Ohio Village: 1862 in 2012

One of my favorite childhood memories is going to the Ohio Village. I remember visiting the hot, smoky blacksmith's shop, smelling the rich tanned skins in the leather shop, and playing with wooden hoops and stilts.

When the Ohio Village reopened this summer to Ohio History Center guests after many years of being a special-events-only destination, I eagerly took Lil. My friend Kate (don't miss her blog about foraging and simple living) and her son came along with us.

The Village represents a small town several miles from the 'big city' of Columbus in the year 1862. Shops, offices, and homes are furnished with pieces common to the Civil War era. Volunteer reenactors introduce visitors to the tools and trades of the time.

We visited the school building where Lil drew on a slate and noticed the very few books children could read. At the tailor's house, the kids practiced washing dishes in an outdoor sink and later did laundry at the German immigrant's home. They investigated the bed made of a straw mattress on a rope frame.

Lil and I tried on lengthy dresses in the dressmaker's shop and were glad that fashion of today isn't so stifling. A reenactor at the ladies seminary taught Lil how to 'speak' the language of the fan. The uncrowded village allowed kids to explore at will.

I enjoyed looking at the gardens around the property including apple trees, a grape vine patch, a large heirloom garden and smaller herb patches. They are historically accurate and include vintage plant varieties like tobacco, dill, and beans.

I wished the printer and blacksmith's shop were open but understand that with a volunteer staff, we were lucky to see what we could. Lil did not miss what wasn't open. She learned words like 'ledger' and 'chamber pot', though she is too young to understand the context of the Civil War era. She advises other kids: "I think that the Ohio Village is a nice place because it's just interesting to see things in the past and it's really fun to play in all the houses and go to the school."

If you go:

• Bring snacks or lunch to enjoy in one of the covered picnic areas. No food is available for sale in the Village, though there is a small snack vending machine inside the Ohio History Center.
• Restrooms (with modern toilets) are available in the hotel.
• Dress for the weather - authentic to 1862, most buildings do not have heat or air conditioning.
• Consider a membership to the Ohio Historical Society. They offer discounts for many occupations and organizations. The very affordable membership gains you entry into museums and sites around the state.
• Parking is free most of the time. If there is a special event or during the Ohio State Fair, a parking fee may be charged.
• Visit Wednesday - Sunday before September 2. Hopefully if enough of us attend this summer, the Ohio Historical Society will open the Village every summer.

Ohio Village at the Ohio History Center 800 E. 17th Ave. Columbus, OH 43211

Hawaii Volcanoes National Park

People who visit Hawaii Volcanoes National Park, as we did on Sunday, witness the creation and destruction of earth. We hiked from the Kiluea visitor center through sulpur springs and steam vents to an overlook, spying apapane, white-tailed tropic birds, and ferns of many varieties along the way.  After a packed lunch we cooled off at Thurston's Lava Tube and viewed the tree molds, lava molds of tree trunks set deep in the ground. Later we walked a pleasant 1.5 miles through a fern and koa tree forest at Kipukapuaulu Bird Park.

Hawaii Volcanoes National Park, with its vast environs and odd creatures, is difficult to comprehend or describe for a simple minded person like myself. The wild, rough, young, epic land reforms itself, offering a rare glimpse of active modern geology. It is unlike anywhere else.

King Kamehameha Day

Yesterday afternoon we drove up the west side of the Hawaiian island from Keahou Bay to North Kohala on the north coast, the birthplace of King Kamehameha I. The locals put on a floral parade, decorate a tall statue of Kamehameha with hundreds of feet of floral leis, and set up a free outdoor festival for King Kamehameha Day every June 11. Unfortunately we were too late for the parade and drove in frustrating traffic instead.

Once we made it to the festival site, we watched hula dancers and ate from local food stands. Inside a community center, we talked with local artisans demonstrating their prowess in Hawaiian floral, quilt, saddle, weaving, and other arts.

Music and dancing continued throughout the afternoon, including this fine guitar player:

The crowds were a bit much to handle, so we left after about an hour. We drove part way back down the coast to stop at Pu'ukohola National Historic Site. Kamehameha and his legion of men built an impressive temple from hand-cut lava rocks on this site. The National Park-operated site includes a small visitor center, restrooms, 1/4 mile hike, and touch-table of native flora and fauna for kids.

