This is long post. It covers a 5 day trip to Washington DC for my birthday in December 2015.
On my birthday, for the last few years, I have traveled someplace different for a few days and enjoyed being a tourist. In Dec 2014 it was the San Juan Islands in the state of Washington. Other years it was to New Zealand, or Key West, Florida.
This year it was to Washington D.C. When I was about age 10 my dad took me there for a week. His family has direct roots to old Virginia and some of my ancestors have provide great service to the United States. I have fond memories of that trip. This was to be my first time back as a tourist since I was there with my dad.
My niece, Lauren, went to school at George Washington University, which is right in the heart of Washington DC. She gave us a number of pointers on how to enjoy the city and it really helped.
We left on Thursday on an afternoon flight to National Airport. The airport is right across the river from the city and there is a subway station at the airport – maybe a 10 minute walk. In the city, we exited the subway right across the street from our rental unit – maybe 100 yards. Really convenient.
I had rented a two bedroom condominium for 4 days right across from the University – meaning right in the middle of the city and close to all the attractions. The unit was larger enough entertain other family members as well as prepare simple meals (like coffee in the morning). And we would also have plenty of room to relax when we were not out in the city
The first night after checking in, we left about 10PM looking for a light dinner. We walked by the White House. There were armed Secret Service guards spaced about every 150 ft. around it. Kind of unsettling! Although it was about 40 degrees to us it was not too uncomfortable when walking briskly, but to the guard it must have been quite chilly.
The next morning dawned clear and colder. We were out early to the National Archives to view the original Constitution and Declaration of Independence. One of the guards gave us a few minutes explaining some of the history of the documents. He talked about the scribe who penned the Constitution and pointed out some minor changes in wording and a few words that were crossed out. He also gave us a tutorial of the history of the actual Declaration of Independence document and why the words are barely legible due to age and mistreatment of the document.
From there we visited the Capital. We were able to get into the visitors gallery, probably because Congress was not in session due to the Christmas break. But it was still impressive to see the floor of the House of Representatives in person. Next we took the public tour of the Capital building. What impressed me were the original chambers of the Supreme Court which were located under one of the wings of the Capital.
Supreme Court Chambers until 1933
Supreme Court met in these chambers from about 1804 until the 1930’s when the current Supreme Court building was built.
On the way back we stopped at the Vietnam Veterans Memorial. I knew some of the people whose names are inscribed in this black polished granite. What happened to them had a significant impact on me and influenced some of the decisions I have made in life. On the photo I placed is a small red dot next to James Flickinger who I miss to this day.
Vietnam Veterans Memorial
After leaving the Capital we went back to the Condo to meet with other family members who had driven up from Norfolk Virginia.
On Saturday it was again clear, but much colder. I don’t think the temperature was ever much above 40, even at midday and was much colder in the shade. We first met up with the family and they drove us to Arlington National Cemetery where we saw the Changing of the Guard at the tomb of the Unknown Soldier, and General Robert E. Lee’s home. It had been warm the previous week and the trees were in bloom, even though it was mid December. Also note in the photo that there is a wreath with a red bow on some of the tombstones as Christmas was less than a week away.
Arlington Cemetery in December Bloom. Note the Christmas wreaths. Photo taken Dec 20.
The new guard arriving. Note the wreath in the second soldier’s hands.
Just finished the changing of the guard.
After the changing of the guard we walked to General Robert E. Lee’s house and took a group photo.
The group, me, Matt, Brian, then sitting Marc, Bonnie, Janice and Lauren. Yep, it was cold!
Next we drove to Mount Vernon to visit George Washington’s plantation. The house is beautiful and large by today’s standards. In 1790 it must have been truly awe inspiring to visitors.
Mount Vernon main house and some out building on the sides
Saturday night was dinner with the whole group at a very romantic Italian restaurant in Georgetown. They sang ‘Happy Birthday’ to me – Loved it!!
Sunday Morning it was breakfast with the group again at a distinctive (by its menu) Georgetown restaurant and good-bye to the family then out to visit the Lincoln Memorial, WW 2 Memorial, Washington Monument, Jefferson Memorial, and the Korean War Memorial.
Jefferson Memorial – He wrote a significant amount of the Constitution.
Korean War Memorial – it looks cold! The Korean war veterans suffered greatly from the cold and an unprepared Defense Department.
Monday morning, we visited the Supreme Court of the United States and the Bureau of Engraving and Printing where our money is printed (no photos allowed). There is something unsettling about standing in the gallery above the printing presses watching millions of dollars being printed – and feeling very detached because it was so – Clinical!
The first Supreme Court Justice – My Great Uncle
We left on Monday afternoon and had a very uneventful flight back to Los Angeles. It was a really enjoyable weekend because there really wasn’t any rush and also because of the family who drove up to visit us.