Washington, D.C. Day 7

Up at the crack of dawn, otherwise known as the time of day that God does not care about...if he did, don't you think that he would have made it light out?! I tend to think so. We arrived at the parking garage and jogged over to the Southeastern Gate/Visitor Entrance at 7:15AM. There was a pretty long line for the tour and the rain and freezing cold made for a very pleasant morning. After we lined up in alphabetical order and went through the Secret Services' security check-point, we were allowed to head inside through a series of mazes, inside and out of different buildings.When I finally reached the White House I was so excited, it felt absolutely unreal, then I had to wait for Chris' group in the, "W's" to make it through the check-points. I had plenty to look at, as the first couple of rooms and hallways are devoted to photos, portraits, sculptures, and other paraphernalia of presidents past and present. When were led from the museum rooms to some main rooms of the White House it was so incredible to see all of the historic paintings and furniture that have been involved in the history of our nation. The tour lasted about and hour from gate to gate and allowed you to walk along the roped path at your leisure. Everything about the rooms were grand and stately, it was like being allowed a glimpse into a piece of our nation that you could never believe would be possible without an inauguration, Grammy, or ambassadorship. Between tours we popped into the Library of Congress to take a quick looks. The library opened to the public in 1897 and has been referred to as the, "largest, costliest, and safest" library in the world. The interior of the Great Hall in embellished by works of art from over fifty American painters and sculptures.
The Main Reading Room at the Library of Congress features eight giant marble columns, each of which support 10-foot-high allegorical female figures in plaster representing characteristic features of civilized life and thought: Religion, Commerce, History, Art, Philosophy, Poetry, Law, and Science. There are also 16 bronze statues set upon the balustrades of the galleries that pay homage to men whose lives symbolized the thought and activity represented by the plaster statues.
Finally, we arrived at our last stop in the city of my trip. Our Capitol Building tour directed by members of Senator Bill Nelson's Staff. We arrived a little early and examined a large metal structure, a sculpture by Alexander Calder, in the lobby of the Hart Senate Office Building, were the Senator's office was located.
As the tour started the guide mentioned that we would be heading down into the, "guts" of the senate facilities. We were taken down an elevator to a basement level and led through hallways and passageways until we reached our mode of transport and underground tram/mini metro that transports; staff, senators, and visitors between the three main senate office buildings and the Capitol Building.
When we arrived ninety seconds after we boarded our tiny trains we headed up an escalator and then up a few more flights of stairs. Ascending to the South Wing and winding around corridors and passageways we were shown around to many of the rooms that used to be meeting and hearing rooms, we were also given a tour of the first room used by the Supreme Court.
The staffer then brought us in to the Main Rotunda, were paintings, sculptures, and historic artifacts pertaining to presidents or senate members are kept. The were large twenty-feet bronze statues, a 360 degree frieze that depicted the initial landing of explorers to the new world to our nations founding to the inauguration of President Washington, and large paintings, that canvases were several stories high recording some monumental moments in American history. Chris mentioned that he believed that most Americans would not believe how much historical garb remained in the Capitol Building and how it reminded him of Europe, wrought with historical significance.
A productive and educational last day of my trip. So freezing aside I had a wonderful trip, next time Kendra should be excused from school (wink, wink) to come with me! LOL. Love you all and I will see you guys tomorrow afternoon.

