Discovering Thomas Jefferson and Shenandoah National Park
September 26th
Chronologically, our American history tour was starting to make a big zigzag. The next stop on our trip was Monticello, the beloved home of Thomas Jefferson, the 3rd President of the United States. From my childhood, I remembered visiting the house on a school trip- it’s not an ordinary plantation house- it was built on the whims of a somewhat eccentric man. The house itself is built in the shape of an octagon. It’s full of 18th and 19th century gadgets with which Jefferson had an obsession. Throughout the house and the accompanying museums we’re reminded of the conflicted nature of Mr. Jefferson: his endless fight for freedom, yet acceptance of slavery and his difficulties managing money. Yet, as a person stricken by wanderlust myself, I find him very inspiring. I guess that I’m not alone because the tours were full on this cool autumn day.
From Monticello we stopped at the Michie Tavern, a restored 18th century tavern nearby, just to have a look and then drove to Charlottesville, home of the University of Virginia. We parked downtown and had a walk along the pedestrian mall which was full of quaint cafes and restaurants. This is something that most U.S. cities could use more of. On the way of town we drove through the UVA campus, also conceived by Thomas Jefferson.
Our destination for the evening was Shenandoah National Park. We picked up Skyline Drive, the beautiful road that brings people out of the cities and into the mountains. As soon as we got a little higher in altitude, we were in a thick fog. By the time we settled in to our campsite for the evening, everything was cloaked in a damp, thick fog. We felt like we were cast in the Blair Witch Project- so needless to say it was not a good night for ghost stories around the campfire.
Tags: BIG TRIP 2011, In English 2005-2006, Virginia
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