HOCUS POCUS! THE HALLOWEEN EXTRAVAGANZA ON STAGE AND SCREEN!

Cackles. Giggles and gaggles of witchy women 

It's entertainment like no other on Oct. 5 -- on the big screen there'll be the classic Walt Disney color film HOCUS POCUS, starring Bette Midler with Sarah Jessica Parker and a brilliant cast of witches, warlocks and their friends ... plus a story that will captivate audiences from five on up, including Grandma!

Then, on stage there'll be the award-winning King Theatrical company to add spell-binding 3-D drama, live music and excitement to the mix. They'll be dazzlingly, dramatically costumed, singing, dancing, entertaining and bewitching you as they support the heart-warming story that will capture the hearts of all ages!

And here's a special added treat -- everyone is encouraged to come in your own costume because there will be Prizes awarded for the best, cleverest and most thoughtful. 

A light, Chinese Combination lunch will be served before the show, and there will be a "meet-and-greet" session with the live cast afterward. So act now to assure your seats at this fabulous, memory-making extravaganza!

Non-refundable tickets only $60 per person ... so call Step On Bus Tours at 248-619-6692 or email
steponbustours@gmail.com. Remember ... space is limited!

BEYOND CHOP SUEY: LUCKY CAKES, MEAT FROGS & PINS IN THE SKIN

Power, beauty  freedom = the horse in Chinese symbolism

Since my travelers have requested insights into Chinese Culture & cannot go to China. we're bringing the glimpse to them with quite a unique excursion: "Beyond Chop Suey", Sept. 16. I've done my due diligence and created a sensational day trip that covers a lot of Asian properties.

We start with a visit to a monastery where we will have a chance to explore the grounds and learn about meditation and why it is so important to the psyche. The atmosphere there is quite special, calming and still considering that it is in the middle of the city.

From there, an acupuncturist will educate the group about the energy of the human body and the importance of clearing blocked energy. She will explain how to tell when the body's energy field is blocked.

Having had acupuncture many times, I can verify that it works. When I was 37 years old, I visited an acupuncturist in an effort to quit smoking. I loved my Tareytons but the smoking was annoying not to mention messy including burning holes in my precious work outfits. He inserted the very thin needles at key points under my skin, which I hardly felt, then hooked them up to a miniature battery cable. He left the room and I fell asleep. I quit that day and never had an issue.

My stories about the success rate of acupuncture are many. And, to this day, when I am taking an international flight I usually have an appointment with an acupuncturist. The goal is to restore the "chi or qi" and the benefits are many.

Asian grocery stores are exciting. There's unusual fresh foods and also amphibians, some called Meat Frogs. Our guide is Chinese and really knows his way around the market.

Of course, we are dining at a Chinese restaurant that specializes in serving Chinese. The cuisine is exciting and delicious.

And did I mention the "Lucky Cakes"?

Our Chinese guides will take us deeper into their rich heritage from the Silk Road. It's a fun & exciting way to experience a new way of seeing. And that is the purpose of this adventure -- to shatter myths and expand horizons.

At the sign of the...

Reenactors are very important to society in explaining how people lived, worked and history of the era.

Typically they wear the garb of the day. Compared to the constant influx of new fabrics, the cotton and wool back then
both heated and cooled the body. If woolen gloves got wet for example,  just ring them out and put them on and they'll still do their job. Pretty cool.

Chris, the proprietor of The Sign of the Cross, explained that reenactors must attire themselves as authentically as possible otherwise they could be expelled from the group

Various jewelry ranging in price from $1 up are made of actual materials. He would never use plastic.

Explaining the culture of 1812 is no easy feat.  He loves it and participates in twelve 1812 events every year because he feels compelled. He's driven.

He kind of agreed with me that many reenactors of historic wars and events do so because they haven't completed all of their business when they were alive.  They obviously believe in reincarnation.

If you're ever around a reenactor, strike up a conversation about how they got started. You'll be involved in a fantastic conversation.

EIGHT BEST THINGS ABOUT TAKING A BUS & BOAT TRIP TO THE FORD DETROIT FIREWORKS JUNE 24, 2019 WITH STEP ON BUS TOURS

Dazzling fireworks on the Detroit River amaze spectators. 

Enjoy the 61st Annual Ford Detroit Fireworks this year with a group motorcoach trip on June 24 offered by Step On Bus Tours to see the spectacular pyrotechnics display on the Detroit/Windsor waterfront.  The Fireworks will be viewed from a Canadian certified ferry vessel.

