Thursday, June 22, 2006

Day 1 of DC Trip

Well, Matt and I are just about completing Day 1 of our DC trip extravaganza. We
left Boston last night after work and I took the driver's seat. We made great time until we hit the Jersey Turnpike. That's where we ran into a ton of traffic on the southbound side of the highway b/c of a massive accident on the northbound side. I don't really know what happened but Matt was able to identify an axle being hauled away on a trailer. As a sidenote, I would like to commend the state of NJ for their turnpike system - EZ Pass lanes at 55 MPH, merges that are easy to handle and well detailed road signs.

Our original plan was to stop in Delaware but unfortunately there were no motels available so we headed into Maryland and stopped at a very sketchy Motel 6. Unfortunately that was just about the time that all the drunks, drug dealers and prostitutes arrived. The room was nasty and we didn't dare use the comforters. We managed to get a few hours sleep and then off to DC we went.

We arrived in DC and checked into the Omni Shoreham where the staff was helpful, personable and just all around wonderful. You can imagine our pleasure when we finally got into the room and saw how beautiful it was. Then we were off to the Metro Station where I had my first opportunity to ride DC's subway system and then to Arlington Cemetary where we walked around, saw JFK's resting place, the changing of the guard at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier (and just for Daddy - No, his wife wasn't there this time), and were privy to a portion of the burial of a serviceman. (For a beautiful vision of the sight we saw as we stood in silence to the sound of "Taps" being played indicating the conclusion of the burial service, see below.) We then walked across the Memorial Bridge to the Lincoln Memorial and walked back down along the reflecting pool to the Washington Memorial.

All in all, a wonderful and relaxing day (even if we were both hot, sweaty and smelly when we were all said and done). Now we are enjoying some cocktails before we get ready to head out to dinner at Morton's in Georgetown. I can't wait for Day Two to start.

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