By Simon Woodhouse
Situated on the outskirts of London, Windsor Castle is the largest inhabited castle in the world. It's also quite old, with the site having originally served as a base for William the Conqueror nearly a thousand years ago. Being made of wood, the structure William built has long since disappeared, but the strategic importance of the area wasn't lost on subsequent monarchs, many of who oversaw Windsor's numerous face-lifts and expansions.
In 1154, King Henry II built the first stone wall around the castle, part of which has survived, albeit very changed, until today. Being in such a strategic location - guarding the city of London from the west, the castle often came under attack. King Henry III repaired a substantial amount of damage in 1216, after the building had been besieged and assaulted by disgruntled English barons. Not long after this the Curfew Tower was built, a structure still visible today. For quite a while thereafter the castle didn't change very much, until in 1350 King Edward III indulged himself. He knocked down everything accept the Curfew Tower, and rebuilt from scratch. Twenty-four years later the job was done, at least for the time being.
St George's chapel, probably one of the most famous parts of the castle, has been rebuilt and subsequently fallen down again, many times over the years. In 1475, King Edward IV decided to really make a good job of it, and started a gothic style structure so grand it became more like a cathedral than a chapel. Though it fell to Henry VIII to finish the job fifty years later, it was well worth the effort, as the chapel turned out to be a magnificent building.
As different monarchs came and went, the castle's popularity changed too. Seen as a bleak, unwelcoming place by some kings and queens, it wasn't until 1660 and the reign of Charles II, that Windsor once again had a face-lift. The Palace of Versailles was also being built around this time, and some of Windsor's layout was modelled on the French palace. But following Charles II death, the castle fell out of favour once more and slipped into a state of disrepair. Then in 1804, George III needed somewhere to house himself, his wife and their thirteen children, so Windsor became a working castle once more. A few years, later George IV persuaded Parliament to give him 300,000 pounds, which he used to revamp Windsor in the most extensive building programme of the castle's long history.
Queen Victoria spent a lot of time at Windsor, and used her power and influence to have several public roads rerouted, thus allowing the castle grounds to be used exclusively by the royal family. The current Queen of England, Elizabeth II, uses Windsor as her principle weekend retreat. In 1992, fire severely damaged a large part of the castle, but all the destruction has since been repaired, the funds for which (thirty seven million pounds) came largely from the Queen's own pocket.
Today Windsor Castle is one of Britain's leading tourist attractions. Covering thirteen acres, the castle allows visitors to see where past and present monarchs live. The British Royal Family have always been lovers of fine art, and much of their collection can be seen in the State Apartments. Paintings hanging there include works by Rembrandt, Rubens, Canaletto, Gainsborough and a very famous triple portrait of Charles I by Sir Anthony van Dyck. A collection of armor is also on display there. Besides the artwork and the armor, the apartments are magnificent chambers within their own right. A palpable sense of majesty hangs in the air, reinforced by the sort of furniture and decor you'd expect to find in a royal palace. Sumptuous would probably be the best word to describe wants on show.
St George's Chapel is open to the public six days a week, but closed on Sundays for services to be held. Besides being a truly glorious structure inside and out, the chapel is also the last resting place of ten English monarchs, including Henry the VIII and his third wife Jane Seymour. The chapel is also the chapel of the Most Noble Order of the Garter, Britain's highest Order of Chivalry. Pomp and ceremony still play a part in everyday life at Windsor, with the Changing of the Guard taking place at 11am every day, accept on Sundays.
Besides the apartments and the chapel, the castle itself makes for an impressive spectacle, both from within its walls, and outside in the grounds. For an excellent photo opportunity, the Long Walk that leads up to the castle from the south is a must. Created as part of Charles II restoration work, the approach is three miles long and lined with Chestnut trees. The castle dominates the skyline at the end of the Long Walk, and this gives the visitor a truly impressive perspective of its grandness.
