June 16
I got up very early determined to run a bit by the Falls. I had a hard time getting myself moving and got a later start than I wanted. I only ran about 2.5 miles but I still got to run alongside the Falls and enjoy one more chance to see them.
We got away later than we meant to from the hotel but we made our plane. Thank God. A delay in Chicago meant we were a little later than we planned but we are home safe. It was a trip of a lifetime. We made memories we will never forget.
Tuesday, June 16, 2015
June 15
The second my eyes opened, I went and looked out the window. We had not been able to see anything when we checked in because it was dark and pouring rain. Lo and behold, there was Niagara Falls in all its savage glory. We had an amazing view from our room and I just sat and soaked it up for quite a while.
When the guys got up, we had breakfast and headed out for our day at the Falls. It was raining lightly and pretty foggy but we were determined to enjoy the day anyway. Nothing can prepare you for the amazing glory of Niagara Falls. Nothing. I love waterfalls but this one deserves its reputation - it surpasses your dreams. We continued to walk along Niagara Falls Parkway stopping every few minutes to soak up more beauty. We eventually made our way down to the dock of the Hornblower Cruise - the catamaran that takes you alongside Bridal Veil Falls and up to base of the huge Horseshoe Falls. We got the rain ponchos they give everyone - you get soaked from the mist of the falls - and boarded. What an experience. Being at the base of the Falls makes you a part in a whole different way. The thundering power of the Falls is mind-blowing, awe-inspiring, magnificent and needs more adjectives I don't own. Just wow.
After our cruise, we went to a 4D movie about the Falls. It was made for kids but fun anyway. We got even more wet as the 4D part of this movie meant you "felt" the experience. It simulated going over the Falls - not terribly real but still entertaining.
We walked back from to our hotel and ate an early dinner. Afterwards, we did something we have not had the opportunity to do this whole vacation. We sat in the hot tub! Not one hotel until now had a hot tub. Our bodies needed this and it felt great.
We headed up to our room and continued to enjoy watching the Falls. The weather cleared up and we actually got to see the Falls under the blue sky. Awesome. After it grew dark, David and I headed out again - Avi decided to stay back - and walked along the Falls. They are illuminated at night with amazing multicolored lights and we wanted a chance to see it up close. Knowing the chances are good that I may not see the Falls again, I wanted to soak up as much as I could. It was wonderful sharing it with David. We finally got back to the hotel at about midnight and crawled into bed. It will be an early morning tomorrow.
The second my eyes opened, I went and looked out the window. We had not been able to see anything when we checked in because it was dark and pouring rain. Lo and behold, there was Niagara Falls in all its savage glory. We had an amazing view from our room and I just sat and soaked it up for quite a while.
When the guys got up, we had breakfast and headed out for our day at the Falls. It was raining lightly and pretty foggy but we were determined to enjoy the day anyway. Nothing can prepare you for the amazing glory of Niagara Falls. Nothing. I love waterfalls but this one deserves its reputation - it surpasses your dreams. We continued to walk along Niagara Falls Parkway stopping every few minutes to soak up more beauty. We eventually made our way down to the dock of the Hornblower Cruise - the catamaran that takes you alongside Bridal Veil Falls and up to base of the huge Horseshoe Falls. We got the rain ponchos they give everyone - you get soaked from the mist of the falls - and boarded. What an experience. Being at the base of the Falls makes you a part in a whole different way. The thundering power of the Falls is mind-blowing, awe-inspiring, magnificent and needs more adjectives I don't own. Just wow.
After our cruise, we went to a 4D movie about the Falls. It was made for kids but fun anyway. We got even more wet as the 4D part of this movie meant you "felt" the experience. It simulated going over the Falls - not terribly real but still entertaining.
We walked back from to our hotel and ate an early dinner. Afterwards, we did something we have not had the opportunity to do this whole vacation. We sat in the hot tub! Not one hotel until now had a hot tub. Our bodies needed this and it felt great.
We headed up to our room and continued to enjoy watching the Falls. The weather cleared up and we actually got to see the Falls under the blue sky. Awesome. After it grew dark, David and I headed out again - Avi decided to stay back - and walked along the Falls. They are illuminated at night with amazing multicolored lights and we wanted a chance to see it up close. Knowing the chances are good that I may not see the Falls again, I wanted to soak up as much as I could. It was wonderful sharing it with David. We finally got back to the hotel at about midnight and crawled into bed. It will be an early morning tomorrow.
June 14
We were checking out of the hotel in Boston today and all of us needed clean clothes. The Westin Copley did not have coin operated laundry for guests so I went in search of a Laundromat and yes, I was walking. I loaded all of our clothes into a suitcase and walked about a mile and did the laundry. The walk there was beautiful. Boston does not cease to amaze with its beautiful neighborhoods, parks, and lagoons. Many of the streets have meridians with grass and sidewalks for people to walk and enjoy life. It is a great city.
After the laundry expedition, we headed out for our last Boston breakfast and ended up at a VERY popular spot called The Flour Bakery and Café. The food was amazing and the crowds were too. After eating, we packed up, left our luggage at the hotel and headed to Fenway Park for a baseball game.
Avi was very excited as going to a game in Fenway Park was definitely something he had dreamt about doing. The day was beautiful and the game was great enjoyment. The Red Sox were playing the Blue Jays and we got to see a lot of offense - 24 hits and three home runs including a shot over the green monster. Lots of fun with a greasy chicken sausage and kettle corn to complete the experience. After the game, we walked back to the hotel, got our car and headed to the Boston International Airport.
The flight to Buffalo was short and sweet although we were in a very small airplane flying into some crazy weather in Buffalo. But the pilot was great and we never felt nervous. As soon as the plane landed, we got our rental car and headed to the nearest Bar and Grill - we wanted to see the last half of game 5 with the Warriors. Great fun - we got to see the Warriors win game 5 on an enormous screen - covered half a wall - at the Rainbow Bar and Grill in Buffalo. Right after the game, we headed for Ontario, Canada where our hotel was located. No issues getting across the border and we arrived safely in pouring rain. We got checked in after midnight and fell into bed exhausted.
We were checking out of the hotel in Boston today and all of us needed clean clothes. The Westin Copley did not have coin operated laundry for guests so I went in search of a Laundromat and yes, I was walking. I loaded all of our clothes into a suitcase and walked about a mile and did the laundry. The walk there was beautiful. Boston does not cease to amaze with its beautiful neighborhoods, parks, and lagoons. Many of the streets have meridians with grass and sidewalks for people to walk and enjoy life. It is a great city.
After the laundry expedition, we headed out for our last Boston breakfast and ended up at a VERY popular spot called The Flour Bakery and Café. The food was amazing and the crowds were too. After eating, we packed up, left our luggage at the hotel and headed to Fenway Park for a baseball game.