Eight Reasons to take the bus and boat tour for the Fireworks:

1.   Leave the driving to us. Yes, there will be crowds. Our bus can easily manage them safely as well as road, ramp and expressway closures
2.   Hassle free US and Canadian Custom crossing. Sure, you will have to disembark the bus and check in with customs – all under a half-an-hour. They know that we’re coming in advance.
3.   No searching frustration for a place to park or pay high parking prices.
4.     Less walking – only from boat to bus. It’s ideal for people who have mobility issues.
5.     No need to carry your own chair. The boat has plenty of seats and will be reserved for Step On Bus Tours.  
6.  Great views of the fireworks from the boat. Everyone gets a good seat instead of elbowing for a place.
7.   Hors d'oeuvres on the vessel include: include imported and domestic cheeses, vegetable crudité with dip, trio dip platter, assorted sushi, mini heirloom tomato tarts, vegetable spring roll, with chili dipping sauce, vegetable samosas with cucumber raita, mini beef kafta with garlic dipping sauce, chicken satays with peanut sauce.
8.   Clean restrooms are always available. There’s no searching, no line and no charge.

About 10,000 fireworks will be ignited from a barge on the Detroit River between the GM Ren Cen and Caesar’s Casino Windsor.  Both the River Walks on each side of the border will be closed for the safety of all.

“I developed this trip for people of all ages who want a hassle free way of seeing the Fireworks,” said Rose Szwed, President and Duchess of Touring, Step On Bus Tours. “Travelers can take the first portion of the day to take care of their concerns and plan to have a lot of fun starting with the departure. There’s entertainment on the bus. And games with great prizes. Of course, the striking performance is the centerpiece of the event. ”

The Ford Detroit Fireworks is the unofficial kick off to Summer as the fireworks light up the sky over Detroit and Windsor, Ontario, Canada has the most dramatic backdrops against unique buildings -- the GM/Renaissance Center and historic buildings and churches. Showtime is 9:55 pm.

“It’s so spectacular that it’s a photographer’s dream with many dazzling images to capture and in comfort without constantly jockeying for a great spot,” Szwed said.

Beverages and snacks are available for purchase on the boat.

Step On Bus Tours will also bring water and snacks for

travelers. Board our bus and receive a box lunch, and

a slice of apple pie, an Americana goodie bag, and other surprises going  and returning.

Cost is $110 per person and includes roundtrip motorcoach,

 box lunch, border crossing fees, tickets for the boat,

hors d’oeuvre and snacks. Fee is non-refundable

Travelers will be picked up at one of the following locations:

1.    Eddie Edgar Ice Arena, I-96 & Farmington Rd.-- 5:30 pm

2.    Walmart at M-59 and Mound, Sterling Heights -- 4:30 pm

3.    Lowes, 12 Mile & John R, Madison Heights -- 5:00 pm

First come first serve. PAYMENT DUE BYJUNE 1, 2019. Though the Fireworks begin at 9:55 pm, Step On Bus Tours has allowed time for the motorcoach to navigate traffic, drive through customs, board the boat, choose seats and sail. The trip is open to all ages.

Cash and checks are accepted. There’s a slight upcharge for using credit cards because Step On Bus Tours does not build in credit card costs per trip.

Those who want to attend the trip must reserve their seats by calling Step on Bus Tours at (248)-619-6692 or emailing steponbustours@gmail.com   Attendees will receive confirmation 10 days before the event that  include pick up time and other details. 

Why Sojourner Truth is significant to Michigan

    

Abolitionist Sojourner Truth’s journey to freedom included many hardships along the way. Her final stop in Battle Creek, MI is a story that is significant to Michigan’s history. 

Sojourner Truth was born Isabella Baumfree in 1797. She later changed her name to Sojourner Truth as an adult, it advocated for her Methodism religion and abolition of slavery. Her full date of birth was never recorded because she was a slave. This extraordinary woman is well known for speaking out about both African-American and women’s rights. She is one of the most powerful advocates for human rights in the 19th century.

Did you know that Truth spoke out against capital punishment? She testified before the Michigan Legislation about her resistance to the law. In addition to that, she was also an advocate for prison reform in the state as well as rest of the country.  

On Nov. 26, 1883, Sojourner Truth died at her home in Battle Creek, Michigan. She is buried near her family at Battle Creek's Oak Hill Cemetery. Truth left a legacy that could be admired and remembered by all people. The difficulties that she faced in life as a slave never stopped her from persevering against all the odds as she continued to fight for the equality of all people.

