MLK, Jr. Memorial

Hey there,

I can't tell you how thrilled I was to be in Washington, DC for the MLK, Jr. Memorial and Dedication.  As you know the weekends events including the dedication were canceled due to Hurricane Irene, that had a direct path up the the east coast of the United States.  Because of the uncertainty of the velocity of the hurricane/storm, the events organizers with consultation from the city and FEMA, thought it would be in the best interest and safety of all to make the decision to cancel the weekends activities.  While I initially thought the decision was made too early, our friend, Alpha Phi Alpha alumni and Greats Lakes Zone Director Multicultural Markets at State Farm Insurance, advised us that one of the main reasons the decision was made early was because of the number of travelers coming for the day by bus.  It could have been disastrous to have people stranded on a bus and without shelter. Fortunately for those who were already in town, the Memorial was opened earlier in the week and stayed open until noon Saturday.  This gave us the opportunity to see the Memorial. As they are saying, there is a King among Presidents on the National Mall in Washington, DC. The MLK, Jr. Memorial is not only the first person of color represented on the Mall but is the only non-president on the Mall. This makes for a Monumental occasion!!!

We arrived on Thursday afternoon along with many others who flew in on American Airlines.  We saw so many Alpha's at the airport and on the plane with us.  The Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, one of the major contributors, had their own list of activities and events for the Memorial and Dedication weekend.  The men I met along the way, of all ages, were so proud to be a part of this Memorial.  I got a glimpse of the Alpha's at their private event and visit to the Memorial.  All the men were dressed in black and gold, the fraternity's colors, marching toward King's statue.  Thursday evening the announcement was made that there would be cancellations of the some of the events. 

Craig, Bonnie, Ja'Vonne, Wayne

Bonnie, Craig Gilmore, Ja'Vonne

Denyce Graves & Ja'Vonne Harley (Me)

So, Friday we made a concerted effort to see and do as much as we could before Irene showed up in Washington, DC.  Friday, actually turned out to be a beautiful day.  It rained in the morning and quickly gave way to a partly cloudy day.  We started our day with our radio broadcast from the Washington Convention Center.  The convention center was to be the venue of many of the events throughout the weekend.  On this day they still had the exhibition hall open, although it would close earlier than scheduled, the ladies of legend luncheon and the radio broadcasts.  We then did some shopping around the exhibit hall.  The MLK Memorial Book Store was there and where we spent most of our money and time.  We purchased commemorative items and I got a piece of the granite stone that was used to carve the Mountain of Despair that King protrudes from.  There were 5,000 pieces and I got one of them.  After our shopping spree we headed over to Constitution hall to interview and visit with one of my high school friends and famous mezzo soprano, Denyce Graves, who was also performing later that night.  We were there during the rehearsals of the APA's Theatrical & Musical Celebration Honoring Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.  We were able to catch Denyce in her dressing room.  Now, we're off to the main attraction...The MLK, Jr. Memorial!!! Not know where to enter, I looked at the map from the event schedule and directions from different Metro stations.  They all directed us to 15th Street.  This was a little confusing since I saw the entry portal on 17th Street.  Anyway Bonnie and I walked down 18th Street and headed towards 15th Street, but then I questioned this decision and headed back up Independence Avenue to 17th Street before we had gone too far and there it was.  We saw two pillars of stone and lots of people coming and going.  The two pillars of stone are the entry portal.  As you walk through the entry portal you see one 30 foot stone, to the left and right is a wall of quotes (The Inscription Wall) that bends around the Memorial like arms stretched out wide.  On each side of the stone is a quote "Out of the mountain of despair a stone of hope" and "I was a drum major for justice, peace and righteousness". Then you see King, coming out of the stone or mountain with arms crossed and facing the Tidal Basin and Jefferson Memorial.  It's a peaceful area that has a feeling of reflection.  There are places to sit and visitors did just that as they chatted with one another.  I can only imagine what it will look like when the cherry trees are in full bloom and at night when the Memorial is illuminated.

I'm definitely going back in the spring when the trees are in bloom!!!!  Maybe you'll join me!

Until our next journey together.
Ja'Vonne Harley, Co-Host - The Traveling Eye, Owner - Advantage International, LLC

CHICAGO CityPASS

Ja’Vonne and I recently became tourist in our own city by using the Chicago CityPASS.   With the CityPASS we were able to visit five out of seven major Chicago attractions at a much discounted price.  The CityPASS also put us on the fast track to the head of lines and entrance to some exhibits. 

