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We had to run between the raindrops during our trip to our nations Capitol, but Lena LOVED Washington, DC! |
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We really lucked out and found a quaint little hotel, “Windsor Park,” through the Internet! It was very convenient to everything! |
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When we say “QUAINT,” we’re NOT kidding: This is the entire LOBBY of the Windsor Hotel! |
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Why was I *NOT* disappointed that we didn’t get to see Bill & Hillary? |
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While our tour of the White House was interesting, both Lena and I were surprised to see the “shabby”and somewhat deteriorated exterior appearance of the paint on the White House. |
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If it was not raining while we were in Washington, it was HOT & HUMID! We took a luncheon cruise along the Potomac and Steve was reminded just how one felt in 95°F heat coupled with 98% humidity— sort of like someone threw a wet blanket over your body! |
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The cruise was relaxing, the luncheon unremarkable, but the boat was AIR-CONDITIONED and we completed the cruise before it rained...AGAIN. |
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Like many Americans (especially those under 50), Lena was not really able to appreciate the Vietnam Memorial and the Wall or to understand how that war has so adversely impacted on this country and many of its people...even today. |
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We were not able to visit the Vietnam Memorial at night and I was unable to personally take a photo of the Wall which impressed me as much as this 'nitewall' image depicted on The Vietnam Veterans Wall at Night http://www.geocities.com-Heartland/Canyon/4971/vets/nitewall.htm |
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At first glance the Korean Memorial appeared rather unimpressive, but the more that one looked at it from different angles and studied the artist’s work, the greater the feelings the bronze figures seemed to convey. |
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Since all the statues are dressed in rain panchos, this Memorial might look right at home when viewed in a drizzling Washington DC rain storm. While we had the overcast day, it was not raining. |
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This statue appears to be really giving Lena a 'close-up' inspection... |
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Lena enjoyed seeing both the Lincoln and Jefferson Memorials, but she has not learned the significance of these two famous Americans. |
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The Jefferson Memorial... |
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The Washington Monument... |
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We were able to make the walk around to see the different monuments without getting too wet—except for Steve’s SWEATING from the heat and humidity! |
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Those of you who have known Steve for any period of time (and his less than positive feelings about FDR) might question WHY he would have a photo of ROOSEVELT’s statue on the website. Answer: Because Lena liked the statue of FDR’s DOG! |
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Even though Steve had previously been to Washington, DC a number of times, he never knew there was a “Navy Memorial.” We liked this ‘Lone Sailor’ statue so well that we decided to buy the Lladró “On Shore Leave” porcelain rendition of it. |
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While Lena enjoyed watching the Changing of the Guard at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier, she said the ceremony is very similar to that held at Lenin’s Tomb in Moscow’s Red Square by the Russian military. |
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We were very happy that several friends had recommended we see the play SHEAR MADNESS being performed at the Kennedy Center. (As far as Steve was concerned, this beat CATS—which we has seen in New York—hands down!) |
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The view of the Patomac river and the Capitol at dusk from the top of the Kennedy Center is very nice. |
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We met with Bill Pfancuff (a close childhood friend) and his wife, Marie. Bill recently retired after a long career in government. We enjoyed seeing their home in Arlington, VA and being able to spend an evening togther catching up on the many things which had happened in our lives since graduation. |
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We also saw Jim and Dee Bogart for an excellent lunch at Penn Station. Jim and Dee are both retired Navy Commanders who live in Gaithersburg, MD where Dee is working on a Doctorate in Surgical Nursing. Jim spent most of his career in Exchanges and worked with Steve when he was at NAS Miramar. |
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