x's & o's and such,

am

Washington, D.C. Day 6

So, the whole rain, rain, go away song didn't exactly work to the best of my knowledge. Today started out as we mostly accepted it would, coldly. It was about 50 degrees outside, but with wild wind gusts in the teens it felt closer to around 43 degrees.
We drove to the Metro station and jogged into the terminal, frostbitten, for our twenty-five minute ride. As we ran to the station we were hit with our first few sprinkles of rain...more, constant raining followed.
Our first stop of the day was the Hirshorne Museum, where we viewed works from; Andy Warhol, Rodin, David Smith, Willem (take note, the Dutch spelling of, "William") De Kooning, and Maitesse. There were some very, "interesting" exhibits and lots of full nudity...very artistic, some would say, I would not, but some would.
The sculptures were quite impressive and thought provoking, I have studied some of the pieces and artists that we saw today, and it was so thrilling seeing their work in person.
Chris and I walked over the Mall to our next stop of the day, the National Archives, home to; the Bill of Rights, the Constitution, and the Declaration of Independence.
Seeing these pieces of history so close up was so exciting, it was an experience like no other. The rotunda where the documents are stored in shatter proof multiple inch thick glass in a long security case was so cool looking.
We stood in a line for about ten minutes behind this older couple, Chris joked that they were probably around to see it when it was first signed...I laughed and added that while they were intently searching the signatures, they were in fact looking for their own, LOL!
I was too excited to get to the U.S. Botanic Gardens, which are across the street from the Capitol Building. I was only too happy to get inside the gardens and out of the vicious cold and continuous rain and wind.
At first sight the gardens are breathtaking, there were such a wide range of species and environments that were represented. There was a large atrium with waterfalls, flowering plants, and tall palms. It felt as though I was transported back to the temperate climate I so love (Chris also loves Florida).
The four major enclosures were; jungle, desert, orchid, and medicinal species, there was also a smaller enclosure for rare and endangered species, as well. The jungle enclosure, which was the largest even had a large bridge that was made out of a large tree trunk, it was massive.
As we strolled from room to room, I was amazed at how many of the variations of plants I had never seen before. The gardens were so peaceful and the air seemed to smell sweet, overall and a very interesting and educational stop.
We left the gardens and headed for a bite, well we headed for warmth and decided that the American Indian Museum was going to be lame, shh...don't tell any Indians, well if you know any, anyway, otherwise you can tell the, "other" Indians.
That pretty much wraps up the day, we headed back to the Metro and after a short stop at the mall, we headed home. Tomorrow we are heading off bright and early for our tour of the White House and the Capitol Building! Check the update tomorrow. Goodnight. : D

hugs and kisses!

am

Washington, D.C. Day 5

ZZZZZzzzzzzZZZzzzzzzzzzzzzzzz...I slept in this morning, it was very, very, very, nice. We started our day with a run to Einstein's Bagels...pumpkin muffin, mmmmmhmmm. On to Great Falls Park a former trading post area for settlers in the area. What a beautiful spot, horse back riders, bikers, and white water rapid enthusiasts. The falls are home to nearly seven fatal falls related accidents a year, a sign in the ladies room reads, "If you fall in to the falls, you will die." Nothing like a bit of good news to start out the day.
We hiked down several paths with piles of granite stones that had wood constructed overlook points with which to view that falls from several vantage points. Across the falls we could see people standing in similar overlooks on the Maryland side of the park, they looked like tiny Milt-colored ants. The sky was so blue and completely cloudless and the weather was absolutely perfect. A great day to be outside in the, sub-suburbs. We stayed for about an hour and watched in vain as a man in a kayak attempted to fight mother nature by paddling up the falls, overall a very sad, but funny sight.
As we drove through the country in the traditional yuppie fashion, windows cracked and sun roof ajar, the air smelled sweet and I felt as free as a bird (a nit cliche I know, lol). After a forty-five minute drive past farms and mega-mansions we arrived to the city of Leesburg, VA. Our destination: (Kendra, this is the proper use of a colon) The Temple Hall Corn Maize and Pumpkin Patchery. P.Y.O. Pumpkin on Saturday and Sunday, F.Y.I. We waited for about twenty minutes in line to pay our entrance fee and then went straight into the maze...which started out not so good, as Chris, who unbeknownst to me is claustrophobic, began to bitch and moan about being lost in a corn maze. I quickly tell him that he is being a baby and eventually he relents and begins to have a good time.
We spent about an hour in the maze and made all the way through to the end...take that ridiculously difficult and exhausting maze made entirely of maize! Check that one off the life list. Leaving the maze I felt stronger and a little sniffley, note to self, check allergies to corn.
So, onto a more mainstream hobby of the yuppies of this region of Virginia, shopping, factory outlet style. A few hours of perusing some of the more high class of factory outlets I have visited in my time and its tome to wind things down with a little soup and salad, Panera Bread style. Tomorrow its back into D.C. The Hirshorne Museum, The National Archives, and the U.S. Botanic Gardens. Check in with you guys tomorrow.

