of Why These Cultures 2008

As I approach the Mad Tea Party, I have to admit that this painting intrigues me because I am not quite sure which players are represented here. I assume that Alice is on the far left at the head of the table and I recognize Johnny Depp’s character, but I am at a loss in identifying the other party attendees gathered around. Once again, the detail in the surrounding objects such as the chandelier and the shadows are very well thought out and executed. So who do YOU think these invitees represent?

As I approach the center of the room, there are an additional three portraitures that Jones has completed in 2014 as well. They are life-like with perfect attention to detail, outlining wrinkles, shadowing and bringing out the subject’s personality.

I am mesmerized by the amazing artistry of Jimi Jones’ paintings. They are provocative and encourage insightful questions and thoughts about humanity from various perspectives, political or otherwise. There were more portraitures that I had not discussed, and additional masterpieces. It is a wonderful experience to broaden one’s outlook on various cultures and beliefs and to focus on many of the major ideals that we, as humans, have in common.

Have you had the opportunity to review the artwork of Jimi Jones? I would love to know your thoughts and interpretation if you would kindly leave a message in the comments section below! Many Thanks and Happy Travels!

What to See and What to Do:

The Springfield Museum of Art
107 Cliff Park Road
Springfield, Ohio 45504
Telephone: 937 325 4673

Admission Fee: Adults for $5, Students with Valid ID for $3; Seniors 65+ for $3; Children 17 and under are Free and Wittenberg students are Free. Special exhibitions may incur an additional cost, so check the website prior to visiting
Hours: Wednesday – Saturday: 9AM to 5PM; Sunday: 12:30PM to 4:30PM; Closed Monday, Tuesday, Thanksgiving, Christmas Eve, Christmas Day, New Year’s Eve, New Year’s Day, Easter Sunday, Independence Day and the Sunday after Art Ball.
Amenities: Partnership with the Smithsonian, Exhibitions as well as Workshops and Classes
Length of Visit: 1 to 2 hours
Tips for Your Visit: Check the website to confirm any additional fees for special exhibits.

Where to Stay:

Marriott Courtyard, Springfield Downtown
100 South Fountain Avenue
Springfield, Ohio 45502
Telephone: 937 322 3600

Where to Eat:

Mike & Rosie’s Deli
330 W. McCreight Avenue
Springfield, Ohio 45504
Telephone: 937 390 3511

This staple of Springfield is located near the Wittenberg campus and I am extremely fond of their Reuben sandwich.

Schuler’s Donuts: Their chocolate cream-filled doughnut is their best seller…”home of homemade”. The bakery has several locations in Springfield.
Simon Kenton Inn: This historical home is an inn, restaurant and entertainment venue. With great food, I love the atmosphere of the Simon Kenton Inn.
Guerra’s Krazy Tacos: One of my favorite places to eat in Springfield, Guerra’s is known for their unique gourmet tacos.
Salato Deli: I love stopping by this deli for their charcuterie board
Le Torte Dolci Bakery; Located next to the Salato Deli, this European French bakery also serves amazing gelato.

Where to Drink:

Mother Stewart’s Brewing Company: Springfield’s only brewery, Mother Stewart’s showcases nine craft beers produced onsite.

What to Read:

The Book of Springfield, Ohio, 1906, by Springfield Commercial Club
Springfield, Ohio: A Summary of Two Centuries, by Tom Dunham
Ridgewood in the Country Club District, by Tamara K. Dallenbach
Still Standing: A life of pain, adversity and perseverance, by James Cooper
Hometown Killer, by Carol Rothgeb

Photo Guide for Springfield, Ohio:

Hartman Rock Garden
Westcott House, Frank Lloyd Wright House
Glen Helen Nature Preserve in nearby Yellow Springs
Heritage Center of Clark County
Tecumseh Land Trust in nearby Yellow Springs
Ohio Caverns in nearby Bellefontaine
Oakes Quarry Park in nearby Fairborn, Ohio

