After enjoying the begninning portion of my spring break, with Mehandis in extremely unseasonably warm for Wisconsin - 80 degree weather. The temperature took a dip down once arriving in Chicago - averaging in the mid-50's. Then on the morning of our departure to DC (or as Mehandis said - "Obama's House") we fell into a bit of a deep freeze - with snow to boot. Michael and I were so happy to find that our spring vacation destination did not share in the midwest's wintery relapse.
That first day of our arrival we took full advantage. Walking for hours in the 80 degree weather. We walked the "mall" seeing the Lincoln Memorial, Capital, World War I Memorial, Vietnam Memorial and White House. We reveled in the lush green grass and leaves and definitely too time to smell the many flowers.
Here is Michael not too eagerly posing on the steps of the Lincoln Memorial (videos of me are soon to be shared by Michael, I am sure, where I am the less than eager interviewee!). It is one of his favorite spots along the mall. And the location of MLK's "I Have a Dream" speech.
The Hyatt was an awesome home away from home for us. We were two blocks away from the Capitol, had extremely helpful hotel staff and a "hall store" for my late night munchies. Thanks again Michael for finding this spot for us to stay!
Beautiful red tulips were the flower of choice on the White House grounds. Didn't know that Michelle and I shared the same fave flower.
When Mehandis saw a picture of us in front of the White House, he asked "Where is Obama?".
Michael and I spent a total of seven hours walking around a museum called the Newseum. It had six floors of multimedia materials and interactive exhibits focused on the history of the news. We were able to go inside an actual "checkpoint tower" from the Berlin Wall, watch newsclips from any era imaginable, learn the story of how photographers "got" astounding photographs and so much more!
The Newseum also houses several studios. Here we are on a tour of Sunday morning's "This Week". That is a real view that you see of the capitol... not a back drop.
Took a lunch break in China Town. We actually ended up having Thai. Turned out to be one of our best lunches (and longest hunt for aforementioned restaurant).
From the very windy Newseum roof top terrace.
Think I was getting pretty cold here... but refused to wear a jacket during our spring break adventures. My flip flops got quite the work out too.
Ah... catching up with friends. Lucia and Chris took us to Old Ebbit's for dinner and then onto W's rooftop bar for a cocktail. It has an absolutely incredible view that this photo does not capture. So nice to have time with our friends.
And each other.
Day 3 brought more sun and more walking with no particular destination in mind. This was also the date of our 11th anniversary!
Michael's artistic photo of some of the many cherry blossoms on the last day of the Cherry Blossom Festival. We went for a run this morning, along the mall, and ran by several floats that were lining up for the Cherry Blossom Parade. Saw a giant Elmo, Elvis float and many band kids.
Later in the day we stumbled upon Woodrow Wilson's home, where he and his wife stayed immediately following his second presidential term. Didn't know he won a Nobel Peace Prize, had a stroke while in office, and had very progressive wives.
Another novel experience was attending a performance by a Japanese Troupe at the Kennedy Center. They performed opera, sang children's folk songs and performed a fan dance.
Prost!
Our wonderful German meal, on the patio, the night of our anniversary.
Followed by a starlit and Capitol-lit, short walk home.
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