My neighbor, Joyce, came with us on the last day of Christina's visit to see the Cesar E. Chavez National Monument, which is located down the mountain on the way to the San Joaquin Valley.
We were a bit early so we walked around the gardens while we waited for the Center to open.
Joyce gave me a hiking staff, made from the trunk of a yucca plant, like this one. It's wonderful, so light, yet so sturdy.
I loved the little duck at the foot of Saint Francis.
Cesar Chavez and his wife Helen are buried here.
Reading these words, I felt emotional about my own life. Not done enough with it, perhaps..... It is a powerful statement, one I didn't know he said and one that I have never heard or read before.
And then we went inside and that was powerful too.
I remember this so well. I didn't eat grapes for the duration. I had demonstrated before, in London, outside South Africa House, so long a go. Against Apartheid. This was the first time I gave up eating something I liked; such a small sacrifice, but it would make a difference when many joined.
Many powerful black and white photographs were displayed. I mainly looked, didn't take but a few pictures.
This is how the farm workers lived then. Not sure how they live now, it probably varies from place to place across the country.
This was his office and I like the way they displayed it. As a light was pointed to different areas of the room, a recorded voice described what we saw. On the middle top shelf of this bookcase, there's a hoe with a very short handle, not sure you can see it. Bending over to work with such a short hoe, resulted in back injuries to the people who had to use them. This really disturbed me. Saving money on wood? Or just not caring, at all? It was so stupid, it really upset me. Fortunately, Cesar Chavez and the United Farm Workers changed that.
After we left, we went to see the nearby Tehachapi Loop, our local engineering wonder.
Christina and Joyce waiting for a train, reading this:
When a train finally came through, it was long enough to cross over itself
ReplyDeleteRoyal1688
so happy for you to have this amazing visit and fun trip with your friends. i remember seeing this train on a post a long time ago..but can't remember who showed it. i love the idea of the staff from the yucca. you stepped back in time for a while.
ReplyDeleteI enjoyed reading your experience when you were in the museum. I probably would have had the same reaction to unfair labour practices as you. Maybe a short handle hoe was much cheaper than a long handle hoe and the owner only cared about profit.
ReplyDeleteI recognize the image of Our Lady of Guadalupe, virgin Mary as she appeared to Juan Diego on Tepeyac Hill in Mexico on December 12, 1531 as he hurried to mass. It a beautiful miraculous story.
I remember the long train that goes over itself through the tunnel. It must be quite a site to see. Thanks for sharing. Apparently, it's the busiest train track in the world with 40 trains a day. Wow.
Take care. I hope that you're feeling better for the clothes-line attack.
Hugs, Julia
Thanks for this information. Our Lady of Guadalupe and the many trains both. I hear the trains at night hooting, four miles away from where I live. But I didn't know it was the busiest track.
DeleteYou took me back in time to when that wonderful man stood up to make a difference. He was a hero.
ReplyDeleteHad to smile at the duck. Do you suppose Fran left it there:))
I was wondering about Fran too.....
DeleteHi Inger - good to see you around again ... love the photos and your news. I knew nothing about Cesar Chavez - such an interesting innovative and active character - so great when these people rise and take matters into their own hands - helping others. I'd love to visit the museum sometime ... must be interesting. Your loop is special - cheers Hilary
ReplyDeleteLooks like a great place to visit.
ReplyDeleteI've never been to the monument. I'm intrigued by the old photos, and Cesar Chavez is a household name to all of us in CA. I'm also intrigued by the yucca walking stick. I had no idea they were strong enough to be used as a walking stick. Will need to keep my eyes open for one!!
ReplyDeleteWhat a wonderful place to visit. We have many migrant workers that come here to work the tobacco fields. I have to say that I don't think many of them live much better than your picture.
ReplyDeleteThank you for sharing the story and life of this incredible man. He was a warrior for his fellow worker. Also, I never knew anything about Tehachipi Rairoad.
ReplyDeleteCesar E. Chavez National Monument sounds a wonderful place to visit!!
ReplyDeleteI am glad that you had this wonderful visit and great trip with your friends. To have good and nice friend is just a blessing!
Thanks for sharing this amazing story! Love all pictures too!
Lots of hugs!