Avi was very excited as going to a game in Fenway Park was definitely something he had dreamt about doing. The day was beautiful and the game was great enjoyment. The Red Sox were playing the Blue Jays and we got to see a lot of offense - 24 hits and three home runs including a shot over the green monster. Lots of fun with a greasy chicken sausage and kettle corn to complete the experience. After the game, we walked back to the hotel, got our car and headed to the Boston International Airport.
The flight to Buffalo was short and sweet although we were in a very small airplane flying into some crazy weather in Buffalo. But the pilot was great and we never felt nervous. As soon as the plane landed, we got our rental car and headed to the nearest Bar and Grill - we wanted to see the last half of game 5 with the Warriors. Great fun - we got to see the Warriors win game 5 on an enormous screen - covered half a wall - at the Rainbow Bar and Grill in Buffalo. Right after the game, we headed for Ontario, Canada where our hotel was located. No issues getting across the border and we arrived safely in pouring rain. We got checked in after midnight and fell into bed exhausted.
Saturday, June 13, 2015
June 13
The big news of the day is that our passports arrived! This was not without a lot of effort and many minutes on the phone with the United States Postal Service. But we have them and we are going to the Canadian side of Niagara Falls where the views are incredible.
Today was my long run. I got dressed and took a brisk walk to the Charles River about 3/4 mile from our hotel and started my run there. Running in Boston is very popular. There is a running specialty store on every block and signs and advertisements everywhere advocating running. Trails are built specifically for runners and everywhere you go, you will see runners. It is really awesome. The trails are wonderful. You can run on asphalt, cement or dirt - take your pick. Water fountains are everywhere - no problem there. I enjoyed the run but will admit to being very hot and SWEATY by the time I finished. I have been eating so much on this trip that I did not even eat before running and I never hit empty. This is a little scary to say the least. I am worried about the scales when I get home. But there will be time enough for that worry. After my run, I stopped at the Charles River Bistro - a cute little riverside outdoor restaurant where a jazz trio was playing. I was feeling pretty hungry by now so grabbed a snack and took the long way home. I walked through the Public Garden - part of Boston Commons. What a beautiful garden! There are flowers everywhere and a lagoon running through the center of the park where you can get on a boat shaped like a swan and ride from one end to the other. Boston has taken care of making sure there are gardens and an opportunity to experience greenery in the middle of a big city. There are parks and lagoons everywhere. It is an incredibly beautiful city. The evenings are amazing - warm and beautiful and night life everywhere - but a healthy night life. People just enjoying each other with music playing on street corners and laughter in the air. It is really a wonderful place.
David did talk us into going to the Museum of Fine Arts - one of the biggest art museums in the world. Besides the fact that we WALKED there -once again - and my feet and legs are so tired by now - it was really wonderful being there. I will never have the ability my husband does to stay in cool, dark buildings and look at things but the art was amazing and it was impossible not to enjoy it.
Tonight, we found a pizza place that is better than home. Yep, better. It was so delicious that we all ate way too much. Tomorrow - Fenway Park and then on to Niagara Falls. Trip coming to an end but the best is last and I am excited to see the Falls even though it is supposed to rain while we are there.
The big news of the day is that our passports arrived! This was not without a lot of effort and many minutes on the phone with the United States Postal Service. But we have them and we are going to the Canadian side of Niagara Falls where the views are incredible.
Today was my long run. I got dressed and took a brisk walk to the Charles River about 3/4 mile from our hotel and started my run there. Running in Boston is very popular. There is a running specialty store on every block and signs and advertisements everywhere advocating running. Trails are built specifically for runners and everywhere you go, you will see runners. It is really awesome. The trails are wonderful. You can run on asphalt, cement or dirt - take your pick. Water fountains are everywhere - no problem there. I enjoyed the run but will admit to being very hot and SWEATY by the time I finished. I have been eating so much on this trip that I did not even eat before running and I never hit empty. This is a little scary to say the least. I am worried about the scales when I get home. But there will be time enough for that worry. After my run, I stopped at the Charles River Bistro - a cute little riverside outdoor restaurant where a jazz trio was playing. I was feeling pretty hungry by now so grabbed a snack and took the long way home. I walked through the Public Garden - part of Boston Commons. What a beautiful garden! There are flowers everywhere and a lagoon running through the center of the park where you can get on a boat shaped like a swan and ride from one end to the other. Boston has taken care of making sure there are gardens and an opportunity to experience greenery in the middle of a big city. There are parks and lagoons everywhere. It is an incredibly beautiful city. The evenings are amazing - warm and beautiful and night life everywhere - but a healthy night life. People just enjoying each other with music playing on street corners and laughter in the air. It is really a wonderful place.
David did talk us into going to the Museum of Fine Arts - one of the biggest art museums in the world. Besides the fact that we WALKED there -once again - and my feet and legs are so tired by now - it was really wonderful being there. I will never have the ability my husband does to stay in cool, dark buildings and look at things but the art was amazing and it was impossible not to enjoy it.
Tonight, we found a pizza place that is better than home. Yep, better. It was so delicious that we all ate way too much. Tomorrow - Fenway Park and then on to Niagara Falls. Trip coming to an end but the best is last and I am excited to see the Falls even though it is supposed to rain while we are there.
Friday, June 12, 2015
June 12
David and I rolled out of bed this morning while Avi was still sound asleep and walked across the street to The Copley Hotel to have breakfast. This hotel was established in 1912 and it is extraordinary in every way. It reminded me a bit of the Claremont in Oakland. Marble floors, lithographed ceilings and gigantic crystal chandeliers - kind of made you gape at the ostentatiousness of it all. We had an amazing breakfast but I have yet to find a decent cup of coffee on the entire East Coast. Nothing tastes like home and I find coffee everywhere less than satisfactory.
After breakfast, we walked a mile or so to the New England Conservatory where David went to school. David showed me around at all the places he performed and attended school. It was great to be able to see it with him.
Today, our plan was to do the Freedom Trail - about 2.5 - 3 miles of walking along the streets of the birthplace of the American Revolution - public places where public speeches were given, courtyards where many speeches took place inciting revolution, graveyards of the famous people and soldiers in the Revolution, Paul Revere's house, the church where the lanterns were hung to warn the colonists the British were coming, the first public school established by Benjamin Franklin (who else) and MORE. Much more. We walked about a mile from our hotel to where the trail began. We were a bit uninformed about what a "trail" meant. In this case, it is city streets with a brick inlay marking the path to follow. You are in the heart of Boston though and everything that entails. Avi really hates the city, hates the smells, hates the noise and he is pretty much done with sight seeing. He remains a kid with a good attitude but it was pretty obvious he was done with all of it. I really enjoyed a lot of the things we saw but there is a limit to how much of this information you can take in and I think I have reached it. Now, David is another story, he can do this forever. Forever. We did a lot of walking and then took the ferry across the Charles River back to a spot that was a little closer to our hotel. All told, we walked about eight miles for the day. I think we have easily walked 50 miles in the last 10 days and my feet feel like it.
