Spring Break--- Mystic CT

Well, hello there.

I am still here.

Alive. 

That's a good thing.

I have not posted anything because I have been busy...



Unbelievable

Traveling is not in the plans for this vacation ---- can you see that gas price? Four bucks? No way! But it has been raining---ENDLESSLY here in Boston so the kids are bored and are trying to kill each other. So to save my sanity, Mr. Hubbs said we would go somewhere --- anywhere to unload these pent up energy.  So we head up to neighboring Mystic CT to visit Mystic Seaport. I ended up signing for full membership because it is only $90 with free umbrella and discounts, instead of paying the same thing for one time visit. We had a great time learning and just taking a leisurely walk around the Old Village.



George W. Mason--- the last wooden whaleship in the world

 The  George W. Mason is being restored at this time and it is just amazing to get in this historic ship. The kids loved being inside exploring this humongous piece of history. If you live in the area, I recommend every family especially with kids to visit this.

My boys sure did love playing "captains". They did not love me stopping their serious ship time. Story of my life. HAhahha.

If you go up the Morgan, this is the view from atop. I love waterviews and this sure is lovely. 

If you don't know yet,  I am a lab scientist (?), so here I am fooling around. Lemme show you a funny thing though---here you go...

Isn't this HISTORIC? This is OLD, really OLD microscope. It sure does belong in this museum. KC was sure cracking up at me when I told her this is actually an updated version of what I used as a student in the Philippines. Oh, I love moments like this--- me and the Daughter laughing at my "back in  the day, when I was in the Philippines" moment. I am working in the US now, am I not? So, learning has nothing to do with new books, high tech stuff but the perseverance to discover and the patience to deal with what you have.

It was Pirates Day when we visited so it was fun seeing the staff all dressed up like Tom Blue here. One thing I noted-- the staff we metwere all friendly and so accomodating.

He is my favorite though. He was in charge of the Threadmaking showcase which Mr. Hubbs immensely enjoyed because it ties back to the Philippines.

Mr. Hubbs kept telling the kids how they used to do this and how to make ropes---of course the kids just PRETEND to be interested.  Makes me wonder what age do kids really love being tied to their heritage. My kids sure are very Filipino but they need some lecturing. Just one more reason we aren't going back to the Philippines yet. We'd go when I know they'll appreciate what the Philippines has to offer.

When we went to one of the oyster boats, the kids had fun telling me how it takes about 3 years before an oyster gets to be the size of what I usually eat. Pherry said "Wow, Mom, you need to take it slow so the oyster population can recover." I love seafood. Yeah, you all---meet the seafood queen, ME.

Of course, that comment made me sad. No, made me guilty. It sure is something to remember.

All over the place, there is definitely old feel to it. The village is full of details that should interest everyone, like these ones...

I love looking at the tiny details of places I visit. I think it's what makes it interesting. If you note one of the photos above they still called it DRUGGISTS and CHEMISTS. I think in Europe up to now, they still call their pharmacists CHEMISTS/Druggists.

We visited the planetarium and although we have been to a lot of planetariums, the staff who was there made it the most exceptional. He sure knows what he is talking about and is a gifted teacher. There are a lot of intelligent scientists/professionals but it takes a special person to teach. He is very knowledgeable and if I must say--- the most patient. Thank you dear Sir...

We also visited The Dulton, also designated as a national landamrk and it's amazing to see the sleeping area. I can not believe how tiny the space is. It is indeed a difficult job, although ships and shipmen have always been romanticized in stories and poems, seeing the inside of this old ships do tell a different story.

So we learned and studied, but let me tell you--- we had so much fun too....

I have so many things to tell you but I need to sleep... I will leave you with this lovely photo taken by KC.

A vacation need not be grand. What matters is if it brings smiles and creates beautiful memories. This is what I try to achieve everytime. But I am lying if I tell you it's all fine and dandy in my family. With the 3 kids (12, 10, 8) it sure is chaotic and it takes a whole lot of balancing. But let me tell you this lovelies, aim for happy not perfect. Then it will be perfect. I promise. Guaranteed.