Washington DC

Washington DC was another of those pleasant surprises that keep cropping up. The ride in from the Skyline Drive was easy enough and as we got closer to the city the scenery remained very green where I was expecting things to get increasingly built up and “urban” we crossed over the Potomac River and the GPS guided us through the traffic, very busy but what do you expect on a Friday arvo in a capitol city? until we got to our downtown hotel The Quincy. We picked this because of it‘s location (only three blocks from the White House, and because everything else was ridiculous prices.

The next day we bought two 2 day passes for the open top bus tour that runs around the main sights. At around $40 for the two days I reckon it was good value and the easiest way to get to see all the things you want to. You jump on and off as the desire takes you. We caught the bus after walking down to the White House or “Bazza’s Crib” Our first jump off the bus was the National Archive to see the Declaration of Independence (very faded) and the Bill of Rights (all me are created equal, etc) and then jumped back on to do the whole loop round and just enjoy the sights. Our last stop after lunch which consisted of a Polish Hot Dog was the Smithsonian Air and Space Museum. We walked all the way back to the Hotel, note the brightest move in hindsight but it generated a good appetite for the Italian Restaurant around the corner that evening.


Bazza's Crib


And around the back


There's always some nutter with a flag (good one though!!)


The Capitol Building


Lunch, one with the lot!!


The Spirit of St Louis in the Smithsonian

Day two saw us back on the bus to visit the Chinatown district and look at Fords Theatre where Lincoln was shot. Then finally down to his memorial which is every bit as impressive as it appears on the TV or in pictures. Unfortunately the reflection pool was a little muddy having been drained for some work. Also nearby is the Korean war memorial which is one of the most impressive modern ones I've seen. On a side note the police presence on the Sunday was enormous, the reason it was the tenth anniversary of 9/11. We did get a fly by, by Marine One, as we left Lincolns memorial as Bazza returned to his crib after laying a wreath at the Pentagon. All too quick unfortunately to get the camera going. We both left Washington happy that we had each seen the things on our list that we wanted.


Fords Theater where Lincoln was shot


And his monument


Inside is the impressive statue


Outside you look up along the reflection pool to the National Monument


The Korean War Memorial


The granite wall opposite is very cleverly engraved


Finally Washington's Memorial