Travel Adventures

My Most Memorable Memorial Day Weekend Spent in Washington DC

May 23, 2015 by info@3QuartersToday.com

The year I spent Memorial Day in Washington DC was one of the most memorable weekends I have ever had in my life. My kids were part of the Elmwood-Murdock marching band and participated in the annual Memorial Day parade. But, what meant more to me was being able to witness the outpouring of love, honor, and support for our military and having my kids be a part of the ceremonies. From marching in the National Memorial Day parade down Constitution Avenue to their school laying a wreath at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier.

Marine uniform left at the Vietnam Wall in Washington DC

Every war memorial was decorated with flowers and tributes. I know this happens throughout the year, but on Memorial Day weekend the effect takes your breath away. Veterans and their families pour into the Washington area to participate in Rolling Thunder and for many this trip is a once in a lifetime destination.

Memorial Day movie for any military family The Wall (Reading Rainbow Books) how to talk to kids about the Vietnam Wall Memorial Vinnie and Abraham The Long Ride Home: Run For The Wall

I have visited the Vietnam Memorial during other times of the year, and although the wall speaks to you with with it’s design and overwhelming names on the wall of those veterans lost, on Memorial Day it’s different. The mementos carpet the wall and the surrounding memorials and cry out as if to say “Don’t forget me.” It is this outpouring of gratitude that stays with you for a lifetime and causes everyone to shed a tear or two.

Men’s Memorial Day T-Shirt: We Remember Shirt Large Black Men’s MEMORIAL DAY GIFT:WHEN YOU DISRESPECT OUR FLAG veteran shirt Small Black

Even the teenagers, far removed from Vietnam were quiet, respectful and introspective at “The Wall”. The men and women who died in battle were real, not only did they have names, but their friends and family were real and every memory from dog tags to a pair of boots, beer bottle, or letter touched an emotional nerve with the visitors.

Each veterans memorial in the Washington area has a different feeling and tone. The World War II Memorial is inviting and welcomes people is open, expansive, welcoming, and peaceful. Many people sit by the fountain to relax and even in middle of the massive pillars it’s a place that makes you smile instead of cry. It’s a memorial that celebrates freedom, recognizes triumph, and honors the heroes who served.

The Wall of Stars, WWII National Memorial

Memories of my Dad, who served on a Navy destroyer, in WWII came to mind. My son had lots of questions, of which I had very few answers. Since then I have learned more about his military record, but there are still many gaps.

I caught my youngest son standing and staring at the Wall of Stars and as a Mother who just had her first son graduate from Marine Boot Camp this scene was very poignant. Each gold star represents 100 servicemen and women who died, or are still missing in action in World War II. There are 4,048 gold stars on the wall. In my heart I was praying I would never be a Gold Star Mother. A year later my youngest son would join the Marines.

The entire trip it was almost as if my Dad was speaking to me and I half expected to see him as we turned the corner to the Korean War Memorial. This military memorial projected an almost reverent feeling, almost as ghosts of the past were walking out of the fog.

Korean War Memorial, Washington DC Mall — Korean War Memorial,

Again, more wreaths adorned the walkway and were placed on the walls, everywhere you saw tributes from people who just wanted to show their appreciation and thanks to our military for service to our country.

If you haven’t been to Washington DC during Memorial Day it is indeed an experience. There will be more people than you will ever encounter any other time. But it is well worth it. Make sure to take the metro into town and be prepared for a lot of walking. At my age I’m going to take a scooter, bike or a Segway tour. Well worth the money. Or maybe those rental bikes.

Photographing Washington D.C. Digital Field Guide WWII MEMORIAL: Jewel of the Mall

Have you ever been to Washington DC during Memorial Day? If so what is your favorite memory? Leave a comment below.

Memorial Day in Our Nations Capitol

Rolling Thunder – Memorial Day – Washington DC – Julius …

Rolling Thunder – Memorial Day – Washington DC. Posted by Julius Hrivnac at Monday, May 28, 2012 · Email ThisBlogThis!Share to TwitterShare to FacebookShare to Pinterest …

Michael Mercurio’s Read|Delete: Memorial Day Facts For …

Today we honor those who lost their lives in service to this country. This day of remembrance was first celebrated at Arlington National Cemetery on May 30, 1868 and was first named Decoration Day. Arlington National …

8 Trips to Celebrate Memorial Day with Travel | A Traveler’s …

… men and women who have died while serving in the US Armed Forces, here are a few ideas for booking travel for Memorial Day: Washington, DC Get a prime spot for the National Memorial Day Parade honoring veterans.