We dragged ourselves back to the hotel and rested a bit. Then the adventure to find a place to eat began and MORE walking. We ended up at an Italian restaurant that was pretty good. Not as good as home though. I think we are spoiled. But the evenings here are so beautiful that I could never get enough of them. There was actually a guy who had a grand piano on wheels that was hooked to his bicycle that he had parked in a courtyard where he was playing all kinds of songs. With the warm breeze blowing and listening to him play, it was one of those moments for me. Just sheer happiness at being alive.
Guess what, NO plans tomorrow. David is talking more museums and Avi is resisting. I'm in the middle somewhere. We'll see what happens.
David and I rolled out of bed this morning while Avi was still sound asleep and walked across the street to The Copley Hotel to have breakfast. This hotel was established in 1912 and it is extraordinary in every way. It reminded me a bit of the Claremont in Oakland. Marble floors, lithographed ceilings and gigantic crystal chandeliers - kind of made you gape at the ostentatiousness of it all. We had an amazing breakfast but I have yet to find a decent cup of coffee on the entire East Coast. Nothing tastes like home and I find coffee everywhere less than satisfactory.
After breakfast, we walked a mile or so to the New England Conservatory where David went to school. David showed me around at all the places he performed and attended school. It was great to be able to see it with him.
Today, our plan was to do the Freedom Trail - about 2.5 - 3 miles of walking along the streets of the birthplace of the American Revolution - public places where public speeches were given, courtyards where many speeches took place inciting revolution, graveyards of the famous people and soldiers in the Revolution, Paul Revere's house, the church where the lanterns were hung to warn the colonists the British were coming, the first public school established by Benjamin Franklin (who else) and MORE. Much more. We walked about a mile from our hotel to where the trail began. We were a bit uninformed about what a "trail" meant. In this case, it is city streets with a brick inlay marking the path to follow. You are in the heart of Boston though and everything that entails. Avi really hates the city, hates the smells, hates the noise and he is pretty much done with sight seeing. He remains a kid with a good attitude but it was pretty obvious he was done with all of it. I really enjoyed a lot of the things we saw but there is a limit to how much of this information you can take in and I think I have reached it. Now, David is another story, he can do this forever. Forever. We did a lot of walking and then took the ferry across the Charles River back to a spot that was a little closer to our hotel. All told, we walked about eight miles for the day. I think we have easily walked 50 miles in the last 10 days and my feet feel like it.
We dragged ourselves back to the hotel and rested a bit. Then the adventure to find a place to eat began and MORE walking. We ended up at an Italian restaurant that was pretty good. Not as good as home though. I think we are spoiled. But the evenings here are so beautiful that I could never get enough of them. There was actually a guy who had a grand piano on wheels that was hooked to his bicycle that he had parked in a courtyard where he was playing all kinds of songs. With the warm breeze blowing and listening to him play, it was one of those moments for me. Just sheer happiness at being alive.
Guess what, NO plans tomorrow. David is talking more museums and Avi is resisting. I'm in the middle somewhere. We'll see what happens.
June 11
The primary frustration of the day was the United States Postal Service. Somewhere between Philadelphia and New York, it dawned on me that we did not have passports to get into Canada where our hotel reservations are for Niagara Falls. In the old days, it was no issue to cross into Canada without a passport but since 9/11, no more. You cannot get in without a passport. I called Erika and she overnighted them to us to our hotel in New York. In spite of the fact that they were guaranteed overnight, they did not arrive on Wednesday when they were scheduled or Thursday when we were still there. I spent many hours on the phone and finally, we left New York, not knowing where the package was nor when it would arrive.
I decided it was a moment for growth and would let the chips fall where they may. We met Rick, David's cousin for breakfast and then we said good-bye to New York. We loved it there but were not sad to leave. Too many people. Too many. The drive was beautiful. We stopped at an amazing deli in Meriden, Connecticut and had lunch. Another really lucky guess. Everything, including the most amazing cookies, was made there. Delicious. We also stopped at 21 Hoyt Ave in Darien, Connecticut. This is the home where I lived the first 18 months of my life. I have no memory of it and I had not been there since leaving at 18 months. It was interesting to see it.
We finally arrived in Boston, Massachusetts and settled in to the most beautiful hotel of the trip. Wow oh wow. We have paid extraordinary amounts for every hotel we have stayed at on this trip but this one was the most expensive and it is very beautiful. We went out and found an OK spot to eat dinner. I love these shirtsleeve evenings and will miss them when I return to Alameda where you are looking for a jacket the second the sun goes down. Afterwards, we watched the Warriors trounce the Cavaliers. We are nearing the end of this sight-seeing marathon. Great experience but I will be ready to be home.
The primary frustration of the day was the United States Postal Service. Somewhere between Philadelphia and New York, it dawned on me that we did not have passports to get into Canada where our hotel reservations are for Niagara Falls. In the old days, it was no issue to cross into Canada without a passport but since 9/11, no more. You cannot get in without a passport. I called Erika and she overnighted them to us to our hotel in New York. In spite of the fact that they were guaranteed overnight, they did not arrive on Wednesday when they were scheduled or Thursday when we were still there. I spent many hours on the phone and finally, we left New York, not knowing where the package was nor when it would arrive.
I decided it was a moment for growth and would let the chips fall where they may. We met Rick, David's cousin for breakfast and then we said good-bye to New York. We loved it there but were not sad to leave. Too many people. Too many. The drive was beautiful. We stopped at an amazing deli in Meriden, Connecticut and had lunch. Another really lucky guess. Everything, including the most amazing cookies, was made there. Delicious. We also stopped at 21 Hoyt Ave in Darien, Connecticut. This is the home where I lived the first 18 months of my life. I have no memory of it and I had not been there since leaving at 18 months. It was interesting to see it.
We finally arrived in Boston, Massachusetts and settled in to the most beautiful hotel of the trip. Wow oh wow. We have paid extraordinary amounts for every hotel we have stayed at on this trip but this one was the most expensive and it is very beautiful. We went out and found an OK spot to eat dinner. I love these shirtsleeve evenings and will miss them when I return to Alameda where you are looking for a jacket the second the sun goes down. Afterwards, we watched the Warriors trounce the Cavaliers. We are nearing the end of this sight-seeing marathon. Great experience but I will be ready to be home.