I <3 You All!

am

P.S. Kisses to Pickles & Rocks!

Washington, D.C. Day 4

Rain, Rain, go away...so the forecast was for less than 1/10 of an inch of rain, a little deflated in my opinion. By the time we left for the Metro to travel into D.C. this morning around 11AM it was already drizzling in a sideways manor courtesy of the wind. Besides the rain was the pleasant 50 degree weather, which you know is soooo nice when its rainy too, lol. The Metro was a bumpy ride into the city and once we arrived we headed straight for a museum that happens to be my personal favorite, the Museum of Natural History. We started out in a temporary exhibit about Rastafarian history and African culture. Needless to say lots of dreads and poor speaking habits. We then ventured through the Sant Ocean Hall and after struggling through the crowds of tourists with the same idiotic expression on their faces, on to the African Cultures wing and the Ice Age. The dinosaur bones were huge! The exhibit on dinos also included side wings on fossil plants and mammals.
Thirty-five dollars, a blueberry tart, a third meal lunch of chicken nuggets, and a rice krispy treat the size of a hippos head and we were back on to the mammal hall, lots of mammals. Although we attempted to look through the exhibit on butterflies and bugs we quickly u-turned towards the geology, gems, and minerals hall when we realized there were about a million kids in the live butterfly and bug habitat. The gemstones and minerals were very beautiful and many were unique specimens, including the Hope Diamond.
A quick jaunt through the dirt exhibit, "Soil:Dig It," and we were straight through Western Cultures, which Chris thinks is in dire need of some updating, apparently the stone age is a little ancient for his tastes. Shuffling on we left the Museum of Natural History in route to our next stop of the day, the National Air and Space Museum. I felt a sense of awe, as I looked towards the ceiling, which was covered in past aircraft used by private and government organizations, top secret stuff, wink, wink.
There were nuclear missiles, lunar rovers, satellites, and space capsules, oh my. The museum had lots of exhibit halls that were filled with thousands of pieces of aviation history. Most of which we skipped, because honestly they looked a little boring, lol. The large flying machines covering most of the ceiling space were probably the most exciting part of the Air and Space Museum.
Anyway, after getting mostly completely soaked on the walk to the Metro, we traveled the twenty-five minutes home and are now sitting on the couch, well Chris is actually watching me write this, annoying me, asking what I want for dinner. Check out more reading fun, tomorrow on...Amber's D.C. Vacay 2008.

Out.

am

Day 4 Update.

Due to the weather being so rainy today we are revising our day. We will be heading into D.C. to visit the Museum of Natural History and the National Air and Space Museum. Full day play-by-play later tonight. Happy Reading & Go Gators!

