Convention; Day 9 - Final (D.C.)

Saturday began at a more relaxed pace. We made plans Friday night to have breakfast together with Jeff and Heather and Steve at Open City. I was looking forward to my fourth meal there in one week. Steve dropped his luggage in our room so he could check out without paying for Bell service and we met the Roys in the lobby. We enjoyed a nice walk across the bridge above Rock Creek Park. The weather had cooled off and it felt like the humidity had relented as well. The restaurant was busy when we arrived, so we got some coffee and a scone to help us bide time till a table opened up. Fullertons were there with the Vails and Abares too. Once again, Open City was worth the wait.

After breakfast, we made plans to meet the Roys for dinner and said goodbye to Steve. We took the Metro to Capital South and walked to the Supreme Court. It’s an immense, beautiful, impressive building but we weren’t able to see the inside on a Saturday. We walked around the Capital and found an interesting brick fountain. We opted out on the tour of the inside this time and instead, walked across the street to see the statue of Grant on our way toward the U.S. Botanic Garden. The walks through the garden building and nearby Bartholdi Park were fun and informative.

We wanted to see the National Archives next, so we headed to the nearest Metro station at Federal SW and arrived at the Archives/Navy Memorial stop. Our feet were tired and our tummies were rumbling so we started looking for a good place to stop for a snack. Andale caught our eye and we started talking about chips and dips but alas, they were closed for Siesta. We ultimately arrived at Austin Grill and shared Queso Fundido. Once we were feeling better, we ventured out again, but as we arrived at the National Archives a tour bus full of junior high kids unloaded in front of us. We decided we would be back in D.C. and that it wasn’t worth the wait, so we headed up the street past the FBI building.

Out next stop was Ford’s Theatre where we heard a National Park Ranger recount President Lincoln’s assassination. I didn’t know before that literature on Lincoln measures second only to Jesus Christ. We opted not to visit the house across the street where he died to avoid more crowds. Up around the corner, we entered the International Spy Museum. The waiter at Austin Grill recommended it and warned that it’s not a part of the Smithsonian, so we were prepared to part with our entrance fees. We spent about 2 hours going through and it was worth it.

Our next stop was Union Station and Capital City Brewery. Jeff and Heather met us there for more good food and good conversation. Kari and I were both said when they dropped us off at the hotel and said goodbye. We had a really wonderful time with our friends in D.C. but we’re excited to get back home too; to wash our own clothes and make food in our own kitchen. It’s all just one long day in an airplane away.