DC Was Already a Year Back?

Really? Was it already a year ago last week we were in Washington DC? Since then, we have had a number of other trips, but it often feels as if there are too many remaining destinations and too little time. By taking this longer class I'm teaching now, I have sort of missed our usual, March, one-week-away vacation. I still have to teach during the entire month of April with my present group at BCIT. Then during May, at last, we'll have two weeks in Puerto Vallarta and Guadalajara.

Oh, and perhaps, I could get psyched for the upcoming 3-day weekend, but we've still not made any plans!

You Go, Squirrel!

Okay, he went viral. It must be said that Crasher Squirrel gets around. Here, he stole the scene in this photo taken in front of the US Capitol in March.

(Thanks to a little bit of image editing.)

Which Way's East?

I've mentioned here in the past how I am most comfortable when I know the compass directions for my location. For example, right now, I know that because I'm facing my monitor, I'm also facing almost directly west. Therefore, Washington State is to my left and Toronto behind my back. I seem to need to understand my physical orientation in comparison to the rest of the world. For all common places such as classrooms at BCIT, or the supermarket, I know my bearings.

Maybe this is why when learning a city on vacation, I could never just hop on a sightseeing bus to see the landmarks. I want to know where things are in relation to each other. I need to grasp the 'lay of the land'. Without walking and figuring out the transit system, a city would seem just a series of unconnected spots. I cannot think of anything more annoying than that.

So, whether Rome last fall, or Washington DC last week, I always return with a pretty good idea of the geography of the cities we visit.

Places Visited While Blogging

I started my eJournal and images on Labor Day of 2003. Since that day, I have created daily blog entries. The audience and purpose of such an endeavor has never been exactly clear. I make the effort to sometimes express personal opinions. More often, I do it to document things that go on in my life. I've discovered how easily one's personal experiences and events can meld into a mass of vague memories over time.

Since the beginning of my blog, Jay and I have taken numerous vacations. As a general rule we try to spend several months a year exploring some other location. The inclusion of tags to help organize blog materials did not extend back to the initial years. However, I have slowly added them to help sift through this copious data. For example, I was able to identify a number of entries written during trips which were more than fours days in length. Sometimes, the tags include planning details or post vacation thoughts too.

( ** Updated links found at this location. ** )

To the NW by Northwest

The day's been long. Let's see, we got up at 5:15 am EDT and now it's 9:27 pm PDT. I should be able to sleep well tonight. My sister was waiting at Seatac Park when I picked up my truck from a week's stay. We went down to Kent, WA and found the Old Country Buffet. We talked and ate for two hours. The drive back up to New Westminster was easy in Saturday traffic. Did it rain the whole time that Jay and I were away? I've got peeling skin from the three brightest days in the cold, Washington DC sun. It's nice sitting at home with the gas fireplace burning, looking at a big monitor.

Good Evening, Baltimore!

Things went just as expected. We said goodbye to downtown Washington. We were at the Baltimore airport at around 11:15 am. The shuttle for Microtel came along after we called. We had eaten breakfast right in our other hotel. It wasn't that great and cost $10 but I did pack away enough not to be hungry for hours.

We went to the room, had coffee, and then caught the shuttle back to a light-rail stop near the airport. It cost $3.50 for a full day pass which can be used on all Baltimore transit options. It took about twenty minutes to get downtown.

I don't know what I expected from Baltimore. I don't really think I had any preconceived notion of what it'd be like. I was quite surprised by how much I liked it. We got off at the Convention Center station which is right by the Inner Harbor. We walked this way and that. Before long we were at the Mount Vernon area. We saw most of the things on our tourist brochure by walking although we did hop on the Metro subway as well. There's only one line. We got off after just a few stops at Lexington Market. How fun! I am pretty attuned to understanding variations of English, but there was a lot of black English being spoken which I really couldn't catch at all. We even rode up to the University of Baltimore area. Six hours of walking has made me tired but has given me a good overview of this city.

