In a city not known for its bipartisanship, we all got along really well. Well, except for that time we “had a discussion” about where to turn to get to the hotel, and that time we argued in the rain about eating lunch, oh, and that time we “discussed” what to bring in from the van, but other than that DC was full of compromise...in our family at least!
Here are some highlights from Washington, D.C.:
Biggest Surprise: There is so much to see and do in Washington, D.C., and much of it is free! It really is worth a week’s vacation.
Biggest Disappointment: The National Archives. I wanted it to be like the movie National Treasure, full of adventure and excitement, but even the movie at the National Archives was boring, and we normally find the museum movies interesting. Can you believe Nicholas Cage didn’t narrate it?!? Regardless you have to stop and see the Declaration of Independence and the Constitution. That’s rich history!
Biggest Revelation: The first floor of the White House isn’t a museum! I didn’t realize that after the tours are over, they unroll the carpets, put away the ropes, and use the rooms for press conferences, sleepovers, and under the current administration, numerous concerts according to what we were told when we made several inquiries of the Secret Service agents of whom you’re encouraged to ask questions while on the White House tour.
Worst Closure: Nothing was closed, but our Senators and Representative weren’t in DC because we visited too closely after the election. Fortunately because we contacted them ahead of time, we were still able to take a tour of the Capitol Building conducted by a member of their staff, and it was fantastic. We stood under the dome and expressed amazement at how large it is. We learned about, and tried out for ourselves, the acoustics in the old Congressional meeting room allowing John Quincy Adams to hear private conversations across the room. We sat in the gallery of the Senate and pictured history taking place, and we walked via the tunnels below the street. Unfortunately, we didn’t rub elbows with anyone famous since they were all back home.
Most Beautiful Spot: Arlington National Cemetery. Yes, it is in Virginia, but it’s such a DC tourist sight that I included it here. I’ll risk sounding like my daughter here: it’s huge! All the white tombstones in perfectly straight rows, contrasted against the meticulously manicured green lawn and orange fall leaves were striking. It’s humbling to see how many have died for our country, our freedom. Thank you!
Best Bathroom Stop: The Smithsonian Institution Building, the one that looks like a castle, is mostly just an information and administration building, but they do have nice bathrooms, a model of the city, and a fun touch exhibit in the lobby. The kids loved playing on the giant touch screen where you used special tools to paint and even build a fire. I’m really not sure what that has to do with anything informational, but they had fun, none the less.
Most Fun Tourist Spot: Spy Museum. It was interesting seeing all the spy gadgets and such. We especially loved the beginning of the museum where you felt like you were preparing to be an agent. It's just too bad they couldn't keep the theme going throughout the entire museum.
Most Boring Tourist Spot: Smithsonian National Air and Space Museum. For a museum, it's pretty boring because there aren't many interactive or high tech exhibits, but I love how the movie Night at the Museum has spawned an interest in history. Our kids were excited about going and seeing the parts in the movie. Skip the planetarium movie about the Black Hole. It wasn’t worth the money, and it wasn’t the least bit educational.
Most Moving Tourist Sight: Holocaust Memorial Museum. When you first enter, you pick up a card with an identity on it. The museum is very well laid out, and you even see an actual train car which carried thousands of Jews to the concentration camps. Unfortunately, we arrived late in the afternoon and didn’t have much time to really delve into it. Whatever amount of time you spend in the museum, you can’t help be stirred at the end of the museum when you find out what happened to the person on your card.
Funniest Memory: We saw news coverage of two guys who’d travelled to 24 states selling a million dollars of advertisements on their trailer in support of small business. Levi responded, “Oh yeah. I’d like to see them get to Hawaii.”
Worst Memory: Waiting in line to get through security at the White House. We had previously set up a tour through our Senator and were assigned a time, but we still to wait outside for about an hour to go through security….in the bone chilling rain. We all huddled under one giant umbrella and played the Name Game to pass the time. I find it amusing that you can’t bring cameras, chapstick, a purse - anything other than your cell phone, wallet, and car keys, but you can bring your pointy umbrella! I guess that speaks more about the weather in DC than anything.
Best Memory: We had the privilege of being on live TV promoting organ donation in the DC area. We arrived at FOX 5 and were ushered in what seemed like a huge garage to wait in the “green” room which was a glorified dressing room – beige at that. Finally we were led into the production area, another garage type room not at all like you see on TV where there are cameramen and producers milling about. Here there was one producer and one cameraman. That’s it.
Not surprisingly, most of it was computerized. The cameraman sat us on the red love seat and chair, hooked up our mics, and had us be quiet for the next 20 seconds until the show’s host came over to join us on the red furniture. Seeing things like the foot pedal she used to control the words on the monitor was exciting to be a part of! What’s funny is that she focused on asking the kids questions, and they were the stars of the show. Levi used a superhero analogy, and Chloe said it was a privilege to be doing this. Way to get the word out about organ donation with the cute kid appeal!
My DC Hike: While sightseeing one day, we walked nearly 11 miles all over the city! 21,870 steps to be exact seeing the Washington Monument, Vietnam Veterans Memorial, Lincoln Memorial, Capitol Building, Holocaust Memorial Museum, and so on. Needless to say, we all slept well that night, even in a hotel bed.
Best Views of the City: From the Washington Monument. Be sure to reserve your tickets ahead of time. It's only $1.50 per ticket to do so, and it ensures your time slot. Hope for a sunny day because it has great views of the Capitol, White House, Lincoln Memorial, and DC in general.
What We Did Miss: It’s hard to believe that with all we did, we still missed so much including the National Cathedral, Jefferson Memorial, Bureau of Engraving & Printing, National Zoo, and others all recommended to us.
In Summary: Washington, D.C., we had a great time visiting your numerous sights and rich history. Being we're smashed together 24/7 in a minivan and hotel room, we had no option but to work out our differences and come to a compromise. Mmmh, maybe we should stick Congress together in a minivan until they agree…
-The Mom
DC is a must for every American! :)
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