What a week

This past week, I had the opportunity to go to Washington, D.C. again this year (squee!). This time, it was for a tobacco control meeting/conference for work (which was really very good). Over the three days I was there, I walked somewhere between 8-10 miles (I have a blister to prove it) and confirmed my love of the Metro.

The problem with short trips like this is that there's not a ton of time to see things in town, but I think I did pretty well this time around, considering the time constraints.

1) International Spy Museum: There's an exhibit of 50 years of Bond villains right now, which was pretty awesome. And of course, I picked up a spy themed t-shirt. They have a bunch of awesome spy gear from over the years. Oh, and THIS:

2) Supreme Court: I had thought ahead of time to contact my Senator and get a tour scheduled. Unfortunately, there were multiple problems with this (they sent the letter to the wrong address, I read the date wrong on the letter, the tour was scheduled for a time I couldn't go). I showed up on Wednesday when I thought my tour was and quickly realized that it was the wrong day. But, I was there in time for a courtroom lecture. And then, I realized that I was the ONLY one there for a courtroom lecture! I was able to enter and sit in the chamber (sorry, no photos allowed) and the docent was able to give me a one on one lecture and Q&A. It turned out great and if you have the opportunity to go for a tour or lecture, do it. I can't even describe how amazing it was to be in the same room where some amazing people have served.

3) Anchorman: The Exhibit: My visit coincided with a new exhibit at the Newseum, based on the movie Anchorman. There were props and costumes and even a news desk to take pictures! I missed Will Ferrell being there by a day (d'oh), but it was still fun! Of course, I got a t-shirt with various quotes on it (and pins and a scotch glass. Tee hee). BAXTER!!!!

4) Politics & Prose: A mile away from the Metro stop and I walked it in the rain. It seems that I should just pack an umbrella when I go to D.C., because I have bought one each time I've been there. What an amazing bookstore, and it was very cool to hear one of the clerks talking about the President's visit the previous weekend. I picked up a book (shocking, I know) that I was looking for and a t-shirt. I also visited Krammerbooks on Wednesday evening, but didn't make it back there again.

5) Nelson Mandela: A big coincidence, but Nelson Mandela passed away on Thursday, and since I was in town, I made the trek over to the South African Embassy to pay my respects. It was pretty amazing, since there is a statue of Mandela in front of the building. However, the building was under construction so there was a fence in front of the statue. People left flowers and notes in the fence, and TV crews were there to record. I would estimate there were about 25-30 people there when I was out.

I've concluded that I really need more time in D.C. because there are a lot of places I haven't been able to get to in my two visits there. But, I've had the opportunity to have some very unique experiences.

My travels are not over this month - I have another work trip to Cincinnati and then at the tail end of the year, a trip to Boston to be nerdy (let's be honest - I am nerdy EVERYWHERE) and visit the JFK Presidential Museum and Freedom Trail.

Yay!