frugal sightseeing Archives - Page 29 of 31

Let’s Not Forget the Rosie’s, Rosie the Riveter Museum

September 30, 2016February 2, 2025Silvia

We can do it! The image of the woman in a blue worker outfit, flexing her biceps, was for me always a symbol for equal rights in the workforce.

Little did I know that this was a propaganda poster in World War II to get the women in to substitute for the men and outproduce war materials. About six million women would prove that they could do what was considered men’s work, like welding and riveting.

The Rosie the Riveter Museum in Richmond does a great job remembering the Rosies, their accomplishments in welding and other jobs, it also mentions new achievements like day care. But they also talk about some lesser popular subjects like race inequality and the housing crisis.

Richmond got chosen to be the National Park Memorial for Rosie the Riveter because of the large Kaiser shipyards building warships, where a lot of Rosie’s worked.

On Fridays you can see some Rosies (and a Roger) gladly explaining what it was like for them.

Do you know any Rosie’s?

Be a Love Detective for Beethoven

September 9, 2016February 3, 2025Silvia

Well I guess Beethoven knew who he was writing to in his letter to the immortal beloved.

For researchers and everyone else this is still a mystery. In the exhibit: Beethoven in Love, from the Beethoven Center at San José University, you can educate yourself about all the people that played a significant role in Beethoven’s life. If you come to a conclusion about who was the immortal beloved you can also vote – voting booth and exhibit is open until December 17th, 2016.

But the Beethoven Center also has the largest collection on Beethoven memorabilia and books outside of Germany. I admit I came for the hair, a lock that has been tested, and is currently undergoing DNA testing, to uncover more mysteries about Beethoven’s life.

Our docent, Adriana was very knowledgeable about Beethoven and everything concerning him. We had a great time and as a special treat she also played on various instruments explaining the particularities about the instruments.

Do you have a favorite composer?

Presidential Digs, Hoover Tower

August 26, 2016February 3, 2025Silvia

Stanford’s most iconic structure is the Hoover tower. The observation platform on the 14th floor is a nice place to comfortably see the whole campus and beyond, even for someone who is afraid of heights.

The entrance hall showcases the careers of Herbert Hoover, 31st President of the US, on one side, and his wife, Lou Henry Hoover, on the other. Both were alumni of Stanford. The entrance fee is $3. For more information you can visit the Stanford site: http://visit.stanford.edu/plan/guides/hoover.html

Another presidential dig is a bit harder to spot since it is a floating fully functional ship. The Potomac used to be called the floating White House for President Roosevelt. He apparently hated flying and used this accommodation quite often. Like I mentioned it is still in service, you can rent it or take a cruise, so it wasn’t available on my recent visit to Oakland. To check availability, visit their website: http://www.usspotomac.org

Do you know of other presidential digs in the Bay Area?

Pop into a Park, Pop-Up Park in Los Altos

August 19, 2016February 3, 2025Silvia

I have heard about pop-up stores before. Some fun way to test run your retail ideas.

When I came across a pop-up park I was naturally intrigued.

On Third Street between State Street and the North Parking Plaza in Los Altos you can experience a pop-up park for the month of August. They rolled out the turf, put up some comfy lawn chairs, lots of kids toys, and a ping pong table!

They also offer teen nights, movies, and live music, and more. For a full schedule of events visit their calendar at thirdstreetgreen.com

Even when there is no program the park it is well received. Especially for the little ones, this is a great hangout spot.

Have you ever been to a pop-up park?

Discover the Sound of Joy, Musical Swing

August 12, 2016February 3, 2025Silvia

Can you remember the last time you were on a swing? The tickle you felt going up into the sky?

Now imagine a swing that makes a pleasant sound, different by how fast you go. But it gets even better, it’s a collaborative tool to show that you can make great music working together.

In San José, at Plaza de Cesar Chavez, a new installation provides exactly this experience.

Ten seats, four instruments (piano, harp, guitar and vibraphone) and fun for all ages provided by the Musical Swing:

http://www.musicalswings.com/

A project from Daily tous les jours, an interaction design studio bringing us collective experiences in public spaces. San José is the last stop in this traveling exhibit, ending October 2, 2016.

Mixed in with airplanes and construction noise, I felt happy.

Swing on by!

When was the last time you were on a swing?

Sunnyvale Orchard Treasure Hunt

August 6, 2016February 3, 2025Silvia

Before Silicon Valley this area was mostly orchards. There are still some places where you be reminded of this. I made a treasure hunt taking you to some of these places. Enjoy!

You can do this alone or in a group, or even with competing teams. I attached the questions as a pdf, so you can print them out and off you go!

