Quebec City, Canada
Our next family trip is scheduled in February. We are heading up to Quebec, Canada to go skiing with relatives. I have been to Old Quebec City before and it is full of history and faith. In the city stands a cathedral, Notre-Dame Basilica Cathedral, that is known for it's healing powers. As you enter the church, the inner arches are adorned with the crutches and braces of those who believe they were healed by God. My husband's family is French Canadian and very Catholic. We took a trip up there after my father-in-law had been diagnosed with terminal cancer. He wanted to see this cathedral once again before he passed. I don't quite have the faith that they do but my father-in-law is alive and cancer free after 10 years now. I think my kids would learn a lot about the power of faith and the importance of religion to their father and his family!
On the grounds of the cathedral are the stations of the cross. My children attend religious classes each week but lack the connection of their lessons to history. By visiting the cathedral and walking the stations of the cross they may gain a greater respect for their religion and the difficulties people in history endured for their faith.
San Francisco, California
I have also been to San Francisco before. My good friend is a psychology professor at the University of San Francisco. When I visited her last, I was awakened by an earthquake (an unforgettable experience). I don't wish this on my children but would love for them to take a trip there. So many opportunities to learn! I really want to visit Alcatraz prison with them. I was always fascinated with the criminal mind as a young adult (the reason I pursued criminal justice/psychology as an undergraduate). Alcatraz is full of history regarding the United States penal system and some notorious prisoners.
Other areas to explore in the San Fransco Bay area include Fisherman's Wharf, Napa Valley, and Golden Gate Park. There is so much to learn!
New York City
My kids grew up in the age of 9/11. I saved the newspapers from that day (they were infants at the time) so that they could have an appreciation of the magnitude of the event. Recently, the anniversary of that horrific act occurred and the boys had many questions. We talked a lot about terrorism, hatred and the importance of tolerance. I think visiting ground zero would bring it all together for them and allow them to pay respect to the numerous families that were impacted by this tragedy.
And of course, while in NYC we would see the Statue of Liberty. A visit to Lady Liberty would complement our trip to the 9/11 memorial. The kids would learn first hand about the giant melting pot in which we live and honoring immigrants from all over the world.
The United States has so many places where learning can occur. Take the opportunity to experience as much of life with your family as you can!
Joan,
ReplyDeleteI agree with your post entirely, the US has many places where people can learn. Most people want to travel outside of the US, but there is so much this country has to offer!
Within your blogs I loved following you and your family on your vacations. It served as quite the inspiration for me to travel, with my husband, to see what this country has for me to see. With any trip I enjoy researching the historical sites as well as knowing what the city/state is about. For instance, a few months ago my husband and I went to Rhode Island for a weekend getaway. From that weekend my top two favorite sites were 1. Battleship Cove: Navel ships used during both of the wars and 2. viewing historical lighthouses and during an hour and a half tour. Maybe one or both of those activities may be great for your family.
My experience in Rhode Island was an awesome experience to be a part of. It was definitely great to learn about the history of the US. I am the first generation born in America, so it is great to see why my family had chosen this country to raise me in. Unlike where my mother is from, America is truly the land of opportunity. What we face here is nothing compared to what my mothers country or other countries have to face today.
To conclude, next year I am hoping to go to either South Carolina to see the museums and walk the battlefields or, fly to Florida Keys to see the Harry S. Truman Little White House where Truman had spent most of his vacations at. Not to mention enjoying the absolutely beautiful weather! Either trip will be both fulfilling and fascinating to me.
Thank you for your blog postings, they were great!
Battleship Cove (2004). Battleship Cove. Website: http://battleshipcove.org/
Trip Advisor.(2011). Florida Keys: Landmarks & Historical Sites. Website: http://www.tripadvisor.com/Attractions-g34340-Activities-c5-Florida_Keys_Florida.html
Chari,
ReplyDeleteMy 83 year old father, myself, and the boys went to Battleship Cove this summer. My father was in WWII and loves all that stuff. We had a blast! Enjoy your trips!
Joan
Hi Joan,
ReplyDeleteI really enjoy reading about all of the learning experiences that you have with your family.
Quebec City has is a city with deep history and culture- I am sure your children will learn so much. Have you been to the Ice Hotel? I haven't but my sister has and said it is pretty amazing. I'm sure you could incorporate both science and engineering into a visit of a hotel made of ice!
Have you ever done any virtual field trips with your kids? With the technologies available today, there are many ways that you can travel virtually, helping to bring learning to life!
Enjoy your travels!
Lisa
Joan,
ReplyDeleteWow! What a great way for your kids to learn. They aren't just hearing stories over dinner or reading about something in a book. They are living these experiences and really learning! I do hope that they appreciate these opportunities. I hope that we are able to take Cooper to live history, rather than to read about it. It means so much more to see it and walk on the same soil.
This is a reason that I am so disappointed that my district allows only one field trip per year. I believe that they are so beneficial.
When you go to San Fransisco, check out the Winchester Mystery House. I have never been, but I would love to go sometime. Talk about psychology!
Jayne