Even people not particularly interested in British history will still enjoy a visit to Windsor Castle. The atmosphere inside and out is one of majesty. It's almost as if the building's history is a tangible thing in its own right, something that can be felt as well as seen. And knowing just a fraction of the castle's past makes any visit that much more enjoyable.
Monday, September 18, 2006
What's Gay In Montreal
History/Description of Montreal
There are not too many places where you can find a place, totally surrounded by its own country which speaks a totally different language. Well, at least not anywhere in North America. One place that this phenomenon can be found is on the Isle of Montreal, Canada located in the Québec province. Though Canada is an English speaking country, Montreal is the second largest French-speaking city in the world after Paris. Also known by the name “City of Saints” a great number of the street names that you will find in the city is named after saints. This reflects the city’s Roman Catholic history and origin. According to the 2001 census, the population of the city proper topped in at 1,584,590, but according to the 2006 population of the greater metropolitan area, it boasts a population of at 3,640,000 in 2005 making it the 15th largest city in North America and the 77th largest city in the world. Askmen.com was gracious enough to rank Montreal as the number one city to live in the world all account to the culture, architecture and history.
Its gay district
With as many people as mentioned above living in one city, there has got to be an area of the city that is strictly devoted to where gender benders reside and decide to play and there is. Montreal’s Gay Village can be found by trotting up rue Sainte-Cathrine Est or by hopping on the Metro and getting off at Beaudry Station. Rivaling the size of Chicago’s Boystown, Motreal’s Gay playground runs from rue Berri to rue De Lorimaier, roughly 2 miles of man-meat bonanza. I would suggest that if you want to take a trip to this northern isle, take it in the summer or when the weather is warmer. You will get the most bang for your buck, I promise.
Where to stay
Le houseboy
The population of the city’s residents and visitor makes it possible to have a number of hotels and hostels devoted to making your stay in the French speaking Mecca one that you are not soon to forget. When I was planning my travel to Montreal last, I was hard pressed (no pun intended) to find a place where I can let my proverbial ‘hair down’, with out causing too much of an uproar. I was lucky enough to happen upon a place where I could do just that. In fact, this humble aboard was created with the gay male’s mind in mind. On my last trip to Montreal was just a few years ago, but I stayed at Le Houseboy which is conveniently placed in the middle of Montreal’s throbbing gay life. This bed and breakfast for men is just one-minute’s walk from Saint-Catherine street the accompanying Beudry Merto station. Le Houseboy is smoke free and makes you feel at home with its comfortable decorated rooms and charming owners. While I visited, the two were had their wedding ceremony. Equipped with cable television and air conditioning you will have no problem easing yourself into the room while taking a break from the wares of the district.
Where to eat
I found that Montreal is not only home to one of the largest Gay district in North America, but it also boast over 4,000 restaurants where you can survey more tha 80 different international cuisine. Here are a few that have the perfect combination of male eye candy and succulent taste-bud seductions.
Bato Thaí1310 rue Saite Catherine EstMontréal, Québec514-524-6705
La Strega du Village1477 rue Sainte Catherine EstMontréal, Québec514-523-6000
Le Club Sandwich1578 rue Sainte Catherine OuestMontréal, Québec514-523-4678
Le Planéte1451 rue Sainte Catherine EstMontréal, Québec514-528-6953
Le Staff1278 Sainte Catherine EstMontréal, Québec514-522-7175
Café European (Complexe Bourbon)1560 rue Ste-Catherine EstMontréal, Québec514-523-4678
Where to play
As mentioned above in the beginning paragraphs of this article, Montreal has established itself as one of the largest conglomeration of gays and lesbian. This being said, it would not be much of an information rich article if I did not include some of the best places to play in the city.
