In preparation for the 30th, we took the Metro down to the National Mall. By the time we got to the station, it was only 14 miles to the city. (Eventually they're extending the rails out to where we live). It's been a long time since I've been that motion sick. I knew there was a reason I didn't like public transportation, and I remember again every time I use it.
I think we had planned on going to the Smithsonian, but we ended up just walking around, watching the tourists, and taking the required photos of monuments. We saw the capitol building, but didn't get too close. There was some religious fanatics having a rally, and we didn't want people to think we were part of it. Lot's of talk about "the Bible says," "the end is coming," "God hates..." No, I have nothing against God, or most of what religion stands for, but not hate.
Then we walked the other way, past the Canadian embassy, lots of skate-borders, another activity being set up for that night (lots of empty tables in the street), I think it was something like Relay-for-Life. We came to the White House, but we didn't bother trying to get close, way too many people. Karl got a few awesome pics of other tourists taking pics. Listened to security guards yell at people who didn't know what to do. I suppose if the entire sidewalk is empty, and the other side of the street is crowded, it doesn't mean that the empty sidewalk was left just for you.
The Lincoln Memorial kind of reminded me of the Blue Mosque in Istanbul. People milling around, but most sitting all over the steps, right in front of the entrance to the memorial. In Turkey there was a sign that said "no sitting on the steps" amongst the people sitting on the steps. I almost expected to see one there too. Sure, it's a bit of a hike up the steps, feel free to take a break, but don't sit in the doorway. Lincoln was an ugly man. Don't get me wrong, I like what he did, and I'm sure the sculptors tried to make him more handsome. It didn't work.
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| Blue Mosque, Istanbul |
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| Lincoln Memorial |
Walking back to the train station we passed the Korean War memorial and the World War memorial, and several other memorials. Karl mentioned that it was kind of depressing. Yes, a lot of people died trying to make this world a better place.
The day itself though, was perfect. Couldn't have asked for better. It was sunny, warm, slightly breezy. Not a cloud in the bright blue sky. The leaves were turning red and the light was a soft gold. If only there weren't so many people. There were lots of pictures I wanted to take, if other people hadn't got in the way. Karl said to take pictures of the people instead, but I don't like taking people pictures. People, as a whole, aren't very pretty. I prefer the trees and architecture. We'll have to go back on some bitterly cold winter day I suppose.
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