We had a great time going from attraction to attraction.  I think our favorite was the Skywalk on the Skydeck of Willis Tower.  I was a little hesitant to step out on the Skywalk high above the streets of Chicago but Ja’Vonne convinced me to go for it and it was awesome. 

We found that the CityPASS was a great and economical way to enjoy the city. 

The Traveling Eye and Chicago CityPASS would like to give you a chance to win the CityPASS experience.  One person has the chance to win 2 City Passes by easily answering 3 questions.  You MUST email your answers to thetravelingeye@aol.com and you must get all 3 questions correct.  We will announce the winner on our Friday, August 12^th show on 1690WVON between 11AM and Noon. You may also listen to The Traveling Eye by going to www.wvon.com or watch us live in studio at www.thetravelingeye.com.  Are you ready?

1.    1. Before becoming what it is today, this CityPASS destination was the former Palace of Fine Arts from the 1893 Worlds Columbian Exhibition. It was also, at one time, the Field Museum of Natural History.

2.    2. This attraction was located on the corner of State and Monroe before moving to its present location. It now holds more than 5000 years of human expression from cultures around the world.

3.    3. From this attraction one can see 360 degree views of the city, up to 4 states, and over 80 miles.

Answer these three questions and you can win 2 City Passes to visit 5 of Chicago’s great attractions. You must email your answers to thetravelingeye@aol.com.  We will announce the winner on Friday, August 12, 2011, during our show on WVON between 11AM to Noon Central time.

Good Luck and remember to keep your EYE to the sky!

Bonnie

SHAWNEE, ILLINOIS BEST KEPT SECRET

Hi Everyone!

Ja'Vonne, Howard, and I just got back from the Southernmost Illinois Shawnee area. I can hear you asking yourself, "Where?"  Most of you know where Carbondale is, Shawnee begins about 17 miles south of Carbondale and is some of the most beautiful country you will find. There is also a Wine Trail to explore.

We decided to take a road trip and left Chicago around 6 AM heading south on I-57. We were scheduled (according to our GPS system) to arrive at our lodging, The Water Valley Inn, at 10:20 AM.  Everything was cool and smooth until we got to the Shawnee area.  I will only say, our GPS lady wasn't on her best game and we ending going in circles.  However, there are some great people that live in the area and after a few directions we made it to our destination.

Innkeeper Kim, Ja'Vonne and Howard

The Water Vally Inn (www.1watervalleyinn.com) is a bed and breakfast that is in a beautiful five bedroom farmhouse.  It is the perfect place for a large family or group of friends to stay when visiting the area, exploring the Wine Trail, or planning a golf or fishing trip.  When we arrived, innkeeper, Kim Aldridge greeted us and took us on a tour of this historic home that has been in her husbands family for almost a century. The kitchen comes fully stocked with anything you may need to make breakfast or have a snack.  The Water Valley Inn is very welcoming, comfortable, and relaxing. We enjoyed our stay there.

Carol Hoffman from the Southernmost Illinois Tourism Bureau was our guide and had prepared a itinerary for us that would give us a great feeling of the spirit of the Shawnee area and community.

The Bald Knob Cross

A top Bald Knob Mountain

We started off at the Bald Knob Cross (www.baldknobcross.com) which is at the top of Bald Knob Mountain.Yes, there are mountains in Illinois. Why a cross on the top of a mountain?  It's a long story that you should go to the web site to read but in a nut shell, in 1937, Wayman Presley and an minister friend came up with the idea to hold an Easter service on the top of the mountain that would include all Christian denominations and other religious groups. That first year 250 people showed up.  The service has grown over the years and continues today.  We found the site to be peaceful and beautiful. From the top of the mountain you can see the Ohio River, Missouri, Kentucky and Illinois.  We even saw a red tailed hawk fly right in front of our car.  It was awesome.

Ja'Vonne taking the hike

Pomona Natural Bridge

We then went to the Pomona Natural Bridge which is surround by the Shawnee National Forest. We took a short hiking trail that led around to the natural bridge which spans 90 feet. It is just there, made by nature withstanding time. Ja'Vonne walked over the bridge and made the short quarter of a mile hike back to where Howard and I were taking pictures and filming. I could envision Native Americans of the Shawnee nation walking across this bridge through the forest centuries ago.

