Mid-Atlantic Trip Part 16: Final Hours

This is it, the last one folks. My last half day. I hadn’t planned it this way, but I can’t help but to find it fitting that I finally end this series when this time last year I was getting packed to leave for D.C. What began as a much more modest project in my mind of one installment, has taken much longer than I ever imagined to complete, and became more involved than I had planned, as well. Thanks to everyone who vicariously joined me. This is not the end, it’s a new beginning. I do have pictures of other places, after all.

The last day on the Metro.

I had woken up early to go to the National Holocaust Memorial Museum to pick up tickets, but decided to go by the White House again, as it was on the way (I was a pro finding myself around at this point). So, I passed the Treasury one last time. Bye Alex! And, do something about that eyesore of a safety cone, would you?

I’d actually thought of going past when getting ready as I was catching up on the morning news and saw Morning Joe taping from the White House. If you ever want a good shot of the White House, go in the morning. Nobody thinks of going early for some reason. There was hardly a tourist in sight. It was uncanny.

And hey, when else would I be able to do this? I know you’re all above this sort of thing, but I don’t inhabit the same ether. I was curious. So sue me.

Well, well, well, speak of the devil… (not Willie, who really is that tall)

Never did get a shot of the front of this, but I thought this monument was sweet. It’s the Second Division Monument, by the way.

I dunno why, but I like this one.

Waiting in line for tickets to the Holocaust Museum alley (yes, they totally make it a whole experience).

You know what was odd? This was an architectural motif across the street at the Wilson Memorial Arch of the Agriculture Department Building.

Sherman Monument.

This maiden is Peace. The children, rebirth after a hellish war (and a certain someone’s March to the Sea).

Why not, let’s throw in another. After all, I was walking back and forth a few times.

It was Cinco de Mayo and the mariachi music was blaring at the National Sylvan Theater! Plus, on the other side of the monument was a Breast Cancer Awareness walk finish stage with motivational music blaring. There’s always something happening in D.C.

Green’s a good color for her, oh, and cool way to show the lines of the city too.

I loved the idea of the Red Baron kite bobbing up and down in the same breeze flapping the 56 stars and stripes.

At the top of the Washington Monument. You think they could get some glass or plastic that was clearer, right? It’s like you get up there and are all, “so this is it, huh?” Don’t get me wrong, I would have been disappointed had I missed this, and this also required getting tickets early, but it’s more something to say you did. Plus, the elevator ride down is one of the coolest parts. There’s a bunch of stones from states, cities, etc. hidden inside.

Swanky, no?

Back on the ground, and this kid’s expression was darling.

District of Columbia City Hall? Capitol? Not sure what to call this. Hell, let’s call it the Wilson Building.

I loved this ticker of taxes paid. Other messages included: “Mr. President, Demand D.C. Voting Rights,” and “Support D.C. Statehood!”

The Willard, where Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. wrote his “I have a Dream” speech (and where I had a fabulous mint julep).

I had to get to Reagan International, but damned if I was going to leave D.C. without touring Ford’s Theater. I checked the luggage in at the front front desk and ran/briskly walked the 2-3 blocks and got a ticket for the last tour of the day just in time!

The actual suit Lincoln was wearing when he was shot.

The actual derringer John Wilkes Booth used to assassinate President Lincoln.

The President’s Box. The theater had luckily for me been recently renovated during the last years of George W. Bush (not all his legacy will be bad).

We were instructed not to take photos of the stage – proprietary issues. Yes, school kids would be taken here to watch plays. It still operates as a theater. The set here? Little Shop of Horrors. I can’t imagine watching a play here, it would be surreal.

But rush to the airport I had to do. This is a picture from the tarmac, taxiing for takeoff.

And, goodbye D.C., Pennsylvania, Virginia, Maryland, and East Coast. I’m coming home, which is bittersweet after being traveling for a month. Oh my god, a full night’s rest!

Or not. This is the view out the Dallas hotel room where the whole flight got bumped after ‘technical difficulties’.

But, after a hellish experience capping off a wonderful trip, too long to retell again in all its drama, I did make it home. The next day.

…for that full night’s sleep.