The Freedom Trail of Boston

 USS Constitution

The Freedom Trail is a 2.5 mile red path that leads to 16 historical sites through downtown Boston in Massachusetts. The trail is a collection of historical buildings and events that tell the story of the American Revolution. The trail starts at the Boston Common, which is the oldest public park in the US. The Boston Common served as a cow pasture and a military camp. Today, this area is used for musical performances or you can use it as a picnic area. The trail includes such buildings as the Old State House, which housed the government of colony and state. The Declaration of Independence was read from its balcony. The Paul Revere House is probably the highlight of the trail. The house displays the 17^th and 18^th century furnishings and artifacts, including silver. Paul Revere had 16 children calling them lambs. He supported his family with his trade in silver. Almost at the end of the trail, there is the USS Constitution, the world’s oldest floating ship that traveled to the edges of the world and participated in the Barbary Wars. Today, the ship is permanently harbored in the Charlestown Navy Yard. However, it visits Boston’s Harbor every 4^th of July and for occasional events. The trail ends at the Bunker Hill Monument.

Mayflower - the ship that transported the first Pilgrims to Plymouth

Mayflower, located in Plymouth, Massachusetts, was a ship that transported the first Pilgrims, who were looking for religious freedom from Plymouth in England to Plymouth in Massachusetts. The Mayflower is a symbol of early European colonization and religious freedom. Plymouth was established in 1620. With the help of a native Indian named Squanto, the first pilgrims learned how to farm the land and make necessary items for everyday life. Upon growing a plentiful harvest in the fall of 1621, the pilgrims invited the Indians, who helped them to survive in the new land. This was celebrated with food and feasting. Today, this celebration is known as the First Thanksgiving and became a federal holiday as Thanksgiving in 1941.

Mayflower II can be visited at State Pier in Plymouth. Plimoth Plantation located south of Plymouth Center is a re-creation of the Plymouth settlement in 1627. Costumed interpreters re-create the 17^th century life with the farm featuring some animals.

Bali Kite Festival

Bali Kite Festival, July. It is a religious festival, which uses kites to send messages to Hindu Gods asking for abundant crops and harvest. Traditional kites are gigantic, so they require skills to be flown. Therefore, they are made and flown by locals from the villages of Denpasar. The three traditional kites are in a shape of fish, bird and leaf with traditional colors of red, white and black created from bamboo and cotton cloth. Modern age kites are three dimensional and include helicopter, car, rocket, and different animals. It is an international festival of giant flying sculptures. June through August is a very popular time for kids to fly kites, due to good winds in the region.