With COVID-19, we attempted a low-risk driving trip to Washington, D.C. Outside activities only and our hotel is closed to the public. Ginger gets to stay four days with Carolyn. We hope to show AA a good time as we have not had a vacation in more than four years. We are doing this alone and following all CDC rules just like at home (masks, sanitizing, no other people up close, etc.).
Our goal is just to walk outside and see the monuments and memorials. We hope we "enjoy" the cooler weather!
Day 1: We drove to Carolyn's, poor thing, she was up at 5 a.m. to begin her babysitting of Ginger. We were on the road very quickly so had hopes of being in DC by 5:00 p.m. We had an uneventful drive to our hotel, some traffic delays and frustration as it is a long trip. AA did her live school classes with only being cut off a few times during her geometry class (last one of the day).
In our first stop in South Carolina, NO ONE was wearing a mask at the gas station/quick store. Our stop leaving South Carolina, everyone was wearing a mask, so back to what is the new normal. In Washington DC, everyone must wear masks. We encountered no problems with contact with other people, the check-in was easy with a security guard greeting us and ensuring we were guests and had a reservation, as the hotel is closed to the public. Parking the car was fine and ordering a dinner for the evening. Our salads were fresh, my beef medallions with mushrooms were delicious and tender and Ford's hamburger good also. We enjoyed a glass of wine, much looking out our window at the Washington Monument and 110 motorcycle motorcade! We will have to find out what the ride was about. The room has a very small bathroom, more in line with hotels built over 36 years ago (1984).
We stayed in this hotel with Justin and Leaa in 1987 when we explored the city and then caught a plane to Chicago to visit with Ford's mom, Lester and Mia. Justin skateboarded on Freedom Park, a large solid surface with the stones in the pattern of Washington DC streets. We watched some fast moving roller blading hockey games when we arrived on the same park this trip.
One thing that really stands out is all the ground floor buildings have boarded up windows. This is in case protests or riots break out after the election. We are horrified that America would have violent protests depending on the election outcome. I am glad we are leaving Monday, the day before Tuesday, election day.
Saturday, we had a nice breakfast of French toast and coffee. On to our tour!
We took probably 90 photos, so many to choose from! Our tour guide Robert/Bob was obviously strong, pedaling us around for hours. He added a nice running monologue of facts and pointing out names and purposes of many buildings. We visited the Vietnam Memorial, Korean War memorial, Jefferson, Lincoln, Washington Monument; viewed the Capitol, White House.
African American Building:
We joined the River House Happy Hour Zoom call with Hugh, Maureen and Penny. We didn't get a chance to ask how they were, as our Thai food arrived after giving them a run down of our tour so far.
Our Thai food was just okay, it was recommended by the hotel staff. Not much flavor in the Pad Thai per Ford and AA. We went outside around 7:30 p.m. to see the full blue moon, but too many clouds!
Sunday, will continue on a Part 2 post.
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