Wednesday, June 10, 2015
June 10
I started the day with a run. I had planned to do some running in Central Park and the day was absolutely gorgeous, ordered perfectly for a run - about 75 with a gentle breeze. I loved running in Central Park. Loved it. I only ran a little over three miles because our day was too full to allow more time on the trails but it was wonderful and fed my soul.
Today, our plan was to visit Liberty and Ellis Island. We decided to get a cab this time and not drive ourselves. It was a little too much fun for us the day before. Besides, you can't come to New York without the cab ride experience. UGH. Not fun. Horrible car. Horrible driver. We did arrive in one piece but that was about it - and it cost a fortune. But we are used to that by now. Everything does. We boarded the Statue Cruise ferry - after standing in line of course - and we were on our way. The ferry ride was gorgeous. New York is a beautiful city. And I guess 8,000,000 people are in agreement about that. I loved seeing the Statue of Liberty. It is so awe-inspiring and once again, I felt very emotional standing there looking at her and thinking about what this statue has meant to so many people. We walked around Liberty Island, enjoyed the beauty, grabbed some lunch and then boarded the ferry for Ellis Island. I could have skipped Ellis Island and Avi really could have skipped it. But David really wanted to see it so see it we did. It was interesting. We stood in the rooms where 12 million immigrants passed for health inspections and to see if their paperwork was in order to allow them to enter the United States. Ellis Island also has a museum of history which allows you to see the pattern of immigration and the way America has been peopled for centuries. It doesn't try to hide the atrocities of America either - the slave trade and the destruction of the native Americans. If you are a history buff, you cannot miss this place. It shows the good, the bad and the ugly in the history of immigration and how America grew to be the nation we know today.
We boarded the ferry and headed back to Battery Park in New York. When we got off, there was a group of young black men doing a street show that we stopped and watched. They were amazing acrobats and did a pretty good job of working the crowd as amateurs and getting a little bit of money out of the crowd. Very New York.
Back to the street to find another cab, we finally got one to stop for us and crawled in. Our first stop was a restaurant for David - he was meeting the three members of his quartet from almost forty years ago when he was at New England Conservatory. When we got there, the cabbie informed us that he couldn't take Avi and I to the hotel because it was time for him to finish his shift. We were pretty disgusted as we had told him what we needed prior to entering the cab, but whatever, it was two miles away and I was fine with walking at that point. Walking back to our hotel was one of the more unusual experiences of my life - we were literally in a sea of people that moved along the sidewalk. You could not walk quickly. There was no room. At one point, we were in a group of women that were painted like flags and completely naked except for a lacy little loin cloth. Avi looked at me and asked if that was legal. I told him we were in Times Square, maybe anything was legal. We finally got home and it was yet another adventure.
But we weren't done yet! Avi and I decided to go rent bikes and bike around Central Park. It was awesome! But by now, I have run 3.5 miles, walked about 4 miles and biked about 8 miles. And there hasn't been much time to eat - just a quick bite at Liberty Island. Avi and I were ready for a BIG dinner. We ate at an amazing restaurant - filet mignon and finished it off with lime pie and crème brulee. Ah, New York, we love you but glad we don't have to live with you all the time. Leaving for Boston tomorrow.
I started the day with a run. I had planned to do some running in Central Park and the day was absolutely gorgeous, ordered perfectly for a run - about 75 with a gentle breeze. I loved running in Central Park. Loved it. I only ran a little over three miles because our day was too full to allow more time on the trails but it was wonderful and fed my soul.
Today, our plan was to visit Liberty and Ellis Island. We decided to get a cab this time and not drive ourselves. It was a little too much fun for us the day before. Besides, you can't come to New York without the cab ride experience. UGH. Not fun. Horrible car. Horrible driver. We did arrive in one piece but that was about it - and it cost a fortune. But we are used to that by now. Everything does. We boarded the Statue Cruise ferry - after standing in line of course - and we were on our way. The ferry ride was gorgeous. New York is a beautiful city. And I guess 8,000,000 people are in agreement about that. I loved seeing the Statue of Liberty. It is so awe-inspiring and once again, I felt very emotional standing there looking at her and thinking about what this statue has meant to so many people. We walked around Liberty Island, enjoyed the beauty, grabbed some lunch and then boarded the ferry for Ellis Island. I could have skipped Ellis Island and Avi really could have skipped it. But David really wanted to see it so see it we did. It was interesting. We stood in the rooms where 12 million immigrants passed for health inspections and to see if their paperwork was in order to allow them to enter the United States. Ellis Island also has a museum of history which allows you to see the pattern of immigration and the way America has been peopled for centuries. It doesn't try to hide the atrocities of America either - the slave trade and the destruction of the native Americans. If you are a history buff, you cannot miss this place. It shows the good, the bad and the ugly in the history of immigration and how America grew to be the nation we know today.
We boarded the ferry and headed back to Battery Park in New York. When we got off, there was a group of young black men doing a street show that we stopped and watched. They were amazing acrobats and did a pretty good job of working the crowd as amateurs and getting a little bit of money out of the crowd. Very New York.
Back to the street to find another cab, we finally got one to stop for us and crawled in. Our first stop was a restaurant for David - he was meeting the three members of his quartet from almost forty years ago when he was at New England Conservatory. When we got there, the cabbie informed us that he couldn't take Avi and I to the hotel because it was time for him to finish his shift. We were pretty disgusted as we had told him what we needed prior to entering the cab, but whatever, it was two miles away and I was fine with walking at that point. Walking back to our hotel was one of the more unusual experiences of my life - we were literally in a sea of people that moved along the sidewalk. You could not walk quickly. There was no room. At one point, we were in a group of women that were painted like flags and completely naked except for a lacy little loin cloth. Avi looked at me and asked if that was legal. I told him we were in Times Square, maybe anything was legal. We finally got home and it was yet another adventure.
But we weren't done yet! Avi and I decided to go rent bikes and bike around Central Park. It was awesome! But by now, I have run 3.5 miles, walked about 4 miles and biked about 8 miles. And there hasn't been much time to eat - just a quick bite at Liberty Island. Avi and I were ready for a BIG dinner. We ate at an amazing restaurant - filet mignon and finished it off with lime pie and crème brulee. Ah, New York, we love you but glad we don't have to live with you all the time. Leaving for Boston tomorrow.
June 9
We decided to visit the 9/11 Memorial today. We had thought about taking a tour but decided to do it on our own. Driving the streets of New York is a daring feat of courage. I think David's time driving in Israel gave him nerves of steel. The cars do not have lanes. They just travel in a river, honking constantly. It reminded me a lot of the Philippines. We did finally arrive at our destination but only after missing a turn which forced us to go through the Hal Carey tunnel - we had to travel a couple of miles before we could exit and U-turn and additionally, we got to pay $8.00 toll BOTH ways. Gotta luv New York.