Anthill Gallery & Other Curiosities in Cobden

There is more to do in the Shawnee area then commune with nature.  There are antique stores and museums, golfing, fishing, artist communities and shops, and festivals, just to name a few things.

Bonnie, Betty, Ja'Vonne

Southernmost Illinois is known for having fruit orchards. We stopped by Rendleman Orchards' Farm Market and met Betty who took us through the process of how the fruit is picked, sorted, handled, and packaged to be shipped to stores and sold in the Rendleman Market. This is peach season and in the fall the peaches will be replaced with apples, all grown and packaged by Illinois Farmers.

We then went to the Giant City State Park to have dinner at the Giant City State Park Lodge.  The Park and Lodge is located in another section of forest in Shawnee.  There is horse back riding, camping, cabins, and hiking trails.  If you decide to have dinner at the lodge, I suggest you get the all you can eat fried chicken dinner.  Howard (Video Twist Productions) gives it 4 winks of the Eye!


One of the main attractions of the Shawnee area is the Shawnee Wine Trail.  I will tell you all about that in my next post.

Until next time, keep you EYE to the sky!

Bonnie











 

THE ROYAL FOOD EXPERIENCE

Hi Everyone!

Ja'Vonne and I are self proclaimed "Foodies" so one way we determine a great destination is through the gastronomical experience. We were not disappointed at The ROYAL in Playa Del Carmen and Cancun. Known as giving the "Gourmet All-Inclusive Experience" The ROYAL takes it to another level when it comes to dining. The resort offers everything from tapas and sushi, to rack of lamb and escargots, to dining on the beach, plus 24-hour room service.  No matter where you decide to eat on property, everything looks, smells and tastes delicious.

Lamb at Maria Marie

All of my meals were wonderful so I will only point out a few of my many favorite dishes.  Our first night at The ROYAL in Playa Del Carmen we ate at beautiful Maria Marie restaurant. We were served; Sweet and Sour Salad, Shrimp Bisquet, Lamb Chops Charcutiere, and Chocolate Fondant for dessert. The meal was paired with Chardonnay, Monte Xanic, Valle de Guadalupe, Mexico (that's wine).  Everything was served nicely and with a little flair.  I am one that isn't fond of Lamb but I have always been taught that you honor your host by eating what they have prepared.  I am so glad my momma taught me well.  This lamb was the best I have ever eaten. Usually there is a gamey taste to lamb, not this one.  It was marinated with Dijon mustard and was so tender and delicious. (my mouth is watering as I speak).

Steak from the Mediterranean, Yum

Shrimp from Pelicanos

Mediterranean

Another of my favorite restaurants was Tapas. It was great for lunch or dinner.  The food was so fresh and tasty.  The best steak I have ever tasted was at the Mediterranean restaurant. If you have a love of Asian Cuisine the Asiana - Oriental Gourmet Restaurant is the place for you and if the ocean is what you would like to see while you dine, Pelicanos - Ocean View Restaurant is a great place to start or finish your day.  There are other great restaurants and bars on property at The ROYAL that I could tell you about but then you wouldn't have anything to discover on your own.  

Now that I have made myself hungry talking about the wonderful restaurants and delicious food that you will experience The ROYAL Gourmet All-Inclusive Resorts, I am going to head off and pop some popcorn. (Nope, I can't cook at all.)

Until next time, keep your EYE to the sky!

Bonnie

THE ROYAL SPA TREATMENT

Hi Everyone!

While visiting The ROYAL Resort in Playa Del Carmen and Cancun, Mexico, I had a chance to spend some quality time in the Spa at both locations. SPAzul says that it is committed to helping you find your inner harmony within the universe.  They take this to heart.  From the entrance to the spa, to the treatments, to the professionals that administer the treatments, SPAzul treats your total being.

  Ja'Vonne and I decided to take one of our spa treatments outdoors on the beach.  At first I didn't think I would be able to relax with all the activity around me.  The minute I got on the table and Christina began working on my neck, shoulders and back, I felt the stress leave and relaxation take it's place. The sound of the waves, the music in the distance, the gentle breeze off of the ocean and the skillful hands working their magic, I was off in a different world.  50 minutes went by quickly but I felt like a different person when I got off the table. 

