washington dc
North America, Photography, Travel

Washington DC: The SECOND Time Around

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…and it was over just like that. Three months in Europe, gone in a flash. It is crazy how time flies when you’re having fun. As we looked up from our books on the Megabus, we found ourselves surrounded by Washington DC.

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I’m baaaaaaaack.

…with Shaun in tow as a DC virgin. What this means is that I finally get to hit all of those memorials I had avoided like the plague the last time I was here with Diana. *SQUEE!*

I almost feel guilty as Stephanie from Twenty-Something Travel takes us around the must sees of DC on her millionth guest tour. But at least she appeared interested. That is all that matters right?

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Our timing couldn’t have been more perfect. We arrived less than two weeks after the election and on Veteran’s Day. The city was oozing patriotism (more than usual?). That and the freak hurricane Sandy and the following blizzard had cleared out to give us the most perfect, clear, warm days.

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Is it possible our rain curse is over?

I’m not holding my breath on that one.

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This time we eased back into our American life a million times easier than when we came back from Latin America. We knew what to expect.

Most of all, we were ready to come home.

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We happily walked across DC, feeling the sunshine on our faces. Even though the mood was quite somber, I felt lucky to have been there at this time.

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The Vietnam War Memorial was packed to the brim with veterans, family members, and onlookers squeezing their way through the line to pay their respects. Taps could be heard in the background and veterans were telling their war stories.

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Shaun was geeking out like no other with his Dan Brown obsession as we walked down the mall. We even got the opportunity to stop by the National Archives. Do you know how freaking AWESOME it is to see the original Declaration of Independence and the Bill of Rights?! *GEEK OUT* (Okay, so I had some very serious nerd moments as well.)

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As we walked down the mall with the autumn foliage, I became very aware how lucky we were that we had only scheduled a few days here.

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I think I would have to start paying rent in all the museums and monuments had we stayed here any longer…

It feels so good to be on your home soil.

*kisses ground*

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21 thoughts on “Washington DC: The SECOND Time Around”

  1. You were so close and yet so far away! I wish I could get to DC easier during the week, but I don’t get paid for the days I don’t work. Boo.

    Glad you had a good time! Weather looks perfect.

  2. I was in DC in 2000 and I was taken aback by all the monuments. It was especially good as I was there on July 4th. Your post brought back all the memories.

  3. I went back to DC recently for the first time in years and it was fun to do the touristy stuff and find some lesser-known sights. Did you check out the National Crime Museum?

    Also, that Megabus pic… you sat in the front seat on the upper deck? I’ve been terrified to do that since I’ve read about at least two Megabus crashes where the bus went straight into a low-hanging overpass and the second row front seat riders died. Sorry to plant that seed, but you can never be too safe!

  4. NO! But we did see the crime museum as we were walking to a bar…

    As for planting the seed, I’ll take my chances. 😛

  5. I haven’t been to DC since I was in 8th grade. It was actually my 8th grade field trip. I’d love to go back now as an adult and see everything again, plus I know there’s so much I missed back then.

  6. It would be interesting to go back and see things that I saw in 8th grade. I don’t think I would have been interested in Washington at all around that age.

  7. I’ve been having a bad case of US-wanderlust lately and this post dose NOTHING to help! 😛

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