Campus Bar1111 rue Sainte Catherine EstMontréal, QC514-526-3616
Circus After Hours915 rue Sainte Catherine EstMontréal, QC514-844-3626
Club Date1218 rue Sainte Catherine EstMontréal, QC514-521-1242Cocktail1669 rue Ste Catherine EstMontréal, QC
There are not too many places where you can find a place, totally surrounded by its own country which speaks a totally different language. Well, at least not anywhere in North America. One place that this phenomenon can be found is on the Isle of Montreal, Canada located in the Québec province. Though Canada is an English speaking country, Montreal is the second largest French-speaking city in the world after Paris. Also known by the name “City of Saints” a great number of the street names that you will find in the city is named after saints. This reflects the city’s Roman Catholic history and origin. According to the 2001 census, the population of the city proper topped in at 1,584,590, but according to the 2006 population of the greater metropolitan area, it boasts a population of at 3,640,000 in 2005 making it the 15th largest city in North America and the 77th largest city in the world. Askmen.com was gracious enough to rank Montreal as the number one city to live in the world all account to the culture, architecture and history.
Its gay district
With as many people as mentioned above living in one city, there has got to be an area of the city that is strictly devoted to where gender benders reside and decide to play and there is. Montreal’s Gay Village can be found by trotting up rue Sainte-Cathrine Est or by hopping on the Metro and getting off at Beaudry Station. Rivaling the size of Chicago’s Boystown, Motreal’s Gay playground runs from rue Berri to rue De Lorimaier, roughly 2 miles of man-meat bonanza. I would suggest that if you want to take a trip to this northern isle, take it in the summer or when the weather is warmer. You will get the most bang for your buck, I promise.
Where to stay
Le houseboy
The population of the city’s residents and visitor makes it possible to have a number of hotels and hostels devoted to making your stay in the French speaking Mecca one that you are not soon to forget. When I was planning my travel to Montreal last, I was hard pressed (no pun intended) to find a place where I can let my proverbial ‘hair down’, with out causing too much of an uproar. I was lucky enough to happen upon a place where I could do just that. In fact, this humble aboard was created with the gay male’s mind in mind. On my last trip to Montreal was just a few years ago, but I stayed at Le Houseboy which is conveniently placed in the middle of Montreal’s throbbing gay life. This bed and breakfast for men is just one-minute’s walk from Saint-Catherine street the accompanying Beudry Merto station. Le Houseboy is smoke free and makes you feel at home with its comfortable decorated rooms and charming owners. While I visited, the two were had their wedding ceremony. Equipped with cable television and air conditioning you will have no problem easing yourself into the room while taking a break from the wares of the district.
Where to eat
I found that Montreal is not only home to one of the largest Gay district in North America, but it also boast over 4,000 restaurants where you can survey more tha 80 different international cuisine. Here are a few that have the perfect combination of male eye candy and succulent taste-bud seductions.
Bato Thaí1310 rue Saite Catherine EstMontréal, Québec514-524-6705
La Strega du Village1477 rue Sainte Catherine EstMontréal, Québec514-523-6000
Le Club Sandwich1578 rue Sainte Catherine OuestMontréal, Québec514-523-4678
Le Planéte1451 rue Sainte Catherine EstMontréal, Québec514-528-6953
Le Staff1278 Sainte Catherine EstMontréal, Québec514-522-7175
Café European (Complexe Bourbon)1560 rue Ste-Catherine EstMontréal, Québec514-523-4678
Where to play
As mentioned above in the beginning paragraphs of this article, Montreal has established itself as one of the largest conglomeration of gays and lesbian. This being said, it would not be much of an information rich article if I did not include some of the best places to play in the city.
