I'm a few days into the heading south portion of this trip. My boyfriend James has joined me for the first week as we head to South Carolina, visiting friends along the way. So far, we've relaxed in Saratoga Springs with my grandmother, compared Geno's versus Pat's famous Philly cheesesteaks (Pat's won by far) with Heather, and drank possibly one too many beers in the Bier Baron in Washington, DC with a group of friends, both old and new.
Yesterday was a day spent recovering with some delicious brunch at the Founding Farmer's in West Potomac, MD, and then exploring the National Mall with our hosts for the day Matt and Leigh.
I've been to Washington a few times, but all I can really remember from those trips are seeing the Lincoln Monument up close, driving around in the pouring rain pointing to landmarks from the dry interior of the car, and spending many hours at the Smithsonian Museum. I believe I was about 10 years old. Maybe younger, maybe older. The point being it's all just a hazy memory.
WWII Memorial
We only had a few hours to walk around, but that was enough time for the amount of touristy site-seeing we wanted to do. Took the mandatory picture in front of the White House, examined the World War II and Vietnam War memorials, and walked along the Lincoln Memorial Reflecting Pool (which is a much longer stroll than I expected). The crowds of people on the stairs up to Lincoln were a little much for our relaxing afternoon, so we just admired the building from below.
Matt and Leigh were super patient with us playing tourists. Even though they've only lived in city for a few years, they are definitely Washington-ites. I know that there were plenty of other things they'd rather do on a Saturday afternoon than be surrounded by crowds of people looking at old buildings, but I was grateful to have such good friends who would take time out of their day.
After some pizza at Pi Pizzeria, it was time to head to our next destination, Richmond, VA to stay with our friend Shannon. Today's Cinco de Mayo, so I'm sure we'll find some fun!