Day 8

As usual, we woke up very early, and thus went into the city center after a bagel with cream cheese breakfast. We started at the Ronald Reagan Building and international trade center. Then, on the way to the White House, we passed the U.S. Department of the Treasury, which we initially thought was the White House because of its size. Sadly, when we arrived at the actual White House, large, white fences blocked the view. So, after a quick look at the President's house, we continued our way down to the Dwight D. Eisenhower Executive Office Building and the Red Cross building. We then made our way to the World War II Memorial and the Lincoln Memorial, both in the extension of the Washington monument. On our way to have a more upclose look of the Washington Monument, we paid a visit to the Vietnam Veterans Memorial. Just as at the other memorial sites, there were goosebumps all over my body. Once arrived at the Washington monument, which is the huge pillar rising from the ground, we sat on the side and took pictures while enjoying the sun. Because it was already past noon and we had been walking quite a distance already, we got lunch at a nearby food court. Then, it was time to visit the United States Capitol, which can be seen from almost any distance within the district. We walked around the humongous building, and then continued to the botanic garden right next to it. They had a wide variation of flowers, inside and outside, and some were groomed in the prettiest shapes, such as a flamingo. As we still had some time afterwards, we decided to also go to the National Museum of African American History and Culture, and on the way made a quick stop at the Smithsonian Castle. After an impressive visit at the museum, we went back to our AirBnb. Though we had walked over 20 kilometers this day and my knee, hips and back did not like it, I went for a short run around the neighbourhood (and on the way bought myself a knee brace). Safe to say it was a productive day.

Geschreven door Romymatse