Campus Bar1111 rue Sainte Catherine EstMontréal, QC514-526-3616
Circus After Hours915 rue Sainte Catherine EstMontréal, QC514-844-3626
Club Date1218 rue Sainte Catherine EstMontréal, QC514-521-1242Cocktail1669 rue Ste Catherine EstMontréal, QC
Must Do Fall Activities in Dickinson County, Upper Michigan
By Christina VanGinkel
If you find yourself in the Dickinson County area of Upper Michigan this fall, be sure to check their calendar of events for some must do fall activities. I found a copy through their website, dickinsonchamber.com, under tourism. Look to the left hand column and you will find the calendar right at the top. Some of the events you will discover include:
Leif Erickson Day Fall Festival
In Norway Michigan, come October, you will find the town in full regalia for the annual Leif Erickson Day Fall Festival. A celebration in honor of the country the town shares their name with; it has become the kickoff to various fall activities. You will find a fully stocked farmer's market where everything from apples to gourds can be had. Do not forget to pick up a few jack-o-lanterns and cornstalks too for all of your Halloween and Thanksgiving decorating you have yet to do. Hayrides, pony rides, and a petting zoo are available for the youngest visitors, a craft bazaar, including a variety of handcrafts from quilting to blacksmithing, and food to satisfy everyone no matter their age. Local stores use the event to kick off the upcoming holiday shopping frenzy by offering lots of merchandise at sale and clearance prices, and music fills the streets.
Fall Color Tours
The whole of the U.P. is known for its beautiful leaf color at various dates throughout the fall period, with Dickinson County a Mecca for anyone looking to enjoy them. By checking with uptravel.com before heading out, you will be able to pinpoint when the peak color change for each area is expected to arrive. This year, Dickinson County is expected to peak during the first week of October. Grab a picnic basket and blanket and head off for a drive down any stretch of country road, or along one of the many rivers or lakes. You will soon find yourself so entranced by nature in her full-fledged show of color, that any stresses or worries you started out the day with will soon be forgotten.
Hunting and Fishing
While not everyone enjoys the sports of hunting and fishing, many people do. A bit of warning for those who fit this category, a trip to the north woods of Dickinson County Michigan is a trek that once you make it; you will want to come back repeatedly. Lodging can be found from motels and bed and breakfasts, to campgrounds, and rental cabins, and almost every establishment from lodging to eateries caters to the outdoorsman. Hunting clothing is as acceptable in most restaurants as a business suit. The fall season is especially a good time to visit, with hunting seasons for game such as rabbit, a mixture of game birds, turkey, whitetail with bow an arrow, or black bear with aid of dogs or bait being open, and various species of fish legal for the catching. Check with the Michigan DNR for specifics on seasons, license requirements, age restrictions, etc.
Biking and Hiking
Dickinson County Michigan has numerous trails for biking and hiking. One such located in the southern part of the county is the Fumee Lake Natural Area. It offers trails in distances from 1.6 to 7.2 miles in length. A new bike trail 2.8 miles in length is newly completed. The trails wind around Fumee Lake and Little Fumee Lake and are also open in the winter months for cross-country skiing. Trails are groomed, and more information including maps and other trails in the Dickinson County area can be found at the dickinsonchamber.com website.
Craft Shows
Dickinson County Upper Michigan is home to many crafts people and artists. Because of this, art and craft shows are often held in locales from schools and malls, to riverfronts and ski resorts in the off-season. Any place that has the space available might be open to hosting a group of craters and artists. If you come across such an event, be sure to stop, as you never know what you might encounter, including stained glass, metalwork, potters, quilters, caricature artists, weavers, jewelry crafters, spinners, and more.
Dickinson County Michigan has a lot to offer to anyone looking for a Fall getaway. Whether for the weekend or a full-fledged vacation, there are activities in abundance.
If you find yourself in the Dickinson County area of Upper Michigan this fall, be sure to check their calendar of events for some must do fall activities. I found a copy through their website, dickinsonchamber.com, under tourism. Look to the left hand column and you will find the calendar right at the top. Some of the events you will discover include:
Leif Erickson Day Fall Festival
In Norway Michigan, come October, you will find the town in full regalia for the annual Leif Erickson Day Fall Festival. A celebration in honor of the country the town shares their name with; it has become the kickoff to various fall activities. You will find a fully stocked farmer's market where everything from apples to gourds can be had. Do not forget to pick up a few jack-o-lanterns and cornstalks too for all of your Halloween and Thanksgiving decorating you have yet to do. Hayrides, pony rides, and a petting zoo are available for the youngest visitors, a craft bazaar, including a variety of handcrafts from quilting to blacksmithing, and food to satisfy everyone no matter their age. Local stores use the event to kick off the upcoming holiday shopping frenzy by offering lots of merchandise at sale and clearance prices, and music fills the streets.
