On the way back from a trip to Florida with our grandsons, my husband and I decided to stop in Washington, D.C., so the boys would be able to see the Vietnam Veteran’s Memorial. The oldest boy had recently been interested in war and soldiers, so we thought this would be a great opportunity for the boys to see the reality of war.

The day we arrived in Washington, there was a cold wind blowing. We found a place to park and began our trek across the Mall to visit the Memorial. The oldest grandson had asked several times why the Memorial to those who died in Vietnam was called “The Wall.” As we walked towards it he could see that it literally was a wall of granite.

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As we approached, a woman and her two sons were standing by The Wall. They had laid flowers at the base under a list of names. She heard our grandsons asking questions about the men whose names appeared on the wall of granite. She turned, smiled and explained to our grandsons that her father had died in Vietnam. The oldest asked her which name was her father’s and she ran the tips of her fingers across one of the names. Brandon looked her in the eye and said, “I’m sorry that your Dad died in a war.”

At his words, tears flowed. The woman patted his shoulder and told him that her Dad had died a very long time ago and that she had never really known him. She had been only a baby when her Dad was drafted and sent across the ocean to fight.

As we walked along the wall, the boys expressed concern that there were probably many other kids that had never known the men whose names were etched on the wall. The expressed sadness that such a thing would ever happen. They couldn’t believe that there were so many men that had gone to a foreign country to fight and never returned home.

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Along the way were notes, flowers and objects that had been left for the men whose names were on The Wall. One elderly lady laid a single red rose at the base and wiped her tears. I shook my head and indicated to the boys that they shouldn’t ask any questions and how grieving is a very private thing that should not be intruded upon.

We visited the other memorials in the park and the boys were especially impressed with the Vietnam Women’s Memorial and also the Marine Corps Memorial. They thought it was great that all of the men and women who participated in the war were honored.

The boys talked to the son of a man who is an MIA. The man explained that his father went missing in Vietnam and he was never heard of again. The boys asked him if his father was dead and the man explained that no one knew. His father could be alive or he could be dead. There was no way of knowing.

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The wind picked up as we made our way along The Wall and back towards the car. It had been quite a learning experience for two young boys who had never been affected by war. It brought the reality of war to their attention having spoken to people whose lives were so greatly affected.

The boys realize that Grandpa and I grew up in the area of the Vietnam Conflict. They’ve both expressed that they’re glad that they didn’t have to fight in such a war. They believe that world peace is the answer. However, whether they realize it or not they are growing up in a world that is just as affected. Today, instead of having Vietnam, we have Afghanistan, Iraq and terrorist attacks.

Cypress Gardens is a place Ive visited several times, so when my husband and I took our grandsons to Disney World, we decided to take them to our old haunt. The Gardens have changed a lot since we last visited. There were lots of new attractions, so we all enjoyed ourselves.

The boys enjoyed seeing the Southern Belles who were walking the grounds greeting and talking to visitors. The oldest couldnt believe that ladies at one time had to dress in those full skirts with stiff petticoats and a hoop underneath. He wanted to know how they sat down with all that stuff on. It was definitely a learning experience for him. One of the ladies stopped to talk to the boys and they enjoyed answering her questions about Canada. They both know a lot about their homeland and answered the questions with gusto.

After speaking to the Southern Belle, we proceeded to the water ski show. The boys were in awe of all the stunts that could be done on water skis and enjoyed the comical antics of the team.

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On our way toward the rides, we strolled through the Living Garden and it is aptly named. The fountain there includes a statue that comes to life. Sparkling, clear water cascades from her fingertips and the top of her head while she sings beautiful songs. This is an awesome attraction for both adults and children. It
s amazing to see a living person encased in what appears to be cement. The woman who was inside the costume couldn t walk under its weight and her headpiece was removed immediately when the show was over.
We watched the Gardens staff wheel her away on a moving dolly.

There are several shows available that we were unable to take in because of the damage from the hurricanes. This part of the Park that was hit was closed when we visited and the boys are anxious to return to see Pirates of Cypress Cove, Farmyard Frolics and Cypress Gardens on Ice, as well as the Plantation Gardens.