am

Washington, D.C. Day 3

Friday- A visit to the ancestral home of the first president of the United States of America, George Washington and his very short (yes, shorter than I) wife Martha. After getting a late start thanks to a phone call by a person interested in stock quotes, endless traffic, the complete inability of Google maps to provide understandable or correct directions, and the line of about thirty tour buses full of school children and blue hairs alike, I missed my coveted, "National Treasure," tour at Mount Vernon. Alas, all was not lost...Mount Vernon was incredible!
Upon arrival we purchased our tickets and after a few snapshots of a bronzed Martha and George Washington, we perused a small museum and some stain glass windows depicting pivotal moments in G.W.'s life, I was astounded by a replica of Mount Vernon Manor. The tiny house was a scale model, in every aspect. However, the most exciting part about the model were a feature built into the walls on every side, electronic cutaways slid down to reveal the interior of the mansion, featuring tiny candles, chairs, desks, and other furniture. We followed a path outside and saw some adorable sheep and rams, that were woolly and precious.
The path led to the upper gardens that were full of herbs, flowers, and the dwarf fruit trees. The historical society that currently owns and operates the manor and grounds are excavating the garden to better understand the original planting layout to accurately recreate it.
Up a small hill and we were met with the beautiful manor, which in real life looks much smaller. Clearly the most picturesque area of the manor grounds would have to be the view from the back porch of the home itself. The Potomac and fall foliage was breathtaking. We took some photos and decided that the hour plus wait in line to go into miny house land was much too long, so we went right over to the lower gardens, which contained many species of edibles that Washington found native or planted to study the hardiness of tropical to the region. The stables and mule yard which are located directly south from the lower gardens held a stage coach that once belonged to the Washington's. Heading further down the path we happened upon the growing orchards with cabbage, pumpkins, and squash. Our final stop was the shoppes...let's just say that although Washington is dead, his estate is still bringing home the bacon!
So, back to the city and on to my first trip on the Metro! : D Lots of sleeping people, very strange, anyway, its like when you're in a club or hearing through any type of loud speaker situation...really hard to understand that you really don't care what he's saying. A trip into the heart of D.C. and straight to the Freer Art Museum with exhibits on; Islamic, Egyptian, Korean, Chinese, and Japanese art and artifacts. Highly ethnic. Lots of jars and wine jugs...oh, and bowls. The whole day we had dreary weather and a slight fog in the air that made taking pictures very difficult. We walked past the Smithsonian Castle, the Art & Industry Building, the Capitol Building, IRS, EPA, and many, many, more anagrams for crooked organizations that are doing something to screw you over. EPA, environmentally conscious? I think not.
Speaking of crooks...two words, Modern Artists. So, we went through the National Sculpture Garden and viewed the many impressive designs ranging from a bunch of stacked up chairs, a spider made of scrap bronze, and a ginormous, "thinking rabbit." Yeah, here is some stuff I welded together from things I found on the side of the road for two years when I was on that anti-depressant bender.
Summing up today, fun and educational. More to come as tomorrow there is a 97% chance of precipitation and we were planning on spending the whole day outside. Well, hopefully Great Falls Park, corn maze, and pumpkin patch, here we come!

Love and Kisses,

am

Day 2, Washington, D.C.

Today we visited the National Cathedral and the National Zoo. When we arrived at the National Cathedral it was around 45 degrees and windy, I was freezing. We walked around the grounds a short while and enjoyed the architecture with its; stain-glass windows, flying buttresses, and the beautiful religious facades. Inside the cathedral was breathtaking with staggered alcoves and vaulted ceilings. There was a small museum which told of the history of the church and its construction as well as renovations and happenings. After walking around the main hall, we ventured down a windy staircase that had hand rails carved into its marble walls to the cathedral gift shop, it featured books, music, and other religious regalia. The shop contained religious items from many different denominations.
At the National Zoo we parked very close to an entrance and dove right in to the exciting world of wrongfully incarcerated animals. lol...j/k...I am no tree huger. I know the animals don't have a "great" life, but hey..its probably better than most. Moving on, the animals were AMAZING! We saw Zebra, Elephants, Tigers, and the little-known mammal the Naked Mole Rat. Chris bought me a stuffed Tiger, and I named him, Spartacus Rex. He's cute and maybe a little bit fluffy. We also so pygmy hippos, prairie dogs, Giant Pandas, Red Pandas, two Sloth Bears, ohhh, and a Lioness!!!
Tonight we are going to P.F. Changs for dinner to celebrate Chris's Birthday, should be fun. See you tomorrow.

love,

am

Hello All,
Kendra, Mom, Nikki, Dad, Nicky, Rocky, Mr. Von Kitty, Mew Mew, Eddie, and friends. We're heading to the National Cathedral this morning, then the National Zoo, and on to the American Art History Museum. I will be update later....

Love you all!

am

P.S. It's Chris' 24th Birthday!

.....so tired.....etc...

Meet My New Little Sister!

Her name is Kendra.