Being directionally challenged and finding parking that would not be parallel parking in Washington D.C. (this is just another of many challenges we try to avoid) - we decided to take a commuter bus from Annapolis - (a bargain at $4.50 a person). Barack and Michele had to cancel their lunch meeting with us so we had to make do by looking around at all of the fabulous monuments, soak up some of the history, and dine at a fantastic restaurant about a block or so from the White House. We waited for them to join us for dessert - but they never showed!
We knew when we started out that we would only getting a 'sip' of Washington - and even thought it was but a sip it was certainly a "fine wine"! It is so overwhelming to process so much information - especially when you are traveling with a historian. There wasn't a building, monument, or street that Wiley was at a loss for an anecdote or historical lesson!
We went back the following day to tour the Capitol, take in the Air and Space Museum, and visit the Art Museum. We were both so tired from trying to absorb so much that on the bus ride back to Annapolis Wiley did not have it in him to provide any more history lessons and Merry could not longer nod her head showing that she was, of course, listening! We were delighted that we had time, even though it was short, to go to Washington D.C. Words cannot express what it feels like to stand where Martin Luther King said, "I have a dream..." , or where so many Presidents and First Ladies have been, or knowing the possibilities of all that can be accomplished through our government. At a time when our country is so divided the visit was a reminder of who we are and what we can accomplish when we finally do find common ground. E Pluribus Unum!