Williamsburg

Williamsburg was once the training ground for Virginians who led America to independence and the capital of England's oldest, largest, richest and most populace colony from 1699 to 1776. George Washington, Thomas Jefferson and Patrick Henry lived and breathed and worked in this 18th century hamlet.

Millions of visitors have been to Williamsburg, including presidents, prime ministers, emperors, dukes and duchesses, and kings and queens, and His Royal Highness Prince Charles.

Over five hundred buildings, eighty-eight original structures, re-create the town, and over thirty colonial trades, such as silver and gold smiths, spinners, weavers, shoemakers, bookbinders, milliners and wheelwrights, bring it to life. Over five hundred buildings, eighty-eight original structures, re-create the town, and over thirty colonial trades, such as silver and gold smiths, spinners, weavers, shoemakers, bookbinders, milliners, and wheelwrights, costumed and completely in character, bring the town to life.

A shop keeper ( a professional actor ) of a general store greeted us on my last visit to Williamsburg.

" And where's your servant? " said he, dressed in white knee-high socks and black square-toed shoes. " You are carrying that heavy bag, a job for him, I'd say. How far have you come? "

" I'm from California, " replied the woman with the plastic tote bag.

He stared at her blankly. " Ah," he said finally. " The Californias, I have it here in my Almanac. But, there is nothing there, but a few Spanish missions! "

The man played his part with such aplomb and accuracy; it was eerie. Most of the docents on site were completely into their parts.