Memorial Day Parade: A tradition of honor that stretches back 150 years

This year, Mr. Shima will return to Constitution Avenue with dozens of surviving World War II veterans to serve as grand marshals of the National Memorial Day Parade, participating in honor of the 16 million who served and in memory of those who died.

Memorial Day Weekend 2015 Events Washington DC: 10 Free, Fun Things To …

The National Memorial Day Parade will be held Monday at 2 p.m. along Constitution Avenue and 7th Street, NW. It continues past the White House. The National Memorial Day Parade is sponsored by the World War II Veterans Committee and includes …

Visiting the United States Marine Corps National Museum

October 2, 2014 by info@3QuartersToday.com

Recently I had the honor and privilege of visiting the National Marine Corps Museum with one of my Marine sons and it was amazing! As another Marine who was visiting said excitingly “This place is like Mecca to a Marine” and I would have to agree. It puts the Smithsonian museums to shame. The museum is located in Quantico Virginia and opened in 2005, so the exhibits are very modern, interactive and engaging.

Information about the USMC Museum

National Museum : Marine Corps — Entry to the Marine Corps Museum

The Marine Corps museum is located 30 miles south of Washington DC and the silhouette of the building is easily seen from I-95 which invokes images of the flag raising on Iwo Jima.

Admission cost is free. Yes, free, free parking and free admission. There are a few donation boxes and I would bet just about everyone puts a few dollars in the box. The official National Marine Corps Museum website is just as engaging as the museum and as it guides you to each area with the same narration. But nothing will prepare you for the full immersion.

I’m only going to give a brief overview here and will go into more depth in future articles. We spent two days at the museum and they had to push us out at the end. If you plan on visiting and you have a Marine or two with you, wear good shoes, plan on standing a lot and plan on reading and learning more than you ever expected about United States history, military history, and world history.

Marine Corps Museum Exhibits and History

As you enter the museum you are all at once overwhelmed by the feeling of space, air, and majesty of the Corps. Planes hang overhead, helicopters with Marines piling out are beside you on one side and a tank on the other.

As you look up you read the inspiring quotes of leaders, presidents, and generals:

“I have just returned from visiting the Marines at the front and there is not a finer fighting organization in the world”

General Douglas McArthur, Army

Main Gallery of the Marine Corps Museum — Main Gallery of the Marine Museum

From the terrazzo gallery, you enter into the rest of the Museum in a logical order starting with Making Marines where you can get up close and personal with your own “Drill Instructor” experience. (more on this later)

National Marine Corps Museum: Receiving and haircuts at boot camp — Receiving and haircuts at boot camp

The rest of the museum starts at Tun Tavern, the birthplace of the Marines and their involvement in the Revolutionary War. Throughout the six historical galleries I learned where famous phrases such as “the shores of Tripoli” originated.

United States Marine Corps National Museum: The actual flag flown on Mt. Sarabaci on Iwo Jima — The actual flag flown on Mt. Sarabaci on Iwo Jima

My son soaked all of this history in, he read every placard, and for me it made me slow down (I can be slightly ADD, those who know me will smile at that statement) and absorb what I was reading. I learned history repeats itself, throughout the history of the world there have been terrorists (pirates) who attack without rationale and kill innocent people without reason.

Terrorists Have Terrorized the World for Centuries, It’s Not New

I learned we have had embassies in Libya as early as 1805 and Marines joined a coalition to rescue American and Europeans during the Christian persecution during the Boxer Rebellion in China. In many ways, we have the same political issues, just in different areas of the world.

There will always be pirates, rebels, and terrorists who want to terrorize, oppress and kill people just because they do not agree with their religion. There will be dictators and governments who want to dominate and control their citizens. But there are countries around the world who believe in freedom, who will fight to keep their citizens free and protect those who are being oppressed.