Please don’t google the questions – where is the fun in that?!

Duration: about 1 to 2 hours

Distance: about 2 miles

Starting point: 490 W California Ave, Sunnyvale, CA 94086 (please obey parking restrictions)

What is the Historical Landmark at your starting point?
How old is the current structure?
The neighborhood between Matilda, Maude, Bayshore Freeway and Fair Oaks Ave is named after a garden pest. What is it?
Continue south towards El Camino. On the corner is a shopping center. What is the name?
Write down the year C.J. Olson opened.
Who is quoted saying the following: “My parents moved from San Francisco to Mountain View when I was five… Silicon Valley for the most part at that time was still orchards — apricot orchards and prune orchards — and it was really paradise.”
Find the Heritage Museum of Sunnyvale. What trees are preserved in the Heritage Park?
Make a picture of you / your group as a tree.

Send the answers to untilsuburbia AT gmail.com

Here is thePDF: sunnyvale orchard

I’d love your comments if you did this treasure hunt. Thanks!

Give the Founding Father the Finger, Junipero Serra Sculpture

July 16, 2016February 3, 2025Silvia

By now you might know I have a thing for giant sculptures. This figure of Junipero Serra is something between landmark and kitsch and can be seen from the 280 going north right after the 92. If you feel ready for a close up, get off the visitor center exit at Hillsborough. Here right of the restrooms is a small path going up to the pointing monk.

But watch out for snakes! While we were walking up to the padre we saw a snake and a few lizards.

Junipero established nine missions in (Alta) California. In spite of protests that he mistreated the native Indians, he became a saint in 2015.

More information on Junipero Serra:

en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jun%C3%ADpero_Serra

www.californiafrontier.net/who-was-junipero-serra/

www.theguardian.com/world/2015/sep/23/pope-francis-junipero-serra-sainthood-washington-california

What is your relationship with the founding father?

Repository of Fun, Playland not-at-the-beach

June 25, 2016February 3, 2025Silvia

Playland not-at-the-beach was founded out of fond memories from the Playland near Ocean Beach in San Francisco that closed down in 1972.

We started our visit with the magic show. A 20 min show with great tricks and fun jokes. Down the hall are memorabilia from the Cliff House and the Sutro Bath with posters explaining their history.

But of course we came here to play! There are several rooms with pinball machines. Sadly our favorite pinball the Addams Family had a flipper brocken. Not one of the major two flippers (I saw a machine where that was the case) but still it took away from the fun. Besides pinball, there are a lots of arcade games, some our grandparents might remember.

A few rooms are dedicated for miniature houses that light up when you press a button and some things move.

One cabinet I saw with a lot of curious things.

There is a lot to discover and fun for a large group to enjoy themselves.
Do you remember the amusement park at the ocean?

Lace it Up, Lace Museum

June 18, 2016February 3, 2025Silvia

When I saw that there is a Lace Museum in Sunnyvale, I put that on my list on things to explore.

I hesitated to go in at first because it said on the front door to call (408-730-4695) if you like a tour. But, since I was there I might as well check it out, right?

(It turns out I misread it, you only need to call if you are six or more, they will give you a tour if you are a smaller group, or even by yourself.)

I got greeted with the words: “Welcome to the Lace Museum. Would you like a tour?” Perfect!

I have to say, I learned so much! Thank you. I still have a hard time picturing how people make these delicate laces by hand. They do classes and I will definitely check out their Christmas fundraiser, where they sell ornaments made with old lace.

They have one exhibit piece that uses hair and silk as the lace material. And on another piece there are scarab beetles incorporated into it. I had no idea they are so shiny!

Currently they have an exhibit about wedding dresses. But, these special exhibits change.

This museum is an all volunteer base, so please come by, get the inside scoop on lace and donate, because they do a mighty great job.

Have you done lacing before?

Where the Giant Buddhas are, Wat Dhammararam Buddhist Temple

June 3, 2016February 3, 2025Silvia

Stockton might not be on everyone’s radar for a short day trip. (If you are from Stockton, I welcome comments below. )

We came from Davis and had time for a short sightseeing stop. This one was a bit hard to find but impressive nonetheless.

The Wat Dhammararam Buddhist Temple allows visitors to view their giant sculptures. I do not know the stories they depict but they made me surely curious. (Actually their website summarizes some of the stories.)

And they are truly giant!

One little girl said to a statue: “Bye. I won’t see you again.” I turned around and saw a slaughtered figure on the ground. I smiled to myself at such carefreeness.

Everyone here was smiling and waving. Truly an enchanted place.

My son even saw the soccer goddess. 🙂

Have you seen giant Buddha statues?