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Back on the Trolley and past Lafayette Park across from the White House and less than two blocks away, President Clinton's MacDonalds they made such a big fuss of him jogging to. The next stop was The National Geographic Society - the biggest disappointment I've had so far. Hardly anything there unless they are having a show, which they aren't. So I had lunch, stood outside the CHANEL clothing store (was afraid to go inside) and on to the trolley just to see the sites. Over the bridge to Georgetown we had a view of the Duke Ellington Bridge. Seems they like it when hometown boys make good! We went up past the National Zoo to the National Cathedral which claims to be the last truly Gothic building in the U.S. It is simply Huge and quite grand. May try to get back here to go inside, but it is getting late and I would miss too much if I stopped here. Next we drove through Georgetown, many tall skinny houses. One ppinted out was a two story, 96" wide (yes, inches) house containing two rooms, one on each floor, that we could see right though. It sold five years ago, in the middle of the real estate slump, for $350,000! Yikes! It seems in Colonial times, they taxed you according to the street frontage of your property be it a home or a business, so they are all skinny and touch one another. Also, if your house was originally made of stone, brick, wood -- it must always remain so. You won't find Sear's siding in Georgetown! The driver pointed out many homes that were formerly occupied by noteables -- Jackie Kennedy after leaving the White House, Joe Kennedy during Jack's inaugaration, Patton's MANSION when he was but a Colonel! Then we did Embassy Row, every house, both sides of the street belongs to a different county! The driver was pretty funny telling us to stretch before we got there to prevent whiplash! He pointed out every one of them and we were swinging to and fro for a few blocks. I probably should have gotten off here, close to the apartment, but wanted to see all they had to offer for my buck$! Next was the area of the Lincoln Memorial where you could change trolleys and go to Arlington, although there is still a tug in my heart to go back, sitting was feeling very good. We then went by the Holocaust Museum (which I know is a must see but I just feel it will depress me so I'm not going!), The Smithsonian West and the Bureau of Engraving & Printing (which I REALLY wanted to see, but they, too, are closed). On past the Air & Space Museum (I might have enjoyed that with Steve along to explain but really have little knowledge or interest on my own). Around the front of the Capital now, Houses of Congress and Senate and the Library of Congress. We stopped at Union Station - I know Steve would love this, they tell me it's beautifully refurbished, but it is after 4pm and this is the last bus I can catch so can't get off now. Went past the Old Post Office, the original that is now a shopping mall, Chinatown and the MCI Center (their sports arena) and finally back where I started. Actually should have gotten off the stop before since it was half a lock from the Metro, but what's another three block walk! When I got back to the apartment, Heather and I walked to the tiny Safeway about 5 blocks away - little bitty thing, no parking lot either! She cooked dinner - burgers, oven fries and salad - tomorrow is my turn! Spent a quiet evening visiting with some new friends on the smoking patio and the girls went out. |
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Ok, this old broad is getting tired! I over slept today - slept right through all these girls getting ready to go - and I'm right in the middle of all the action! So I didn't get out of the apartment until 11am - Stopped at St. Michaels, one block away from the apartment, where President Kennedy's funeral was held. It is a very beautiful church, as are most Catholic churches, just wanted to BE there if you know what I mean!
On to the Mall and the museums! Just wandering all day. Went to the Castle where James Smithson was re-entombed in 1903. They are preparing for a Cherokee Indian display there, they wouldn't let me take pictures, but when I whined, they let me look at what they had done so far. Very interesting, with many pictures of the modern Indians carrying on the history with their skills and crafts. Wish I could be here to see the entire presentation.
Just did walk throughs of all the museums today to see things I had missed. Everything of interest was in glass and the pictures did not turn out well. |
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