Wok N Roll with us...Bob and Teri Along with Atlas and Kalani: Providence, Rhode Island 9/9/2016

We took a day to head up to the Capitol of Rhode Island located in Providence. The Capitol was completed in 1904 and has the 4th largest self-supporting marble dome in the world. (behind, in order, St. Peter's Basilica, the Taj Mahal, and the Minnesota State Capitol). Unfortunately, when we visited we were unable to see the dome as it was under going major renovations. So for us and you, here is a link of what the dome looks like. The Dome

We took a tour of the rest of the capitol that included: the Chamber of the RI House of Representatives, the State Room where dignitaries and press conferences are held, the Chamber of the RI Senate, and the State Library. The tour was short and we seemed to get teamed with a disability group (making the tour maybe less informative than it might have been otherwise). But there was one member in the group that seemed to be rather intelligent (savant, maybe?) but had trouble forming his communication. The tour guide could not understand him and we got about every forth word. For me, on a personal note, I was reminded of my father in his final years, only mid 60's. He had a stroke that made it difficult for him to talk and he drooled and wore a bib when he ate. I was always bothered that those around him figured he was lacking intelligence when his incredible brain was still fully intact and ticking. I was also frustrated at how difficult it was for me to communicate with him and so impressed with his patience as I asked numerous times for him to repeat. How frustrating this must be for some and I share this in hopes that others may not prejudge others by first impressions. This particular individual at the Capitol I think had so much to share and I tried my best to really hear what he had to say and yet left pained that so few heard him.

My message today, love all those around you and please do not prejudge. We hope you enjoy our pictures. We are headed home, yet we have a few more Capitols to visit as we work our way back to Florida.