Kamehameha's rule was violent and through his actions the Hawaiian islands were first united. He is credited with the 'Law of the Splintered Paddle', a law protecting elderly, women, and children from non-combatant violence. During his reign, Kamehameha sought the advice of British and American leaders, beginning the transition of the islands from native rule to US statehood. Witnessing the celebration of his birth and rule was a fascinating cultural experience.

If you go (unlikely, but I wish I had some advice to read before heading out for the celebration):

• Either drive to North Kohala and park before 8:15 am or wait until late morning after the parade. We hit right during the most crowded time and wasted an hour in traffic.
• Bring cash and expect a short wait for each food vendor. The food was of good quality, even the poi balls.
• Wear sun protection. There is some shade but not a lot.
• Pair with another activity or two - Hawi town had cute art galleries, Kawaihae has a beautiful pier with boats and nice fish shop, and walking to view the Pu'ukohola site only takes 20 minutes.

Mangoes! {Video}

Our Hawaiian rental house has a fruit tree grove. Naturally Lil and I explored it as soon as we arrived. Green mangos hang from long studded tails, ripening and reddening as they sink to the ground.

These fresh mangoes have succulent smooth flesh, not at all like the sometimes-stringy import versions we can buy in Ohio. We are enjoying them fresh with breakfast and mixed into drinks with limes from trees on the property.

Before we left, Lil shot this video of one way to peel and slice mangoes. The other 'hedgehog' method is pictured above. Lil's commentary is cute, but the subtitle should be 'why Rachel needs a tripod and not a six year old holding the camera.' Sorry.

Do you eat mangoes?

About that Hawaiian Vacation {Friday Five}

In 24 hours Alex, Lil and I will board a plane with twelve of my relatives bound for Kona, Hawaii. It's a similar trip to one we took to the Big Island nine years ago with most of the same people, my clever Tayse family. Excitement doesn't begin to describe our feelings about the details of this trip:

1) We're staying in the house mansion where John Wayne was married! 2) We will visit an organic coffee farm and the only tree-to-package chocolate business in the US! 3) Volcanoes! Waterfalls! Mountains! 4) Sea turtles! Manta rays! Tropical birds! Plumeria! 5) Our house is still for sale here - will we come back?!

Just in case you want to follow along (or know exactly how to ignore me), like Hounds in the Kitchen on Facebook, follow @racheltayse on twitter, and follow RachelTayse on Instagram. I have some fun things lined up for the blog in the coming ten days, so return right here too!

Seeking the Authentic

A while ago, Lil and I went to a new Columbus city space with friends, one touted as a great community center. I left unbelievably uncomfortable. Weed-like annoyances including the lack of shade, long lines, crowds, and poor food options covered up what I wished was growing instead but I couldn't quite put my finger on it right away.

A few days of introspection made me realize what was missing: authenticity. I and so many others headed to the area seeking community and engagement but left hot and bothered.

So What is Authentic?

Everyone's version of authenticity may be different. For me, a genuine experience is:

• Comfortable - everyone has space, there are areas of shade in summer and warmth in winter
• Engaging - all ages can enjoy aspects of the experience
• Open to Emotions - The Disney "Happiness Factor" isn't real. Guests must have the emotional space to feel moved, shocked, thrilled, saddened, and hopeful.
• Close to Nature - Real enterprises recognize that humans are part of nature, not a force above it, and provide avenues to interact and witness nature if only through windows and natural light.
• Open Ended - An authentic experience is made by the people who attend, have conversations, and create community.

When Faced With Fake

What do you do when you find yourself in a less-than-bona-fide situation?

If you can, transform the experience into something with more meaning and feeling. Play an inclusive game on an open lawn. Make a mental word search in a 'don't touch' museum. Position yourself in the most comfortable place you can find.

It's also OK to say "no thanks" to an un-authentic experience.  Advertising cleverly leads many of us to think that the new amusement park or traveling circus or characters on ice show is something everyone will love. If you know that your family doesn't like being packed in crowds for manufactured happiness, skip the temptation. We often stay far away from such events.

