Washington
The District of Columbia
Day One
Oakland International Airport
It's good not to fly out of San Francisco Airport. Oakland Airport is much closer for us, which means we don't have to get up as early. Sleep is precious and should be maximized.
These days, transcontinental flights almost always require a stopover in one of the central states. When I traveled for work as a consultant years ago, I used to refer to them as flyover states since I would never consider landing in one. I suppose the U.S. is massive, and to maximize passenger flights, stopovers are necessary.
With this current requirement, our flight today first landed in St. Louis, where we switched aircraft before continuing to Washington, D.C. Julia and I are visiting D.C. for her work and my pleasure. Julia plans to engage in the American art of lobbying the government, while I will take in the sights of the many museums and galleries in this fine city.
Day Two
We visited the U.S. Capitol this morning, taking a tour through its cavernous interior and discovering its varied and interesting history. Outside this temple to America, we watched as crews dismantled stands from the recent presidential inauguration. The disarray of wood and metal in front of this shrine to democracy seemed appropriate given everything that has transpired since that day.
Our tour guide mentioned we could visit the Senate, which was in session. A historic vote was underway to confirm an Education Secretary. The vote was notable because it appeared tied, requiring the Vice President to cast the deciding vote.
We attempted to view this vote, not realizing how unlikely it would be to witness it. Our first obstacle was obtaining Senate passes from one of California's senators. We left the Capitol Building and crossed to the Senate buildings, getting lost in a maze of underground passages before finding the office. After getting our passes, we rushed back to the Capitol, arriving just 10 minutes before the scheduled vote. After security checks, we reached the public galleries to find a long line.
We nearly gave up until an usher assured us we'd get in. Finally seated, we watched as senators moved about the impressive chamber before the Vice President appeared to cast the deciding vote.
We ended our day at the National Museum of African American History and Culture, an impressive building containing history every American should experience - a history of shame that should never be forgotten or repeated.
Day Three
With a record high of 65°F, we spent most of the day outdoors, visiting the Smithsonian Sculpture Garden and the Capitol Reflecting Pool. We also visited the Hirshhorn Museum and the National Museum of the American Indian.
After visiting both the African American and American Indian museums, I reflected on the darker chapters of American history that should never be forgotten.
Day Four
Yesterday's warmth gave way to freezing 33°F temperatures today. The icy wind across the National Mall made my ears ache, but it was worth braving the cold to visit my favorite museum - the National Air and Space Museum.
It wasn't quite like this, but close
Born in 1957 at the dawn of the space race, I've always felt connected to space exploration. My 25 years as a private pilot with over 1,000 flight hours and IFR certification further fueled my fascination with aeronautics, both well represented at this magnificent museum.
51 Juliet
This visit left me reflecting how many aerospace advancements came from military applications. Even my beloved 51 Juliet traces its lineage to technologies developed for warfare.
Day Five
We attended a show at Ford's Theatre, infamous as the site of President Lincoln's assassination on April 14, 1865. After being shot, Lincoln was carried across the street to the Petersen House, where he died the next morning.
Petersen House
The theater closed after the assassination, serving various purposes before collapsing in 1893 (killing 22 people). After renovations, it reopened as a theater in 1968 and was renovated again for Lincoln's bicentennial in 2009.
We watched a performance of "Who's Afraid of Virginia Woolf?" Martha and George's tumultuous relationship reminded me of America's political divisions - constantly fighting yet ultimately interdependent.