SUTTON Travels

20 April 2022

Oklahoma Railway Museum USA

The Oklahoma Railway Museum is a working museum.

Getting an old loco in shape

You can buy tickets for a ride but it was closed when I visited.

There are signs providing educational information about America's railroads.

For example, a sample of tools used by the crew.

And information about the tracks

I wandered about the yard and took these photos.

Link to the museum website

The museum is free

Purchase a ticket for a train ride

See the website for hours and days of operation

Link to a Google Map

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National Memorial Oklahoma City

I visited the memorial to those whose lives were changed on 19 April 1995 in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma.

The full name is Oklahoma City National Memorial and Museum.

The map shows the layout of the memorial.

Outside, there are flowers on the wall on March 31, 2022.

The empty chairs honor the 168 people who died. The smaller chairs are for the children.

The reflecting pool is a focal point.

Following is a video of the memorial.

Here is a map link to the Memorial and Museum

The address:

620 N. Harvey Ave, Oklahoma City, OK 73102

The people who died are remembered on the museum website.

A quote from the museum

We come here to remember those who were killed, those who survived and those changed forever. May all who leave here know the impact of violence. May this memorial offer comfort, strength, peace, hope and serenity.®

Please check out my website www.suttong.com

and see my books on AMAZON or GOOGLE STORE

Also, consider connecting with me on

FACEBOOK Geoff W. Sutton

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19 April 2022

LIttle Rock Nine Arkansas

In the last few years, I've been reading more about the African experience in the United States. One book, Elizabeth and Hazel: Two Women of Little Rock, spurred my interest in visiting Little Rock, Arkansas.

First, I stopped at the Little Rock Central High School National Historic Site.

It's a small museum across the road from the attractive campus of Central High School where students still attend.

The museum contains storyboards, which tell the story of America's segregated schools.

In 1954, the U S Supreme Court in Brown v. Board of Education of Topeka, ruled that racial segregation was unconstitutional.

In 1957, nine Black students prepared to enter Central High School in Little Rock, Arkansas. But they were barred by the Arkansas National Guard.

The black students faced fierce opposition from the crowd. The classic photo reveals a sea of hostile and otherwise unfriendly white faces.

These black students stayed away from school until federal troops could safely escort them into the High School.

*******

Next, I went to the capitol building to locate the sculpture, Testament. It is a powerful image of the Little Rock Nine attempting to go to school. They face the capitol building, a symbol of government opposition to desegregation in many states.

See the short video of this visit.

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Government website link

Google Map Link to the National Historic Site

11 March 2022

Epcot Walt Disney World Orlando FL

The giant "golf ball" (Spaceship Earth) is linked to Disney's Epcot forever and reminds those of a certain age of a permanent world's fair.

It's nice to see familiar attractions like The Seas with Nemo and Friends, which is one of 10 rides and educational exhibits like the aquariums.

The best attraction, in my view, is Soarin in The Land.

With legs dangling in the air, we soar above mountains, animals, and famous places. Children point in amazement. They laugh as they raise their legs to avoid hitting a mountain top. It's an amazing VR flight around the world that lasts nearly 5 minutes.

Of course, the French have Ratatouille (Remy's Ratatouille Adventure)--a fun 3D adventure ride that makes me want to see the movie again.

And the Vikings (Norway) have Frozen Ever After-- also fun.

We visited other nations as well--sometimes there's a film, sometimes some music, lots of gift shops, and places to cool down. There are 11 nations around the lagoon--oh there's a boat ride across this pond, which can save some steps.

Iconic Italy

And my home, the UK where we enjoyed a late lunch of fish 'n chips--I'd rate it 4 of 5 stars. Much better than the unbelievably more expensive fare we ate at Key West a few days later.

Below is a throwback to the UK pavilion during our visit in 1984--some things changed more than others. Epcot opened in 1982 so, we were early visitors.

The Canadian mansion (below) is awesome-- we skipped the film in 2022 because we had seen it a few times before. If you haven't seen it, the 360 film is impressive (Canada Far and Wide in Circle-Vision 360).

Here are a few more national exhibits and scenes

Japan 2022

Morocco 2022

Epcot 1984

I'm back to 2022. Check out the model railway village near the German Pavilion--

After our evening meal and a rest, we hit the Test Track by Chevrolet for our last ride.

Entrance Tip-- they have a single rider lane. My friend and I went together and ended up in the same car. It was so easy to get in that I went twice.

We did a few more things.

Grand Fiesta Tour Starring The Three Caballeros: The boat ride stopped working and we waited for the staff to realize we could duck our heads and safely walk along the side path to exit.

Our grandchildren saw Figment in Imagination!

We rode a slow boat through Living with the Land --I'm not sure why. I nearly fell asleep.

BTW, We ate three meals that day.

Epcot was our first day of the 5-day WDW visit. We all met for an All You Can Eat breakfast at Ohana in the Polynesian resort. If you want this place, book very early--it is in high demand.

I mentioned lunch at the UK pavilion.

We had dinner too, then saw some fireworks as we hustled our tired selves to the Skyliner transportation back to the Caribbean Resort.

And we were tired after one of our highest mileage days in a long time--12 miles! Epcot is twice the size of the Magic Kingdom--300 acres

Links to the other WDW parks

Magic Kingdom - includes tips and ideas

Animal Kingdom - lots of animal photos

Hollywood Studios- action packed

Please check out my website www.suttong.com

and see my books on AMAZON or GOOGLE STORE

Hollywood Studios Walt Disney World Orlando FL

Prepare for an Action-Packed Day

We spent one day at Hollywood Studios. My wife and I were at the "ropes" ready to enter. I headed for Slinky Dog to meet our family. It was a great attraction for young and old in the Toy Story section. And it's a good choice for a "rope drop" attraction.

My fave was the Star Wars area and the Rise of the Resistance- it's worth paying extra for this one.

There are shows, which allow for a needed break. My fave was the Indiana Jones Epic Stunt Spectacular- Warning it's loud and some scenes can disturb young children.