I have to admit I was a bit apprehensive. Numerous historic sites in Pennsylvania and Virginia in just a few days. From Amish country to Mount Vernon; from Monticello to Gettysburg. Tours and more tours. Tour guides and more tour guides. Lots of facts, quotes, and information. Waiting and listening - looking and listening more. With a teen and a tween in toe, how would we fare? We had never done so many sites of such significance in such a compact time frame, and, certainly never before as a tween and a teen. (a.k.a. raging hormones and wise cracking comments!) You never know what you might get...But, have no fear, my kids were keen observers and patient listeners. They didn't complain about lines or rain and they were annoyed at the twenty somethings who insisted on talking over the Interpreter. They asked good questions and perhaps most importantly, had strong and insightful thoughts on the 'good' and the 'not so good' of our touring experiences. In no particular order, here is what they would like you to know:
1. Don't ask visitors if they have questions and then act annoyed when they do.
2. Don't look at your watch over and over again.
3. Don't make us stand in the rain while you talk, and talk, and ...
4. Use humor, it's human.
5. Relate it to real life but don't force it. Saying that the yellow paint that Jefferson chose for his dining room was an 'HGTV' choice really didn't work.
6. Don't over quote or you sound like a book not a person.
7. Don't be monotone.
8. Don't feel like you have to say and show everything.
9. If you can, let people explore a little on their own.
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