Fall Color Tours
The whole of the U.P. is known for its beautiful leaf color at various dates throughout the fall period, with Dickinson County a Mecca for anyone looking to enjoy them. By checking with uptravel.com before heading out, you will be able to pinpoint when the peak color change for each area is expected to arrive. This year, Dickinson County is expected to peak during the first week of October. Grab a picnic basket and blanket and head off for a drive down any stretch of country road, or along one of the many rivers or lakes. You will soon find yourself so entranced by nature in her full-fledged show of color, that any stresses or worries you started out the day with will soon be forgotten.
Hunting and Fishing
While not everyone enjoys the sports of hunting and fishing, many people do. A bit of warning for those who fit this category, a trip to the north woods of Dickinson County Michigan is a trek that once you make it; you will want to come back repeatedly. Lodging can be found from motels and bed and breakfasts, to campgrounds, and rental cabins, and almost every establishment from lodging to eateries caters to the outdoorsman. Hunting clothing is as acceptable in most restaurants as a business suit. The fall season is especially a good time to visit, with hunting seasons for game such as rabbit, a mixture of game birds, turkey, whitetail with bow an arrow, or black bear with aid of dogs or bait being open, and various species of fish legal for the catching. Check with the Michigan DNR for specifics on seasons, license requirements, age restrictions, etc.
Biking and Hiking
Dickinson County Michigan has numerous trails for biking and hiking. One such located in the southern part of the county is the Fumee Lake Natural Area. It offers trails in distances from 1.6 to 7.2 miles in length. A new bike trail 2.8 miles in length is newly completed. The trails wind around Fumee Lake and Little Fumee Lake and are also open in the winter months for cross-country skiing. Trails are groomed, and more information including maps and other trails in the Dickinson County area can be found at the dickinsonchamber.com website.
Craft Shows
Dickinson County Upper Michigan is home to many crafts people and artists. Because of this, art and craft shows are often held in locales from schools and malls, to riverfronts and ski resorts in the off-season. Any place that has the space available might be open to hosting a group of craters and artists. If you come across such an event, be sure to stop, as you never know what you might encounter, including stained glass, metalwork, potters, quilters, caricature artists, weavers, jewelry crafters, spinners, and more.
Dickinson County Michigan has a lot to offer to anyone looking for a Fall getaway. Whether for the weekend or a full-fledged vacation, there are activities in abundance.
Sunday, September 17, 2006
A Jaunt in Scotland by Casey Manes
One of my best travel adventures yet was a two week stay in Scotland and the Lake District of England. There are endless possibilities with a trip to these Celtic regions and it can be difficult to cram everything you want to do into such a short expanse of time. My journeys took me to the lower areas of Scotland. Someday, when I go again, I know I must make it to the Highlands, and so I recommend that if you have a desire to travel there, make that a priority. Also, as often as you can, take the train. This type of public transportation allows you to view the countryside in all of its hues of green and gray without the worries of driving and navigating yourself. European public transit is very affordable and easy to figure out. A few days spent in Edinburgh and Glascow are musts. These are relics in their own right, laden with beautiful old buildings intermingled by new shopping centers and fun pubs. Edinburgh and Glascow are also the places to go to get your fill of historic castles. Edinburgh is the site of the crown jewels and the place to be to see the changing of the guard. On my honor, one of the guards actually winked at my traveling companion through a steely guard face! Something to look for when you're there! Tiers of glamorous shopping line the downtowns of these larger cities, but also make you feel like you could be in New York or Chicago, much of the Scottish culture is lacking.
