Return to Syria - Virginia
I can't say I've followed a traditional path in life. Getting married by a certain age, having children, living in a house with a white picket fence - none of these ideas ever took root in my mind or made the list of life goals. Instead, I've always been concerned with discovery. Visually, mentally and, most important, geographically. There's one exception where tradition has a firm hold on my life, and it relates to family. Since childhood, my family has celebrated certain holidays and events in the same manner. I've already shown you some examples like Thanksgiving and our annual Christmas tree cutting. Today, I'll tell you about Syria, Virginia, a place we visit each April to celebrate a remarkable human being.
1. The center of the celebration is Uncle Junior, who was born on April 7, 1932. We travel to the mountains of Syria each year to celebrate his birthday. He's the one relative who has never changed. Always looking the same since I was a kid - striking silver hair, completely calm personality and the kindest eyes. I've never seen him get upset once. Almost all of his brothers died of heart attacks in their late 40's but he somehow inherited the long life gene. He married my mom's oldest sister, and is now widowed after she passed away a few years ago. He stays active by going to a local seniors' club a few times a week. There senior citizens socialize, play games like pool, cards, and go on day trips to local destinations. Do you have similar clubs for older people in Russia?
2. The central figure in Syria is the Graves' family. They own almost all of the farmland in the small town and operate a restaurant/lodge where visitors gather for large home made feasts. The menu changes each weekend, but they always serve the same salad. Greens covered with bacon bits, deviled eggs and mustard dressing.
3. On this day we had a lot of heavy salads. Similar to Russian salads, drenched in mayonnaise. Here, coleslaw and pasta salad. Servers bring out various dishes and it's all you can eat. Anytime you want more of an item, they deliver another plate of it. Cost for lunch is $10.99 USD. In addition, there's always at least one meat dish, a lot of fresh vegetables and a dessert. Btw, if you want to know how to make coleslaw read this post. I taught my Russian friend how to make it during his holiday stay, along with meat chili.
4. In this area, there's no cellphone reception so you must occupy your time in other ways. After lunch, I took a drive around to view the local farmland. This is the main attraction of the area, a short drive from Washington, DC yet a completely different world.
5. Syria is home to many equestrian enthusiasts and people travel here for competitions and to ride the serene trails. I rode a horse only once in my life, as a youngster in California.
6. I always hop on the tractor for the free hay ride.
7. Dogs welcome! And I guess cats too, but I've never seen one on the hay ride. I doubt they could withstand the bumpy ride without going crazy.
8. Fellow passengers.
9. Hay ride trail is not for the weak of heart. Very bumpy ride on remote dirt roads. Russian style. :)
10. I love these winding farm roads!
11. We passed many animals on the route, but here some dirty, vile pigs. Aggressive, mean animals! However, they are so tasty. Americans will eat bacon on almost anything, and we even had a local "Bacon Festival" in the DC area for the first time this year. Very popular food in the States.
12. A lot of natural streams on the route. Nature enthusiasts always pleased while exploring the area.
13. Some of the dirt roads have modern lights for better night views. Otherwise, complete blackness in these areas in the evening time.
14. I don't know why, but I always find these barrels of hay aesthetically pleasing. I remember taking a lot of photos of them during my Eastern European journey. I still have some reports from that trip, waiting to be cooked. Sorry, I've been very lazy and unorganized with reports recently.
15. Vintage firetruck parked on the farm. Not sure from what era?
16. Old gas pump, common scene in rural America.
17. Vine and weed covered fence.
18. After the hay ride, I took a walk on the main road and passed this jeep full of dogs! Cool company for the day. :) I love them so and wish I could own one, but it's forbidden in my apartment complex.
19. Local yard. In general, this is a poor area with most people working hard labor or farm jobs. Yet, the homes are still well maintained and cared for.
20. These local rednecks in their white pick-up truck stopped me while I was walking down the street to wish me a pleasant day and warn me to be careful of traffic and cars. Nice guys.
21. Fishing is one of the main activities in the area, all occurring here at the local pond where only trout can be caught.
22. Local fisherman in camouflage. Popular attire in this region.
23. Nearby stream, with no fish.
24. Extreme camouflage, including the crazy hat. This volunteer helps with fishing questions, equipment, and licenses.
25. Worst part about a catch is removing the hook! Always feels barbaric to me.
26. It's possible to rent secluded cabins in the region, but they're very expensive. The Graves' family charges per person, rather than per unit. This is unusual for America, where hotels and cabins are typically a set price regardless of the number of people. On average, it's about $90 per person/per day to stay in this area. Too expensive for the quality of the accommodations.
27. Abandoned barn near the cabins.
28. Outside the farm area, the roads here are fun to drive. Lots of roller coaster hills!
29. Serpentine twists also.
30. The main advantage of Syria is to escape from the chaos of urban life. Peace and tranquility in farmland, with no mobile or Internet access in most areas. Forces you to disconnect, focus on your surroundings and have a human conversation for more than a minute.
What do you think? Do you like to visit areas like this, or would you be completely bored? I think the true heart and soul of America lies in small towns like Syria. Those who only visit New York City or other metropolises are missing out on the essence of my country.