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Neither one of us had visited our nation's Capitol, so we thought it was time. We spent five days in May 2010, in a Homewood Suites about a mile from the White House. We took it slowly and didn't try to see everything. We were a bit surprised as what a "small town" the central part of Washington is in some ways. I can see why some find it captivating. (Photos by Jack and Mary Dodge)
Click thumbnails for larger versions. Also part of this trip ... Williamsburg & Jamestown, VA ... Martha's Vineyard, MA
 We started our walking tour at the U.S. Treasury. Heard they weren't giving out samples so didn't go in. For a broader view |
 Then a stroll down Pennsylvania Avenue ... |
 ... to the see the White House (from the outside) and admired the lovely azaleas in full bloom. |
 There are many impressive views of the U.S. Capitol, where the Representatives and Senators sit. Here's another and another |
 Unfortunately the Reflecting Pool between the Lincoln Memorial and Washington Monument was drained to be repaired. |
 A view of the Washington Monument from the Mall. |
 As a native of Illinois, Mary had to pay her respects at the Lincoln Memorial. View from the Potomac River |
 There's something about this sight that brings out emotions in many of us. |
 Our bigges disappointment on the trip was the crush of people at all the Smithsonian sites. A bit calmer here at the reproduction of the Wrights' Kittyhawk effort. |
 ... and Julia Child's kitchen |
 The Hope Diamond was being displayed out of its 42-diamond setting |
 Another emotional location was Arlington Cemetery. It seems to go on ... and on ... and on ... |
 Street signs are needed. |
 The Eternal Flame at the John F. Kennedy Memorial. Close-up of the flame. |
 Loved the contrast this lone robin made to the melancholy view. |
 Off to the National Zoo.... Golden Tamarind, think we saw these fleetingly in Ecuador .. |
 |
 Does one ever get enough of the (non-native) panda. So here's another view and another. |
 Probably the only Meerkat we'll see in the adorable flesh. |
 Tiny Przewalski's Horses, the only truely wild living relative of the domestic horse. Found in Mongolia and about the size of a miniature pony. |
 Dama Gazelle |
 Western Crowned Pigeon, from New Guinea |
 A Sunbittern. Sorry for the blur, but his display is showing |
 If I were in a cage, I'd be aggressive too. |
 Thought I had an ID for this guy. Think he's a bustard of some type. |
 Was fascinated by the Hammerkopf |
 A Golden Pheasant, so pretty |
 Not sure what kind of duck this |
 One afternoon, there was a street market with lavender cookies and natural wool. |
 Georgetown is a delightful place to stroll, with its classic homes... |
 ... quaint signs ... |
 ... and more classic homes. |
 We saw this lovely flowering tree throughout the city and finally identified it as a dogwood. |
 Washington Harbor was one of our favorite spots. |
 From there we got on a boat tour on the Potomac River. |
 It passed the Pentagon ... |
 ... Watergate condominiums ... |
 Jefferson Monument, and many other sights. |
 "Dragon Races" on the Potomac |
 The C&O Canal was ready to be reopened the next day for recreational purposes. |
 Our final stop was the National Botanical Gardens |
 ... with many succulents ... |
 ... and orchids |
 Homewood Suites was a good choice. Lots of amenities and near a Whole Foods and restaurants. |
Williamsburg & Jamestown, VA Martha's Vineyard, MA
Home & Travel links | Birdwatching | About us & Port St. Lucie | From our kitchen