October 10, 2012 -- Washington, D. C. -- day 2

Thankfully my back was better by the morning, so after more make-your-own-waffles and other yummy food, and a minor annoyance at the Metro, we stopped at the National Museum of American History. I'm still riveted by that machine making the papers fly like birds and would have loved to actually step inside Julia Child's glass enclosed kitchen.

We continued our trek past the Washington Monument, yet again, and this time made it to the Martin Luther King Memorial (Lincoln will have to wait for the next trip). Even in stone I found him full of strength and determination. Walking back over the bridge, we looked on at the Jefferson Memorial, and then found our way to the National Museum of the American Indian. I could barely stop taking photos of the building. I can't even explain how much I love that building. Finally hunger drew us in to their Mitsitam Cafe, which was crazy expensive for lunch, but one of the best meals we had. They have food from all the Indian tribes in different stations and you're able to choose what you'd like. Kent chose the Great Plains dessert fry bread and that was a good choice.

We had a few minutes to see a little bit in the National Gallery. Unfortunately the Roy Lichtenstein show hadn't opened yet, but they hadn't blocked it off completely, so we could see a few images behind the ropes. I did stop at the gift shop (ever the tourist) after admiring the connection to the East wing. There were cool fountains everywhere we went it seemed.

October 9, 2012 -- Washington, D. C.

I hadn't been to D. C. since the last Democratic president was in office, so I was excited to go back. We decided to spend a few days in D. C. while in the area. After driving up to our Arlington hotel we took a short trip on the Metro, got a quick snack on the Mall, then began walking, and I do mean walking. I had forgotten how few and far between the Metro stops in D. C. were and how much walking you need to do to get to where you're going.

I ended up taking more still shots than video. I'm not quite sure why, but glad of it. There is a definite excitement there, even with all the bad politicians.

I filmed a bit on the Smithsonian Mall, taking in the carousel and the Hirshhorn sculpture garden before we spent the bulk of the afternoon at the International Spy Museum (no video or photography allowed, so you'll have to go yourself). It was very cool, but could have used more sitting areas. I keep forgetting about my back issues when we travel. Mostly it hasn't been a problem when we've been away, but we hadn't walked this much before. After having a lovely dinner with Kent's sister at Aria we attempted to make it to the Lincoln Memorial. The Washington Monument blinked out its lights to try to guide me in, but half-way down the reflecting pool I could go no further. I probably should have tried hailing a cab, but martyred myself to the walk back to the subway stop and then a steaming hot bath after much pain killers.