As we boarded the Tide, I did not know what to expect when arriving in Norfolk. I am from Stafford, Virginia and have never been to this city. The first landmark we saw was The MacArthur Memorial building. This building displays several flags and has the architecture of a structure in Washington D.C.
Next, my group went to the Waterside District. We went to a sports bar where many adults were having a great time with their friends. This when I first began seeing a particular theme that is seen throughout the city of Norfolk, which is American symbols. Located in this building is an enormous American flag, which can be seen from all areas of the restaurant. We also came across a hallway that featured photographs of sailors. This is when I pieced together that this area is going to be very patriotic because of the military presence in the population’s everyday life.
Later, we continued to walk along the path of the water when we came across the Town Point Park. This park featured many walkways for people to enjoy the area within close proximity to the water. My group came across a Norfolk native who was walking her dog. We asked her what her favorite places to go in the city were. One of her responses was the Pagoda & Oriental Garden, which also included a bakery. She was very polite to us and the conversation we had was one of the highlights of my day.
Then, we walked through residential housing to get to the bakery in the garden. The building was oriental themed and some members of the group purchased macaroons. From listening to other customers around us, they spoke very highly of them and even compared them to something people could find in Europe.
Lastly, we explored the MacArthur center, which featured many stores that would appear in a typical mall. The theme of America continued in the shopping center with banners attached to the ceiling that pieced together and created the American flag. There was also many art pieces that were presented in the center, such as the American flag painting.
In conclusion, Norfolk was the perfect place to become closer with other members from the Honors College. Also, it was wonderful to see the continued theme of American symbols throughout each of the places we explored.
Connor Merk's BHC Blog 