Wave Hello Washington

“One day we’ll wave ‘hello’ and wish we’d never waved ‘goodbye.’”
Unknown

A welcoming wave to Washington DC.  Created by the Residence Act of 1790, the nation's capital was built along the swamps of the Potomac River.  This birthplace of democratic power had humble beginnings, but in 200 years has grown into the political face of the worlds largest economy.  On arrival, I would quite happily have settled for pillow face due to my severe lack of sleep.

"Washington, DC is 12 square miles bordered by reality." 

Andrew Johnson

The last 24 hours had been surreal, it took several flights to get us from Peru to Florida.  Then the plane from Miami to Washington Ronald Reagan was switched due to a mechanical error which meant departed after midnight.  This late hour caused us to be diverted to Dulles due to some excuse about re-tarmacking the runway.  Sometime around sunrise we arrived at The Smithsonian Vacation House, (a couple of blocks from  The Air and Space Museum) our new home for the next two weeks.  I fell asleep cursing American Airlines, swearing at the dawn chorus in the damned Cherry Blossom trees, but relishing the thought that our dear friends Carrie and Stella would be there when we woke up.

 

"Each friend represents a world in us, a world possibly not born until they arrive, and it is only by this meeting that a new world is born." Anais Nin

The only world the adults wanted to enter was a coffee filled one.  It was nice to taste a good old US of A breakfast at Pete's diner.  It was divine to catch up with our dear friends, and hear news of Santa Barbara.  I felt as though a slice of home had been served up with our eggs and corn beef hash. The kids were so happy they could have hugged a tree, oh, that's right, they did.

"A friend is a hand that is always holding yours, 

no matter how close or far apart you may be." 

Henri Nouwen

School Week, what better time to have a fifth grade trip to learn of the history and inner workings of the world's largest democratic government?  By the way, after a semester of social studies it is glaringly obvious I am not smarter than a fifth grader. There is certainly some irony when an English mom tries to teach her South African daughter (who sounds Californian) about the Boston Tea Party, while traveling in Peru.  Nevertheless, it has been quite a historical journey for a newbie American citizen such as myself, to learn how America evolved from the shores of Jamestown to the battle cries of Gettysburg.  Who better than my American soul sister, Carrie, to guide me through the corridors of Capitol Hill.  The oldest (youngest looking) friend I have on these shining shores.  

In true gastronomical style after breakfast we headed for the Eastern markets to stock up on pate and blue cheese, and a few other of life's necessities - dessert.

"Keep Calm and eat cupcakes" Unknown.

With all that eating it was time to exercise our way around the historic sights.  Well at least try a bike on for size. The historic sites would still be there tomorrow. 

"Nothing compares to the simple pleasure of a bike ride." 

John F. Kennedy

“There is a fountain of youth: it is your mind, your talents, the creativity you bring to your life and the lives of people you love." Sophia Loren

A run through shower and we were ready to hit the shops and get a quick haircut.  Josh was a new man in no time.  

"You're only has good as your last haircut.”

 Fran Lebowitz

With everything taken care of it was time to eat again.  What better place to round of a day than at the restaurant 'Serendipity'.  And what better way to round off a meal than with a trough of hot chocolate?  

"All you need is love. But a little chocolate now and then doesn't hurt."
Charles M. Schulz