Our First Trip Into The District



 On Labor Day, We took our first trip into the Capital Mall. My first ride on the metro system which Tom had broken in on his trip to return the rental van to Reagan National, our first weekend here. I was able to master the ticket system with a small amount of tutoring and the help of my reading glasses. How handy that the red arrow that you insert into the turnstile is visible without my glasses!  It seems similar to the Metro in Paris which I visited very briefly with my daughter Holly in 2000.

It was a quick 35 minute ride to downtown from the Van Dorn station to the Federal Triangle stop. Due to holiday it was not too crowded and we even scored free parking at the park and ride.

Tom convinced me to wear my athletic lace up shoes for the trek.  I was not happy to give up my flip flop sandals I have been sporting continuously since last April.  In the end, I am sure it was the right thing to do- but I couldn't wait to shuck my shoes as soon as I got home.  It was a warm day, but not too hot due to a pleasant breeze. 
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It is indescribable to see with my own eyes, the monuments and buildings that I have seen throughout my life in textbooks, movies and TV shows. We took a trolley tour and made a circle around the The Mall and made mental notes of our wish list of things to see. The tour guides, were excellent-knowledgeable and friendly.We plan to see the outdoor monuments first ,while the weather is good and reserve the  indoor venues for the colder days ahead.

I must see the Ruby Slippers and Archie Bunker's chair at the Smithsonian as well as Julia Child's kitchen. I know, I know- there are many other things regarding our American history that merit my attention too. But what do you expect from the triviaprincess? So many historical documents and artifacts to see- it is a mind boggler. Thanks to my friend Sharon H for the great downtown map, my brother in law Robert for all the tour books and Linda and Dan for the maps-we should be all set for our weekend trips.



We are lucky enough to be in the right place at the right time to see a motorcade whiz by. Fascinating to see the police shouting at poky drivers to "GO-GO!" An elderly lady attempted to cross the street just ahead of the motorcade but was scolded politely by a an advance motorcycle escort. Not sure who was in the motorcade- but it was close enough to the White House to make you wonder and feel a thrill.

In the future I hope to learn to wear sensible shoes, a hat and carry water. A kid's meal at the cart vendors is $9.00. But that's a topic for another blog-cost of living on the east coast.

We plan our next trip to Arlington national Cemetery and return home to Sullivan Place tired, but exhilarated at the prospect of exploring our new state and vicinity.