Washington Park in Cincinnati Ohio

I can't believe it's been over a year since we had this fun adventures with the Dias family.  I'm the slowest turtle or snail on earth when it comes to posting about our travels.  We decided to met up with them after our vacation in Tennessee last year since it has been years since our  get together in Texas. We were suppose to go the Noah's Arc Encounter together but we did not make it due to time constraints.    

We stayed in Kentucky while they stayed in Cincinnati so we decided to explore the city.  Washington Park was one of the places we checked after we spent  hours in Newport Aquarium.    It was very hot that day and it will give the kids  some fun while the adults are catching up.  

This place is beautiful. It's bounded by West 12th, Race and Elm Streets in the Over-the-Rhine neighborhood of Cincinnati, Ohio. The park has an old-fashioned bandstand and many trees. Several American Civil War cannons and busts of Civil War heroes Frederick Hecker and Colonel Robert Latimer McCook, who commanded the German 9th Ohio Infantry are in the park.

The park stands in the shadow of the Cincinnati Music Hall. While the now-demolished Washington Park School was located at its north end, a new School for Creative and Performing Arts currently stands across Twelfth Street at its south end.

The new Washington Park's  green space has been expanded from six to eight acres, and the amenities include a dog park, interactive water fountains, refreshed public restrooms, a concession building, a “civic lawn” that will host concerts and events, shade from the summer sun, and a kids’ section.

The interactive water fountain is a favorite among children.  We knew the moment the kids saw the fountain, they would want to soak in so we let them, after all it was so hot that it would refresh them.

We had so much fun with the Dias family.  We came close friends through blogging.  She's the only blogger I have connected when my family was still living in South Korea back in 2008.  When we came back here in the mainland, our families met in Disney World and since then, we go on vacation from time to time.  

Our children became friends and so does our husbands.  You can really found genuine  people in the blogging world.

Sharing this photo that my my  friend took during our fun adventures.

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⬅️⬅️⬅️ This remarkable Victorian-gothic architecture is the most recognizable buildings in Cincinnati, Ohio. Pretty grand and enormous! The Cincinnati Music Hall is home to some of the finest arts groups in the region – Cincinnati Symphony Orchestra, Cincinnati Pops Orchestra, Cincinnati Opera, Cincinnati Ballet, and May Festival. It was built in 1878 over a pauper's cemetery, which has helped fuel its reputation as one of the most haunted places in America. #cincinnatimusichall #musichall #whenincincy #cincinnati #visitcincinnati #ohio #travel #diasfamilyadventures #haunted #hauntedplaces

A post shared by Dhemz Apdian - Dias (@mrsd2083) on Jul 19, 2019 at 9:49am PDT

Delhi is Touted to be the Perfect Gateway to the Serene Himalayan Visual Treat

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What makes Delhi airport one of the busiest and bustling tourist epicenters in South Asia? Why are thousands of tourists swarming into Delhi every day, and what makes it so sought after with the netizen of global destinations? The answer probably lies in unique latitudinal coordinates of Delhi highlighting its proximity to all the popular hill stations that sit on the lap of the Himalayan valleys.

Shimla and Manali have always been held close to the heart of the tourist, and they never think twice visiting these places again and again. The popularity of these places has climbed up to the magnitude of the act of pilgrimage through the sanctum of nature so much so that hardly you will find anyone from anywhere in India who did not have ever been to any of these places. The roadways to both these hill towns intersect Delhi which happens to be the only metropolitan city conveniently connected to them. Delhi is also accessible from rest of the other part of the country in all possible ways through Rail, Road and air transport. Frequent flights shuttle between Delhi and other metro cities in every single or couple of hours. 16 Mumbai to Delhi Flight booking online throughout the day connect the two cities. Fleets of aircraft being operated by almost all the domestic and international carriers are quite frequently found to be on their wings at Delhi airport to ensure the logistical support required to sustain an enormous load of passengers.

