American Latino Heritage Fund Roadtrip- Freedom Tower

Day 7, Miami's Freedom Tower, the last stop for BB on this great American Latino Heritage Fund Roadtrip. Ironic if you think about, because this was the first stop into this country for so many.  Built in 1925, modeled after the Giralda Bell Tower on the cathedral of Seville, Spain, this building became the entrance to America for thousands of immigrants.

Freedom Tower- Miami Ntl. Landmark

 We spoke with an expert on the Freedom Tower and Florida, Dr. Paul George- nothing but the best for you My Beautifuls.  Dr. George is a noted historian and past president of the South Florida Historical Society.  My Capitan  Maria de los Angeles had taken a class with him and we were honored that he agreed to an interview.

At this point My Capitan had come in with the big guns- the professional video camera and on person mikes.  We'll have to wait to see the finished edited shoot, but it'll be worth it; Dr. George was a fountain of knowledge and Maria and I were just fabulous!  heje Especially my surprised look when he told me Miami was a well established town before the Cubans mass arrival.  JU SO FONII!!!  No really, he said that!  Look for my surprised face on the video.

Another thing I'd like you to look at are the pictures I took of the Freedom Tower on my Feibu page. It was my last day w/Maria's camera so I made sure to take lots of fotos.  

http://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.516213865072253.134114.258124544214521&type=3

BBP  (Babushka Bullet Points) on Miami's Freedom Tower

* Housed Miami's 1st Newspaper the Miami News & Metropolis

* The cupola has a beacon light said to represent the enlightenment the newspaper was to shine upon its' readers

* During the Cuban mass exodus away from Fidel Castro's regime in the 1960's to the early 70's, 400,000 Cubans were welcomed into the US  through the doors of the Freedom Tower

* Currently administered by Miami Dade College, it serves as an art gallery and exhibition space.

Through these doors and into Freedom.

As I look at the Freedom Tower I recall many of the stories I heard during my youth.  The hope this building brought, the reunions with loved ones, and the gratitude to a new homeland.

The Majesty of a Classic- standing out among the modern.

Like looking in a mirror.

; )

Babushka besos a todos.  Cuidensen.

P.S.  Thanks to our wonderful sponsors who gave us the freedom to take this trip and to tell it in our own words.

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American Latino Heritage Fund Roadtrip- Ybor City

Day 6 of the American Latino Heritage Fund Roadtrip and Babushka's visiting Ybor City.  Now part of modern day Tampa Florida, Ybor City has so many fascinating stories that a 2 hour walking tour just started my curiosity. I never imagined the importance this quaint locale had in our nations history.  Imaginate, I could have kept asking  questions even though the sol was already out- so you know BB was captivated!

  And here's the man in the know- 

Dr. Wallace Reyes, Historian and Master Cigar Maker

Now let's start listening to some of his know- Introduction into Ybor City's History.

 

The main industry in Ybor city was the cigar.  Here the four nationalities came together to produce first class quality that was world renowned, but it was not just the quality of the cigar that was exemplary. The business practices and social organizations in Ybor City were ahead of their time in the US and the pride of being here was handed down to each generation. Dr. Reyes illustrates this point in this video where he explains a typical workday for a cigar artisan.

In a city where Spaniards, Cubans, Italian and Germans all resided together you know there had to be good food.  Queee?? You thought I'd go to a Cuban town and not talk about food?  JU SO FONII!! As a matter of fact, on my youtube channel you'll see Dr. Reyes explain the history of the Ferlita Bakery -current housing of the museum. Naturally this brings to BB's mind the current debate about the real Cuban Sandwich.  Sorry Miami, the ORIGINAL sandwich was called "The Brick" and then renamed "Cuban" sandwich because it became the main lunch item for Cuban cigar artisans.

Home of the ORIGINAL Cuban Sandwich

 As a matter of fact, thanks to the Italian influence in Ybor City, there were Italian meatcuts in the sandwich. A sandwich invented because the factory owners noticed that artisans would be slower after a typical Cuban lunch.  In that, time has not changed.  Heje  Siesta- a tradition BB is proud to continue.  

 ; ) 

And yes, another part of tradition I continue, loving my Latino roots, however I have never visited Cuba- until now. When I said Ybor City was a Cuban town I was not kidding. The Jose Marti Park located in Ybor City is governed by the same laws as embassies; it is still owned by the Cuban government and currently protected by the United States of America.

 

Check out the full story on BB's Feibu Video page  

http://www.facebook.com/BBabushka/videos

and while you're there check out the many pics I posted on Ybor

BBP (Babushka Bullet Points) of Ybor City

* Thanks to the foresight of Vicente Martinez-Ybor and Eduardo Manrara, an industrial and cultural powerhouse arose out of the Florida swamps.  

