Friday, June 23
We were supposed to visit the White House.
Nope.
You would thing a guy who routinely interviews a U.S. Senator, Marco Rubio, Florida, and who interviewed President Donald Trump’s son, Donald Jr., on election night trying to turn the vote out in western Florida could get in to see the White House. We were denied because they had too many requests. We put ours in two months early. Learn from us. Schedule your EXACT date of visit six months early and hope for the best.
Whatever.
We hitched a ride on the Metro (about the only way to travel D.C.) and went to the White House. Sorry, the Outside of the White House. Insider tip: stay at a hotel near a Metro stop in the outlying areas. More affordable rates and travel is a breeze.
Took the requisite photos front and back of the White House. Saw a few fruit loops along the way, but otherwise enjoyed it. A very large space has been created for the area around the White House. The security detail is massive.
We wandered over to the WWII Memorial in order to see the Reflecting Pool in front of the Lincoln Memorial. The last time we visited, during History Tour, the pool was drained and bone dry. This time it was operational. The ducks loved it, too.
We made our way back to our hotel and decided to make a run at the National Zoo. You may be surprised to know admission is free (I know, nothing is free). Let’s just say I had no problem walking in at no charge knowing what I pay in taxes. Sadly, on the way there we got a flat tire. Pulled into the zoo lot and changed the tire in ten minutes. Manly men, here. Proceeded to see the Giant Panda exhibit and were not disappointed.Way too much fun. The pictures say it all.
Rain got the better of the visit,but we saw what we came to see – namely Giant Pandas.
One flat repair later and it was on to Haddon Heights, New Jersey where we were blessed to stay at the home of campus missionary friends of ours, Dave and Katie Hess.
For the record – it’s not even close – the drivers in the northeast are the most reckless,dangerous, obscene drivers I have experienced in my life. Maybe that’s why commuter trains are so popular.
Insider tip: bring plenty of cash when driving the northeast. Toll roads are almost inescapable. Not only that, expensive and horrible. I mean what exactly are you paying for?The answer rotten, alignment destroying, bump fests not unlike turbulence in a plane. All told, about $90 for the trip and the bulk of it went to New Jersey and New York – what a shock.
1 of 17 2 of 17 3 of 17 4 of 17 5 of 17 6 of 17 7 of 17 8 of 17 9 of 17 10 of 17 11 of 17 12 of 17 13 of 17 14 of 17 15 of 17 16 of 17 17 of 17