I am only beginning, at my advanced age, to understand the background to the beginnings of the US. The war of 1812 had important effects here. This is where the national anthem's 'rockets red glare' took place. The British understood this was an important port. I can sort of see how the nation's capital ended up being made from swamp land not far from here. Live and learn. I'm so thankful to have nearly made it to fifty just because I've had a chance to get so damned smart!

We are off, heading back towards Minneapolis and then Seattle, at 8:30 tomorrow morning. Then, hopefully we'll meet up with my sister for lunch in Kent, Washington. I like knowing I will be in my own bed tomorrow night.

A Rainy Last Day

Okay, I am finally all 'museumed out'. It took a few days but after spending several hours this morning in the Smithsonian American History Museum and half the afternoon in the National Museum of the American Indian, I'm done. There are other free galleries, but I'm finished. It's just as well as this is our last full day in DC. Tomorrow after breakfast we'll check out and head back towards Baltimore, MD. Our weekly Metro passes will take us to Greenbelt and perhaps on the B30 bus to BWI.

I think we got our money's worth from the $29 weekly Metro passes. The subway system here does seem set up more for commuters than occasional tourists. Unlike some major cities, there aren't stations close to some places that visitors want to see. Also, the stations are all identical which is utilitarian, I guess. At first it seemed a bit odd. The system is also extremely dim. I guess it proves that in order to maintain safety and security, transit doesn't need to be lit up with the brightness of a supernova. I might be nice to be able to look out the windows and read the station signs however. Still the system seems efficient enough. Any city worth a visit should have an adequate rapid transit system. Washington certainly passes that criteria.

If we get back to the Baltimore airport and check into our hotel early enough tomorrow, we hope to spend the afternoon in that city's downtown. Our first flight back toward the west coast departs at 8:30 am on Saturday. We've visited quite a large number of North American cities since living in Canada. There are still so many places left. High on the must-do list is a summer visit to Chicago.

A Smithsonian Spree

I was in good spirits today after receiving rather good news from my work by email. We were ready to hit a bit more of the varied Smithsonian holdings. I like this schedule because by the time we get up, get ready, eat, and take transit we're right on the National Mall at the 10:00 am opening times.


We did start off at the National Air and Space Museum. I was looking at the unused duplicate of the Moon Lander thinking how very long ago forty years is. I was very excited about the exploration of space as a kid of 10. Science and technology seemed like modern day magic which would cure all earthly troubles. The last forty years have surely been filled with many miracles of modern technology but we really didn't do as much with space as I would have expected as that child.

It takes hours to rush though the exhibits. I wasn't 'museumed out' by the experiences by rapidly just taking in the overview. After that we walked across the patch of green, through the National Sculpture Gardens, to visit the National Archives. It's where the US Constitution and other famous documents are stored, so there were queues. They also provide interesting and informative exhibits from the archives. I think I would have easily enjoyed being an archivist. It seems like a profession as, if not more, noble than teaching. A 12-minute documentary film in their theatre nearly brought me to tears. I like records but that's rather obvious from a person who's become a daily blogger, isn't it?

After another Subway foot-long lunch, we hurried through the National Portrait Gallery. A few of the paintings of George Washington were very different than the traditional likeness on the dollar. I was only impressed by several paintings from the days of the Westward Expansion. You know the ones I mean which were painted to highlight the broad grandeur of the landscape. I'm thinking of Thomas Hill. Having seen plenty of the west, I know they aren't strictly capturing the scenery but rather highlight the emotions of an expansive, almost magical, environment.

Anyway, the hours just ticked by, so after a Dunkin' Donut and coffee we headed back early to the hotel at about four. It's resting time now. We can head out later, maybe, to 18th Street to find where all the ethnic restaurants are supposed to be.

Both Stuffed and Live

It was an amazingly tiring day. We started right out walking straight to the Jefferson Memorial from the Metro stop as we hadn't walked the Tidal Basin yet. We're about ten days early for the main cherry blossoms. I would think they might be a little late as the temperature this morning was below freezing at about 30F. Later in the day it rose to about 50F but I'm no longer used to cold weather. I brought along a medium coat but no gloves or tuque. I cannot believe I grew up on the East Coast as I've become quite a weather wimp over the years.