Metamorphosis 2008

Jimi Hendrix 2016

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Alcatraz Island: A Visit to The Rock

11 August 201431 August 2024

The weather was clear on the day I decided to visit Alcatraz Island. This infamous federal prison, also referred to as “The Rock”, is accessible from Fisherman’s Wharf in San Francisco, California. I couldn’t wait to board the ferry at Pier 33 to tour the “world’s most impenetrable island prison.” The 45-minute boat ride was choppy as the waves splashed up along the sides of the boat. The view of San Francisco’s skyline behind me was spectacular.

As we approached the Island of Alcatraz, there were several buildings that came into focus. On the far right, which is the northwest corner, is the Power House which supplied all of the power to the island. There is also a tall structure which acted as the tower duty station, manned to keep visitors out and to keep prisoners in.

The island was first documented by Spaniard Juan Manuel de Ayala in 1775. He named this the “La Isla de los Alcatraces”, which translates to the “Island of the Pelicans”, because of the large number of pelicans that made their home on the island.

Over the years, the island has served various functions, first as a military prison. It would later become a federal penitentiary, an occupation for Native Americans and eventually a historical museum, documenting its evolution.

Alcatraz is most known for its use as a federal penitentiary. The structure that remains today is the 600-cell building that was constructed in the early 20^th century for housing inmates. At its completion it was hailed as the world’s “largest reinforced concrete building” and was constructed to be escape-proof. It was for this reason that the prisoners here were extremely dangerous or were too difficult to be kept in other penitentiaries. The Warden’s House and a lighthouse was built at the highest point of the island overlooking the prison.

When prisoners arrived on the Rock, they were separated into three classes. Those in the third class were under heavy restrictions and had limited privileges. They were not permitted to have visitors or receive mail, were required to remain silent and were not allowed to check out reading material from the prison library. Outside of the penitentiary was the harbor guards tower which monitored the traffic to and from the island. It was also set up to ensure that prisoners did not escape.

Many of the structures were already in place when the island was a military prison. There were housing facilities which were also used as chapels and schools for the children of the officers that lived here. They were eventually converted into Bachelors Quarters for unmarried personnel when it became a Federal Penitentiary in the 1930s.

There was the Social Hall, also known as the Officer’s Club that had a small bar, library, dining facility and dance floor. The workers could also play ping pong, pool and bingo, view movies, and bowl in the two lane bowling alley. I can’t imagine living on the island with some of the worst criminals in history, let alone having a family here as well.

In 1970, during the Occupation of Alcatraz by the Native Americans, the Social Hall was burned down.

Over 1,545 prisoners would be incarcerated at Alcatraz during its 29 years as a Federal Prison. There were quite a few notorious inmates and many of them were considered dangerous and violent.

The average size cell was 5 feet by 9 feet. They each had a small sink with cold water, a toilet and a cot. There were a total of 336 cells in Blocks B & C, 36 segregation cells and 6 set aside for solitary confinement (D-Block). Cell Block A was only used on rare occasions when a prisoner needed to be separated from the other prisoners but did not require solitary.

Alcatraz became known as the penitentiary for the most dangerous inmates in the United States. Here is a summary of the inmates, their convictions and length of time they spent in Alcatraz.

