When last we spoke, I was having fun saying “Belshazzar” as many times as possible. I was reminded this week how fun it is to say “Djibouti”. Bonus points will be awarded to those aware of how to pronounce Djibouti, those who know Djibouti is a country, and those who know where Djibouti is.
Last weekend I traveled with family and friends not to Djibouti but to Washington, DC, USA. It’s a six to seven hour drive from where we live, depending on traffic, number of stops, and so forth. By the way, if you ever drive I70 through Washington, PA, and don’t experience construction, pull off somewhere and buy a lottery ticket. There is always construction and the traffic that goes with it in Washington, PA.
After debating lunch spots on Friday, we stopped in Cumberland, Maryland, remembering a cute sandwich shop in the C&O Canal Cumberland National Historical Park. European Desserts and More offers, yes, desserts, but the “More” includes Bosnian Spinach Pie … a cross between spanakopita and quiche. This time my sister and I split the pie and a chicken salad croissant. The chicken salad is oniony – just the way we like it. After striking up a conversation with owner Sasha, he returned to our outside table with a giant slice of peanut butter chocolate cake and multiple forks. Oh so delicious. Worth a visit.
We skipped the canal museum this time (which is free and full of interesting history) in favor of venturing across the river to George Washington’s Headquarters, where he hung out during the French and Indian War. Along the path we found an homage to Fort Necessity, which you may recall we visited a couple weeks ago. The cabin itself is open only on very limited occasions, but you can peer through the windows and say you’ve been there.
After food and history, it was onward to NoVA for … more history. We took the hop-on-hop-off bus tour of Arlington National Cemetery – worth the $15 both for the transportation and the knowledgeable tour guides – arriving at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier just before the Changing of the Guard ceremony.
The next day we drove into the city, parking at Union Station and Metro-ing from there.
First we did a brief self-guided tour (free!) of the Library of Congress. I could spend days staring at the architecture and exhibits,
Next we made our way to Pennsylvania Avenue for lunch, coffee, and tourism. Yes, in the vicinity of 1600 Pennsylvania Avenue. Public tours of the White House are limited, but you can find information on how to request them here.
Our tour may have been an insider version. I’ll just say no photography is permitted in the West Wing and non-government cell phones must be placed in a box on the way in. We had opportunity to tour the Eisenhower Executive Office Building as well. If you like architecture and history … the entire building is just stunning. “Wow wow wow” was the quote of the day.
Sunday morning we worshipped Jesus from the banks of the Potomac. Some people seek out a local church to attend when on vacation, which sometimes I’ll do, but more often I’m known to “worship Jesus from the beach” or wherever I am. When one is in church every time the doors are open and often when not … a little change in routine is perfectly fine.
We timed our visit to arrive just after a 5K race at Mount Vernon. After taking the basic $20 tour, circle around to the porch facing the Potomac River and sit for a while. It had been a few years since I’d been, but Mount Vernon is always high on my list when in the area. The biggest surprise this time – they now allow photography (non-flash) inside the house!!! Which is super nice since they tend to rush the tours a bit. You can review your pics later to relive the experience.
Despite the weather being a bit uncomfortably warm and despite my feet being in terrible shape thanks to wearing dressy sandals around the district the day before … I made it around the grounds, enjoyed wandering through the gardens, had a lovely conversation with Washington’s butler, Frank Lee, and walked down the hill to George and Martha’s tomb and back up. We even got to witness a wreath laying by sailors from the USS George Washington, who had just run the 5K that morning.
Following lunch at the food court and a whirlwind tour of the gift shop and museum, onward back to Ohio it was.
Time to book the next trip.