My body was on point, now it was time to take care of the spirit.  SPAzul incorporates the Maya-inspired Saas Spa total health and well-being concept to their menu. The "whole" being is treated not just the individual parts. The body, mind and spirit are reached in equal measure.  It was time for me to experience Temazcal: An Ancient Mayan Ritual of Purification, Detoxification and Rebirth.  You may know this as a sweat lodge or steam house. A Shaman guides you through your journey through conversation, listening, and revealing from your inner most self.  I won't go into my experience with you because it is my experience.  I will say I left the hut with a new understanding of me.

After any treatment that you have at SPAzul you must take time to relax in the sauna, hot tub or steam room. Lie on one of the relaxing chairs and enjoy the full experience your spa experience.

SPAzul is one of my favorite spas.  When you visit The ROYAL in Playa Del Carmen or Cancun you owe it to yourself to set aside time to ""indulge your senses, engage your spirit, and savor the surprises."

Until next time, keep your EYE to the sky!

Bonnie

THE SHAWNEE WINE TRAIL

Hi Everyone!

The Traveling Eye just spent 3 days on the Shawnee Wine Trail in Southernmost Illinois and loved every minute of it.

Ja'Vonne, Howard (Video Twist Productions) and I jumped in the car and headed to Shawnee to visit the award winning wineries and vineyards of Southern Illinois. In 1995, the owners of the first three wineries in Southern Illinois worked together with the Southernmost Illinois Tourism Bureau and the Carbondale Convention and Tourism Bureau to create the Shawnee Hills Wine Trail.  In 2006, Illinois received its first American Viticulturel Area recognized by the Alcohol and Tobacco Tax and Trade Bureau. Southern Illinois' Shawnee Hills region is the state's first region acknowledged for its distinctive winemaking properties.

There are now 13 vineyards on the wine trail and we visited and tasted 9 of them.With Ja'Vonne as my teacher I was ready to enter the world of Chardonnay and Concord.

Winemaker Karen Hand - Blue Sky

Jim Ewers, Karen Hand, Ja'Vonne, Bonnie

Our first stop was the Blue Sky Vineyard (www.blueskyvineyard.com) where we met winemaker Karen Hand and owner Jim Ewers. Karen took us through the winemaking process and gave us a tasting of Blue Sky's award winning wines.Guests can have a meal, enjoy a glass of wine on the patio overlooking the vineyards. After swirling, sniffing and sipping I chose the Blue Sky Vignoles to start my wine collection.    



 

Bonnie, Mr. Orlandini, Ja'Vonne

Orlandini Vineyard (www.orlandinivineyard.com) was next. Mr. Orlandini planted his first vines in 1988 and released his first wine to the public in 2001. The Rosso Gustoso Semi Sweet Red is in my wine rack.

Bonnie, Brad, Ja'Vonne

Ted Wichmann, one first three winery owners in Southern Illinois, built Owl Creek Vineyard (www.owlcreekvineyard.com) in 1994.  It is now owned and operated by Brad Genung and family.  Owl Creek has a very comfortable tasting room. The setting outside is so tranquil you kind of feel as if you are high in the trees among the owls. I left there with a bottle of Chambourcin under my arm.

I don't know if you have been counting but that was three wineries, tasting four to six wines each and it was just day one.

Rustle Hill Winery

Ja'Vonne, Bonnie, John

Before we head back to our lodging for the night we stop to have dinner and more wine at the Rustle Hill Winery (www.rustlehillwinery.com).  John Russell  met us and gave us a tour of the outdoor amphitheater and really nice rental cabins. We then headed into the restaurant but before we settled in for some good food and entertainment, we headed over to Bob at the bar for some more wine tasting.  The Sayval Blanc sweet table wine was my Rustle Hill choice.  Do you see a pattern of my buying sweet wines?  Ja'Vonne told me that most novices may lean toward the sweet until they educate their palate more.  She knows her stuff.  I must mention that the entertainment for the evening was a young man named Eli Tellor.  He sat, played his guitar and sang like a man with a story to tell.  Remember his name, he is destined for success in the music industry.

Bonnie and Ja'Vonne - CHEERS!

Day one was over and we were tired, full and our head are feeling no pain.  It was time to head back to The Water Valley Inn for a good nights sleep.  We had more vineyards to hit tomorrow.

Until next time, keep your EYE to the sky!

Bonnie