DAY TRIPPING

Picture above from Wikipedia source, and photo is Public Domain.  The cluster of tall buildings near the water's edge happens to be the condo complex that my sister recently  moved to. 

The following day was spent touring the area around my sister's new home.  I freely admit that she has a plethora of  good eateries and fine restaurants in her vicinity.  There is also abundant shopping and a fantastic mall devoted completely to oriental cuisine and shops, which could have been an all day adventure in itself.   Unfortunately during this excursion my camera was left back at my sister's condo, not on purpose - just an oversight or a case of forgetfulness on my part.

Once my sister, Norma, gave us a taste of the area close to her condo, she then took us to The Legion of Honor,  where we viewed their exhibition of,  "18th to 20th Century Neoclassical through Post-Impressionist Art".   Though my camera was with me this time,  I felt it was inappropriate to take photos of these famous pieces of art, especially if a flash would be required.  

Above - Dancer by Edgar Degas

Now here I must make a confession.  First of all I am not a person who can spend 30 or 40 minutes staring at and studying a painting, I'm doing well to spend 5 or 10 minutes in deep contemplation. Secondly, my hubby, though he can appreciate art, is hard pressed to spend 5 or 10 minutes in an art museum period ! 

Above - Still life by Paul Cézanne

Therefore after having spent a couple of hours wandering about looking at the incredible works of Seurat, Cézanne, Renoir, Degas, Monet, Picasso and many other impressionist artist,  John and I had more than our daily quota of high brow culture for the day.  So when Norma suggested several other, highly cultural, exhibits we could tour, it was no surprise that both John and I voted unanimously to see the "Rosie The Riveter" exhibition.

 

I won't go into extensive detail about this exhibit but I will tell you we all enjoyed it immensely and I would not hesitate to recommend it to others who are visiting the San Francisco area.   

The exhibit is primarily dedicated to women's contribution in the work force during WWII, theirs' was an era when women were thought of as wives, mothers and homemakers and society, as a whole, felt that a woman's place was in the home.  It was an eye-opening revelation to see how many women back then defied this stereotypical conception and came out in force to help their country.

 

 

 

Rosie the Riveter/WWII Home Front National Historical Park was established in 2000, and their visitor center opened its doors in May 2012.

This is a national park, which explores and honors the efforts and sacrifices of American civilians on the World War II home front.  Come to the Visitor Center, watch a film, view exhibits, to find out how Americans lived, worked and got along. Many faces, many stories, many truths weave a complex tapestry of myths and realities from this time of opportunity and loss.

Address: 440 Civic Center Plaza, Richmond, CA 94804
Phone: (510) 232-1542