Plan for the Real Deal

We're about to leave for a lengthy vacation with fourteen relatives. We could fill our days with tours and tourist traps but we will seek authenticity instead. Whether at home or away, we search out genuine experiences like:

• Nature Parks and Wildlife Refuges
• Farmers' Markets
• Local Restaurants, Brew pubs, and Groceries
• Non-Profit Museums (some are much more 'real' than others)
• Ethnic Eats
• Libraries
• Community Festivals and Fairs
• Pick-Your-Own Operations and Farm Tours

Do you seek the authentic? How do you find it?

Nationwide Children's Hospital {Wordless Wednesday}

1. four foot tall carved wooden squirrel from Mansfield Carousel (one of many such characters) greeting visitors to the magical forest 2. color changing lights (that kids control) and lift in rehab room 3. sunlight, edutainment system, and private bath in rehab room 4. working kitchen for families to learn how to take care of child at home 5. car for families to practice transporting children with mobility issues 6. view from a patient room on to underground garage roof garden 7. signage in cafeteria includes diet and allergy information 8. indoor cafeteria seating 9. secure outdoor cafeteria seating 10. another friendly character 11. hidden pictures in magical forest mural

I recently toured the newly expanded Nationwide Children's Hospital with a group of bloggers. Unlike traditional scary and sterile hospitals, I found Children's full of whimsy, hope, light and natural materials. Our guides revealed that modern medical technology, sustainable energy practices, and staff support are behind the beautiful facade.

Though I hope none of you ever have to visit in an emergency, if you do so you'll find your stay full of thoughtful details and the highest level of technology, comfort, and care. Families can tour the new facility at their Community Celebration Sunday June 11, 2012 and view Youtube video from our tour and panel Q&A.

Disclosure: Nationwide Children's provided me with lunch and a few pieces of hospital branded swag. Opinions are my own.

Unfamiliar Fishes, Still Life {Book Hounds}

Today I want to recommend two strange, wonderful books: Unfamiliar Fishes and Still Life: Adventures in Taxidermy. Next week I'll share two food related texts but with our upcoming vacation and many of you perhaps looking for a quirky summer read, I offer these. Unfamiliar Fishes by Sarah Vowell is the strange story of the multicultural settling of the Hawaiian islands. In her characteristic humorous sarcastic tone, Sarah Vowel somehow makes the story of a culture co-opted by religious zealots fascinating. I learned so much in this book including why the Hawaiian language has so many vowel sounds (there are only a few allowed consonants), how Protestant sexual monogamy managed to win over native promiscuity, and how natives spent thousands of hours creating handmade textiles from native bird feathers.

Sarah Vowell immerses herself in a culture while writing about it and intersperses historical text with personal stories of visiting modern Hawaiian islands. These moments are sometimes tender, sometimes funny, and always illustrative.

When we travel to the Big Island on Saturday, I will be more sensitive to the native issues and history because of Unfamiliar Fishes.

In Still Life: Adventures in Taxidermy, author Melissa Milgrom finds herself searching after the meaning of modern and historical stuffed animals. She explores the beginnings of taxidermy when scientists attempted to recreate live animals to show them to the public and the heyday of the 'art' form when museums around the world employed teams of animal sculptors.

Milgrom continues her journey with a visit to a contemporary artist, Emily Mayer, who makes waves in the modern art world by collaborating with Damien Hirst on installations involving everything from cows to sharks preserved in various mediums.

Readers are also treated to carefully-described tours through Smithsonian labs, personal studios of those competing in the World Taxidermy Championship (yes, there is such a thing), and museums of curiousities. From descriptions of the most kitschy versions of mounted fish to conversations with those who truly believe in the art of recreating life with a dead animal's body, Milgrom pulls together a book that is full of wonder and respect for a rarely-examined field of work.

I highly recommend Unfamiliar Fishes or Still Life for readers wanting delve into something that will leave you feeling normal in comparison while entertaining and educating you along the way. Or for anyone wanting to understand a little about how my own quirky preferences work as I was thrilled by these very strange books.

Now I need your recommendations for books to read on our upcoming vacation. I tend towards oddball non-fiction, memoirs, and biographies. Ideas?

Disclosure: Book titles and covers are Amazon affiliate links.