One of the popular historical landmarks to visit is Truth’s monument in Battle Creek, MI. Sculptor Tina Allen designed the giant statue and it was revealed to the public in 1999. During the tour, you will get a chance to learn about the details of her journey from Battle Creek into the south where she spoke to people about racial inequalities..

On September 6, 2017, Step On Bus Tours will be offering a tour entitled “Of Human Bondage: Quilts, Quakers & Questors of the Underground Railroad.” This tour will explore the depths of these historical landmarks including Truth’s story and allow riders to discover the system that slaves used to navigate their way to freedom. To book your tour call 248-619-6692, visit our website www.steponbustours.com or email us at steponbustours@gmail.com.

Dive Into The History Of The Alamo

By Chasidy Hall

Over the course of 300 years, the Alamo is considered one of the most prominent sites in the United States. This historical landmark stands at the heart of San Antonio and it is also a reminder of how Texas got its independence. In 2018, Step On Bus Tours will get a chance to tour the iconic building in San Antonio, Texas where it all began!     

The 18^th century Mission San Antonio de Valero Complex is now known as The Alamo. It was part of a 13-day battle that was fought between the Republic of Texas and Mexico. It took place from February 23, 1836 to March 6, 1836. The Mexicans won the battle and killed all of the Texan soldiers who were located inside of the fort.

Did you know that the site welcomes up to 2.5 million visitors per year? The complex includes a chapel, barracks, gardens and a small museum. If you are a history buff, this is the tour for you!  Visitors will get a chance to tour the grounds and learn additional details about how Texas gained their freedom.

The Alamo remains open for 364 days per year. The site also has a calendar of events which features free history talks several  times out of the day in the Calvary Courtyard. In addition, it also includes living history presentations that sometimes include period impressions and live demonstrations of fire starting, leatherworking, or textile making. There is also a 17-minute film that tells of the 300 – year Alamo story which is shown at the Long Barracks Theater and the Alamo Arbor.

Starting February 24-March 4, 2018 , Step On Bus Tours will tour the wonders of Texas which includes San Antonio, Padre Island and the Gulf of Mexico. To book a tour, call us at (248) 619- 6692 or email us at steponbustours@gmail.com. Make sure to check our website www.steponbustours.com for upcoming tours.

From Where I Sit: "Three Days In New Orleans"

Join intern Liz as she blogs about her experiences on the Step On Bus Tours team. 

Stand on any given street corner in New Orleans and you’ll be barraged with the unexpected. Neon lights flash, beckoning you into voodoo shops, bars with frozen cocktails to go, and live performers. Visitors and locals alike watch overhead from balconies, listening to the sounds trumpeted by the jazz players. You’ll most likely find some sort of plaque or marker, explaining the events that took place hundreds of years ago and yet are still a part of the atmosphere.

The St. Louis Cathedral in Jackson Square

It can be tough to decipher where you are, what era it is, or, most of all, what you want to explore first.

The magic of New Orleans is unlike any other place. It is a French-Creole city of many different cultural influences, experiences, and histories. The impact of the city’s establishment by France is still strong, from the architecture to names on the street signs to the signature food (beignets being an arguable favorite). Mixed with the Creole history that imbibes the area, the almost forty-year presence of the Spanish, and the uniquely American Antebellum touches, you get a gumbo pot full of personality with something for everyone.

Walking through the streets, it is easy to think that you left the America that you have known and arrived in a different country with its own unique swagger.

The party reputation of the French Quarter, however well-earned, is not the only aspect of the neighborhood: the small, local shops and restaurants bring character to the area. Ride the streetcar to the Warehouse District to go to the Ogden Museum of Southern Art. Walk through the Garden District and be treated to an unofficial home tour, looking at some of the most beautiful residences in America. Or, for the adventurous traveler, venture to the bayous for some quality time with alligators.

The French Quarter

What really sets New Orleans apart, however, is the thorough enjoyment of the simple pleasures that the city’s patrons revel in. There is no guilt in these pleasures: a large, hearty plate of jambalaya; an ice-cold drink in the Southern sun; a swinging melody. Religion is a large part of Orleans culture. Family gatherings on porches are commonplace. I have a theory that music is so popular in NOLA because it is so easily shared with others, giving anyone who can hear it a little pleasure of their own.

It’s near impossible to describe the Big Easy in just a few paragraphs. New Orleans is something that has to be seen to be believed. And even then, as you stand on that street corner, you may not be able to believe your eyes.

For more information on our trip to Biloxi and New Orleans September 10-16, 2017, call us at (248) 619-6692.