We went into the Smithsonian Castle just to see what it held. Then we crossed the Mall and spent a few hours in the Natural History Museum. I love old museums which have been upgraded as they're all touchy-feely. Many times when travelling in Europe we stopped off at this type of museum but seldom found any completely free.

Then, we headed for Dupont Square just to end up grabbing a Subway sandwich. A special offer means that all foot-longs are $5.00 and one did fine.

We got back on a Metro line to go to the Smithsonian Zoo over in Virginia. Until the end of this month the exhibitions all close at 4:30 and the premises at 5:00. Therefore, we ended up missing the "Big Cats" but saw most else. They are making a vast improvement for housing the Asian elephants. Again, it was a nice zoo considering it was also free. We got back to the hotel room after 6 o'clock.

We'll probably just get Chinese takeout and eat dinner in the room. Tomorrow, we've got to continue the streak at Air and Space Museum first off tomorrow. This is a slow paced vacation but it's fun seeing all the families and school groups out probably because they're on school break. I like being a tourist when others are doing the same.

Monday Blues

My face is very red. It might be the sun or perhaps the wind. Today, we walked all over. Just getting around the National Mall and park areas takes a lot of leg work. As well, we ended up walking around the Arlington National Cemetery too. That was followed by popping out of many Metro stations just to look around. Foggy Bottom, anyone?


It was very nice weather but only about 51F. It's going to be the same tomorrow, so we will continue with outdoor activities. The longer-range weather forecast shows it might get cloudier on Wednesday and Thursday. We need a lot of time to check out the Smithsonian museums.

The title was supposed to represent the sky today. I did receive some bad news from work though. I guess being connected has its negatives as well as advantages.

Capitol Ideas

I'm ignoring the little time shown down in the task bar. I know it's really not quarter to three. It's odd being on EDT. We were so exhausted from the 12 travelling hours it took to get to Baltimore, we had no trouble going to bed at 9:00 pm local time.

We got up to a traditional Microtel breakfast. The shuttle guy took us back to BWI to catch the B30 bus that runs directly to Greenbelt at the end of the Metro's Green Line. Our hotel, the Capitol Skyline, is within walking distance of the Navy Yards Station, right that line, on the other side of the Washington Mall.

It was too early to check in at 11:30. So, we left the bags in their room and walked towards the dome of the Capitol building. We're on I Street but it wasn't really very far. The sky was very blue. Where are presidents sworn in? The statue on the top of the Capitol doesn't face the Mall. We saw a tour group on Segways. After walking past the reflecting pool and nearly to the Washington Monument, it was time for lunch. We figured there might be cheap restaurants for lunch at Chinatown, so we ducked into the Smithsonian Metro. We ended up eating Indian food at a rather upscale restaurant there. They put on a fairly decent lunch buffet on weekends.


After eating we headed back to check into the hotel. The rooms are quite nice and better then the tattered outside would indicate. The area it is in has obviously recently been involved in a lot of renewal. There are tons of new condos which primarily don't look occupied yet.

We napped for an hour. Hopefully, we're caught up to a normal schedule. A trip across the country is far easier than trying to adjust to an overseas one. When going from British Columbia to Sri Lanka, for example, it takes a good week to sync up one's body to the time.

I don't exactly now what will be next tonight. We bought week-long Metro Rail passes, so we could head towards Dupont Circle. Or we could just see what the White House looks like at night. We've got the rest of the week to do exactly as we please.

En Route

No, I've not run out to buy a Net-enabled cell. I have a bad case of phone phobia, you see.

I simply set this to auto-publish at 9:00 am Vancouver time.