George “Machine Gun” Kelly spent 17 (1934 – 1951) years here on a kidnapping conviction.
The most notorious prisoner was gangster Al “Scarface” Capone, who spent four-and-a-half years here from 1934 – 1939 on tax evasion charges. He was transferred from the Atlanta prison because he continued his criminal activities and was known to have corrupted prison officials to help him with his illegal conduct.
Murderer Robert Stroud, aka the “Birdman of Alcatraz,” came to Alcatraz in 1942 and stayed until 1959 for a total of 17 years. His nickname came from the birds that he was able to keep in the Leavenworth prison.
Meyer “Mickey” Cohen, imprisoned from 1961 to 1962 for racketeering was a gangster and part of the Jewish Mafia. He later became involved with the Los Angeles Crime Family, and was known as the “King of Los Angeles”. He later wrote a book about his experience at Alcatraz. He died of stomach cancer in 1976.
Gangster Alvin “Creepy Karpis” Karpowicz , listed as “Public Enemy No. 1″ by the FBI under J. Edgar Hoover, spent over 25 years (1936 – 1962) behind bars at Alcatraz, reportedly more time than any other prisoner. He was doing time for kidnapping and bank robbery.
Arthur “Doc” Barker was convicted of murder and Kidnapping, landing him at Alcatraz from 1936 – 1939. He died attempting to escape, when a gunshot wounded him in the head. He was recaptured, but died later from the wound.
Other prisoners of notoriety include Roy Gardner, James “Whitey” Bulger and Henri Young.

It is speculated, although not confirmed, that Cell Block 181 was where Capone was imprisoned during his stay in Alcatraz.

Once inside the confines of Alcatraz, there were strict rules and regulations. Life on the Rock was unbearable, so it would come as no surprise that there would be 14 known attempts to escape. Reports confirm that out of the 36 would-be escapees, 23 were captured, six were shot and killed during their attempt, two drowned and five that were unaccounted for and to this day remain “missing and presumed drowned”. Some sources state that two made it off the island successfully but were captured.

During the prison renovations, special gun galleries were created to protect the guards from the inmates and allow them to carry weapons. The galleries were secure, elevated and out of reach of the inmates. It was here that the cell block keys would be available and acted as a type of balcony so that the guards would be able to oversee the activities of the inmates. The gun gallery was also the location where guards would be able to set off the teargas canisters installed in the dining hall in the event of a riot or violent outbreak.

In 1910, the U.S. military made use of one of the island’s tunnels to create the morgue, equipped with an examination table and three vaults. According to the prison documents, the morgue on the island was only utilized if a death at the prison occurred once the last prison boat had left for the mainland. As a federal penitentiary, autopsies were not conducted at this location, but were instead performed by the San Francisco County Coroner.

On average there were approximately 300 civilians that actually lived on Alcatraz Island. This included the staff as well as women and children. Building #64 was the main living space for the families and there were three apartment buildings. They had access to a small grocery as well as a soda fountain shop. Because the prison boat made frequent trips between Alcatraz and the Van Ness Street Pier on a daily basis, the families did most of their shopping on the mainland. Not much remains of the Warden’s House today.

So what triggered the closing of the Alcatraz Federal Penitentiary? What was once the main reason to create a prison on Alcatraz Island, would be the primary factor for the prison’s closure in 1963. Location. Operational costs were much higher than other prisons because additional expenses were incurred for transportation of inmates to and from the mainland, housing for staff and their families as well as importing food and supplies. In addition, the cost to maintain the prison structures was rising due to the deterioration of the facilities resulting from exposure to the salt in the air. It became the most expensive prison in the system.

Today, Alcatraz attracts approximately 1 million visitors per year…a premier tourist site with a dark history. Whether you come to learn more about the infamous prisoners, or to witness the island’s hauntings firsthand, you will not be disappointed.

Have you been to Alcatraz or another prison that you thought was interesting? I would love to hear about your experience so please ;eave me a message in the comments below. Many thanks for reading about my visit to Alcatraz and wishing you many Happy Travels!

To confirm the ferry schedule, visit the Alcatraz Cruises (the official ferry service to the island) website, where you can also purchase tickets in advance. The ferry is located at Fisherman’s Wharf, Pier 33.

