Tag: 2002

2025 · Travel Tuesday

Disney’s Magic Kingdom, Walt Disney World, Lake Buena Vista, Florida 2002 🏰🐭

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Let the Honeymoon officially begin! We made it to Walt Disney World.

Kevin, my in-laws, and I had a place to stay in Daytona Beach, Florida. The first day we arrived, we hung out at the beach. I was building my first sand castle on the west side of the Atlantic and picked up some shells as keepsakes.

The following day, we all drove to Buena Vista to visit Walt Disney World. It was Day 1 of 4 when we made it to Disney’s Magic Kingdom. I remember when I entered the park and saw the big Cinderella Castle for the first time, I had tears in my eyes. This was a bucket list item since childhood. I always wanted to see Mickey.

My in-laws did their own thing. Kevin and I did our thing. There were so many rides, characters, parades, shops, and food. And all I could think of was how to stay hydrated in the Florida sun in early June. But we managed it perfectly. And we also got quite a tan.

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The highlight was on Day 3. I finally met the mouse, THE MOUSE: Mickey Mouse. I was so excited, and so must have been my pen. When Mickey tried to give me an autograph, my pen wouldn’t work. So, I had to borrow another guest’s pen to get Mickey to sign my autograph book. When Kevin and I walked out of the building, I said, “I can’t believe that just happened.” After that, my pen just worked fine again. 🙄😄

… to be continued …

2025 · Travel Tuesday · USA

Hiking At Table Rock Mountain By Morganton, North Carolina 2002

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Since it didn’t work out as planned at Chimney Rock, Kevin decided to approach a different trail. We had his older brother and our sister-in-law in tow when we went up to Table Rock Mountain. Table Rock Mountain is not far from Morganton and features some nice trails that can be easily accessed from the parking lot. It was a beautiful afternoon hike, where I could see the Linville Gorge and plenty of vegetation. Many plants looked familiar to me. And I pointed that out to my brother-in-law. He replied that many of these plants were introduced from Europe and have become invasive species, and/or Europeans have discovered what grows best in various types of soil.

After reaching the parking lot and quenching our thirst with water, we drove back down toward Morganton and then to Valdese. It was time for dinner. And Kevin’s parents were waiting for us.

… to be continued …

2025 · Travel Tuesday

Gatlinburg, Tennessee 2002

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The first weekend we visited Kevin’s parents in North Carolina, we went on a day trip to Gatlinburg, Tennessee. Gatlinburg is one of those places I call “tourist traps”. It’s all fine that Eastern Tennessee wants to make money. But, I can care less about all this hustle & bustle in that town. Originally, my father-in-law wanted to take us to a place close by to show us some Cherokee and Civil War history. Well, that didn’t work out that way. And it was partially my fault as well. Because I said I’d rather see the attractions in Gatlinburg. Now, I wish I had said “yes” to history. But I’m also 22 years older and hopefully smarter.

On the way back to North Carolina, we stopped at the Interstate 40 Welcome Center. It’s a nice center with some outdoor walking area in the middle of the Smoky Mountains. In the meantime, we stopped there several times while traveling from Texas to North Carolina.

… to be continued …

2025 · Travel Tuesday · USA

The Museum of The Cherokee People & Oconaluftee Indian Village 2002

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Kevin wanted to show me his Native American Heritage. So, we went to the Museum of the Cherokee Indians and the Cultural Village in Cherokee, North Carolina.

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As you enter the soft trails of the village, it’s no longer the 21st century: you’re immediately transported to the 1760s. The faint tang of wood smoke wafts by as you are led by a Cherokee cultural expert on an interactive journey through the Cherokee lifestyle and history. Your guide will show you the way through the winding paths, flanked with traditional Cherokee dwellings, work areas, and sacred ritual sites. Delight in cultural dances amid the swaying oaks and sycamores. As you wander, interact with villagers as they hull canoes, sculpt pottery and masks, weave baskets, and fashion beadwork. Watch as a village prepares for war. Be amazed by a blowgun demonstration. Oconaluftee Indian Village is much more than just a place; it’s living history. 

:https://visitcherokeenc.com/

… to be continued …