We did eventually arrive and found a place to park that only wanted your firstborn child for payment. We walked from there to the Memorial spot. These Memorials are so beautiful and evoke emotion that is hard to express. There are two pools built in the footprints of the towers. It is hard to describe - the pools are gigantic walled fountains where water flows down the wall, into the pool and then disappears into a hole in the middle of the pool. It is so beautiful and somehow conveys the heartbreak of the lost lives perfectly. Although Avi had studied this event in school, he was only four years old when it happened so the events of this national tragedy were not clear to him. We spent a lot of time talking about what happened and the impact to our country and the families of those whose lives were lost.
We went from there to the new One World Trade Center, the building that has replaced the Twin Towers. This building is absolutely mind-blowing! It is the tallest building in the Western Hemisphere and was built to last - purported to be the strongest building ever built (how they determine that, I have no idea). We went to the observatory at the top where you get 360 degree views of the city and it was incredibly beautiful. To end our visit there, we had lunch in the café at the top and celebrated the moment.
Our evening activity was one I have wanted for many years and it did not disappoint. We went to the play Les Miserables at the Imperial Theater on Broadway. I made sure we all read the Spark Notes prior to the play and was glad I did; it would have been impossible to follow the story if you were not familiar with it. Avi was a good sport but plays and musicals are not really his thing. David and I loved every minute of it and when it was over, I had tears streaming down my face. It is the most amazing story of love and forgiveness and just reminded me of Mom and Dad so much that I could barely contain my emotion.
We left the theater and braved the Time Square crowds to find some dinner. We ended up at an Italian restaurant and enjoyed some New York pizza. It was OK - I know that is sacrilegious but I like the pizza at home better. Sorry New York. Avi was having one of those nights where he could not get enough food so we wandered from there into another diner and ate dessert. Avi got a huge banana split and David and I shared Apple Crisp with ice cream. It was too much food for this lady. Too. Much. I won't be doing that again. It doesn't feel good. I don't care how much you walked.
We decided to visit the 9/11 Memorial today. We had thought about taking a tour but decided to do it on our own. Driving the streets of New York is a daring feat of courage. I think David's time driving in Israel gave him nerves of steel. The cars do not have lanes. They just travel in a river, honking constantly. It reminded me a lot of the Philippines. We did finally arrive at our destination but only after missing a turn which forced us to go through the Hal Carey tunnel - we had to travel a couple of miles before we could exit and U-turn and additionally, we got to pay $8.00 toll BOTH ways. Gotta luv New York.
We did eventually arrive and found a place to park that only wanted your firstborn child for payment. We walked from there to the Memorial spot. These Memorials are so beautiful and evoke emotion that is hard to express. There are two pools built in the footprints of the towers. It is hard to describe - the pools are gigantic walled fountains where water flows down the wall, into the pool and then disappears into a hole in the middle of the pool. It is so beautiful and somehow conveys the heartbreak of the lost lives perfectly. Although Avi had studied this event in school, he was only four years old when it happened so the events of this national tragedy were not clear to him. We spent a lot of time talking about what happened and the impact to our country and the families of those whose lives were lost.
We went from there to the new One World Trade Center, the building that has replaced the Twin Towers. This building is absolutely mind-blowing! It is the tallest building in the Western Hemisphere and was built to last - purported to be the strongest building ever built (how they determine that, I have no idea). We went to the observatory at the top where you get 360 degree views of the city and it was incredibly beautiful. To end our visit there, we had lunch in the café at the top and celebrated the moment.
Our evening activity was one I have wanted for many years and it did not disappoint. We went to the play Les Miserables at the Imperial Theater on Broadway. I made sure we all read the Spark Notes prior to the play and was glad I did; it would have been impossible to follow the story if you were not familiar with it. Avi was a good sport but plays and musicals are not really his thing. David and I loved every minute of it and when it was over, I had tears streaming down my face. It is the most amazing story of love and forgiveness and just reminded me of Mom and Dad so much that I could barely contain my emotion.
We left the theater and braved the Time Square crowds to find some dinner. We ended up at an Italian restaurant and enjoyed some New York pizza. It was OK - I know that is sacrilegious but I like the pizza at home better. Sorry New York. Avi was having one of those nights where he could not get enough food so we wandered from there into another diner and ate dessert. Avi got a huge banana split and David and I shared Apple Crisp with ice cream. It was too much food for this lady. Too. Much. I won't be doing that again. It doesn't feel good. I don't care how much you walked.
Monday, June 8, 2015
June 8
Last night, we had quite an experience. Stumbled out into the streets to try and find a place to eat and ended up at a bar and grill where we thought maybe we could watch the game while eating. It was empty which is always a worry but we decided to give it a try. Well, it was scary. David and Avi got dinners that were supposed to be filled with fresh vegetables and they came out with no vegetables and pasta that was not cooked. I got a salad that I thought was pretty good until I came upon a piece of broken glass. Needless to say, we left that restaurant and ended up at a safe pizza place. Not all that great but safe.
This morning, I started my day with a run. I want to run in all the cities we are visiting as it gives you a chance to experience each city in a different way. It was a difficult run, nothing like the easy runs in DC. I was all on city streets with difficult surfaces, high humidity and lots of intersections - but it was still the experience I wanted. Afterwards, we finished up in Philadelphia with a tour in Independence Hall. We saw the court room of our founding fathers and the room where the 56 delegates wrote the Constitution. It was quite an experience to be there. Independence Hall is beautiful and memorable. It was the tallest building of its time and the first "skyscraper" in America at seven stories high. After our tour there, we then went through the Benjamin Franklin Museum. This man was absolutely incredible in every way. He was the 15th of 17 children and only had two years of formal school but there is nothing he did not do, nothing. He invented so many things that it amazes you to even read about it - and these were things that are unrelated - he invented bifocals, a musical instrument that patterns off of the tones in glass, the microscope, Franklin stoves, the lightning rod, etc. etc. - he instituted the first organized Fire Station, the first Library and the first University in Philadelphia. He was a diplomat, a scientist, an inventor, a philosopher, an educator and a public servant. In Europe, he was the most famous American of his time. He persuaded the English to repeal the hated Stamp Act. He convinced the French to aid in the American Revolution. He helped draft both the Declaration of Independence and the Constitution. While drafting the Constitution, he was often in agony with kidney stones and gout but he was there. An amazing man in every way.
We left Philadelphia and drove to New York, New York. Beautiful drive once again. The East Coast is so green right now. They have had all the rain California has missed and the scenery is breathtaking. We are settled in to our hotel in New York tonight. We did go out and have dinner and walked down to Times Square. What a sight. Nothing can prepare you for the magnificence of Times Square. I love this city. I would not want to live here but it is thrumming with excitement and it is infectious.
