Alexandria, VA – We stayed just outside of Alexandria near Andrews Air Force Base. On our way in to D.C. we stopped through historic Alexandria. The city sits right on the Potomac River and several of the streets are still cobblestone lined with colonial homes. We even saw the home of the celebrated Civil War general Robert E. Lee.
(Robert E. Lee home)
(George Washington National Masonic Memorial)
Washington DC – I love the U.S., I love history, I love politics, and I love Washington D.C.. My dream job is to be a political campaign manager so if it wasn’t so cold in the winter I think I might call D.C. home. Since I love it so much here, I wanted to make sure we got some really good pictures. In order to get good pictures, I needed to look cute, so I wore a cute outfit. I knew it was going to rain a little, but I thought wearing my taller wedged shoes would be better because they would keep my feet and white pants dry. By the early afternoon I realized I had made a big mistake. What was I thinking wearing cute shoes? Of course Ryan was rolling his eyes that I would even consider wearing this outfit on a day when we would be walking all over D.C.. Luckily I brought my rainbows. Ryan insisted I include this on the blog, because I hardly ever make stupid decisions. Haha. I am usually so strategic and logical.
It was a very cold and wet day, but that didn't stop us. We first toured the capital building and then we went to the Library of Congress, a personal favorite of mine.The library is the largest in the world and contains a huge collection from Thomas Jefferson’s library as well as other significant historical documents. The reading room is beautiful but we were only able to observe from above as a special pass is needed to enter. I am still wondering how to get access. Right next door is the Supreme Court Building so we went over there and Ryan tried to open the huge doors to no avail.
(The Apotheosis of Washington painting inside the dome)
(close-up)
(Ronald Reagan)
(We found this sculpture of Brigham Young in the Statuary Hall)
Next, we went to the National Archives and saw the originals of The Declaration of Independence, Constitution, and Bill of Rights. It was really surprising the Bill of Rights had faded away to almost nothing. You’d think it would be in better shape than the Constitution since it was signed 7 years later, but it was hardly legible.
We walked over to check out the Washington monument and the White House before heading back to the hotel and ordered some Italian for deliverary. During this trip we have been fortunate enough to stay with a lot of friends and family. However, there have also been plenty of nights where we’ve stayed in hotels. Some hotels have been nice and some have been not so nice. Thanks to Ry’s dad and his starwood points, our stay in D.C. was extremely nice. We stayed at the W literally 150 yards from the Whitehouse. I’m not gonna lie, it was a much needed nice retreat. Both Ryan and I slept like babies. The pillows and bed were so soft and lush. When the morning came, I didn’t want to get out of bed, which is out of the ordinary for me.
2 comments:
Love DC! I think this road trip is just fabulous. I am jealous. I want to do this! Hope you go down south to Williamsburg, Jamestown, and Yorktown. They are majestical in my book. If you do eat here: http://www.carrottreekitchens.com/ There is one in Williamsburg and Yorktown. I ate at the one in Yorktown - it's right by the water. This place is yum, yum, yum!!! I might recommend - Mrs. Chenoweth’s Garden Tomato Tart for lunch, and do not skip on some cake or pie for dessert!
Lauren - we are a bit behind on our posting....day two of DC and Virginia should be posted soon. We went through Williamsbug, but there was so much to see in DC that we didn't have time for Jamestown or Yorktown. We wish we knew about those places to eat, they sound amazing. I guess there is always next time and since that area of the country is one of our favorites, there will for sure be a next time!
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