Tourists from global destinations can easily fly to Delhi and then they can charter a rented car to take them to hills through the spectacular labyrinth of mountain roads negotiating through the slopes of the hills and verge of the gorges overlooking the valley beneath. With the emergence of online digital travel platforms, booking tickets, or planning a vacation has now become a cakewalk for everyone. You can book your rooms or buy your air tickets only with a few clicks on your smartphone sitting in the comfort of your couch. Tourists are increasingly found to have preferred to book their tickets online, which also offers a host of attractive features aimed at delivering the best of user experiences that translate into higher retention percentage and better customer engagement.

Shimla

Shimla is the capital of an Indian State called Himachal Pradesh surrounded by the mountain range of Himalaya. Shimla is probably the only capital town in India which is located at an elevation of 2276 meters from the sea level. Shimla was named after goddess Shyamla who is described as an avatar of goddess Kali. It was the Summer capital British ruled India. So the administrative buildings wrapped in red bricks and the gigantic churches themed in Gothic architecture bears the emblem of authentic British signature which marks the grandeur and sophistication of the British empire. A trip to Shimla would never be complete without a leisurely walk down the promenade of ethereal Shimla Mall overlooking the majestic mountains stretching themselves towards the limitlessness of the sky.

Shimla is fondly called the ‘Queen of Hills’ and you will see yourself meandering through the ridge road of Shimla which traverses diagonally through the mall with beautiful and colorful shops lining down on either side of it, you will probably realize why people have fallen in love with the ‘queen’ since time immemorial. Shimla could best be described through the visuals of unending stretches of apple orchards, exotic churches towering themselves up above the thick layer of drifting clouds, newly married couple holding hands tightly out of affection while offering a prayer to Jesus. Shimla is unique because of it still carries the reminiscence of Colonial India against the backdrop of a picturesque live Himalayan wallpaper.

Manali

Manali is a Himalayan resort town located at an altitude of 2050 meters which is popularly known as an adventure destination as it offers a whole gamut of adventure sports ranging from paragliding, bungee jumping to river rafting. Manali is a small valley which is unique by the juxtaposition of two contrasting natural phenomena of the mountain and the river packed together to create the most beautiful natural sights and scenes which the tourists behold in their memory forever. Manali is a gateway to Solang Valley and Rohtang Pass which is believed to be the most popular trekking trail in India.

Elkins, West Virginia

After the event that we attended at Buckhannon Upshur High School last Saturday, we continued our road trip to the next city, Elkins. It is a city in and the county seat of Randolph County, West Virginia, . The community was incorporated in 1890 and named in honor of Stephen Benton Elkins, a U.S. Senator from West Virginia. The population in this city is a little bigger than Buckhannon, they have 7,094 as of 2010 census.

Elkins is a mountain oasis rich with history, outdoor fun and beautiful art. It is  located right on the edge of the Monongahela National Forest.  If we would have had more time, we would have explored the Monongahela Forest but we thought, we would do that next time.  

 Elkins is quaint city but I like the atmosphere in Buckhannon more.  

There's an Iron Horse statue  of Senator Henry Gassaway Davis, a.k.a. the Iron Horse Statue, that stands at the intersection of Sycamore St. and Randolph Ave.  It was one of the landmarks that caught our attention right away.  These drive by shots did not do justice to  how beautiful it was.

 

There's more to see in Elkins than Buckhannon.  

We parked by the fir house and walked around a little bit to  stretch out our legs.  

We checked out the Elkins city park , it was a fairly size park with a lot of things for kids to do but with time constraint and the  cold weather, we didn't  really do much on this park.  It must be nice to come here during summer time as you can do picnic or family party in this park.

We noticed the three big churches but the most memorable one for me was the Grace Episcopal church.  I fell in love with its door, I thought it was very charming and captivating.

We wanted to check out the Randolph County Community Arts Center but it was close: This community arts center is nonprofit organization located in a beautiful historic church.  It  highlights the Randolph County’s vibrant arts community. It would have been a nice  place to  explore since my daughter  is into arts.

