Ghost Tours in Alexandria

This is something I've been looking forward to doing since I moved out here, but never took the time to actually do! Kayleen and Marc, some of our married friends, finally helped motivate us to come with them for Ghost tour of Old Town Alexandria. Night Tours of Old Town are offered Year-Round, but during Halloween season, they offer Ghost Tours, which provide historical background and insight into the colonial American world, with the added bonus of ghost tales from the colonialites. What fun!

A few interesting facts. The term "put your best foot forward" refers to men in colonial days who wore short pants so they could show off their calves. Apparently when they met a nice lady, they'd put their best calf forward for her to see, as it was a distinguishing characteristic back in the day. Don't worry, I checked out Seth's calves afterward, as this was something I've neglected to scrutinize, and he does indeed have a fine calf muscle. phew! Also, back in the day one had to pay fire insurance if they wanted the firemen to put their house out in case of emergency, Confederate soldiers used tombstones as canon barriers and wind shields for fires (how rude!), and men who were "players" were hung in the public square with all their mistresses standing by (what lewd vindication!)

My favorite part of the tour was actually a break when they told us about the art of "fans" and "flirting". Man, to live in colonial days one had to be keenly aware of non-verbal signals from a mere fan. Apparently fans weren't meant to cool one's face back on those days, but rather provide a myriad of either flirtatious or "stay away from me, you creep!" signals. My personal favorites were the signs for "you're now dismissed," "I'm bored, can you please pick up the conversation a little bit?" "So sad my papa dismissed you, but it's not safe to talk to you here, so please meet me in the Garden at 10" ALL THAT from a fan! Colonial 1st ward members, perhaps it would be in our best interest to invest in a few of these!