I just got back from a whistle stop tour of our Nation's Capitol. Just kidding it wasn't a whistle stop tour, just a quick trip. I thought 'Whistle Stop' seemed apropos considering its political nature. Anyway, I went to visit one of my very favorite people and as an added bonus he just happens to live in one of my favorite cities.
Last time I was in D.C. the Washington Monument was closed for renovation. This time there were two things holding me back - 1. the impossibly long line of grubby school children waiting for a tour, and 2. the bitingly bitter cold wind. I could swear that the monument looked like it was swaying, and there is not enough money on this green earth to get me into a 555 foot swaying obelisk of marble and granite. 
It looks pretty majestic in the cloudy sky though, doesn't it?
United States Capitol Building
One of the sites I was most excited to see was the new World War II Memorial. It was not there last time I visited. It is between the Washington Monument and the Lincoln Memorial, and I think it is very nice. Having Grandfathers that served on both sides of the conflict and hearing their stories (or not hearing as the case may be - there were just some things they would not talk about) made the monument even more special to me.
View of Lincoln Memorial from World War II Memorial
The monument is surrounded by smaller pillars representing each state and territory.
Freedom's Wall - 4,000 gold stars commemorating the more than 400,000 Americans who gave their lives in the war (and a duck).
The American Red Cross building - I just thought it looked festive.
This is as close as my zoom could get to the White House. It is also festive. Whilst I was standing there I saw Marine 1 or 2 land and take off. I could not see who was in it, but judging by the amount of Secret Service surrounding the perimeter, I am going to guess it was someone important. Maybe Mr. President himself. By they way, did you see the clip of him on the news, where the Iraqi reporter threw his shoes at him? I don't know why, and I suppose it is inappropriate of me, but it is amusing to me. Plus, President Bush handled it very well.
The National Tree - I wasn't too enamored with this tree. The way they have it draped with lights leaves something to be desired and it doesn't even look like a tree anymore. But the whole site surrounding the tree is quaint and sweet, so oh well.
The have a tree from every state. Most of the decorations are done by elementary school children from that state. Ours were puzzling.
What is that? A naked mole rat? It doesn't exactly scream Christmas to me. But maybe I am crazy.
Me, the tree, and the White House. There is also one with Matt as well, and he is a cutie. I, on the other hand look like I am posing for my mug shot, so it shall not be posted on this site.
Matt's house. It is very nice and old. With creaky wooden stairs, and radiators. I like it.
We went to Georgetown and did some Christmas shopping. Well, I watched Matt do some Christmas shopping. This is the canal in the Georgetown area.
This is a festive Mall in the Georgetown area where we were stalked by some carolers dressed in Victorian era costumes. They were all cute and quaint until they kept following us everywhere.
The National Cathedral
The Rose Window in the National Cathedral
We went to the National Cathedral for a Christmas Concert. It was soooo beautiful, and just dripping with Holiday spirit. I loved it.
I tried to capture the beautiful colors that the stained glass windows reflect on the walls of the cathedral, but I couldn't quite do it justice. Take my word for it, it was spectacular.
I also visited the American History Museum at the Smithsonian. I was delighted to see that the Star Spangled Banner is back and also to see one of the 5 or 6 hand written (by Lincoln) copies of the Gettysburg Address (the Smithsonian has the Bliss copy). Wow.
And I went to the Corcoran Gallery to see an exhibit of Richard Avedon photography. It was called 'Portraits of Power'. It featured many important political figures of the past several decades and it was riveting. His style is very raw and not necessarily flattering but at the same time inviting and fascinating. He captures what he calls his "subjects in crisis, embattled by their engagement with the world" My favorite was of course Ronald Reagan.
Plus we had some food, saw a good movie, spent time people watching, had some good laughs, and good conversation. So I say two days well spent.
Christmas Scripture, Song, and Story.
Scripture - Luke 1:30-31
Song - I Heard the Bells
Story - The Other Wise Man
4 comments:
How fun! I had no idea you were going to visit your friend Matt. I myself have never been to Washington DC and it's very high on my list of places to visit one day. So I totally enjoyed your tour.
Oh, and from someone who actually DOESN'T DISLIKE President Bush, I thought the shoe throwing thing was pretty funny myself.
Wonderful!!! I am so glad that you were able to go on this trip. I knew it was important to you and I know Matt was glad to have you. He such a great friend.
I don't think I would have gone in the Washington Monument either. Scary!
It is fun to see all the buildings festive for the December season. Christmas is just grand. I do not care for the national tree's drapage. Who's idea was that? Goodness- fire the national tree's personal decorator. Save on the budget. (or maybe that is what they were trying to do in the first palce, sillies)
Welcome Home. Thanks for sharing your fun trip with us.
I completely love this post!
The naked mole rat may possibly be symbolic of how the Christ Child came into this world wearing nothing. I know it's a stretch, but it's all that's coming to me.
I think your stained glass pics turned out very well.
I love the photos of the various building and memorials. Excellent commentary.
I have a theory that George W. Bush was the Dodge Ball champion at his elementary school. Seriously impressive reaction time.
So glad you were able to go. I know you've been looking forward to this for a long time.
Love the commentary. Glad you got to go to your one of your favorite places.
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