Williamsburg

We rented bikes in Williamsburg (very good idea from our Nolan cousins), which made it easy to get around but I suppose we weren't being very colonial in that way. We went to a tavern after dinner for dessert. It was a dark and pleasant place with big baskets of peanuts (local crop) on the tables. Our waiter taught us how to play two games with peanuts and dice. There were wonderful musicians who came in for part of the time to play a few songs and also a magician who performed amazing tricks.

Outside in the dusk, we saw loads of fireflies -- very wonderful! I didn't realize that fireflies only light up at dusk and for a short time after. I guess I figured they were glowing all night but probably there is a reason for their short lighting.

In the morning, we spent more time in the old town, hearing a great reading of the Declaration of Independence by costumed townspeople, and going to different shops and workshops. We talked with a shoemaker, the blacksmith, the apothecary, some bakers, and many others. We had been encouraged by one of the colonists to ask anyone in costume if they were a Loyalist (loyal to England) or a Patriot (determined to be free of England). Rick enjoyed asking this question and received many interesting answers -- a man who claimed to be a merchant said he found it more profitable not to take sides.

Williamsburg is a beautiful place. It was very hot, though, and there was slightly more enthusiasm for swimming than for talking to Colonial townfolk. After walking through the garden of the Governer's Palace (where Thomas Jefferson was Governor at one time) we decided to head to Washington D.C. a few hours earlier than expected. Two and a half hours later (which now seems like about 30 minutes to us) we were there (well, actually in Bethesda). We had dinner with friends and saw more fireflies, then headed to Fair Oaks, Virginia where our cousins live.