Kayaking and Canoeing at Munden Point Park

Rachael wanted to go kayaking for her birthday, so she rounded up a group of Regent Law students. On Saturday, we headed to Munden Point Park, which is on the outskirts of Virginia Beach.

It is easy to get lost, so if you see "Welcome to North Carolina!" like we did, turn around. I recommend printing directions and a map just in case your GPS fails you.

To kayak or canoe, you can rent equipment for $10/hour, which includes a life jacket (safety first!) and paddles. During the month of July, there's a special: buy one hour, get one free. For $40, six of us canoed/kayaked for about two hours. The park also has picnic shelters, grills, a fishing area, basketball courts, playgrounds, horseshoe pits, volleyball courts, and other amenities. It's a great place to have a summer function.

Each of us enjoyed the trip, which was an adventurous alternative to a birthday dinner. It was also great to trade the city for nature's solitude. As we paddled along, we spotted a heron and several river otters, and encountered typical insects like dragon flies.

Unfortunately, the only photo we took was at the conclusion of our expedition. I was terrified of getting my camera wet. (It rained sporadically, and I didn't want to drop it in the river.)

Here's the happy group:

Summer Adventures: The Chrysler Museum of Art

The last time I visited the Chrysler Museum in Norfolk, I went to see the giant, yellow rubber duck floating in the Hague. While I was there, I only had time to peek at one exhibit, so I resolved to visit again.

One of the best things about the Chrysler Museum is that admission is free, making it a perfect excursion for graduate students. The museum accepts donations. Or, you can contribute by purchasing something at the gift shop. (That's what I did.)

The sculpture in front of the museum is called The Torch Bearers by Anna Hyatt Huntington (modeled 1953).

My museum buddy Rachael and I didn't have time to look at every exhibit, so in honor of Independence Day, we only looked at the American exhibits. We started with modern art. What screams America better than Pepsi-Cola? (No offense to the Coke drinkers out there.)

This is Munchkins, I, II, & III by Idelle Weber (1964). It's a commentary on American corporate life and its "airlessness and isolation."

 

I snapped a photo of Manteneia II by Frank Stella (1967) simply because the colors are happy and I liked its funky vibe. According to the painting's description, "The names of the paintings in this series [Protractor Series], including Manteneia II, are based on ancient, circular-planed towns in Asia Minor and on the Persian architecture seen by the artist when traveling in Iran."

This sculpture was one of the most peculiar pieces we saw. The mixed media piece is called Soundsuit by Nick Cave (2010). Nick Cave also designs suits that are worn in performances and on runways. 

 

No matter how you feel about this sculpture, you must admit that the artist is a skilled crocheter. I wish I had his talent.

Rachael and I saw Pieta by Robert Richenburg (1954-1955) after viewing a lot of religious pieces from the late Middle Ages and Renaissance. We stopped and stared at it. "Huh?" I questioned. "It doesn't fit with the rest of the pieces," said Rachael.

We read the description, "... Virgin Mary cradles Christ's body in her lap, their linear forms just visible amid a web of colors dripping down the canvas like a veil of tears," but we could not pick out Christ or Virgin Mary.

A helpful employee explained things: The orange circle at the top middle is Virgin Mary's head, and the leftmost orange circle is Christ's head. The black lines that emerge from the head represent his body and limbs. The woman explained that the museum integrates unexpected, modern paintings like this one to show that modern art can reflect traditional ideas and images in a new way.

I confess that as someone who is critical of modem art, I was convinced.

There were several rooms with marble sculptures, which reminded me of Pride and Prejudice when Lizzie visits Mr. Darcy's house with her aunt and uncle. This is called Ganymede and the Eagle (1815-1817) by Bertel Thorvaldsen. (If you guessed that this artist is not American, you're right. I had to sneak this one in because I could not get over the fact that those feathers are made of marble! Besides, the eagle is uber patriotic.)

Undine, Rising from the Fountain by Chauncey Bradley Ives (1880-1882): 

If you look closely, you can see the veins popping out of his forehead and wrist. The Wounded Indian by Peter Stephenson (1848-1850):

No musuem visit is complete without a trip to the gift shop. Guess who greeted us there? The last of the miniature rubber ducks. Aren't they cute?

 

I'll probably take one more trip to the Chrysler Museum this summer. They have a glass blowing studio that is very popular. You can watch the artists at work (free), and you can take a class (not free). I plan to do both. Stay tuned!

This post is by Rachel Smith, a writer for the Regent Law Marketing and Communications Department.

Summer Adventures: Old Town Alexandria

Before I moved to Hampton Roads, I lived in Alexandria, Va., in a row house sandwiched between historic Old Town and Del Ray. Both neighborhoods offer great farmers markets, enough restaurants to satisfy whatever your pallet desires, plenty of desert options, cute boutiques, and an abundance of people to watch behind your sunglasses, which is my favorite pastime.

If you're traveling to Old Town Alexandria via the metro, get off at the King Street Station, which is on the blue and yellow lines. Then, head down King Street into the heart of Old Town.

If you want to work on your fitness, you can rent a bike from Capital Bikeshare. Stations are located throughout the D.C. Metro Area, and there are several in Alexandria. One of the best ways to reach Old Town if you are coming from Washington, D.C., or Arlington is via the Mount Vernon Trail. To plan your ride, consult these bike maps. This station is located outside Alexandria City Hall.

My former roommate Kate and I went to the Saturday farmers market, located at City Hall. Along the way, I admired the beautiful row houses that line King Street. They were converted into shops and restaurants.