St. Andrews is a day trip you don't want to miss! Nestled on the coastline and frequently hidden beneath fog, it is an ancient town with loads of history and class. The first golf course is here and if you're a golf buff, this is a pilgrimage of sorts. Walk the coastline and overlook the sea wall while listening to one of many of the lone bagpipers positioned on a street corner serenading you eerily through your walk. These bagpipe players are always fully decked in traditional Scottish tartan kilts and hats and they don't seem to mind when you stand next to them to be photographed as they play. After a self-tour through town be sure to stop at some of the tourist shops in the downtown, stocked with somewhat cheesy Scottish memorabilia. If you have Scottish roots you can even find a shop that lets you research your clan's tartan and motto.
For a more rural and realistic taste of Scottish life, free from the quagmire of tourist traps, head to Moffat, a sweet little town tucked into the Scottish lowlands-- which are actually quite high. It is a gorgeous two hour drive from any of the major cities and gives you an experience that you really are in a foreign country, not just another big city. Quaint buildings lined with flowers, bake shops, friendly neighbors, parks, and misty afternoons make this town something to get attached to. The mountains surrounding Moffat are gorgeously green and fresh, and are speckled with sheep. From here you are only a few hours drive from the English Lake District, a famous area that is gorgeous and perfect for the day tripper or weekend excursion while you're in the area.
The Lake District is more touristy but is more focused on cute tea shops, chocolate/novelty shops, water and the great outdoors. Fields full of bleating Scottish sheep and Highland cows line the district and boat tours that bring you around the shimmering lakes are affordable and worth any price. Hiking onto the looming, lush green mountains is another outdoor option and enables a person to see amazing vistas and views.
While in Scotland, be sure to experience a pub. Pubs are so much different than the American bar. They are social hangouts for people of all ages but are not just for getting drunk, although this inevitably occurs. They are places to meet people and to fellowship, to dance a jig, to listen to live, local music, to play large games of trivia with people you've never met, and places to laugh and eat hearty, warm meals. While in Scotland myself, my friends and I took part in a pub-wide trivia pursuit match that ended with a victorious prize of a bottle of wine- not bad for being in a foreign country. The best part was, it was an experience that helped me meet people native to Scotland, savor their delicious accents and fine food, and it's what stands out in my mind above and beyond all of the tourist hot spots.
If you get a chance to go to Scotland, don’t delay, take the opportunity, and soak it up!
St. Andrews is a day trip you don't want to miss! Nestled on the coastline and frequently hidden beneath fog, it is an ancient town with loads of history and class. The first golf course is here and if you're a golf buff, this is a pilgrimage of sorts. Walk the coastline and overlook the sea wall while listening to one of many of the lone bagpipers positioned on a street corner serenading you eerily through your walk. These bagpipe players are always fully decked in traditional Scottish tartan kilts and hats and they don't seem to mind when you stand next to them to be photographed as they play. After a self-tour through town be sure to stop at some of the tourist shops in the downtown, stocked with somewhat cheesy Scottish memorabilia. If you have Scottish roots you can even find a shop that lets you research your clan's tartan and motto.
For a more rural and realistic taste of Scottish life, free from the quagmire of tourist traps, head to Moffat, a sweet little town tucked into the Scottish lowlands-- which are actually quite high. It is a gorgeous two hour drive from any of the major cities and gives you an experience that you really are in a foreign country, not just another big city. Quaint buildings lined with flowers, bake shops, friendly neighbors, parks, and misty afternoons make this town something to get attached to. The mountains surrounding Moffat are gorgeously green and fresh, and are speckled with sheep. From here you are only a few hours drive from the English Lake District, a famous area that is gorgeous and perfect for the day tripper or weekend excursion while you're in the area.