Last night, we had quite an experience. Stumbled out into the streets to try and find a place to eat and ended up at a bar and grill where we thought maybe we could watch the game while eating. It was empty which is always a worry but we decided to give it a try. Well, it was scary. David and Avi got dinners that were supposed to be filled with fresh vegetables and they came out with no vegetables and pasta that was not cooked. I got a salad that I thought was pretty good until I came upon a piece of broken glass. Needless to say, we left that restaurant and ended up at a safe pizza place. Not all that great but safe.
This morning, I started my day with a run. I want to run in all the cities we are visiting as it gives you a chance to experience each city in a different way. It was a difficult run, nothing like the easy runs in DC. I was all on city streets with difficult surfaces, high humidity and lots of intersections - but it was still the experience I wanted. Afterwards, we finished up in Philadelphia with a tour in Independence Hall. We saw the court room of our founding fathers and the room where the 56 delegates wrote the Constitution. It was quite an experience to be there. Independence Hall is beautiful and memorable. It was the tallest building of its time and the first "skyscraper" in America at seven stories high. After our tour there, we then went through the Benjamin Franklin Museum. This man was absolutely incredible in every way. He was the 15th of 17 children and only had two years of formal school but there is nothing he did not do, nothing. He invented so many things that it amazes you to even read about it - and these were things that are unrelated - he invented bifocals, a musical instrument that patterns off of the tones in glass, the microscope, Franklin stoves, the lightning rod, etc. etc. - he instituted the first organized Fire Station, the first Library and the first University in Philadelphia. He was a diplomat, a scientist, an inventor, a philosopher, an educator and a public servant. In Europe, he was the most famous American of his time. He persuaded the English to repeal the hated Stamp Act. He convinced the French to aid in the American Revolution. He helped draft both the Declaration of Independence and the Constitution. While drafting the Constitution, he was often in agony with kidney stones and gout but he was there. An amazing man in every way.
We left Philadelphia and drove to New York, New York. Beautiful drive once again. The East Coast is so green right now. They have had all the rain California has missed and the scenery is breathtaking. We are settled in to our hotel in New York tonight. We did go out and have dinner and walked down to Times Square. What a sight. Nothing can prepare you for the magnificence of Times Square. I love this city. I would not want to live here but it is thrumming with excitement and it is infectious.
Sunday, June 7, 2015
June 7
Here we are in Philadelphia, the birthplace of America. We started the day with an absolutely disgusting buffet breakfast at the hotel and this was not a freebie included in our room rate. We paid for this one! UGH. You can't win them all definitely applies to restaurants.
We did a walking tour today and it was fantastic! This is one of those free ones where you pay at the end whatever you think it is worth. The woman leading the tour was passionate and amazing. She was a walking history book. We went past so many historical landmarks, which of course included the Liberty Bell and Independence Hall. Outside Independence Hall, our tour guide reminded us that we were sitting where the Declaration of Independence was read and war was declared on Britain. She told us so many amazing stories including the fact that the Constitution was written in four months by a group of men that holed up in Independence Hall and refused to leave until it was complete. We were reminded that America is an experiment, a type of government never before tried anywhere else in the world. We sure haven't done it perfectly but we continue to head in the right direction albeit slowly - life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness for all.
After our tour, we headed to the infamous Sonny's to get a Philly Cheesesteak sandwich, which is purported to be one of the best. It lived up to our expectations. We probably are ruined for life as far as eating one anywhere else.
The late afternoon found me sleeping on the bed in our hotel. I am tired and feel like I have put a lot of miles on my body. David went to the Jewish American Museum while Avi and I crashed. We are planning on taking it easy the rest of today and hope to watch the Warriors win game 2 tonight!
Here we are in Philadelphia, the birthplace of America. We started the day with an absolutely disgusting buffet breakfast at the hotel and this was not a freebie included in our room rate. We paid for this one! UGH. You can't win them all definitely applies to restaurants.
We did a walking tour today and it was fantastic! This is one of those free ones where you pay at the end whatever you think it is worth. The woman leading the tour was passionate and amazing. She was a walking history book. We went past so many historical landmarks, which of course included the Liberty Bell and Independence Hall. Outside Independence Hall, our tour guide reminded us that we were sitting where the Declaration of Independence was read and war was declared on Britain. She told us so many amazing stories including the fact that the Constitution was written in four months by a group of men that holed up in Independence Hall and refused to leave until it was complete. We were reminded that America is an experiment, a type of government never before tried anywhere else in the world. We sure haven't done it perfectly but we continue to head in the right direction albeit slowly - life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness for all.
After our tour, we headed to the infamous Sonny's to get a Philly Cheesesteak sandwich, which is purported to be one of the best. It lived up to our expectations. We probably are ruined for life as far as eating one anywhere else.
The late afternoon found me sleeping on the bed in our hotel. I am tired and feel like I have put a lot of miles on my body. David went to the Jewish American Museum while Avi and I crashed. We are planning on taking it easy the rest of today and hope to watch the Warriors win game 2 tonight!
June 6
Our last day in Washington DC. I started the day with a 6+ mile run. Running in Washington DC is an amazing experience and might be my favorite part of being there. It is so beautiful with the Potomac River and gorgeous trees and beautiful green grass everywhere. I ran first to Lincoln Memorial and around the reflecting pool between the Memorial and Washington Monument - I then ran to Jefferson's Memorial and through Martin Luther King's Memorial and Franklin Delano Roosevelt's memorial. I love the Presidential Memorials and running there was just wonderful - an experience I will never forget.
We packed up and headed out to Arlington Cemetery. Since the Cemetery covers 600 acres, we bought a trolley tour pass and did the guided tour. We stood at the grave of John F. Kennedy where the eternal flame burns continually. His wife, Jackie Kennedy, is buried there too as well as two children lost at birth - one stillborn daughter and one little boy two days old. It sure made David and I remember the day he was assassinated. I was only six years old but still remember distinctly when Linda told me he had been killed. We saw the graves of many famous soldiers and watched the ceremony of the changing of the guard at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier. There are 417,000 graves at this cemetery, all servicemen. Seeing all those tombstones is a sobering reminder of the lives sacrificed for our freedom - some seemingly in vain but nonetheless in the service of our country. We owe a debt of gratitude that can never be repaid.
From the cemetery, we visited the Vietnam Wall of Remembrance. This was yet another very sobering reminder of the lives of 58,306 people given in the service of this war, a difficult war that seemed meaningless in the end, especially with hindsight. All the flowers, notes, and pictures left for those whose names are on the wall breaks your heart.
We then saw the Einstein memorial which is actually a very artistic statue meant to be climbed on and enjoyed. We took the requisite photos and moved on to the National Museum of American History.