The Marines have played a critical role in keeping “bullies” from taking over and as you walk through the galleries you take pride in not only the United States military, but the resolve of the citizens supporting them at home. I learned very little about World War I in school, or maybe I just forgot most of it, but as you walk into the sights and sounds of Belleau Wood you can’t help but start to realize the enormity of battle, the loss of life, and the true horror of war.

Mini Iwo Jima Statue honoring the United States Marine Corps.

As you walk through each historical exhibit they get more and more engaging from the cold of Chosin Pass to the heat and chopper sounds of Vietnam. It is a truly an experience. Throughout our visit we encountered Marines of every age, and veterans of many wars. I witnessed exchanges between my son and these veterans which warmed my heart and made this Mom smile with pride. The respect and honor is very apparent and I feel privileged I got to experience this with my son.

Marine Corps Museum:Past and Present

The last gallery ends with Vietnam in 1972, but 2015 begins the start of another 110,000 sq feet of exhibit space which will finish out the museum in 2020. It will start in the 1970s and expand to Operation Desert Storm, Desert Shield, Iraq, and Afghanistan.

After experiencing the intensity of conflict and war you can walk on the paths that take you through a 135 acre Marine Corps Heritage Center campus, through Memorial Park, beside the chapel, and which will eventually include parade grounds a conference center and a hotel.

Memorial Walkway at the US Marine Museum

The Story of the United States Marine Heritage Center Is…

To record our contributions to the nation
To tell our story
To preserve our artifacts and icons
To give back to the Corps

If you are ever in the Washington DC area, take a day and head south on I-95, even if you don’t have any connection to the Marine Corps. It is an experience for anybody and we saw veterans, school groups, women, children (there is a childrens section), and people from various countries.

I would love to hear from anyone who has visited the National Marine Corps Museum and learning about your favorite section and why. Please leave a comment below and until “Part Two”, Semper Fi!

Leathernecks: An Illustrated History of the United States Marine Corps Greatest U.S. Marine Corps Stories Ever Told: Unforgettable Stories Of Courage, Honor, And Sacrifice Marines: An Illustrated History: The United States Marine Corps from 1775 to the 21st Century (Illustrated History (Zenith Press))Another P.O.G. Story: Memoir of A Marine Motor-Transport Reservist During Operation Iraqi Freedom

Old Chinatown in Chicago

August 27, 2014 by info@3QuartersToday.com

Chicago’s Chinatown was just about what I expected.

Every big city has its own cultural diversity, each has their own neighborhood where they live, shop and gather. If you have never been to China or a metropolitan Chinatown then it’s an experience not to be missed. Now that my son is living in Chicago I have the opportunity, and excuse, to visit Chicago on a regular basis, and I’m going to play tourist whenever I can find the time. This trip we took in a boat ride, Billy Joel in Wrigley Stadium and Chinatown.

It’s easy to get to Chicago’s Old Chinatown from the Chicago CTA, just take the Red line to the Cermak-Chinatown stop and it’s only one block from the station.

From the CTA Station you turn right and go into a very modern shopping mall that looks very much like every other shopping mall, but the signs and decor is oriental in nature.But just to the left is a walled and gated shopping area and when you walk through the gates it feels like China, or what China might look like in Chicago anyway.

The signs are in Chinese characters, the smell is different, the food is distinctly authentic Chinese and you can buy everything from dried sardines, duck, Dim Sum, to Chinese herbs in the apothecary herbal shop. Some stores were trendy tourist traps with trinkets, but these are items you won’t find at Walmart or Target, so it was fun!

My favorite shop was the candy, or snack shop. Small bulk bins of wrapped candy, unwrapped dried fruits, sugared plums of all flavors, and for the more adventurous pickled duck tongue, and dried anchovies. Most of the bins had a small sample bowl for tasting, and all four of us had fun tasting and deciding what to buy.

5pcs Japanese Bamboo Chopsticks Gift Set Multi Color Design (MNT)Japanese Chopsticks Gift Set Rice Paddle Included 5 pair Japanese Style Chopsticks Gift Set Crane

We timed our visit for the summer festival and the main street and vendors, food booths packed the street. You could buy everything from straw hats to live turtles. It was noisy, it was crowed, and I expected more Chinese entertainment. On their website saw Chinese musicians, acrobats, and the infamous Chinese parade dragon. Maybe those were scheduled events and we got there at the wrong time. The stage was in the middle of the street and there were no bleachers to sit and watch.

