I'm a day late, thanks to life. But without life, we wouldn't have history or events that make up history.
When the topic of this month's blogging was introduced, I couldn't immediately think of a time or event in history that I would want to go back and experience. Friday, I gave it more thought and settled on three different ones. Hear me out. I did come up with something minutes ago, something completely different, and it's history I and many others experienced, who are still kicking around, experienced.
POMPEII
I remember hearing about Pompeii back in grade school and then reading books on it. Living in Kansas doesn't raise a lot of fear of volcanoes, so maybe that's why I was drawn to Pompeii. It was different. It was horrendous. Imagine living in a modern-for-that-time civilization that was there one minute, then hours later covered completely in the ash from a volcano. Of course that would mean I, too, would be one of the 20,000 who were buried within minutes. But I found so many things about it fascinating, including the ways the remains of people were found, going about their daily habits in a city with an amphitheater, two theaters, a community swimming pool, a gymnasium, and a hotel. The aqueduct supplied water to the city and the many fountains. It must have been beautiful.
ATLANTIS
Another time, although not necessarily history, has to be Atlantis. Yes, Atlantis is fictional, so naturally I couldn't go back in time to visit, but the idea always sparked my imagination. There are many theories about Atlantis, one being that island was inhabited by aliens with advanced knowledge and powered by crystals brought from beyond. The tale continues that the aliens mated with humans to create Atlanteans and shared knowledge that made Atlantis a paradise. If, indeed, Atlantis had existed, it might have been found in many locations. The Mediterranean, the Caribbean, near India, and in what's known as the Bermuda Triangle. My choice is the Mediterranean, near Crete. Back in the 60s, folk singer Donovan sang a song about Atlantis, inspiring my imagination even more.
ATHENS, GREECE
I've already blogged here about Athens being my dream vacation. For me, this is history. Along with Pompeii and the Atlantis myth, I must be drawn to those places known best for the arts and mythology. And let's not forget that it's considered the cradle of Western civilization and the birthplace of democracy. It has been inhabited for at least 7000 years. Imagine what it must have been like to be the center of nearly everything. Imagine how long it would take to study that one in school!
But, no. As I sat in front of the television for a few minutes tonight, I know what time I would choose and event I would have liked to have experienced. Because I did. I grew up in an age where so many things happened. Black and white television became color television, changes in civil rights, the space race, and too many things to list. We had the assassination of President Kennedy to mourn and remember for always. In the year I graduated alone, Sesame Street premiered, Charles Manson's band of hippies murdered Sharon Tate and friends, and a man walked on the moon for the very first time. And there was Woodstock. But one of the most important things happened in 1964. The Beatles made their first visit to the Ed Sullivan show. My choice for an event would have to be that moment, when teen girls screamed and cried at the four mop-tops who performed on stage.
When the topic of this month's blogging was introduced, I couldn't immediately think of a time or event in history that I would want to go back and experience. Friday, I gave it more thought and settled on three different ones. Hear me out. I did come up with something minutes ago, something completely different, and it's history I and many others experienced, who are still kicking around, experienced.
POMPEII
I remember hearing about Pompeii back in grade school and then reading books on it. Living in Kansas doesn't raise a lot of fear of volcanoes, so maybe that's why I was drawn to Pompeii. It was different. It was horrendous. Imagine living in a modern-for-that-time civilization that was there one minute, then hours later covered completely in the ash from a volcano. Of course that would mean I, too, would be one of the 20,000 who were buried within minutes. But I found so many things about it fascinating, including the ways the remains of people were found, going about their daily habits in a city with an amphitheater, two theaters, a community swimming pool, a gymnasium, and a hotel. The aqueduct supplied water to the city and the many fountains. It must have been beautiful.
ATLANTIS
Another time, although not necessarily history, has to be Atlantis. Yes, Atlantis is fictional, so naturally I couldn't go back in time to visit, but the idea always sparked my imagination. There are many theories about Atlantis, one being that island was inhabited by aliens with advanced knowledge and powered by crystals brought from beyond. The tale continues that the aliens mated with humans to create Atlanteans and shared knowledge that made Atlantis a paradise. If, indeed, Atlantis had existed, it might have been found in many locations. The Mediterranean, the Caribbean, near India, and in what's known as the Bermuda Triangle. My choice is the Mediterranean, near Crete. Back in the 60s, folk singer Donovan sang a song about Atlantis, inspiring my imagination even more.Knowing her fate, Atlantis sent out shipsTo all corners of the Earth, on board were theTwelve, 'The poet, the physician, the farmer, the scientistThe magician and the other so-called Gods of our legends'
I've already blogged here about Athens being my dream vacation. For me, this is history. Along with Pompeii and the Atlantis myth, I must be drawn to those places known best for the arts and mythology. And let's not forget that it's considered the cradle of Western civilization and the birthplace of democracy. It has been inhabited for at least 7000 years. Imagine what it must have been like to be the center of nearly everything. Imagine how long it would take to study that one in school!
But, no. As I sat in front of the television for a few minutes tonight, I know what time I would choose and event I would have liked to have experienced. Because I did. I grew up in an age where so many things happened. Black and white television became color television, changes in civil rights, the space race, and too many things to list. We had the assassination of President Kennedy to mourn and remember for always. In the year I graduated alone, Sesame Street premiered, Charles Manson's band of hippies murdered Sharon Tate and friends, and a man walked on the moon for the very first time. And there was Woodstock. But one of the most important things happened in 1964. The Beatles made their first visit to the Ed Sullivan show. My choice for an event would have to be that moment, when teen girls screamed and cried at the four mop-tops who performed on stage.
Silly? Maybe, and maybe not. It was one of the biggest--if not THE biggest--moments in music history. The Beatles not only changed music, they changed the way we thought and acted. They changed the world.
Sure, a visit to Athens or the site of Pompeii are something I would love to experience, but I did get to experience something, via the magic of television, that will stay with me forever.
Yes, I was (and still am) a Beatles fan. ;)