What to See and What to Do:

Alcatraz Island
San Francisco, CA 94133
Telephone: 415 561 4900

Admission Fee: Early Bird Tour Adults: $38.35; Day Tour Adults: $38.35; Night Tour Adults: $45.50 Behind the Scenes Tour Adults: $90.95; Alcatraz and Angel Island Tour: $76.60 (5.5 hours) All Visitors: Refer to the Alcatraz Cruises website for additional discounts for Seniors and Children. www.alcatrazcruises.com
Potential Transportation Costs: Alcatraz Cruises is the only ferry transportation for Alcatraz. The cost for visiting Alcatraz includes the ferry fee.
Hours: The Early Bird Tour (2.5 hours long) departs at 8:45 AM. The Day Tours (2.5 hours long) depart at scheduled times between 9:10 AM to 1:35 PM. Night Tours (2.5 hours) depart at 3:50 PM and 4:45 PM while the Behind the Scenes Tour (4.5 hours) departs at 2:10 PM and 2:40 PM. Please refer to the Alcatraz Cruises website for any changes to the schedule.
Amenities: Night Tours and Behind the Scenes Tours are available as well as a tour that includes ferry transportation to Angel Island. Group Tours and Family Packs are also available online. Alcatraz hosts annual events as well as special events and exhibits which are posted on the Alcatraz Cruises website. Visitors can choose to participate in a guided tour or rent the cellhouse audio tour which are both very informative and don’t forget to watch the orientation video. There is also a museum collection at “The Rock” , and bookstore as well as the Alcatraz Gardens. Wheelchair accessible.
Scenic View: Views of the San Francisco skyline from the Ferry;
Length of Visit: Depending on the tour you select, the length of the visit which includes the ferry ride range from 3.5 hours to 7 hours.
Tips for Your Visit: There are some areas of Alcatraz that are off limits to visitors, so please respect the request of the park as some of these areas are unsafe. Do not feed the birds on Alcatraz. Bottled water is available at the bookstore on the dock, but food is not sold on the island. Food and drinks are only permitted on the dock.

Where to Stay:

San Remo Hotel
2237 Mason Street
San Francisco, CA 94133
Telephone: 415 776 8688

Where to Eat:

Fog Harbor Fish House
Pier 39
San Francisco, CA 94133
Telephone: 415 421 2442

The Fog Harbor House menu offers so many unique, amazing options, but I finally made my decision by ordering the Blue Cheese Garlic Bread made from sourdough topped with garlic and Pt. Reyes blue cheese and herbs. Of course I had to sample their award winning clam chowder, so I ditched the bowl and ordered a cup so I could order one last item on the menu and decided on the Linguini and Clams. Delicious!

What to Eat:

Seafood Chowder in a bread bowl
Dim Sum in San Francisco’s Chinatown
Oysters at Swan Oyster Depot or Hog Island Oyster Bar
Hot Fudge Sundae at Ghirardelli’s Ice Cream Shop

Where to Drink:

Iron Horse – Their signature drinks include the James Bond Martini, Goldfinger, Alice in Wonderland, Tiki Temple and Happy Fortune.

What to Read:

Cool Grey City of Love by Gary Kamiya
San Francisco Stories by Jack London
Zodiac by Robert Graysmith
Alcatraz-1259 by William Baker

Photo Guide for San Francisco:

Aquatic Park is the best place to photograph San Francisco’s waterfront
Broadway Street in North Beach for its neon signs and was formerly known as the area’s “red light district”
Chinatown is absolutely amazing for taking photos of America’s oldest Chinatown.
Coit Tower for 360 degree views of San Francisco and the harbor
de Young Museum Observation Deck located at Golden Gate Park is perfect for panoramic photos of the city. Bypass the line to enter the museum to reach the Hamon Observation Tower to take your photos.
Fort Point is a decommissioned military base on the waterfront which provides outstanding views of San Francisco’s Golden Gate Bridge
The Marin Headlands is one of the best places to photograph the San Francisco Golden Gate Bridge
Treasure Island for spectacular views of San Francisco’s skyline
See the entire city of San Francisco from Twin Peaks

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Alcatraz is home to the West Coast’s oldest operating lighthouse