*Ybor city revolutionized the Southeast United States, was second only to New York City in the artistic and theatrical events of the day, and brought together four distinct cultures in creating a community dedicated to cigars and their distribution.  '

*The collaboration resulted in a world wide reputation for superior cigars- so much so that each of the major cigarmaking houses were the exclusive suppliers for different royals throughout Europe.

* Was the home to advanced thinkers in the area of industrialization and business practices

* At the peak year, 1929, half a million cigars were rolled in Ybor City

*DEFINITELY take the Ybor City Historic Walking Tour. Make reservations con tiempo and a recorder- sooo wish I had done the latter. http://yborwalkingtours.com/

Will I be going back to visit Ybor City? 

Let's see... Dr. Reyes just skimmed the surface of the city's history.

I didn't get to try the Ybor City/Tampa Cuban Sandwich in the famous, open since 1905, 

oldest US restaurant, the Colombia  Restaurant

And as if that wasn't enough, there's a memory that will always be haunting and calling me...

Nicahabanacigar.com
Continuing the tradition-
the duo of decadence

Ybor City-have the bread & the cafecito hot,  que pa'ya voy!

Babushka Besos a todos.  Cuidensen.

P.S.  Thanks to Dr. Wallace Reyes, a man of much knowledge and many talents.  

His cigar company: http://cigarsoftampa.com/  

His world record breaking cigar: http://worldslongestcigar.com/
See his thoughts on the Latino Heritage in Ybor City and its' effects on the nation- http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tNnqX-hvtTg

P.P.S. The National Park Service has an interesting lesson plan about Ybor City- captures the history and feel of the place nicely.http://www.nps.gov/history/nr/twhp/wwwlps/lessons/51ybor/51Ybor.htm

P.P.P.S.  Thanks again to the sponsors of this roadtrip- without them there would have been no trip and I couldn't have expressed myself.  Now, de verdad, how boring would that have been?? Gracias.

American Latino Heritage Fund Roadtrip- Ft. Matanzas

Day 5 of the American Latino Heritage Fund Roadtrip finds BB at Ft. Matanzas National Monument. Fifteen miles away from St. Augustine, it was a nice leisurely Sunday drive, especially with Carlitos and his guided navigation. Ok si, a lo bueno se acostumbre facil. I am quickly and easily spoiled by the finer things in life.  But can you blame me?  Look how purty he makes it!

Colorful Composition by Carlitos

And talk about purty-  look at this pic of Ft. Matanzas.

Of course this shot was taken when the ferry was close to the fort.  Queee?? You didn't know it was only visitable via ferry?  Here, a little video to give you a taste of the waters and what's ahead. 

 

Now remember the part about the narrow opening at the top to go to the flag...

We arrive at the actual fort, Fort Matanzas. 

A National Monument for its' history, its' longevity and its' service to our country.  

As told brilliantly by this Park Ranger.

In the fort-  

On the ground floor we see how soldiers may have been housed 

and the different uniforms used by various troops who served at Ft. Matanzas.

the view from inside-

the second floor- 

These stairs Babushka had no problem with.

The sentry's quarters.

Now, remember what the ranger had said about a narrow opening?  

BB had no problema with the stairs going to the second story, but the ones going to the roof?

Babushka's Cuban Cadera (Caboose) going through there?

JU SO FONII!!!

BBP (Babushka Bullet Points) on Ft. Matanzas National Monument

* Back door protector for the city of St. Augustine

* Under Spanish govt. Gov. Manuel de Montiano commisioned the fort 

* In 1740 construction made from coquina taking 2 years to complete

* Never overtaken by battle

* Acquired by US in 1819  Declared a Ntl. Monument in 1924

*Can only be reached via ferry- so take precautions if you get seasick.

*No entrance fees but donations are always welcomed

*Is very relaxing and if you want to make a day of it you can go fishing, hiking, and picknicking. (of course check out licenses for the first one- the other two are done near the visitor center.)

So tempting and sooo perfect for this Sunday afternoon,

but Carlitos was ready to navigate to Ybor City, and at this point I happily let him.

Babushka Besos a todos.  Cuidensen.

P.S.  I had such a lovely time and the surroundings were beautiful, plus I actually had a good camera, so look at the photos on my Feibu page- they're very good- if I say so myself.  

; )

https://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.513410638685909.133240.258124544214521&type=3

and don't forget my YouTube Channel- http://www.youtube.com/bohemianbabushka

P.P.S.  Thanks once again to the Beautifuls at Florida's Historic Coast for all their hospitality in this part of my travels.

P.P.P.S.  And of course, to the wonderful major sponsors- Mil Gracias.  The views expressed in my posts are always mine (who else would claim them?) but there'd be no roadtrip w/out them.  Thanks.

