I have always loved visiting our nations capital, Washington, DC. Last spring was my first visit with the new President. It was not pretty (post trump), with security and fencing surrounding both the White House, and Congress. The Smithsonians were still closed. But now, I hope DC is back to normal, though we are now in the middle of an awful war. I guess we hit the trifecta of trump, covid, and war. We need to move beyond this as soon as possible. One of the main reasons for my visit is the viewing of the cherry blossoms. Peak bloom will be March so I will miss it by over a week. The same thing happened to me last year. Obviously, the early bloom is the result of global warming. The other reason is to visit my buddy, Dirty Pat out in Annapolis, Maryland. You may remember that I visited him in Bucharest, Romania back in 2019. In between, I expect to do some of the usual DC activities. These include visiting a few of the Smithsonians, cycling around the Capitol Mall, having a few nice meals, visiting some of the food markets, perhaps a concert at the Kennedy Center,
and maybe some shopping in Georgetown. DC always provides a level of excitement like no other city. Between the great museums and the many Federal buildings, it really does feel like the power center of the world. On my previous trips to DC, many for work rather than pleasure, I was able to enjoy the Smithsonian Museums in between work and assignments. And now, with dear friends here, I have been able to gain an even greater insight into our nations capital. Fourth of July here is always a big event, with the big concert on the Mall, called The Capitol Fourth, and the great fireworks. And now, cherry blossom time is perhaps equally attractive. but in a much different, perhaps more subtle manner. I enjoy both! I just dont see how anyone can walk through this area and not feel the greatness of our country. The Federal buildings are simply magnificent. And the Museums are equally impressive. The layout of the city is simply brilliant. And most importantly, if you have a child or grandchild studying American History or Civics, Washington, DC is a living laboratory for both subjects. In fact, I learn more about our great country on
every visit to DC. Frommers had this to say, rather a nice perspective: Each day dawns anew in this city of magnificent intentions, as Charles Dickens called it. Maybe this will be the day that Republican and Democratic lawmakers put aside their differences and renew their efforts to work together for the good of the country. Maybe this will be the day that the White House, too, engages in productive collaboration. This should certainly be the day that you fulfill your own intentions, sublime or otherwise, of setting eyes on the original Declaration of Independence, perhaps, or tasting something called a or marching to bring attention to your own just cause, or listening to a jazz concert in the same place where Duke Ellington once performed. Things happen here that can happen nowhere else on earth. Youre in Americas capital, and this city and this day belong to you. Make the most of it!
Behind its public face of luminous marble memorials and Capitol Hill politicking, Washington, D.C., leads a wondrously varied life. Musicians trumpet the blues, rock, and jazz at clubs throughout Duke Ellingtons hometown. Museums by day, hipsters for bashes. Ever after the latest
thing, Washingtonians jam hot spots but swear by old reliables, whether that means savoring the blueberry pancakes Saturday mornings at Eastern Market or strolling past the White House at 2am to stop for ale and oysters at Old Ebbitt Grill.
And here is a little secret about DC: Every evening at 6pm, the Kennedy Center presents a free concert performed by local, national, or international musicians.