Alcatraz Tunnel Circa 1886

The water tower and the chimney of the powerhouse

A 1997 Tour of Savannah

3 July 201431 August 2024

I had just moved from Jacksonville, Florida to Raleigh, North Carolina and was missing my friend Ann. We decided to meet somewhere in-between that would be convenient for both of us and agreed that Savannah, Georgia would be a perfect location. Neither of us had ever been to this gorgeous southern gem, so we were excited to check out its fantastic architecture and southern-fried restaurants. In preparation for our trip, I couldn’t resist reading Midnight in the Garden of Good and Evil by John Berendt. Based in the historic district of Savannah, this novel is full of scandal and outrageous characters.

The salacious story documents the true story of Jim Williams’ love affair with a local male prostitute whom he had allegedly killed at his home, Mercer House. Danny Hansford, much younger than the antique dealer, was said to have frequented Williams’ mansion as rumors spread around town about their relationship. Williams claimed to have shot Danny in self defense and after four trials between 1981 – 1989, he was acquitted. Williams was instrumental in the restoration of many homes in Savannah which are referenced in Berendt’s novel, or as locals call it, “The Book,” so I knew I had to read it.

On the book’s cover is a photo of the Bird Girl statue from Savannah’s now-famous Bonaventure Cemetery. Located along the Wilmington River, it is the resting place for many of the city’s most distinguished residents and considered one of the spookiest places in town. The Mercer family, who owned the Mercer Williams house, has a family plot within the cemetery where singer Johnny Mercer is buried.

While the Bird Girl statue has been moved from the cemetery and relocated to Savannah’s Telfair Museums, the bench mentioned in the book as the location where “a Savannah grand dame and her guest drank martinis” remains in front of Conrad Aiken’s grave.

Located on Monterey Square is the infamous Mercer Williams House, mentioned in the John Berendt novel, Midnight in the Garden of Good and Evil. Once the residence of antique restorer Jim Williams, the historical home is now owned by Williams’ sister and is open to the public as a museum.

Tours of the Mercer Williams House boast of Jim Williams’ love of Savannah. He is noted for preserving over 50 homes. Shortly after restoring the Mercer Williams house, Jim moved to Savannah continuing his business in the carriage house on-site. Williams was famous for hosting exuberant events at his home that included an interesting guest list of vivacious and shady characters, but it was the shooting of his lover Danny Hansford in 1981, that would bring him national fame.

Williams was eventually acquitted of murder after four jury trials. Having returned back to Mercer-Williams house, Jim was found dead by his employee six months later in the study near the spot where Hansford was shot. Williams had died from pneumonia and heart failure.

The Mercer-Williams house has a reputation for being haunted as Williams and Hansford were not the only two deaths which had occurred on the property. In 1969, an eleven-year old boy, Tommy Downs tragically fell from the abandoned house landing on the wrought-iron fence. Visitors today claim to have seen paranormal activity to include visions of Williams, Hansford and little Tommy Downs roaming the home. Ghostly images have been captured in photographs of the Mercer-Williams home of a little boy with blond hair and have been shared quite frequently on the internet. In addition to the sightings, voices and footsteps, reports of parties at the house have contributed to its reputation of being haunted.

While Jim Williams was one of the main characters of Midnight in the Garden of Good and Evil, one of my favorite leading ladies, was Lady Chablis, a transsexual performer at Club One. With her eccentric, flamboyant personality, she was certainly a star in the movie adaptation directed by Clint Eastwood. Her part in the movie brought hundreds of guests to the club during the nights of her performances until her death in 2016.

My final film location to visit was the Bonaventure Cemetery located at 330 Bonaventure Road. While the Bird Girl statue no longer stands within the park, I enjoyed exploring the grave sites of local celebrities such as Conrad Aiken (writer), Johnny Mercer (singer/songwriter) and former Governor Edward Telfair. While the cemetery plays a supporting role in the movie Midnight in the Garden of Good and Evil, you won’t find Jim Williams nor Danny Hansford buried here, but you may spot a ghost or two.

