13 December 2017
On Monday afternoon we landed at Washington Dulles International Airport. After leaving the aircraft, we had to catch a shuttle bus from our terminal to the main terminal area. That’s when Katelyn realised she had left her backpack on the shuttle bus — a complete accident and something any of us could easily do. Now, if there is anywhere you DON’T want to leave an unaccompanied bag, Washington Dulles International Airport would be very high on the list.
While Nicole and Katelyn went to try to retrieve it, I waited for our luggage. Just after they left me, I heard a PA announcement asking people not to leave any luggage unaccompanied, and that if any was found it may be destroyed. Not what we wanted to happen to Katelyn’s backpack!
They were fortunately able to retrieve it safely. Katelyn’s score with getting back things she has left behind was now 2-0.
We were very impressed with our Washington Hotel, the Kimpton Rouge. After dropping our stuff upstairs we took advantage of the happy hour they run from 5-6pm where drinks are complimentary. We started with a bourbon with warm cider and a cinnamon stick sitting in it. Then we headed to Georgetown for dinner. We had a nice meal in Johnny Rockets, went for a short walk (including another visit to H&M for Katelyn) and then headed home.
The big sightseeing day
The next day was a BIG sightseeing day. We got tickets for the Old Town Trolley Bus that allows you to hop on and off as needed. We started at Union Station, then did Arlington National Cemetery, Lincoln Memorial, Korean War Memorial, Vietnam War Memorial, Washington Monument, the White House, Treasury Building, Smithsonian National Air and Space Museum (for which we had an extremely interesting and intelligent guide who looked a bit like Sheldon from The Big Bang Theory) and finally an evening view of the absolutely beautiful Capitol Building.
We then made it home in time to catch the second half of Happy Hour, which blended into a nibblies dinner at happy hour prices too.
The following morning it was -5 degrees outside, which apparently felt like -10 degrees. No arguments from me! I braved the weather to do the 15 minute return walk to Starbucks for a coffee each for Nicole and I and a snowman cookie for Katelyn (who was sleeping in). Then it was time to get packed and get a lift to Union Station for our train journey to the Big Apple!
Visiting Washington also provided an opportunity to reflect on Donald Trump. I have not yet met anyone who either likes The Donald or who thinks he’s doing a good job. Rather than making America great again, I think he seems to be leading an administration that is making America divided again. Time will tell …
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