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So, stop 2. Washington DC. This place seems such a comparison to New York. Everything is so spread out, clean and regimented. Jess is fascinated by Washington as it is a purpose built capital. All the iconic monuments and buildings are set out symmetrically and can all be viewed from certain points in the city. For the most part Washington DC seems to be packed full of American tourists, making the ultimate patriotic pilgrimage. Learning about the history of the American government and remembering how all these completely different states became united seems to mean so much to people. Security here is extremely tight, and the city was always busy with the sound of noisy police escorts taking VIPs to the White House in black bullet proof cars. Our hotel in Washington was beautiful a real home from home even if it was a little far out of town in the historic Alexandria quarter. The people in Washington were friendly and interested in what we were up to carrying our backpacks. Apparently carrying your luggage here is certainly not the American way! Our first stop in DC was the Capitol building. This was an absolutely amazing building, both extravagant and ornate. Filled with beautiful artwork and statues. Our evening plans were a further recommendation from the man we met on the Statten Island Ferry. An evening called 'Blues Monday' at a local DC church. This was a fantastic experience, everyone there was so welcoming and kind. The singer was so entertaining and had an amazing voice, picking out people from the audience to sing or dance with her. Apparently blues is Washington bread and butter, and you could tell! We initially felt self conscious but ended up singing and dancing with everybody else!
On day 2 we seriously got our culture on, starting off in the Holocaust museum. Next we walked round some of the many war memorials in Washington. The First World War fountain being a highlight, again beautiful, extravagant and unforgettable. We also walked past the pool of reflection and the Lincoln memorial. For me, most famous for Jenny running through it in Forrest Gump! I wanted to recreate the scene but I think I probably would've been shot or rugby tackled by scary FBI type people in sunglasses and headsets. "Fooooressssst!!!!". In the evening we followed our lonely planet guide to a popular tapas restaurant off the beaten tourist track. Yum, yum and yum! Also more gin cocktails :).
On our last day, more culture. Learning about the space race and checking out the lunar module at the Air and Space museum. We spent ages wondering round the aviation section looking for some reference to Chard. I'm not sure that Jess believes me, but it's the true birthplace of powered flight! Following that we went to the Washington monument which gave amazing views of DC. Including Barack's backyard! We couldn't leave DC without walking as close as we could get to the White House and taking a quick selfie!
On the last morning before we got on the plane Jess managed to squeeze in a quick visit to the zoo to see the baby pandas but I was feeling pretty tired after all that culture so thought I deserved a bit of sunbathing time. Next stop. Austin Texas ..... Whoop!
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kat Hi you look like you're having a fab time. I always said there's nothing I want to do less than go to America, but you're rapidly changing my mind with these blogs, it sounds amazing. Continue to enjoy, stay safe. Kat. X