Having been switched connecting flights into Washington DC due to delays I got in earlier than my scheduled flight the only problem was by bag was not on the same flight!! Ironic after visiting all these countries where you are warned about bag thefts and poor airline service my bags go AWOL flying into DC!! They turned up the next day and at least the airline delivered them so I didn't have to drag them through the city!!
Feliz and I met up with Lyn for lunch - we had met Lyn when diving in Mexico.
The Holiday Market was up and running for Christmas shoppers.
Washington in a nice city to wander around I like the way old buildings are sandwiched in between more modern buildings.
The National Christmas Tree has been put up outside the White House every year since 1923.
I never made it up to the top of the Washington Monument on my previous visits to DC as there is always huge queues but it was obviously too cold this time or everyone was busy getting ready for Xmas as there was no one there at all!! The views from the top were great - White House, Capital Hill Building as well as the National Monuments.
Feliz was happy to meet a traditional soldier!!
Each state in the US has a stone dedicated to it in the inside walls of the monument.
When you look up at the Washington Monument you can clearly see where the stone used to build it changes - this was because work was stopped on it when the American Civil War kicked off and it then took 52 years before the money was found to start work again then the same stone couldn't be found!!
It was cold but the sun was out so I took a walk down through the other monuments - the wreaths were still out at the War Memorial.
The cold wasn't keeping the ducks out of the Reflection Pool!!
Though Feliz wanted to sit on Lincoln's knee he had to refrain himself this time as he didn't want to end up in jail!!
The Vietnam War Memorial.
There are some great buildings in the area around The Mall most of which seem to be museums or government buildings.
The metro in Washington is the 2nd busiest in the country after New York of course - I like the vaulted ceilings in the stations.
Washington National Cathedral built in the neogothic style was also ready for Christmas with it's nativity set and it was nice to find the old Thistle in the gardens!
Kate and Kurt stock up on supplies for Christmas dinner - we were not going to run out of food that was for sure!!
A wee Christmas night out.
By the time we came out of the pub the fore casted snow storm had started...
And by the next morning this was the amount of snow that had fallen overnight - it snowed for just over 24 hours -21 inches!!
The neighbours left their shoes out to dry - how cute!!
The snow storm hit the weekend before christmas and the whole city came to a standstill - all the shops were closed for the busiest shopping day of the year!!
The snow was keeping us at home we went out for a walk and Kate and Kurt got a little competitive with who could make the best snow angels and of course it ended up in a snowball fight!! Just big kids really :-)
This couple obviously hadn't looked out their snow boots in time but I liked their improvisation!!
We walked back through a small wooded area and you wouldn't think we were still in the middle of the city.
Kurt giving Kate a piggy back over a small burn we had to cross.
This family were making the most of the snow and were out 'cross city skiing' - they also got caught with one of the many news crews who were out looking for news clips :-)
This was a nice building as well I think it was a mosque.
Kurt got so excited when he found the right christmas tree he gave it a big hug!!
Judiciary Square.
I did the tour of the US Capitol building where the US Congress meet. There was some impressive artwork and every state was represented with statues of their famous and significant residents.
The Congress Library opposite the Capitol Building was also pretty impressive inside.
As the sunset the Capitol Building and tree lit up.
Keep going for a few more updates.....