Summer Festival in Old Chinatown Chicago

We ate at the Flaming Pot and sometimes you eat at a restaurant for the experience. Because of the crowds, their only English speaking waitress was very busy and did not have the time to fully “coach” us in how to properly prepare our food. It was very good, and a great place to go if you are in a group of people.

Plastic Ninja Chopsticks for kids – 12 pcs Fred Chopstick Kids Chopsticks Holders (colors may vary)

This is a hot pot style of dining where you chose your flavored broth, meat, and vegetables and then you dipped the food into the boiling broth to cook. About halfway through we decided to just dump everything in and fish it out with a ladle. Much easier. A variety of sauces were available for flavoring the food and in that way it was very much like Hu Hot.

Although the Flaming Pot was very clean and modern, it is apparent some of the buildings and markets in Chinatown are very unkempt and not up to standard American standards. We even saw a large rat (no I didn’t take a photo) running along side a building during the middle of the afternoon. Those things don’t freak me out. I’ve been to Europe and I understand life is not sterile.

Fortune Coin Green Money Toad/ Frog /Chan Chu – Feng Shui Chinese Charm of Prosperity Decoration Gift US Seller Brussel’s Lucky Bamboo, Fence Brussel’s CT9005CE Chinese Elm Bonsai Deluxe Coolie Hats – Deluxe Traditional Asian Conical Coolie Hats – Pack of 2

We all had fun and spent the afternoon at the festival, bought gifts and added to our cultural experience. Now I want to explore the “new” Chinatown which is located in North Chicago, I can see it from the Red Line train and it looks very authentic. Bet I can get some good food there and it’s closer to my son’s apartment. I bet they deliver.

Learn More About the History or Chicago’s Chinatown

Chinese in Chicago: 1870 – 1945 (IL) (Images of America)Chinatown Chicago, Illinois Original Vintage Postcard Ling Long Museum: the Highlights of Chinese History and Chicago’s Chinatown

Explore Other Chinatown Cities Across the Country

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Explore Oakland’s Chinatown

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This week, WLNY’s Toni Senecal is going cheap and scouring Chinatown for the 10 best foods for under $5. Follow along as we score Chinatown’s best cheap eats. You can catch up with Toni on her blog, and loyal Toni On! followers can score a sweet VIP …

The Great Chicago Pizza Debate and Where are the Best Chicago Pizza Places

August 26, 2014 by info@3QuartersToday.com

Best Chicago Pizza Places

4 Lou Malnati’s Chicago-style Deep Dish Pizzas (2 Sausage & 2 Pepperoni)

Mention food in Chicago and many people automatically think pizza. The discussion and debate on what is the best Chicago pizza places in the city.

I grew up in Connecticut and we had some pretty mean pizza there. You know the kind, deep dish pizza from a family owned pizza restaurant, rich in tradition and so big it had to be cut in squares?

The difference between Chicago and New York pizza is the crust and how thick the pizza pie. The Chicago deep dish pizza restaurants basically compete for bragging rights.

Start a conversation on the Chicago metro on where the best Chicago pizza place in the city is located and you can start an all out war. People are passionate about pizza in Chicago. With good reason.

Chicago: Best Pizza Places

People love to talk about food and when you mention you are from out of town the conversation normally goes like this

Best Chicago style pizza chicago — Giordano’s Meat More Meat pizza

“Are you going to get some pizza”,

“Of course, but I haven’t decided yet from where”,

“Well you can’t go wrong with Giordano’s or Pizano’s“

Those two places are mentioned the most, which makes sense, both are ranked highest on Chicago’s 10 Best Pizzas list by Thrillist.com. So on my weekend trip to see my son the deciding factor was who would deliver to his apartment. Giordano’s won.

My Review of Giordano’s Famous Stuffed Pizza

We decided to get Giordano pizza delivery.

This is a massively thick double crust pizza, you can tell it has some meat just by the weight. I judge the cheese quality by how an individual piece pulls apart from main pizza.

It should leave a string of cheese trailing back to the pizza and you should have to grab it to claim that mozzarella for yourself.