We went through the Museum quickly because we thought it was closing at 5:30 and then on our way out, they told us it was open until 7:30. Both Avi and I were dead on our feet and were ready to be on our way. David relented although he would have loved to stay there longer. We had 150 miles ahead of us to get to Philadelphia so he decided it was wisdom to get on the road.
The drive from Washington DC to Philadelphia was absolutely beautiful. We drove through Delaware and the rivers and trees are just exquisite. Since we hadn't eaten dinner, we stopped at a random place by the freeway and had the most incredible Mexican food any of us had ever eaten. Nobody, either the patrons or the people working there, spoke English except one young man. It was just one of those unplanned moments where you get really lucky. We finished up the drive to Philadelphia, checked in and went to bed - exhausted.
Our last day in Washington DC. I started the day with a 6+ mile run. Running in Washington DC is an amazing experience and might be my favorite part of being there. It is so beautiful with the Potomac River and gorgeous trees and beautiful green grass everywhere. I ran first to Lincoln Memorial and around the reflecting pool between the Memorial and Washington Monument - I then ran to Jefferson's Memorial and through Martin Luther King's Memorial and Franklin Delano Roosevelt's memorial. I love the Presidential Memorials and running there was just wonderful - an experience I will never forget.
We packed up and headed out to Arlington Cemetery. Since the Cemetery covers 600 acres, we bought a trolley tour pass and did the guided tour. We stood at the grave of John F. Kennedy where the eternal flame burns continually. His wife, Jackie Kennedy, is buried there too as well as two children lost at birth - one stillborn daughter and one little boy two days old. It sure made David and I remember the day he was assassinated. I was only six years old but still remember distinctly when Linda told me he had been killed. We saw the graves of many famous soldiers and watched the ceremony of the changing of the guard at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier. There are 417,000 graves at this cemetery, all servicemen. Seeing all those tombstones is a sobering reminder of the lives sacrificed for our freedom - some seemingly in vain but nonetheless in the service of our country. We owe a debt of gratitude that can never be repaid.
From the cemetery, we visited the Vietnam Wall of Remembrance. This was yet another very sobering reminder of the lives of 58,306 people given in the service of this war, a difficult war that seemed meaningless in the end, especially with hindsight. All the flowers, notes, and pictures left for those whose names are on the wall breaks your heart.
We then saw the Einstein memorial which is actually a very artistic statue meant to be climbed on and enjoyed. We took the requisite photos and moved on to the National Museum of American History.
We went through the Museum quickly because we thought it was closing at 5:30 and then on our way out, they told us it was open until 7:30. Both Avi and I were dead on our feet and were ready to be on our way. David relented although he would have loved to stay there longer. We had 150 miles ahead of us to get to Philadelphia so he decided it was wisdom to get on the road.
The drive from Washington DC to Philadelphia was absolutely beautiful. We drove through Delaware and the rivers and trees are just exquisite. Since we hadn't eaten dinner, we stopped at a random place by the freeway and had the most incredible Mexican food any of us had ever eaten. Nobody, either the patrons or the people working there, spoke English except one young man. It was just one of those unplanned moments where you get really lucky. We finished up the drive to Philadelphia, checked in and went to bed - exhausted.
Friday, June 5, 2015
June 5, 2015
We arrived in Washington DC the evening of June 3rd pretty late. It was a smooth trip, no flight delays and no scary bumps and thumps in the air. DCA airport is small and there were no lines anywhere. We drove easily and quickly to our hotel in Foggy Bottom and checked in. We were all starving since we had been in airplanes and airports most of the day. We ended up at a little Mediterranean Grill and the food was decent. After that, we tried to sleep, knowing we needed to rest for the day ahead.
I woke early on June 4th but the guys slept until almost noon. I had a good book and enjoyed relaxing and reading for most of the morning. I went for a short run and really enjoyed running on city streets. I ran by the White House, the Washington Monument, the Department of Treasury and many other historical buildings and statues. I was so interested in what I was seeing I forgot to be tired. After the guys got up, we decided to hit the road and start walking. We did a lot of walking - traveling a lot of the same roads I had run on earlier. We visited the Washington Monument up close and personal - what an amazing piece of architecture! It was cloudy and cool but pleasant so we just kept walking. We ended up at the Smithsonian Air and Space Museum and saw many of the original planes and spacecraft that are fundamental to American History including Charles Lindbergh's plane and the original Command Module from the first flight to the moon. We went to an amazing Imax movie called "Journey Into Space" which talked about the future of space travel and the plan for astronauts to spend time - years! - on Mars. Fascinating. Totally. About now, we were ready to come home and we realized that it was pouring rain - we were about three miles from our hotel. After calling a cab and realizing that it would be a long wait - we just decided to get wet. Well, it was interesting. We got lost several times since it was hard to follow the iPhone when it was pouring and I had to find spots where I could stand in a sort-of protected area to figure out what in the heck we were doing. We probably went at least four miles in the end but finally arrived at the hotel drenched to the bone. Many people would have had bad attitudes but not this crew. Never. We were laughing and enjoying ourselves even though we were exhausted and our bodies were aching. We got dried off and I did laundry. Of course. Had to wash and dry all our clothes and jackets AND shoes. We ordered pizza in and watched the Warriors beat the Cavaliers. Fun stuff.
