Today we thought we'd do a little less walking by driving over to Arlington National Cemetery. (Note: It did not, in fact, result in less walking.) On the way, we saw the Pentagon and decided to swing by and see what was happenin'. It is not very tourist friendly, not that I blame them. I snapped a few pics before I noticed the sign that said "No photography." So in the interest of national security I will not post them.
We couldn't figure out where to park so we asked a kind-looking stranger who was lounging about in front of the Pentagon. He was most helpful but he asked a lot of questions. Where are you from? What part of AR? Oh, I went to high school in such and such in AR. Do you know any Owens? Yada, yada, yada. But you know what really bugged me about him? He looked very official in his blue shirt and tie with the official-looking lanyard with his I.D. on it...except his I.D. was tucked inside his shirt pocket. Hmmmm...That was weird, I'm just sayin'. Maybe he thought we were spies since I was snapping pics like a crazy woman. Although, we would have to be The Worst Spies Ever. Not stealthy. Not at all.
We opted out of parking on the north 40 and walking 200,000 miles to the Pentagon Memorial and instead headed for Arlington National Cemetery.
We visited the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier and watched the changing of the guard. It is a very solemn and awe-inspiring event.
Flat Glen wanted to be very respectful so he volunteered to spend the day in my purse. What a guy!
I cannot tell you how much walking we did. I don't want to think about it. It was MUCH worse that the National Mall because it's hilly. If you go, it is soooo worth the money to pay to ride the tour bus. They tell you all about everything and drop you off right in front of each site of interest. We know because we stood in the hot sun sweating and watching the smart people on the bus laugh at us as they cruised by.
This is a totally legal picture of the Pentagon as seen from the Arlington Cemetery.
We had all lost our sense of humor by the time we were done and I even lost all sense of reason. Do Not Do This. I repeat, do not attempt to walk the Cemetery.
We decided to head for Mt. Vernon because we are all getting just a little claustrophobic what with the tall buildings and cars everywhere. I need to see a pasture of cows in the worst way!
We ate lunch at the Mt. Vernon Inn which was delightful. I had the best chicken salad sandwich. I'm sorry, Amb, I was too hungry to take a picture.
Next we visited the gift shop where I purchased my mandatory Christmas ornament. (I get an ornament each year that represents our family vacation for that year.) It is lovely. Sorry I didn't take a picture.
While I was browsing the ornaments Wes went to find out how much tickets are to tour the house and grounds. Yeah, it would be $55 for all of us and Wes was less than enthusiastic so we skipped it. In my mind, I visited it. Years from now my great-grandchildren will see my keepsake ornament and never know I didn't actually go in. I can live with that.
And maybe they'll think great-grandma Lisa was a really cool spy, too.
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3 comments:
Mt. Vernon used to not be so expensive, but they had to go all Disney and build an "experience" and they jacked up the price.
Christmas tours there are wonderful!
I'm sad you didn't get to see Mt. Vernon b/c it was one of my favorite things on our trip to D.C.
I can't blame you since you did just visit Colonel Williamsburg.
Good advice about the cemetary....we were the people who paid the money and laughed at you poor souls walking.
Love all the pictures!
I went to the DC area when I was on a choir trip in high school. Even at 16, I LOVED seeing the historical sights. I'd love to go back on a family vacation some day...it was an awesome trip. I bet you guys are having tons of fun!!
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