This is a massively thick double crust pizza, you can tell it has some meat just by the weight. I judge the cheese quality by how an individual piece pulls apart from main pizza. It should leave a string of cheese trailing back to the pizza and you should have to grab it to claim that mozzarella for yourself.

The crust should be soft and moist, not dry and hard. You should want to eat the last bit of crust as if it were a stand-alone Italian bread. Last but not least, the toppings should stay on the crust, not slide off (that’s a sign of a cheap pizza). On all these accounts Giordano’s passed with flying colors.

It is expensive, our large Meat & More Meat stuffed pizza pie (with tip) came to $30, but it did feed four of us with leftovers for the next day.

This pizza is so popular they will even ship Giardano pizza nationwide to anyone missing that “back home” pizza they remembered living in Chicago.

Yes, you can get Giordano mail order pizza!

Now that’s some serious pizza dedication. The price actually isn’t bad. A four pizza pack is $89 (not including shipping), packed in dry ice and delivered in two days.

Lou Malnati Pizza

Since I published this article I’ve gotten several other additions to this list and Lou Malnati’s keeps coming up as another favorite.

2 Lou Malnati’s Chicago-style Deep Dish Pizzas (1 Sausage & 1 Pepperoni)4 Lou Malnati’s Chicago-style Deep Dish Pizzas (4 Cheese)

You can also order and ship Lou Malnati’s pizza anywhere in the country. Ok, you may have to plan a little bit, but if you order on Tuesday you can have Chicago pizza for your weekend party. I

I’m actually surprised it’s not as expensive as I thought. We ate a Pizano’s in Lincoln Nebraska and paid the same for one Primo pizza as having two Chicago pizzas delivered. So if you are native Chicagoan, have moved, and crave your favorite pizza, you can still get your fix.

Favorite Chicago Pizza From People Who ACTUALLY LIVE in Chicago

What Chicago Pizza is Your Favorite? Add a comment below and I’ll add it to the list.

Giordano’s
Bacinos
Lou Malnati’s
Rosati’s
Leona’s
Suparossa
Connie’s
Pizano

Make the Best Homemade Pizza

If you can’t get to Chicago or New York then check out my best homemade pizza recipe. It’s not hard and it’s a lot of fun.

The Great Chicago-Style Pizza Cookbook Gebardi Deep Dish Chicago Pizza Kit Ironwood Gourmet 28214 Pizza Peel, Acacia Wood Beginner’s Pizza Making Kit Chicago Metallic Non Stick 14-Inch Deep Dish Pizza Pan Pan Gripper Deep Dish Model

How Edgewater Chicago can change your mind about Chicago being a friendly city

August 24, 2014 by info@3QuartersToday.com

Weekend Trip Chicago Style
Not For Tourists Illustrated Guide to Chicago (Not for Tourists Guide to Chicago)

Chicago has the reputation of being a dangerous town, a corrupt city, and a dirty city. Even though it is the third largest city in the United States you don’t hear people talking about taking a trip to Chicago like New York City or Los Angeles. But visiting Edgewater can change your mind about Chicago.

Chicago is ranked as one of the most dangerous cities in the United States, and even the most depressing city in America.

But after visiting this summer I do believe the people of the Windy City really want to change this reputation.

I know my impression of has changed, and I want to go back. Most of what I hear about Chicago is depressing, the crime, the corrupt politics, the unemployment, yet I knew there had to be more.

Downtown is very much like any city, tall buildings, lots of shopping, restaurants, museums, and like New York, Chicago has a very efficient metro train system.

For $15 we bought an unlimited three-day metro pass which included the train, bus, and subway system.

Where Edgewater and Chicago Meet

Where Edgewater Chicago meet and how they are different — View outside the Chicago apartment

After researching online for the best places to live in the Chicago metro area my son picked an apartment in Edgewater. I helped him move in January. He researched on Reddit and searched the various websites which have neighborhood statistics on crime. He learned Edgewater Chicago Crime is one of the lowest crime rates in Chicago. After spending time there I certainly believe it.

The neighborhood is clean, and the residents take pride in the area where they live. The flower beds were blooming with color, restaurants have inviting outdoor seating with flower boxes and umbrellas.

There is a relaxed atmosphere, almost park like and yes, my son says he feels as though he’s living in a twilight zone when he steps out of his apartment. Considering he lived in a Marine Corps barracks in Yuma Arizona the previous three years seeing green and trees is probably a shock to his system.