Have you had the opportunity to visit the charming town of Savannah? I would love to hear about your experience if you would kindly leave a message in the comments section below. Many thanks for reading about my day trip to Savannah and wishing you many Happy Travels!

What to See and What to Do:

Bonaventure Cemetery
330 Bonaventure Road
Savannah, GA 31404

Admission Fee: There is no charge to visit the cemetery
Hours: Open daily from dawn to dusk
Length of Visit: 1 hour to browse the grave sites

Telfair Museums
207 W. York Street
Savannah, GA 31404
Telephone: 912 790 8800

Admission Fee: $20 for Adults, $18 for Seniors (65+) and $15 for Students (13-25, with student ID) and $5 for Children ages 6 – 12; Museum members and children under 5 are FREE.
Hours: Open Sunday and Monday from Noon to 5PM; Tuesday – Saturday from 10AM to 5PM. Contact the museum’s website for holiday closures.
Length of Visit: 1 to 2 hours, or additional time for special exhibits
Tips for Your Visit: Ensure that you have visited the website to confirm that the museum is open, as it may be closed for holidays or special events.

Mercer-Williams House Museum
429 Bull Street
Savannah, GA 31401
Telephone: 912 236 6352

Admission Fee: $12.50 for Adults, $8 for Students
Hours: Open Thursday – Sunday from 11AM to 5PM; Closed Monday and Open on Wednesday from 11AM to 9PM.
Length of Visit: 1 to 2 hours, or additional time for special exhibits
Amenities: guided tour and gift shop
Tips for Your Visit: Ensure that you have visited the website to confirm that the museum is open, as it may be closed certain holidays.

Club One
1 Jefferson Street
Savannah. GA 31401
Telephone: 912 232 0200

Admission Fee: $10 for Adults for the weekend shows.
Hours: Open Monday beginning at 5:30; Tuesday – Sunday from 5PM;
Length of Visit: varies, depending on your experience
Tips for Your Visit: Visit the website for special events such as bingo, topless karaoke, happy hour, drag shows and dance floor access.

Where to Stay:

East Bay Inn
225 East Bay Street
Savannah, GA 31401
Telephone: 912 238 1225

Where to Eat:

Mrs. Wilkes’ Dining Room
107 West Jones Street
Savannah, GA 31401
Telephone: 912 232 5997

Check out this historical restaurant’s menu with dishes to include fried chicken, black-eyed peas, cornbread dressing, okra gumbo and sweet potato souffle.

What to Eat:

Boiled Peanuts at roadside stands throughout Georgia
Chatham Artillery Punch is a cocktail made of champagne, brandy, rum and bourbon at Fiddler’s Seafood
Fried Green Tomatoes at Tubby’s Seafood
Peaches at roadside stands throughout Georgia
Pralines at River Street Sweets or Savannah Candy Kitchen
Shrimp and Grits at Tubby’s Seafood

What to Read:

Midnight in the Garden of Good and Evil, by John Berendt
Savannah Blues by Mary Kay Andrews
Savannah from Savannah by Denise Hildreth

Photo Guide for Savannah:

Collins Quarter is a coffee bar on Bull Street
Forsyth Park and its famous fountain are a must-see in Savannah’s historic district
Historic District with its cobblestone streets is a great place for a stroll among the city’s most memorable mansions.
Leopold’s Ice Cream has been serving up delicious flavors since 1919 and is located on Broughton Street
The Paris Market located on Broughton Street offers coffees, sweets and Parisian pastries
Perry Lane Hotel‘s rooftop bar offers sweeping views of the city.
Rainbow Row is a collection of pastel row houses on Bryan Street
River Street‘s cobblestone streets lead to the Savannah River for beautiful views of the Savannah Belle ferries

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