Baltimore, here I come!

This time, off to Baltimore, MD. This was my plan all along, just a few days later. Plans for Baltimore, explore the inner harbour and find amazing food! Shouldn't be hard, right?

So my time in Washington DC is quickly drawing to an end. And what an experience it has been. I have loved staying with Jamie and Farley and Asia. It has been fun, relaxing and just what I wanted. The last few days, I tried to fit a lot in. But there is so much to see in DC, definately another trip is necessary. One of the best expenditures I had was a 48 hour ticket on the Open-top Hop on hop off City sightseeing bus: I was able to see the major sights everyday and it was a fun and easy way to get around the city in the heat. It got unbearable at times, and we even had an alert for the weather... TOO HOT! It got to about 39 celcius in the heat of the day! Makes you pretty sluggish.

So, what else did I see? I went to the National Gallery of Art a second time to see sculpture. I can now say with certainty that my favourite sculptors are Rodin and Bernini, and my fav painter is Monet. Absolutely divine! I also went to Arlington Cemetary, the major cemetary for those who served their country. What a powerful place: it reminded me of the American Cemetary in Normandy where it was just waves of graves as far as the eye could see. And I again, I struggled to come to terms with what it meant. So much loss... I did see JFK's grave which was very sombre and peaceful. And the Tomb to the Unknown soldier was beautiful. But the whole site was so large it would take hours to see the memorials.

I also went on the bus out to Georgetown, a sleepy town with a lot of great shops and restaurants. But the heat was unbearable so I stayed on the bus and just looked from above. Hmmm, what else? Oh, I also visited more museums (go figure!). The National Archives was nice... lots of great history. But the lines to see the major documents (Declaration of Independence, etc) was long so I bypassed it.

Yesterday, I visited the Holocaust Museum. I was torn. It was a powerful display of history and was shocking and depressing and very moving. I just wish that there was a museum that was inclusive of all groups targeted and affected by the oppression and malice of the Nazi Regime. When in Germany, I visited Dachau Concentration Camp Memorial Site and I think that was the most inclusive representation of the people affected by the Nazis Reign of Terror. German political adversaries were the first to be sent to Concentration camps followed by many other groups. So, after a very difficult few hours, I needed something to lighten up so I visited the Museum of African Art. Maybe one of my favourites in DC. Small but so interesting. Then it was off to the Botanical Garden: what a delight!

So yesterday had it's emotional moments. But in the evening, Jamie and I went to see "Julie and Julia". A great choice for two women who love food! Then we searched for a place for dinner before driving by the Mall at night. Everything looks amazing at night (oh, but the White House is not lit... I thought it would be!).

It has been a wonderful trip to DC and I definately would come back. But now I have to pack and get ready for Baltimore. And I guess, finally set out on my own. It has been nice to have a home tocome back to, and the comfort associated with that and a friendly face. But I think the sooner I get out on my own, the sooner I will feel like I am travelling. It hasn't really hit me yet that I will be away for so long, all by myself. It still feels like a little visit with a friend. Now the challenge of looking out for myself begins. Hopefully, I remember how to do this!

Talk to you from Baltimore!

Love, Lisa