The Lake District is more touristy but is more focused on cute tea shops, chocolate/novelty shops, water and the great outdoors. Fields full of bleating Scottish sheep and Highland cows line the district and boat tours that bring you around the shimmering lakes are affordable and worth any price. Hiking onto the looming, lush green mountains is another outdoor option and enables a person to see amazing vistas and views.
While in Scotland, be sure to experience a pub. Pubs are so much different than the American bar. They are social hangouts for people of all ages but are not just for getting drunk, although this inevitably occurs. They are places to meet people and to fellowship, to dance a jig, to listen to live, local music, to play large games of trivia with people you've never met, and places to laugh and eat hearty, warm meals. While in Scotland myself, my friends and I took part in a pub-wide trivia pursuit match that ended with a victorious prize of a bottle of wine- not bad for being in a foreign country. The best part was, it was an experience that helped me meet people native to Scotland, savor their delicious accents and fine food, and it's what stands out in my mind above and beyond all of the tourist hot spots.
If you get a chance to go to Scotland, don’t delay, take the opportunity, and soak it up!
Friday, September 15, 2006
What To Expect When In Downtown Cincinnati
I have tried to start each of my weekday mornings with a leisurely thirty minute jaunt at Coffee Emporium on Central Parkway, but with the recent lack of available funds, it has been harder and harder who start my mornings with the jovial cup of Joe so when I do get a chance to go I do not want anything to disturb my morning.
While I am there, order the usual egg and cheese croissant and a large caramel latte (hold the whip cream) and I spend the thirty minutes people watching, proof reading writing created by others or ripping through the pages of my current read, entitled, Freedom In this Village. All this before I head out for a full day of hard labor.
Incidentally, this morning, I edited Chapter Four of the novel I am writing.
Anyway...
On my way to Coffee Emporium, driving, I crossed Liberty St. via Sycamore and at the intersection of Orchard and Sycamore streets, there was a man, who looked to be in his mid-thirties, violently waving down traffic that was moving south on Sycamore. The black S.U.V. just in front of me was hesitant to stop, but did so out of the kindness of their heart. Not passing the S.U.V., I waited to see if it was some sort of emergency. In reality, I was just being nosey. The man spoke to the driver through the passenger side window for only a few seconds and then the S.U.V. sped off, leaving the stranger in the middle of the intersection, thanking the driver with his middle finger.
Seeing this, I had no intention of stopping and was thanked in the same manner, along with the white station wagon that followed. What do people expect? Even if you are in dire need of help (which didn't seem to apply in this situation), it is less likely that a stranger is going to offer you a hand to repair a flat tire or offer his services to help jump your dead car battery if they have witnessed you offending a person that does not or can not stop and give assistance. I know that it is frustrating not to get help when you really need it, but clearly the person was not a downtowner, and may have not been aware of how to ask for help.
In a more rural setting, the average Joe may be more willing to stop for an up-turned thumb than most downtowners would be. There is not a common look for a person who resides downtown, but this stranger's worn baseball cap, faded blue jeans and confrontational demeanor told me that he "was not from around these here parts". I am sure this is why the stranger was more upset than he should have been, but that didn't persuade me to for go my morning escapade at Coffee Emporium.
When in Rome...
Living in a downtown environment has many benefits which is the reason it has drawn so many young professionals and empty nesters into its realm.
During the 1970’s, Downtown Cincinnati experienced and large exodus of its residents. From 1990 to 2000, population in the central business district declined nearly 17 percent from 3,838 to 3,189, according to a report from Downtown Cincinnati Inc. and U.S. Census data covering the same period shows that Cincinnati's population had dropped by more than 9 percent to 331,000.
The residents of downtown Cincinnati, along with help from the city’s government has mad great strides in attracting more people to live downtown, despite the Cincinnati’s Civil Unrest of 2001.
Want to find out more about living downtown or in Over-the Rhine? Try visiting the following Web sites ...
