Washington DC was a whirlwind of activity. Since Robin had never been here, we wanted to see a lot of the top priorty tourist sites. Yes, here we were more like tourists than Slowmads. We always like to start a new city visit with a Hop On Hop Off tour. The trolley in DC was awesome. Many times there is a recorded guide in multiple languages and you can never seem to find a bus to hop back on. This one had an excellent local guide, who was entertaining, fun and educational. We got off at the Jefferson Memorial and walked through the FDR Memorial and MLK Memorial.
FDR Memorial is quite extensive
Martin Luther King Jr. Memorial was full of his memorable quotes.
World War II Memorial
Vietnam War Memorial
Air and Space Museum
We enjoyed this Museum. However after seeing the Destination Moon exhibit in Seattle, this part was redundant for us. Fun seeing the Wright Brothers first plane.
Wright Brothers first plane (above). Great quote(below).
Neil Armstrong’s spacesuit and Robin flying a plane.
Mars rover and a 136 mph V8 motorcycle from 1907.
International Spy Museum
This is a really fun museum. You are issued a cover identity and occupation. You proceed through different stations to complete your mission.
If you get a chance, go to this museum. It is not a free Smithsonian, but I believe that you will enjoy it.
James Bond Aston Martin
American History Museum
Some great artifacts at this museum. I guess I was surprised that there was a lot of modern history, cell phones, guitars, movie paraphernalia, but it was extensive.
Presidential Medal of Freedom and Horatio Greenough’s Washington.
Actual furniture from surrender at Appomattox
Great Historical Clock of America
Steel column from 70th floor of World Trade Center South Tower and piece of Berlin Wall.
Abe Lincoln’s hat from the assassination and Dorothy’s ruby slippers.
Mr Roger’s sweater and sneakers and George Reeve’s Superman suit.
I have always wanted a $100,000 bill.
Visit with Roxanne and Tom
Robin’s cousin, Roxanne and her husband, Tom live in Silver Spring, Maryland. We took the Metro one day to the nearest stop to them and they picked us up. We took a lovely walk at Sligo Creek Park and afterwards relaxed on their screened porch and made conversation. Roxanne whipped up a fantastic dinner and dessert of homemade ice cream and cookies. Tom was kind enough to drive us home.
National Zoo
The zoo was fun. The pandas are going back to China Oct 1, so we were fortunate to catch them. Not to seem like zoo snobs, but this was not our favorite zoo. Quite spread out, shuttle no longer runs and many exhibits did not open until 9am, while gate opens at 8am.
Arlington National Cemetery
A must see was the changing of the guard at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier. Also, had to see JFK’s Eternal Flame.
Museum of Natural History
This was a fun museum. A bit heavy on climate change guilt tripping, although the exhibits depict greater climate swings and extinctions for eons before we even walked on 2 feet.
Rooms full of gems and minerals.
The Hope Diamond
Fragment of cartonnage coffin 600 BC
Me as an Australopithecus Afarenses. More hair, less brains.
Holocaust Museum
This is a very memorable, yet emotionally challenging museum to tour. A well structured historical sequence displays the 3rd Reich’s rise to power and the increasing steps of the initial persecution and eventual extermination of 6 million Jews.
The Hall of Remembrance
We are approaching the tail end of our recent travel adventure. Next, we head to Vegas to visit Robin’s daughter, Katy. We will stay with her in her new home. Lots of routine doctor appointments, stocking up on supplies, and going through our storage bins. Therefore, the next blog post will be minimal, but we will experience a few tourist excursion and entertainment options.
Randy and Robin's Roving Retirement 