Estoy tarareando.

The silver Honda has successfully managed its first road trip!  There are now multiple skittles lost among the crevices in the carpeted floor to prove it.  Thursday evening Amy H. and I packed up and headed South on 95. New York. New Jersey. Then Delaware and on into Maryland.  We were very blessed to be able to stay with Barry and Doreen Steffen for our weekend trip to Washington DC, arriving at their house late Thursday night.

Friday Amy and I met up with Katja and Matt, both whom are in DC from Germany for the 30th International Congress of Actuaries.  They had come a few days before the Congress to enjoy the city. 

 

View looking West from outside the Library of Congress.

 Library of Congress

 Library of Congress

Amy H. looking out of the Library of Congress West towards the Capitol, Washington Monument and The Mall

 In a few weeks the Capitol Rotunda is going to be closed for a period of about 2 years to complete a restoration project on the dome.

Side note about the Capitol.  The four of us, Matt, Katja, Amy and I, were consistently at the right place, at the right time, talking to the right person. All four of us were able to join a tour at the last minute AND obtain passes for the House Gallery. 

 It only took us three attempts to successfully get the Washington Monument in the background!

 Looking East down the Reflecting Pool towards the Washington Monument.

 Lincoln Memorial.  Airplane compliments of the close proximity to the Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport.

Looking North from the Jefferson Memorial across the Tidal Basin towards the Washington Monument and the White House.

 New Executive Office Building.  The Japanese Cherry Trees are supposed to be blooming at this time.  The Cherry Blossom Festival is in full swing.  Only thing missing....the actual cherry blossoms.  The trees are protesting the harsh winter we've just emerged from and are not quite ready to grace the Spring with their millions of delicate pink blooms. The tree in the above picture is a Magnolia tree with a few blooms opening up

 1600 Pennsylvania Ave.  L to R: Me, Amy, Katja, Matt

1600 Pennsylvania Ave.

On Saturday the skies had opened their rain clouds with a steady provision of wet precipitation, but we were not to be stopped.  Amy and I met Katja and Matt downtown once again, and then we were joined by Abhijeet in the afternoon.

 We went up the Tower of the Old Post Office.  A unique view of our Nation's capital enveloped in wet fog.

 Arlington National Cemetery

 Changing of the Guard at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier.

 

Thankful for our umbrellas. L to R: Amy, Abhijeet, Matt, Katja

 

On Saturday evening, our most gracious hosts, Barry and Doreen, offered to have everyone for dinner.  Even when we numbered 5 in total.  Incredibly gracious.  And so thankful for them, as we sat around the table and allowed the conversation to take us well into the night.  First row L to R: Abhijeet, Barry  Second row L to R: Matt, Katja, Amy, Doreen, me

 L to R: Amy, Katja, me, Matt, Abhijeet

 L to R: Me, Amy, Doreen, Barry

On Sunday, Amy flew home to Illinois from DC.  I attended church in DC and then found myself on 95 North headed home to NY.  Although...I did allow myself a quick stop over in Baltimore.  Why not?  Just a meander through the streets, and a short stop at Federal Hill for a photo overlooking the Inner Harbor.

 Samuel Smith standing guard at Federal Hill Park.  Notice anything about the flag? 

Federal Hill Park. Baltimore.  Overlooking a part of the Inner Harbor.

And just in case you were wondering....I did take many more pictures than are here posted! ;)

Hasta!