As part of the DISAM course that Adam was doing in Dayton, the instructors took all the students to Cincinnati one day for a look through the National Underground Railroad Freedom Center and a dinner cruise down the Ohio river.

The National Underground Railroad Freedom Center is dedicated to educating people on the plight of slaves in early America and the lengths that some people went to get their freedom and help people obtain their freedom. During the years when slavery was allowed in some States, what was termed the Underground Railroad, would help slaves travel north and to their freedom. It was a dangerous trek but the price for many who attempted it was worth it.

The center is located next to the banks of the Ohio River. For slaves seeking their freedom, crossing this river was an important step in gaining that freedom. On one side of the river is Kentucky, a slave state. The other side is Ohio and until you get across that river, if you're caught at best you're going back to your owner, at worst the end of the line. Unfortunately we only had a couple of hours to look around the center but we could have spent hours there. They have some excellent displays, not only telling the stories of the American slaves but also talking about those who are still in slavery today around the world.

It's definitely worth a look if you're in Cincinnati. The building below was an actual slave pen that was built in the early 1800's and that has been restored and is on display in the center. It's unknown how many slaves were housed there at any one time but I'm sure it wasn't easy living. It was used to hold slaves temporarily before moving them south to sale.

The Cincinnati baseball stadium	Cincinatti football stadium, probably holds as many people as the MCG	The Ohio river. Like the Mississippi River, it was vital to the exploration, development and trade of America	Cincinnati skyline	Cincinnati by night

The dinner cruise down the river at night was fantastic. It was a clear, still night that allowed us to get a great view of the city and enjoy each others company. There was a small band on board and I'm not certain whether the other guests were thrilled when all the international students started singing karaoke. Waltzing Matilda might have even got a go!!!!