Some trips stay with you.
Back when I was in high school my dad took me along on a business trip to Washington, D.C. During the day when he was in meetings I was on my own to explore. I loved every minute of it.
I visited the Washington Monument which I had written a report about in the first grade, explored the depths of the Library of Congress, read the Constitution at the National Archives, watched a boring bit of Congress in action at the Capitol, toured the Supreme Court and the Bureau of Engraving and Printing, walked around the National Mall, visited the Lincoln Memorial, and spent many hours in three of the Smithsonian museums: American History, Air and Space, and Natural History.
I’ve always wanted to go back, and just recently, I did.
I was surprised how well I remembered everything. I had printed out some maps, but I didn’t need them.
I stayed at the Sofitel (#1 of 134 in TripAdvisor) which is one block away from the White House and within walking distance to all the major sites. It’s also one block from a Metro station which goes straight into Reagan National (DCA). Not cheap but highly recommended.
Highlights of this trip include:
- Seeing kids thank vets at the WWII memorial.
- Being at the White House entrance when Canadian Prime Minister Stephen Harper drove in.
- Revisiting all the landmarks, especially the Washington Monument (still 555 feet high as I reported in first grade).
- The Smithsonian Natural History Museum (which deserves and will get its own blog entry).
Gallery:
