Let's Get Planning, Day 1: Leaving Alabama
- Holly Hereford Whitt
- Apr 24, 2022
- 2 min read
Updated: Apr 27, 2022
In this first edition of a Tale of Traveling Teachers, we are planning our trip to Scotland. Alas, there are no nonstop flights from Huntsville, Alabama to Edinburgh. The departing flight we selected has an 8.5 hour layover in Detroit. What to do?
Options in Detroit
In keeping with our focus on storytelling, we looked for things that we could use to explore Detroit's story and incorporate those techniques in the storytelling toolkit we are building.
In response to the violent loss of three brothers and to change the lens for viewing the neighborhood where he grew up, Tyree Guyton, transformed abandoned lots and houses into "gigantic art sculptures." Thirty minute tours are offered along with an educational toolkit that you can request for 3rd grade, 7th grade, or 11th grade.
This is a unique program that includes community building, art, and story telling. It's a bit pricey -$100 for a half hour tour. Plus, there's no way I'm leaving that gift shop without purchasing all the books and stuff (which will then have to be mailed home because... no room in the suitcase)!
Additional Resources:
Detroit Public Library Tour of the Heidelberg Project
The big draw for me is the stunning murals by Diego Rivera. It embarrasses me to admit, but a lot of art is hard for me to appreciate on the level I know it deserves. Not so with these murals. I know I could spend hours looking at them. The building also appeals to my love of historical architecture.
The down side of this option is, they aren't offering any workshops or special events on the Saturday that we are passing through town.
Greenfield Village is "an open-air museum featuring seven historic districts" telling the story of 300 years of American life. Lori and I have both been to this wondrous place before, and the fact that we are both drawn to visit again is making it a strong favorite. Working farms, craftworks, historic buildings (some original and some recreations), performances, and so much more.
What Would YOU Do?
Faced with these three very enticing options, which one would you do?
Anything else for Day 1?
We fly from Detroit to Boston where we have a short 1.5 hour layover.
The flight from Boston to Edinburgh is a little over 6 hours. We are bringing eye masks and laying off the caffeine for this part of the journey. Sleeping as much of this flight as possible is essential - no drink cart service for us please!
It will be 8:05AM in Edinburgh when we land. Our lodging won't be available until 3:00 PM, so we are hoping the excitement of finally arriving is going to buoy us for the explorations we have planned for Day 2!
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