Brzycki family: Trip to DC - Day 2 (Evening)

Saturday, May 10, 2014

Trip to DC - Day 2 (Evening)

Going back to the hotel to rest proved to be a good idea. We headed back out around 8 PM and we had a lot more energy and our legs and feet were feeling better.

I had contemplated taking one of the tours for "Monuments at Night" but I'm so glad we didn't. First, we would have needed to be at Union Station by around 7 PM. Dan and I both felt that was too early since it didn't even get dark until around 8:30 PM. Plus, they would drop you off at a Monument and you could spent about 15-20 mins there and would need to reboard their bus. What I know about myself and it is true for Dan as well, is that we don't want to feel rushed. We like to have our own timetable and be able to spend at little or as much time in a place as we want. Another reason we are good travel companions.

We decided to walk towards George Washington University to find someplace to sit down and have a nice dinner. We had one place in mind but when we got there it was extremely crowded so we continued walking and happened upon Bertrucci's. I know, not a DC landmark, but as Dan said, we didn't come to DC to eat.

After dinner, we walked to the Lincoln Memorial. As we walked through the park on our way, a fox came out and crossed the path and took us quite by surprise. I'm sure we scared it as well because it kept on it's way but that was startling to see!

We spent quite a long time at the Lincoln Memorial taking in the views, taking pictures and thinking what it was like when Martin Luther King, Jr., stood there and gave his "I Have a Dream" speech with the crowds below filling the lawn around the reflecting pool. It was quite a sight.

From the Lincoln Memorial we headed towards the Tidal Basin and came upon the Korean War Memorial. Now that was something else to see for the first time at night! We just happened upon this large statue standing in the grass which took us a bit by surprise until we realized it was the Korean Memorial. Seeing this memorial at night was quite moving.

We continued towards the Tidal Basin and stopped at the MLK Memorial. Quite impressive at night and reading his quotes along the wall was moving as well. At this point it was close to 11:30 at night. We continued our walk over the Kutz Bridge and it was here that both Dan and I commented how much energy we had for so late at night and all the walking we were doing. It was also kinda funny how comfortable we were walking around that late at night. There were people around, but not that many. Of course, walking around with a 6'3" man makes you feel much safer!

We took time to view the Jefferson Memorial and then headed back in the direction of our hotel stopping at the Washington Monument as well. By now the White House was dark though (lights out at 11 PM) so we would have to try to see that another evening. It was certainly quite a sight to see all these monuments at night and I would highly recommend it for anyone going to DC.