Tag: https://washington.org/DC-guide-to/smithsonian-national-museum-american-indian?gclid=CjwKCAjw9e6SBhB2EiwA5myr9rLeun2LuE42R6sYIOEhPCoPLLCFPCaRN1lH66_2vmIF–wfnlGrABoCpg0QAvD_BwE

America, Countries

175 years in Smithsonian

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It just felt like 175 years in Smithsonian in the labyrinthian Museum of African American History but I wasn’t complaining.

The 19 museums, 21 libraries, nine research centers, and zoo make up what is affectionately known as ‘America’s Attic.’

Put on a pedestal: James Smithson

James Smithson was a strange cove, a confirmed British bachelor scientist, but it was America’s fortune that he amounted his.

And bequeathed it to the amassment of a collection of museums in America.

A country he had never visited but clearly held in awe.

Washington fixture

Flying high: The Air and Flight Museum

Smithson is a fixture now mostly in Washington DC where they’re on every block.

And Maryland, New York and Virginia.

In fact for someone who never actually set foot in the US capital his name is up there in mentions with The Great Man.

I am, of course, looking forward to hearing which of the Smithsonians The Son and Heir takes in this week on his first visit there.

I’ve pointed him in the direction of the Air and Space Museum on the National Mall which was reserved for our American Travel Fair (IPW).

Alas the Newseum, a testimony to the Third Amendment, was a casualty of Donald Trump,

A strong Constitution

First Nation: The American Indian Museum

There are some holy scrolls that are untouchable, the Declaration of Independence, the US Constitution and the Bill of Rights.

And you’ll know the Constitution’s authenticity with the misspelling of Pennsylvania.

One of the great Smithlothian gems is near the Capitol, the American-Indian Museum.

Where Robert Redford, no less, will narrate you through the history of the First Nation.

And you can browse through indigenous crafts and clothes.

And so with these treasures and much more you could easily spend 175 years in Smithsonians.

Aerican dream

The 47th President of America: In Washington DC

With The Son and Heir and me before him flying out of Dublin with Aer Lingus there’s never been a better time to visit DC.

We can only think the absence of Aer Lingus and pre-clearance back in Smithson’s day is the main reason he didn’t visit.

 

 

America, Caribbean, Countries, Europe, Food & Wine

Chocs away on Easter Sunday

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And for many it’s what today is all about… Chocs away on Easter Sunday.

And thoughts away of dem sweet places where I’ve savoured the treat of the Gods.

We have the Central and South Americans to thank for extracting the cacao which makes our chocolate.

And when we want to know more on anything our go-to people are the Smithsonians in Washington DC.

Jumping for joy: It’s Choccie Day

And Hayes Lavis, cultural arts curator for the Smithsonian’s National Museum of the American Indian has the skinny on chocs.

He tells us that ancient Olmec pots and vessels from around 1500 B.C. were discovered with traces of theobromine.

And for those who know their chocs they’ll recognise that as a stimulant compound found in chocolate and tea.

So now we’ve done the science let’s sample the choccie tastes of the world.

ChocolaTobago

Ground force: In Tobago

And the way to a man’s heart is the love of a daughterie.

So when you come across a chocolate called Laura in the West Indies then you get that special rush.

This Tobago taste of heaven is a French-Caribbean collaboration and named for the manufacturer’s matriarch Laura.

Sold in high-end shops like Harrod’s it’s still best sampled where it’s made, Tobago Cocoa Estate.

Swiss sweet

The Scary One is here: In Switzerland

We all know about Swiss sweets… Toblerone and it’s mountain triangular shapes.

And Lindt which is everywhere of which I was reminded from the minute you arrive in Geneva.

You’d have to tell me if SWISS airline still gives out comp choc to it’s passengers…

I like mine, my Lindt, though like the Asians who love to take selfies at the top of Europe.

To show off to family back home, at the top of the Jungfraujoch.

In Bruges

Flowing nicely: Easter in Bruges

Was I the only one who wondered why a restless Colin Farrell didn’t cure his boredom through chocolate and beer?

Mind you, it would have been a very different movie.

Yes, go up to the cathedral and also check out St Anthony’s tongue.

But the best taste of all in Bruges is their oh-so-tasty chocolate.

Cadbury’s and Brum

Smiles better: Cadbury’s

Now you might not immediately link Bruges in Belgium and Birmingham in England.

But they’re both canal cities, major historical trade hubs.

And they are both hooked on chocolate.

It is no exaggeration to say that Brummie Joseph Cadbury was a chocolate evangelist.

As a Quaker and teetotaller he saw chocolate as a healthy alternative.

Joseph was a general good egg all round (or Cadbury’s Creme Egg) if you will

He set up a village in Bourneville for his workers and provided for all their social, health, education and sporting needs.

And a great pacifist, he even took on Queen Victoria over the Boer War.

All of which you can discover in the excellent Cadbury’s museum.

And finally, a Big Chocolate Apple

The Big Bunny: At Jacques

I’ve always been a great advocate of only having friends in cool places or jobs, or preferably both.

And in return they get the pleasure of hosting me.

Kate is one such, a New Yoiker and food and drinks editor who took La Famiglia Murty around Manhattan.

Chinatown, her own office kitchen on Production Day, and Jacques Torres Chocolate factory.

Now Willie Wonka’s got nothing in Kate or Jacques.

I mean bacon-flavoured chocolate… you read it here first.

Enjoy! Chocs away on Easter.