Edgewater Chicago neighborhood — Midnight after getting off the Chicago CTA train

At night there is a police presence on the corners and they regularly patrol. We parked our car at the hotel and either walked or took the CTA trains everywhere.

Not once did I feel as though I was in danger, or threatened. Remember this is NOT the south side of Chicago, which from what I hear is a whole other world.

Chicago is Friendly

People were exceedingly friendly. We met a young black lady on the train who was taking her three young nieces and nephews to the fountains Saturday night to watch the fireworks.

She spoke with pride about her city and how “…so many people talk bad about Chicago, there is a lot the city offers, people just need to get out and experience it, there are a lot of family activities and events.” This is true, I had no idea Chicago had such wonderful beaches.

Our hotel and my son’s apartment was only blocks away from Lake Shore Drive and the softest, sandy beaches I’ve seen in the Midwest. It’s not the ocean, but Lake Michigan does have its own tide, and small waves.

It’s the perfect place to people watch and the dog beach is very fun. Dogs of all shapes and sizes playing in the water, playing fetch and enjoying the summer day.

The Chicago Park system is quite extensive and encourages people to get out and enjoy the trails with rental bikes, trikes (if you look closely in the photo below you can see the trike to the left of the bench) or bring your own roller blades.

I met the friendliest pit bull during our morning walk, his eyes just yelled: “Oh pet me, please pet me I’m so happy to see you”. The owner fit the pit bull breed stereotype, rough. But his eyes said the same thing. Don’t judge me by my looks. We had a nice conversation about the pup, who was only 8 months old and already interested in a twig and a nearby bird, so off they went.

We also met a very wrinkled, larger old lady in a bikini walking her hairless Chihuahua. Yes, I said it a bikini.

The phrase of the day “You know when you get old and you don’t care what people think? I don’t think I can care that little”

Chicago Sightseeing Boat Tours

Part of the girls Chicago weekend trip to see my son included touristy things that he just doesn’t have time to do with his school and work. One of them was a lake and Seadog lake and river boat tour.

It was a BLAST, seriously Chicago sightseeing boat tours can be boring and slow, but Seadog gives you speed on the lake beforehand.

It was here that we met the fourth very friendly Chicagoan, who was so excited to be sharing his city. Up until the week before he had never done a boat tour and he had lived there all his life. He recorded part of it on his iPhone and said we were in for an exciting trip.

His words were “Chicago has heart!”

Based on the people I met on this one weekend, Chicago is a friendly city and the people do have a heart.

The thing that topped off my respect and faith for the city of Chicago was when I misplaced my gift bag from Chinatown in the restroom of a restaurant. We were rushing to get on the Navy Pier bus at 4:00 pm and I wasn’t thinking.

More than four hours later my kids convinced me to go back, maybe it’s still there. You see I don’t get souvenirs that often and this one had special meaning.

So we made the trip back, I asked at the desk, I looked in the trash, I asked the bartender if anyone had turned anything in, no luck. Out of desperation I opened the door to the stall and in the corner sat my bag.

Yes, Chicago has a heart, Chicago is full of friendly people, Chicago has honest people.

Our girls weekend to visit my son was wonderful! We went to the Billy Joel Concert in Wrigley Field, ate Chicago pizza, went to Chinatown, did a boat tour, sat and watched a free concert at Millennial Park, watched fireworks, and visited Navy Pier (which I was very disappointed) But best of all got to spend time with my son who is going to school at Tribeca Film Academy and making quite the name for himself in a very short time.

There will be a next time, Shea Aquarium, a few museums, and maybe even a show or two. Someday I’ll actually sit on the beach for an afternoon, watch the dogs and the sailboats on the lake. Sounds like another great trip.

Yes, I know about the gang mob violence in Chicago. Like any big city, there are certain areas you avoid, there are precautions you take on the train, a certain way to behave, stay alert, not draw attention to yourself and stay safe.

I had a drunk guy fall over on me on the train, but I also witnessed people applaud when my son killed a flying bug and “saved” a little boy who was scared.

So how about you? Have you been to Chicago, do you live there? What do you like, what would you suggest for my next trip?