The International Children's Festival in Hampton, VA

I need to expose a little inside joke. Michael and Don affectionately say, "MICHAEL" or "DON" respectively, if they see a stranger in public that has strong characteristics of the other. So Don says, "MICHAEL" (loudly and staccatto) if he sees a, you know, a typically jewish looking 40-something. And Michael says, "DON", if he sees a salt and pepper haired 40-something. Well I'll be darned, if Amy and I strolled up to the International Children's Festival, to hear the tune of "Tumbala, tumbala, tumbala-laika", live by the Klezmer band of Williamsburg, VA, only to hear AMY say, "MICHAEL" -- like father like daughter!!!

Okay, so here's my critique of the festival. Hampton, you have sunk serious dough into this, and I thank you. Thank you City of Hampton for recruiting such classy and amazing talent from so many countries. The entertainment was nonpareil. I will not return, however, unless you have restroom facilities with running water, access to food and drink that doesn't require harassment from overcrowded, overheated, dirty-handed Hampton-ians. While not a requirement, I think 2 face-painters in a "children's festival" is a vast under-supply. I waited on line for an hour with many hot, sweaty-but nice, Hampton-ians who would have glady paid quadruple the price to get a little grease on our face-paint craving kiddos.

Sunday update: India Festival rocked! We met my favorite yoga friend, Carly, and loved it. It turned into a regular HRFCC reunion, with Sylvie, Zoey, Keri and their parents showing up. Jean, blessings for your mom in the hospital. Gina, congrats on giving your dissertation - Dr. to be! I want to be reincarnated as an Indian, go back to college and do Bhangra competitions!