30 June: The pace has yet to drop on the US adventure. This morning we changed hotels from the suites we stayed in to the Marriot just outside the city. As lovely as it is (and with a swimming pool!), the lack of wi-fi has caused problems. Really, poor show for a “quality” hotel.
Luggage dumped, we ventured forth into the gorgeous centre of Washington DC itself. I’m starting to get over the heat, but it’s still a pleasant surprise not to need my scarf. Unfortunately, my outfit today was somewhat ill-chosen. Faced with looking like a total wanker, I opted to wear my shirt on top of my vest-type top. Cue general over-heating for around 20 minutes before I got used to it.
So, today we went on a bus tour of the city, well part of it at least. I saw the train station, Capitol Hill, the various buildings on the hill, the church where RFK went during his tenure as attorney general, and a few other notable places. It’s strange knowing Robert Kennedy was up there. As a Bostonian, he defined his legacy in Washington and is buried there, around 100 metres from his brother, Jack. To see somewhere he went in times of great difficulty, especially as he tried to crack down on organised crime, is strangely compelling.
Laura and I went to the Crime and Punishment Museum. The first thing you see on entering is Ted Bundy’s VW Beatle. The USA’s most prolific mass murderer used it to store his victims after kidnapping them. On the wall opposite are his fingerprints from processing and the judge’s decree that he was of sound mind to stand trial. The highlight there was an original letter from Elliot Ness to a friend, where he discusses the surviving Untouchables. Inspiring, humbling stuff.
Then something unexpected. On our way to the White House we saw a massive crowd. There was no way to get near the house, so it was a safe bet someone important was arriving or leaving. Well, yes, it was Obama and his family, on their way to Philadelphia. Naturally we were so far away that we didn’t really see them, other than brief outlines. But I caught some great shots of the helicopter taking off and zipping overhead.
Then it was off to the war memorials. The Vietnam monument is horrifying, especially when you know the politics of that war, and the terrible cost to the Vietnamese. But it’s a genuinely awe-inspiring thing to see. As the bus tour guide said – pictures don’t do it justice.
On a more touristy note – I saw the Lincoln Memorial but all I could think of was seeing it in Fallout 3. Weird. I am also now the owner of an FBI hoodie. Useless in Washington’s summer, but likely handy back home.
1 July: The Holocaust Museum was, unsurprisingly, low on laughs. If you’re ever near it and have a strong stomach, it’s worth a visit. The exhibits and the dedication to show the very real trauma it caused is disturbing, but essential.
We queued from 9am to get our tickets. By 10am, whren they started handing them out, there were around another 100 people behind us. It’s free to enter and, while clearly having something of a pro-Israel agenda, it’s as blunt and direct as you’d hope. I’ve never been a believer in death sentences, but after seeing some of what the Nazis did at the concentration camps…
We lightened up with another bus tour, this time around Georgetown. These are some of the most sought-after and beautiful houses in the area and, heavens, they are beautiful. And expensive – one was around $4m. They are for very rich people and therefore not me. Oh well.
Then it was out for dinner again in Alexandria, with Mary and Aaron. Another beautiful, waterside part of Washington. More beautiful houses, it feels like you’re in the late-50s with all the vintage storefronts and townhouses. I’d like to stay there.
2 July: Now we’re in Dulles Airport waiting for our flight to Orlando and ready for a visit to the House of Mouse. Early excitement at wearing my jeans again will be short-lived. The sweltering heat is coming. But we’re staying at Cocoa Beach first for some relaxing beach/sea fun. And tonight I’ll get to watch the replay of Haye-Klitschko. Good luck, David!