Today, June 5th, we bought tickets on Trolley Tours. The idea sounded fun but in retrospect in was quite frustrating. The idea was to hop off and hop on at any spot you wanted and see whatever you wanted for as long as you wanted. We ended up doing a lot of waiting and experienced more than a little frustration. Many people would have had bad attitudes but not this crew. Never. We did get to see the Capitol Building which is under construction and really ugly. All the beautiful monuments surrounding the Capitol are also being restored so they are all under big plastic tents. In fact, a lot of Washington DC is under construction. Everywhere you look, there is construction replete with tractors, trucks, piles of dirt and NOISE. However, we did get to see the beautiful US Botanical Gardens next to the Capitol Building which were totally amazing. We went to a Smithsonian Art Gallery which was good for a few oohs and awes (not my favorite but it was pretty cool). We tried to go to the Bureau of Printing and Engraving but tickets were hard to get and the lines and waiting cooled our jets. The people and lines start to get to you pretty quickly. We did get to see the Jefferson Memorial, the Martin Luther King Memorial, the Franklin Delano Roosevelt Memorial and the Lincoln Memorial. Now, this trip would be worth it just for those four things. Every one of them is awe inspiring and will make you choke up. Reading the quotes of these men and realizing again their sacrifices and contributions to us and the lives we enjoy is an experience all should have. The gardens and fountains surrounding the Roosevelt Memorial are just spectacular and the Potomac River runs alongside. This is what I love. Put me outside with trees, fountains, water and beautiful words to read and I am happy. Inside big buildings, not so much. But I am married to a lover of museums so I try to be a good sport. We ended this day with a TWO HOUR trolley ride back to our car which was parked at Union Station (also a crazy experience) and many people would have had bad attitudes but not this crew. Never. We got back and tried to find a place to eat that wasn't too far to walk. Our legs and feet hurt and we are only on day two of our sight-seeing marathon. After several restaurants with long lines and waits, we entered a French restaurant thinking we might experience some unique cuisine. The hostess looked at us and very kindly informed us that there was a dress code - we were all looking like bums in jeans and t-shirts and quite bedraggled - and tells us we can sit in the bar. That was OK with us - they handed us menus and the cheapest dinner was $90.00! We swallowed hard and thought maybe we would just bite the bullet. We have been hearing the giant sucking sound of money disappearing for a while now and what the heck is $300 more! Well, it is a lot....but...we sat there a while and everyone looked like senators and fancy women - NOBODY came in there without a tie and jacket. Finally, I couldn't stand it and told David I just couldn't sit there feeling like all I wanted was a hamburger and I was supposed to be paying for and enjoying a three hour dining experience. David agreed that he was equally uncomfortable and Avi is too young to realize how absolutely ridiculous we looked. So, we left. This would cause a lot of people to have bad attitudes and it almost did this crew. Almost. We ate at Burgers, Taps and Shakes and it was awesome and cost $35 for all three of us. We are now all curled up in our hotel planning the next day. I hope I can do this many days of sight seeing. I'm not very good at it. But I do have a good attitude. Until tomorrow....
We arrived in Washington DC the evening of June 3rd pretty late. It was a smooth trip, no flight delays and no scary bumps and thumps in the air. DCA airport is small and there were no lines anywhere. We drove easily and quickly to our hotel in Foggy Bottom and checked in. We were all starving since we had been in airplanes and airports most of the day. We ended up at a little Mediterranean Grill and the food was decent. After that, we tried to sleep, knowing we needed to rest for the day ahead.
I woke early on June 4th but the guys slept until almost noon. I had a good book and enjoyed relaxing and reading for most of the morning. I went for a short run and really enjoyed running on city streets. I ran by the White House, the Washington Monument, the Department of Treasury and many other historical buildings and statues. I was so interested in what I was seeing I forgot to be tired. After the guys got up, we decided to hit the road and start walking. We did a lot of walking - traveling a lot of the same roads I had run on earlier. We visited the Washington Monument up close and personal - what an amazing piece of architecture! It was cloudy and cool but pleasant so we just kept walking. We ended up at the Smithsonian Air and Space Museum and saw many of the original planes and spacecraft that are fundamental to American History including Charles Lindbergh's plane and the original Command Module from the first flight to the moon. We went to an amazing Imax movie called "Journey Into Space" which talked about the future of space travel and the plan for astronauts to spend time - years! - on Mars. Fascinating. Totally. About now, we were ready to come home and we realized that it was pouring rain - we were about three miles from our hotel. After calling a cab and realizing that it would be a long wait - we just decided to get wet. Well, it was interesting. We got lost several times since it was hard to follow the iPhone when it was pouring and I had to find spots where I could stand in a sort-of protected area to figure out what in the heck we were doing. We probably went at least four miles in the end but finally arrived at the hotel drenched to the bone. Many people would have had bad attitudes but not this crew. Never. We were laughing and enjoying ourselves even though we were exhausted and our bodies were aching. We got dried off and I did laundry. Of course. Had to wash and dry all our clothes and jackets AND shoes. We ordered pizza in and watched the Warriors beat the Cavaliers. Fun stuff.
Today, June 5th, we bought tickets on Trolley Tours. The idea sounded fun but in retrospect in was quite frustrating. The idea was to hop off and hop on at any spot you wanted and see whatever you wanted for as long as you wanted. We ended up doing a lot of waiting and experienced more than a little frustration. Many people would have had bad attitudes but not this crew. Never. We did get to see the Capitol Building which is under construction and really ugly. All the beautiful monuments surrounding the Capitol are also being restored so they are all under big plastic tents. In fact, a lot of Washington DC is under construction. Everywhere you look, there is construction replete with tractors, trucks, piles of dirt and NOISE. However, we did get to see the beautiful US Botanical Gardens next to the Capitol Building which were totally amazing. We went to a Smithsonian Art Gallery which was good for a few oohs and awes (not my favorite but it was pretty cool). We tried to go to the Bureau of Printing and Engraving but tickets were hard to get and the lines and waiting cooled our jets. The people and lines start to get to you pretty quickly. We did get to see the Jefferson Memorial, the Martin Luther King Memorial, the Franklin Delano Roosevelt Memorial and the Lincoln Memorial. Now, this trip would be worth it just for those four things. Every one of them is awe inspiring and will make you choke up. Reading the quotes of these men and realizing again their sacrifices and contributions to us and the lives we enjoy is an experience all should have. The gardens and fountains surrounding the Roosevelt Memorial are just spectacular and the Potomac River runs alongside. This is what I love. Put me outside with trees, fountains, water and beautiful words to read and I am happy. Inside big buildings, not so much. But I am married to a lover of museums so I try to be a good sport. We ended this day with a TWO HOUR trolley ride back to our car which was parked at Union Station (also a crazy experience) and many people would have had bad attitudes but not this crew. Never. We got back and tried to find a place to eat that wasn't too far to walk. Our legs and feet hurt and we are only on day two of our sight-seeing marathon. After several restaurants with long lines and waits, we entered a French restaurant thinking we might experience some unique cuisine. The hostess looked at us and very kindly informed us that there was a dress code - we were all looking like bums in jeans and t-shirts and quite bedraggled - and tells us we can sit in the bar. That was OK with us - they handed us menus and the cheapest dinner was $90.00! We swallowed hard and thought maybe we would just bite the bullet. We have been hearing the giant sucking sound of money disappearing for a while now and what the heck is $300 more! Well, it is a lot....but...we sat there a while and everyone looked like senators and fancy women - NOBODY came in there without a tie and jacket. Finally, I couldn't stand it and told David I just couldn't sit there feeling like all I wanted was a hamburger and I was supposed to be paying for and enjoying a three hour dining experience. David agreed that he was equally uncomfortable and Avi is too young to realize how absolutely ridiculous we looked. So, we left. This would cause a lot of people to have bad attitudes and it almost did this crew. Almost. We ate at Burgers, Taps and Shakes and it was awesome and cost $35 for all three of us. We are now all curled up in our hotel planning the next day. I hope I can do this many days of sight seeing. I'm not very good at it. But I do have a good attitude. Until tomorrow....
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