RWA 09: Washington DC - Sunday

Sunday morning, Donna and I got up bright and early determined to do some sightseeing. With only a few hours and a lot of city to see, we decided to get one of the tourist trolley buses which left from the hotel and ride around the National Mall, stopping at a few locations, if we had time. Here are some of my pics from our day out.

A pretty house in the Kalorama district

The National Mall

The Lincoln Memorial

Inside the Lincoln Memorial

I come from a nation that has grown up over thousands of years, absorbing influences, ideas and language from its many invaders. Reading the Gettysburg address, which is carved on the wall of the Lincoln Memorial, I was struck by the words. It's a powerful thing to found a nation and to be able to decide, "this is what we stand for", "this is what this nation will be founded on". Whatever your politics, you can't fault the dedication, the principles and the optimism that humankind can rise above its pettyness and be truly great. I want to believe that.

The Korean War memorial

This Korean War Memorial was very moving. Statues of soldiers, in rain capes and with radios, are walking thought the low bushes, always watchful, always alert. There is something haunting about these statues. Despite their uniform colour, you feel as if they could almost move at any second.

The Vietnam War Memorial

I wanted to see this memorial because I recognised it from an episode of NCIS. When I mentioned this to Donna, she knew exactly which episode I was talking about and I discovered a fellow fan! This led to a discussion of all things 'Tony' and brought some much-needed levity to what was becoming quite a solemn bit of sightseeing.

Donna on the trolley bus

The FBI Building

The Capitol

Donna and I in the grounds of the Capitol

Arlington National Cemetary

When we arrived at Arlington Cemetary, it was time for me to catch the Metro back to the hotel so I could collect my luggage and make my way to the airport. Donna and I hugged goodbye and, despite our warnings to each other not to start, shed a little tear. And then it was time to go. I really enjoyed the little I saw of Washington DC. Strangely, much of the architecture reminds me of my hometown, London, and I hope I get the chance to visit again some day and see all the things I missed.