At this time, we should be making a final descent into Minneapolis, MN. With only 45 minutes to catch the connecting flight into Baltimore, I figured I wouldn't have time to blog an entry on my netbook should there be free wifi at MSP. It's possible I'll make a blogged note this evening. Or maybe I'll just update my Facebook status or Twitter instead.

Luck of the Draw

We are half packed for a trip to Washington DC. On Saturday morning at about one o'clock we'll drive down to Seatac airport and park the truck there for a week. Neither the wait at the border nor the traffic will be bad in the middle of the night. It seems like quite a long ways to catch a flight but I couldn't find anything close to the $US220 tickets departing from Vancouver.

What about vacations of the past? I'm back to my goal of occasionally getting some old photos scanned. The job is far too large to actually attack systematically; therefore, I've decided to randomly draw a photo from the collection. By fishing something out of the box, I should ensure a fair variety.

Today, I ended up with something from a trip fifteen years back. Jay and I were heading on a safari in Kenya. It was quite a long trip from Nairobi. In this picture we were driving south by van. Apparently, this was a cigarette break. I don't think I have many photos with a butt in my hands although I smoked for about sixteen years.

Book 'em, Dano.

I've still not reserved a hotel room for 6 of the 7 days we'll be in the Washington, DC area. I'm waiting to see what'll turn up on hotwire.com. I don't know why this is bothering me.

We're fairly used to traveling without bookings. In fact we generally spend a month or longer per year on vacations without any. Hardly any of our annual trips require planned hotel reservations. Perhaps, this is why I find travelling in Europe or Asia more spontaneous. To me, that equals fun. We're always assured of finding accommodation near a train station in most countries. I like knowing there are people in every city willing to rent me a bed. Simply showing up and asking for a room seems easy and normal.

So, I'm not sure why I think hotel rooms have to be made months ahead when travelling in the States. It does seem that Washington, DC doesn't have many inexpensive stays. So, I'll wait for a while more but will probably pounce on my mouse at least a week before we arrive in the District of Columbia on the evening of March 21st.

DC: Before Our Time

Last Wednesday, I mentioned the possibility of heading to Washington, DC for a week-long break at the end of March. Since then, I've booked our tickets on Expedia.ca. Flying out of Seattle and paying for parking is a bit of a hassle, but I couldn't pass up round-trip fares for less than $220. It'd cost three times more to fly out of YVR (Vancouver).

The last time I was in DC was in 1985. I was on my initial way to work in Taif, Saudi Arabia which was where Jay and I would meet. I had been at the University of Washington for graduate work. I was on my way from Seattle on a stopover. My dad and sister drove down from New Hampshire to see me off. So, it's surely time to again explore the famous Washington sites.

This time, seeing how we'll be staying for an entire week, we can select exactly what we'd like to see. Doing the necessary homework before a trip is rewarding. I like looking up things and making plans for a trip. The Internet is invaluable. In addition, I check out guide books at the library.

Another silly habit I have is to watch a classic movie which takes place in the destination. They are of little assistance. For example, watching An American in Paris (1951) was of little use when going to France. Similarly, West Side Story (1961) really didn't help much preparing for Manhattan. So, of course today's viewing of The Day the Earth Stood Still (1951), won't be very helpful although we did get a view or two of the National Mall as it appeared nearing on sixty years ago.

Flights of Fancy

The only downside to having Expedia.ca so accessible is the ease at which one can check through a multitude of 'what-if' scenarios. At BCIT, I teach in 5-week segments. I know well ahead that between classes, I will have a one-week break. So, I can sit for a few hours and punch in alternate possibilities for flights and hotels during those weeks.

For example, I recently noticed some fairly good deals on Seattle-to-Washington DC flights during the last week of March. It's a tad before the Cherry Blossom Festival but the weather should be nice, right? I've discovered that the hotels seem expensive. Yet, it seems as though transit would work out well if we do traditional DC tourist venues. I'm almost annoyed at how extremely easy to check out travel-related websites. I keep wondering why people would ever need a travel agent nowadays.


Okay, that's enough! I simply must close my browser. I should be correcting assignments now!