Why a Golf Tournament is the Perfect Fundraiser

Fundraising is always a challenge for nonprofits and startups alike. Many organizations opt for gala dinners or charity concerts to bring in donations. These are all well and good, but for a more fun approach, why not hit the links? Here are a few reasons why Pensacola golf tournaments are a great way to raise cash.

Pensacola, Florida 2006

You’re Outside!

Rather than sit in a dim ballroom or crammed restaurant party room, you can be outside enjoying fresh air and sunshine. The benefits of spending more time outdoors are well known, and Pensacola golf tournaments are great ways to get exercise and a suntan, all while courting donors.   Just don't forget to take your sunscreen and some smart round sunglasses.

 

Great Small Group Networking Opportunities

Depending on how you set up the golf tournament, you can have the opportunity to have representatives from your organization partner up with potential donors in foursomes, to really talk and have a two-way conversation, instead of making a presentation and pitch where you ask for money from a podium on stage. Pensacola golf tournaments create a real opportunity to get to know the people who you’ve identified as potential investors or contributors. Perhaps more importantly, they’ll get to know you and be able to ask questions and learn about the organization.

 

The Best of Both Worlds: Activity and Food

The event won’t take place just on the golf course, will it? You don’t want to golf on an empty stomach, so you’ll be able to network in the clubhouse or restaurant before you start, and you can retire there for more food and drinks when the golfing is done. You’ve combined the benefits of feeding hungry donors with the health benefits and fun of golf!

It’s What Donors Want to Be Doing Anyway

In many cases, business owners, CEOs, and other affluent people may have plenty of money available, but they may be short on time. If part of their job’s expectation is to network, you can bet that they’re hitting plenty of auctions and dinners. They may not, however, have much time to enjoy golfing, fresh air, or any type of exercise. Some of them may not even get to see the sun during the week! By hosting a golf tournament fundraiser, you may be giving them a chance to do something they love while they’re on the clock.

Golfing and business have gone hand in hand for generations. The benefits are obvious and numerous. When you’re planning a fundraiser for your organization, think more about golf balls than ballrooms!

Wheeling, WV: Small Town Community, Big City Opportunity

After the History Bowl's elimination rounds, everyone were given an  hour to have lunch at River City Ale Works.  The restaurant sponsored the meals for  participants and coaches.  We ate at a separate booth from the students so I couldn't take   pictures.  The place was beautiful but their  food wasn't that good but then again everyone has their own opinion. Some people might find their food  delicious and great but it wasn't the case for me.  It was big let down for me, even my son was complaining about the chicken he got which was soaked in ranch, they could have served it separately than dumping it on the chicken.  Anyway, we ate there since it was recommended by the host of the event.

Anyway, the restaurant was few blocks away from the Independence Hall Museum so it gave us the opportunity to do a little cardio  before and after lunch.  Wheeling is such a beautiful place, there are lots of old building structures to see.  I wish we had extra time to explore but maybe next time we could do that.

I am always drawn to  old but beautiful churches.  Statues that holds historic value is a great plus too.  

 

Did you know that Wheeling, West Virginia, was the former capital of the newly formed state from 1863 to 1870?  It was moved to Charleston but in 1875, the seat of the government was brought back to Wheeling and remained until 1885.  Then it was transferred again  to Charleston where it has since remained until the present day.  Does any state has a similar  event where the capital has been moved  to another city?  West Virginia definitely  had.

Our state is not very famous, in fact some American people  don't know  the difference between  the states of Virginia and West Virginia.  I remember when we were in South Korea and would tell people where we came from, they would often ask, where are you from Virginia when we clearly said West Virginia?  It gets frustrating to have to explain it every time but that's what happen most of the time.

West Virginia is  considered one of the more scenic states in the nation.  Aside from it's natural beauty, West Virginia is also known for its Civil War history,  resorts and architectural feats.  So if you are looking for a place to explore, try Almost Heaven, our beautiful state of WEST VIRGINIA.