IRHINE
A nonprofit organization founded by Metaphor Studio creative director Ran Mullins in 2000, iRhine boasts links to developers, activities and all things Over-the-Rhine.
DOWNTOWN CINCINNATI, INC.(513) 521-4440
Also a nonprofit organization, Downtown Cincinnati Inc. has a goal to "revitalize" via the dissemination of information about everything there is to do, see, experience and take part in around the Queen City.
INVEST IN NEIGHBORHOODS1821 Summit Road, Suite 108, Roselawn (513) 921-5502 Founded in 1982, this non-profit agency works with Cincinnati's 51 neighborhood community councils in hopes of assisting them with financial resources and "to promote self-sufficiency and leadership skills of the councils and their residents.
While I am there, order the usual egg and cheese croissant and a large caramel latte (hold the whip cream) and I spend the thirty minutes people watching, proof reading writing created by others or ripping through the pages of my current read, entitled, Freedom In this Village. All this before I head out for a full day of hard labor.
Incidentally, this morning, I edited Chapter Four of the novel I am writing.
Anyway...
On my way to Coffee Emporium, driving, I crossed Liberty St. via Sycamore and at the intersection of Orchard and Sycamore streets, there was a man, who looked to be in his mid-thirties, violently waving down traffic that was moving south on Sycamore. The black S.U.V. just in front of me was hesitant to stop, but did so out of the kindness of their heart. Not passing the S.U.V., I waited to see if it was some sort of emergency. In reality, I was just being nosey. The man spoke to the driver through the passenger side window for only a few seconds and then the S.U.V. sped off, leaving the stranger in the middle of the intersection, thanking the driver with his middle finger.
Seeing this, I had no intention of stopping and was thanked in the same manner, along with the white station wagon that followed. What do people expect? Even if you are in dire need of help (which didn't seem to apply in this situation), it is less likely that a stranger is going to offer you a hand to repair a flat tire or offer his services to help jump your dead car battery if they have witnessed you offending a person that does not or can not stop and give assistance. I know that it is frustrating not to get help when you really need it, but clearly the person was not a downtowner, and may have not been aware of how to ask for help.
In a more rural setting, the average Joe may be more willing to stop for an up-turned thumb than most downtowners would be. There is not a common look for a person who resides downtown, but this stranger's worn baseball cap, faded blue jeans and confrontational demeanor told me that he "was not from around these here parts". I am sure this is why the stranger was more upset than he should have been, but that didn't persuade me to for go my morning escapade at Coffee Emporium.
When in Rome...
Living in a downtown environment has many benefits which is the reason it has drawn so many young professionals and empty nesters into its realm.
During the 1970’s, Downtown Cincinnati experienced and large exodus of its residents. From 1990 to 2000, population in the central business district declined nearly 17 percent from 3,838 to 3,189, according to a report from Downtown Cincinnati Inc. and U.S. Census data covering the same period shows that Cincinnati's population had dropped by more than 9 percent to 331,000.
The residents of downtown Cincinnati, along with help from the city’s government has mad great strides in attracting more people to live downtown, despite the Cincinnati’s Civil Unrest of 2001.
Want to find out more about living downtown or in Over-the Rhine? Try visiting the following Web sites ...
IRHINE
A nonprofit organization founded by Metaphor Studio creative director Ran Mullins in 2000, iRhine boasts links to developers, activities and all things Over-the-Rhine.
DOWNTOWN CINCINNATI, INC.(513) 521-4440
Also a nonprofit organization, Downtown Cincinnati Inc. has a goal to "revitalize" via the dissemination of information about everything there is to do, see, experience and take part in around the Queen City.
INVEST IN NEIGHBORHOODS1821 Summit Road, Suite 108, Roselawn (513) 921-5502 Founded in 1982, this non-profit agency works with Cincinnati's 51 neighborhood community councils in hopes of assisting them with financial resources and "to promote self-sufficiency and leadership skills of the councils and their residents.
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