After seeing the spectacular performance in the Living Garden, we meandered along the Topiary Trail. The flowers and lawns here are magnificent. The boys lived watching the swans glide over the water with grace and beauty. The highlight of the Trail for me was the beautiful waterfall that cascaded over a rocky bluff into a tranquil pool that sparkled in the Florida sun. Flower gardens surround the waterfall and they are exquisite.

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Much to the boys delight, we arrived at the rides in Cypress Gardens Adventure Park. They enjoyed stepping into rubber rafts, traveling up a 50 foot conveyor belt and zooming down a gigantic waterslide. When they hit the bottom, water sprayed everywhere. They loved it and didn t get too wet. While in the Adventure Park the boys rode this ride four times and hated to lea
ve. The view of the Gardens from the top was breathtaking. They also enjoyed the roller coaster, bumper cars and a variety of other midway styled rides. Paradise Pier, where rides are found along an old fashioned boardwalk was also a favorite.

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Then it was off to see the animals. The boys gazed in wonder at Tarzan, a 75 year old alligator. They also loved the jaguar, Sheba, the Bird Aviary, the crocodiles from the Nile and a variety of other mammals and birds.

To make the day complete, we browsed through a few shops, picked up a couple of souvenirs and took our time walking toward the gates. The sun was sinking low on the horizon and it was time to leave the Gardens. The boys talked excitedly ab
out the wonders of the day on the trip back to our motel room.

Cypress Gardens is located between Orlando and Tampa in Winter Haven, Florida. Take Highway 4 to Highway 27 and head toward Winter Haven. Watch for signs. Cypress Gardens is a major tourist attraction and directions are well marked.

Mexico City is one of the largest cities that one can ever visit. Diverse sections of the area offer unique opportunities for fun and relaxation. Selecting a luxury hotel or resort provides the perfect opportunity to begin your day or to wind down after a long day’s adventure in the dun, sand, water, or shopping districts.

Tlalpan is located near one of the largest stadiums in the world, the Estadio Azteca where soccer games draw in tons of fans. At Perisur & Tlalpan, you’ll find the Montreal, Finisterre, Royal Pedregal, Via Veneto, Continental Plaza Pedregal, and the Radisson Paraiso.

Condesa, home to Mexico City’s middle class, provides daily opportunities to join the pedestrian traffic at a leisurely pace. It also contains a blend of family parks and activities with an exciting nightlife that includes cantinas, bars, and lots of music.

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Once upon a time, this area was home to the mansions of the well-to-do and now it is home to Art Deco buildings, tree-lined streets, and young artists. Col. Roma & Condesa includes a nice assortment of hotels such as the Roosevelt, Marbela, Lisboa, La Casona, Bonampak, California, Ambos Mundos, and the Parque Ensenada.

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Paseo de la Reforma includes hotels and resorts like the Four Seasons, Imperial Reforma, Jena, Casa Blanca, Aristos, Corinto, Emporio, Marquis Reforma, and Crown Plaza. This area is home to an amazing conglomeration of art galleries, awesome monuments, and fashionable shops.

Norte & Tlalnepantla includes such glamorous hotels as the Best Western Marнa Barbara, Fiesta Inn Perinorte, Fiesta Inn Naucalpan, Fiesta Inn Tlalnepantla, Holiday Inn Naucalpan, Plaza Lancaster, and the Holiday Inn Lindavista. The Airport area offers fine hotels such as the Aeropuerto, Aeropuerto Plaza, Hilton Aeropuerto, Holiday Inn Oriente, and the Marriot Aeropuerto.

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Insurgentes Sur & WTC features the Gran Sol, El Cid, Flamingos Plaza, Suites Batia, Vermont, Royal Pedregal, Suites del Parque, and El Diplomбtico. Chapultepec & Polanco features the Nikko Mйxico, Del Bosque, Polanco, J.W. Marriot, Park Villa, Residencia Polanco, and the Presidente Inter-Continental.