Washington D.C. 2002

Our Trip to Washington D.C.

Spring 2002 and we decided we really needed to get away somewhere for a little R&R so off to D.C. we went.

We got an early start and flew to Baltimore. We realized it was actually the first time that we had flown together and already started to plan on more trips. Then we tried out the new Amtrak Accela express to washington. Jim loves trains :-)

We arrived at the beautifully restored Union station in the heart of Washington D.C. and we checked in to our downtown hotel and were off to the sights in short order.

First Stop... Smithsonian

The 'Castle'	The ever popular dinosaur
One of the things that drew us to Washington in the first place was the Smithsonian Institute and that was the first place we visited as well. We took the Metro to see most things in D.C. and it brought us right to the mall where we had access to most of the Smithsonian.	Americana
	We enjoyed it all taking in the Museum of American History, the Museum of Natural History, Air and Space, and yes, even the National Museum of Art. We had 4 days to explore it all and we needed every minute. Its really hard to pick a favorite museum but Jim picks the american history and Kenny says.. oh dear, I can't pick one.
Hope Diamond There was a very moving exhibit on the September 11 attacks that included dozens of dramatic photographs and the actual flag that flew atop the world trade towers on that day.

The Monuments

On day, we reserved a car and drove around taking in the monuments. The Lincoln Memorial revealed memorable an moving words. We also visited the Jefferson, Washington, Korean, Viet-Nam, W.W.II, and FDR memorials. All very moving

"I am certainly not an advocate for frequent changes in laws and constitutions. But laws and institutions must go hand in hand with the progress of the human mind. As that becomes more developed, more enlightened, as new discoveries are made, new truths discovered and manners and opinions change, with the change of circumstances, institutions must advance also to keep pace with the times. We might as well require a man to wear still the coat which fitted him when a boy as civilized society to remain ever under the regimen of their barbarous ancestors." -- Thomas Jefferson

D.C. Gay Pride

Just a couple days before we left for D.C., we discovered that quite by accident our trip coincided with the Gay Pride event in the city. We were quite excited about this and quickly planned to take in some of the activities along with the sightseeing. Here you see Pennsylvania Ave. and some of the 200 thousand that attended the Pride event.

	Our hotel was only a few blocks from Dupont Circle where the Gay Pride parade was held the day we arrived. Lots of fun and laughs. We saw floats, PFLAG moms, politicians, and lots of pride.	It was great to be 'out' with family. And at times, a feast for the eyes as well.
	Did I mention boobs?	Kenny enjoying the day

Ken took Jim to the Ford Theater and listened to the history around Lincoln's final hours and the assassination.

We drove to the National Cathedral and explored its many chapels and secrets.

Hardrock Cafe

As always, we enjoyed food and drink. D.C. has some wonderful restaurants. A favorite for us was John Harvard's Brew Pub, good food, great service.

P.S. After getting back home, I discovered I had Mono that I contracted about the time we started our trip to D.C. No wonder I was so tired all the time! ...Jim

-- Jim, 09-22-2000