American Latino Heritage Fund- Castillo de San Marcos

Day 4 of the American Latino Heritage Fund Roadtrip finds us at St. Augustine, the most famous of Florida's Historical Hispanic hotspots- and BB means that in every sense of the word.  Founded by Spain in 1565, it was a booming town 42 years before Jamestown and 55 years before Plymouth Rock.  Imaginate, there was actually a time we were early!  And not only were we early, we knew a good thing when we saw it.  Queen Regent Mariana mandated the building and fortification of a fort to defend La Florida, and though it took 23 years to complete, the Castillo de San Marcos is still a strong testament of Spanish Colonial construction and to the people who defended her.

BB in front of the Castillo de San Marcos

Now a video from a man who knows, Ranger J. Olbrich.  Poor man had no idea what BB was about or about to ask, but he handled it great- much better than Babushka, but more on that in a bit.  

Ahora, remember BB saying St. Augustine was a hotspot?  I wasn't just whistlin' La Guantanamera My Beautifuls- it was 96 degrees on this day, and after a self directed tour, the rangers narrative, and waiting for the next canon exhibition I was about to faint- truly.  Knowing that my Capitan Maria de los Angeles had the canon firing as a main point of interest, I quickly scouted out the top of the fort.  Never underestimate the determination of a melting Babushka y'all.  The only shade on the top-

BB's Oasis

Down went the Popa bag to stake my territory!  

You'd be amazed how much slinking into shadows 

and squeezing into tight places I can do to keep my sanity.

 This is the view from the top, the angle of my next video-
actually, I think it came out cool.

Ok si, BB was cool(er) from this angle, but then I did go chasing the action.  

The full length canon drill- an intricate dance with tools and timing- is on BB's youtube channel. Actually, I was feeling guilty being sick from the heat- can you imagine being out here in wool?  That's what the soldiers wore, and some of the braver re enactors follow the original lines.

BB had the honor of meeting a family of re enactors-

yes, there is a lady in the ranks.

  JU SO FONII!!!  

You knew I wasn't talking about BB didn't you?

  ; )

Castillo San Marcos BBP (Babushka Bullet Points)

* Over 300 years old

* Never fell to enemy via attack-  changed ownership via treaty and such

* Had at one point over 60 canons of 6 & 18 lb variety

* Can be extreme (so BB) in weather conditions. Dress appropriately and bring supplies.  

* MINIMUM of 3 hours to visit

* Feibu Fabuloso https://www.facebook.com/pages/Castillo-de-San-Marcos-National-Monument/151539938192568

So por supuesto, I had fulfilled my assignment- 

and now to fulfill my body and soul. 

How perfect is the name??


Por Supuesto.

Babushka Besos a todos.  Cuidensen.

P.S.  You can find more pics on Babushka's Feibu page https://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.513210745372565.133158.258124544214521&type=3

P.P.S. Mil Gracias to Ms. Barbara and the great folks at the Florida's Historic Coast

for all their help with entrances and lodging in beautiful St. Augustine

P.P.P.S.  And as always, thanks to the major sponsors of this major event.

 

American Latino Heritage Fund- De Soto National Memorial Bradenton, Fl.

Day 3 of  the American Latino Heritage Fund Roadtrip in Florida and BB's in Bradenton visiting the De Soto National Memorial. Queee?? Ok si, Babushka passed Bradenton enroute to Tallahassee, and it would have made more sense logistically to stop there first pero the interview I had wasn't until Friday  and I'm sure you'll agree once you see the videos, it was worth the wait.  Also, by Friday  Babushka is more familiar with the video camera and with interviewing sooo... If a picture can say a thousand words, imaginate how many words are in a video!

Babushka will leave this post in the very capable hands of Park Ranger Jorge Acevedo, Chief of Interpretation of the De Soto National Memorial in Bradenton Florida.

Esta bien, ok si,  BB did have a brief cameo.  

You didn't really think I wouldn't say anything did you?

JU SO FONII!!!

As you could probably tell by the video, this was just a taste of the tales Ranger Acevedo was to share. The full length first intro is on my youtube page and has lovely paisajes as well as interesting facts.

And now the second video showcasing the De Soto Memorial Museum/Theater, because it's interesting, expertly decorated, and last but definitely not least- air conditioned!  Oh yeah.

Nice right?  At this point BB had rehydrated and we were ready to continue visiting the rest of the site. Thankfully the rains were keeping away and Ranger Acevedo had commandeered a golf cart to visit the vast territory. On Babushka's Feibu page you'll see the fotos of this visit- worth the peek.

