The Taliesin Estate Tour

Sunday, August 14th

After lunch, we arrived at Frank Lloyd Wright Visitor Center. There were two tours we took. One was house tour, the other one is hillside tour.

Mr. Wright’s designs were very great. He wanted to break the dividing line between inside and outside. So we could find there were a few walls in the building, and he preferred to choose windows. In house, you would feel the rooms were bright although without many lights. I think he is good at making full use of sunshine. In order to break the dividing line between inside and outside, he keep everything in original appearance.

He also liked changing. It is said that he had changed his house more than 20 times to make house more comfortable to live in.

I like his designs very much.

The Old World Wisconsin Tour

Saturday, August 13th

The Old World Wisconsin is a living museum, which is the largest living museum in the world. When you came into it, you would found you came back to past. The houses are kept in original style, and actors perform to show what the life was like in the past.

We took bus to visit the wonderful world. When we want to know more, we got off the bus and went into the house. The “owners” were very friendly and told us the history of them. In Grotelueschen Blacksmith Shop, we saw an old man forging iron, he told us how the work did. In Four Mile Inn, we played chess with the hostess. In Koepsell Farm, we visited the typical German home, and talked with them.

Two hours tour flew by, I wanted more time to experience. It is a pity. But I still enjoy the excursion.

The Madison State Capitol Tour

Saturday, August 13th
 

Yesterday, we took a long time to go to the capital of Wisconsin, Madison by bus.

In the morning, we visited the state capitol. The capitol is very noticeable, white and similar to the nation’s capitol, but 2 inches taller than the nation’s capitol. The present capitol is the third one. It began in 1906, and was completed in 1917.

When we came into it and looked up into the dome, we saw the largest domes by volume in the world. There is a painting called “Resources of Wisconsin” at the top. I was told that there were 43 kinds of stones in this building from six other countries and eight states. So we can found some animal fossils. It reflects the history.

The guide led us to go around the building, and introduce the role of each branch in the USA government. I also knew the function and history of every room.

After the tour, I have more knowledge of the state capitol and the USA government.

The animal is called badger. It is said that if you touch the nose of the animal, you will get good luck.





The Menomonee Nation Contest Pow-Wow

Saturday, August 6th  

After 3 hours drive, we arrived at the place which was holding Pow-Wow, the Menomonee Nation Contest. We were interested in the traditional Native American dance and music, so we look forward.

First, we wandered about the places for stall. There were some food places, some art-work places, some clothing places and some keepsake places. We selected the food for eat and keepsakes for gift. I want bring the local conditions and customs to my friends in China.

At 13 o’clock, the contest began. Participants in traditional native clothing danced with traditional native music. The ebullient dance and the dynamic dance made us want to join into.

It is not a contest, but a party!