This year, Alexandria marks 200 years since the War of 1812. Because Alexandria couldn't defend itself from the British, it surrendered and avoided being burned like Washington, D.C. The decision preserved the city, allowing us to see what the city was like 200 years ago. To brush up on Alexandria's history, check out the website created for the bicentennial.

Here's Alexandria City Hall, site of the weekly farmers market.

Vendors pitch tents, where they sell fruits and vegetables, artwork, jewelry, pastries, and unique knickknacks. I bought a print a local artist made of Old Town. It features some of the landmarks I mention in this post.

 
One vendor sold sunflowers, which were my favorite as a child.

After wandering around the farmers market, we went to the waterfront. In the summer, people watch fireworks, listen to musicians, or watch a local man play water glasses, which he has done for years. (Anyone reminded of Sandra Bullock's "talent" in Miss Congeniality?)

A few years ago, I even watched one of my friends propose to his girlfriend here (in the open space in front of the central trashcan).

You can sail on the Potomac River.

Or, if you're not into sailing, you can visit the Torpedo Factory Art Center, where you can view 82 working artist studios or take an art class. Admission is free, but art classes are not. 

After we visited Mint Condition, a local consignment shop, Kate and I were hungry. Ironically, neither of us craved a dish from a local restaurant. Instead, we found ourselves in line at Chiptole. I ordered a burrito bowl with chicken and pinto beans. It was everything I wanted it to be.

After chowing down, we headed back to Kate's house to get ready for Saturday evening church. Here's a photo of Kate and me at DC Metro Church. If you're looking for a church to visit during your stay, I encourage you to go. The founding pastors attended Regent University School of Divinity and/or Regent Law. There are two locations: one is about five minutes from Old Town at the Braddock Road Metro Station, and the other is in Fairfax, Va.

Enjoy your trip to Old Town Alexandria!

This post is by Rachel Smith, a writer for the Regent Law Marketing and Communications Department. 

Adventures in Hampton Roads: Harborfest 2014

I've lived in Hampton Roads for about half of my life, but I rarely participate in local festivities. This summer, I've decided to change that practice and head to as many local events as I can.

Last Saturday, I headed to Harborfest, which I hadn't been to since I wore pigtails, with a few friends. 

Wooden ships are one of the main attractions. I thought this one looked particularly snazzy. 

A kind stranger took our photo! 

We spotted a posh white party on a boat. Too bad we weren't invited.

We stopped by a tent where bands played all weekend. This area was one of the most crowded venues, with people, chairs, and other gear squeezed together on the small lawn.

If you hate crowds, Harborfest might not be your cup of tea, but if you love to people watch, you'll never be bored. I particularly enjoyed people watching other people watching me.

Around 7:30 p.m., my friends and I hunted for a place where we could watch the fireworks, which started at 9:30 p.m. People were already lining up along the pier. As we searched for seats, I snapped a photo of the gorgeous sunset.

It was so pretty that I had to take another.

We lucked out and snagged a corner of this boat, which was open for visitors. We got to watch the fireworks on the water!

As we waited for 9:30 p.m. to arrive, we watched boats steam across the Elizabeth River. The city in the distance is Portsmouth, Va.

I people watched the people waiting for the show. We made a new friend or two and met someone who dropped his phone in the Elizabeth River. We felt bad for him because the water is 10 to 15 feet deep.

Finally, it was time to watch the sky light up, plug our ears, and jam to the music that accompanied the show!

Then, I took one more photo of Norfolk at night, and we headed home.

This post is by Rachel Smith, a writer for the Regent Law Marketing and Communications Department.

World-traveling Rubber Duck Visits Norfolk

It has been one week since the giant rubber duck floating in the Hague in Norfolk, Va., left our area. If you couldn't pay him a visit or just wish you could see him one more time, here's a snapshot of my visit.

Dutch artist Florentijn Hofman created the duck to unite people over a shared icon and then sent it around the world to complete that mission. Visiting scads of cities, including Tokyo, Pittsburgh, Hong Kong, and Sydney, the life-size bathtub toy has certainly been to more places than me. 

Propelled by the excitement surrounding the famous world traveler, my friend and I took The Tide, which is Norfolk's light rail system, to Downtown Norfolk. We bought our tickets and waited for the train to arrive.

We got off at the York Street/Freemason station and admired the funky, rainbow-colored artwork.

Exiting the station, a sign on the sidewalk greeted us, directing us to the duck, which was a few blocks away. My friend, parents with babies in strollers, and I waddled toward the Chrysler Museum.

About five minutes later, we arrived at our destination. I chuckled immediately. The duck was huge, very yellow, and surprisingly cute.

We saw a woman painting the duck.

I wanted to hug the duck, so I did.

Then, I decided to check out the duck from different angles. I had expected him to free-float throughout the Hague, but he was anchored and only turned ever-so-slightly to the left and right when the wind blew. Here he is through the cement fence surrounding parts of the Hague.

 

The duck with spectators: people took a lot of selfies. 

Look at that face!

Right side, strong side.

Right profile.

We also spotted some locals out for a swim.They didn't seem bothered by the duck. In fact, they really liked the crowd because people fed them.

Rear profile. The building in front of the duck is the Chrysler Museum.

I'm not sure where the duck is headed next (the artist hasn't said yet), but I wish the duck stayed for a bit longer. It was time to go, so my friend and I headed back to the The Tide, but not before we bid our new friend adieu.

This post is by Rachel Smith, a writer for the Regent Law Marketing and Communications Department.