And now the De Soto National Memorial- for the young and young at heart:

The BBP (Babushka Bullet Points) on the De Soto Memorial:

* Commemorates the years of Conquistador Hernando De Soto's expedition for riches in La Florida. 1539 - 1543

* Through records of the expedition we are able to learn about the natives of this land.

* Houses a tasteful and very well structured museum and theater.

* Is very active in the Jr. Ranger program and in serving the youths of the area.

* Has year round activities http://www.nps.gov/deso/planyourvisit/events.htm 

* Feibu Fabuloso https://www.facebook.com/pages/De-Soto-National-Memorial/140942332612993

Maravilloso Memorial verdad?  What's also the verdad is that although BB was more familiar with the operation of the camera, the editing options are still out of my grasp.  Lucky for us though, knowledgeable guides have been on hand and their talks have been interesting enough to compensate for my film making follies.  Besides, the bloopers are so BB!

; )

Babushka Besos a todos.  Cuidensen.

P.S. I was bestowed the title of Jr. Park Ranger- oh yes I was!!  Please look at the video showing the nombramento; I'm so honored.  https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?v=278469602253719

P.P.S. I'd like to express Mil Gracias to Park Superintendent Scott Pardue for graciously letting me monopolize Ranger Acevedo during my visit, and to the other rangers who were always ready to help.  Por supuesto this couldn't have been done without Ranger Acevedo whose dedication to the De Soto Memorial is evident and very appreciated by this Vieja Viajera.  Nos vemos in Tally for VivaFlorida 500! 

American Latino Heritage Fund Roadtrip- Tallahassee Twofer Part 2 Mission San Luis & TWAM

Day 2 of the American Latino Heritage Fund Roadtrip and I'm visiting Mission San Luis in Tallahassee Florida.  For those who've danced with BB before, you know I'm all about the fun of life, how all things are better if they're done with a smile and a laugh, and history- the studying of it- is no exception.  What good is the past if no one in the future wants to study or hear about it?  In Babushka's not so humble opinion I say we've got to keep it real- and alive.  Living history, re enactments, history through the feelings, the emotions, the senses, that's what is remembered and appreciated, and that's- pardon the intended pun, is the mission of the Mission (San Luis).

Mission San Luis is a working archaeological site that also incorporates a museum, re enactments, reconstructions, theater, food, and shopping.  Oh si, you know with all those elements it has to be one of BB's fav places and it is.  I happily volunteer at the mission and everytime I go I learn something new. I am very grateful to Karin Stanford, the Museum Programs Supervisor who was able to show some of the special features of the mission and share some of the fascinating history found within its boundaries.  I have highlighted this video about the fort found on the mission grounds, but you can go to my youtube channel and see the other sections and some excellent re enactors bringing history to our visitors.

Karin Stanford with background on the fort,

 its' inhabitants and their significance to our state/national history.

Not only is Karin well versed in the events of Mission San Luis, she also has a wonderful artistic flair.  Look how beautifully staged she placed Carlitos. 

Carlitos- You're timeless.

Ahora saben that I promised you a Tallahassee Twofer, and on this day I was in the welcoming and nourishing company of my fellow TWAM troupe members.  I'm sure you'll be able to see the joy and fun I was having with my good friends; they truly do enjoy sharing their talents, and how audiences enjoy them!

On Bohemian Babushka's Feibu page you'll see an interview w/Gabrielle Reed, Costume Mistress for TWAM.  She's the one who helped put the pizazz and touch of realism into BB's roadtrip and her talent is inmeasurable.  And speaking of inmeasurable talent, Benjamin Gunter the artistic director, writer, actor, song writer, interpreter (talent beyond measure- verdad?) explains what/who is TWAM, its' reason and vision for the future.

And for those who miss it, or think I've forgotten- my "signature phrase" is in the video

 ; )

 the reason behind rhyme and drama- an example

how it brings passion and life to history

Thoughts & Theatrics.

It was nice to come back home to start the roadtrip.  I could think of no better place or group of people who could explain and personify the importance of history and show how the magic of making memories via the past is very possible and within our poder.

La historia es nuestra- vamos a vivirla!

The history is ours- let's live it!

Babushka Besos a todos.  Cuidensen.

P.S.  On Feibu you will see various pics of the day, especially archaeological findings that I wasn't able to include in this post.  Unfortunately the video interview I had on that portion of the Mission did not tape correctly, but the public is welcome to visit the archaeological part of the mission, just please make an appointment to do so.

P.P.S.  I promise to name the wonderful re enactors found on my youtube page and here in this post.  Hopefully not gonna run Cubantime on that one; they're worthy of mention and kudos.

P.P.P.S.  Another ulterior motive here- to raise the consciousness, the attendance and participations of Latinos in our national, state and local parks/landmarks.  Let's live our history with pride- and fun!