Washington D.C.

I slowed down for a couple of days. One of them I spent at Christophes house planning the rest of my trip. I also got to eat dinner there, which was lovely. The next day we went Xmas shopping, except I didn't buy any Christmas presents. I bought something for Darren (Darren you will have to wait until I bring it home to see what it is!) and a new jacket for me. I didn't have a winter jacket and now that it is getting really cold I decided that it was time. I was tempted by the safe option of buying a black jacket, but went for a deep blue instead. Everyone will see it soon enough when I post photos of me in it.
Friday (11th Dec) arrived again and I went back to my sightseeing list. I started with Ford's Theatre, where President Lincoln was shot. Ford's is still a working theatre and because of the seasonal performances of "A Christmas Carol" is closed for some parts of the day. Since I had already tried once to visit the theatre, I wanted to make sure I got in this time. In the basement is a small museum with details of the events surrounding the assassination and a time line for both Lincoln and Booth. I have to say that my grasp of American history has really improved since I've been in D.C. However I don't think that means anything as I didn't have a very good grasp to begin with. Then you go and sit in the theatre and a park ranger will run you through the details of the actual day. The rangers talk was great, he really made the events come alive for me. It is amazing how much detail there is surrounding the events of 14th April,1865 and how little there are in doubt (at least in the exhibition). Compare this to the events of Diana, Princess of Wales death which some still dispute twelve years later. With modern technology I would have thought that we could avoid this lack of clarity in contemporary events, but that's not the case.
I went next to another of the Smithsonian museums, the American History museum. Here is housed the flag that flew over Fort McHenry in Baltimore. The fort was being bombarded by the British and Key witnessed this from a ship in the harbour. In the morning he saw that the flag was still flying and was inspired to write "The Star Spangled Banner", which became the American national anthem. The exhibit is really well done and well worth going to see. it is well to note that this was not a unprovoked attack, American forces had attacked Ottawa previously and for once the British were just returning the favour! There is a small section on Americas first ladies, the stories being told through dresses that they wore. The exhibit is really small and showcases only a few of what the museum has. I was disappointed by this as it was something that I really wanted to see. Grade C, could do better! On the other hand the president exhibition "A glorious burden" was good and very informative, I got to see Bill Clintons saxophone among other things. I saw the ruby slippers from the "Wizard of Oz", which I loved. I am not sure if it is entirely appropriate for the American history, these kind of things might be better in a dedicated American culture museum. This also applies to Julia Childs kitchen, she gave it to the Smithsonian in 2001. Although Julia Child was a good cook and influenced a generation of cooks, not sure this should be classed as history. Despite a couple of niggles I had the best time at this museum and would come back.
Saturday was a relaxing day, nothing too strenuous. It started with manipedis for the four girls, me, Jean, Meghan and Laurence. After lunch we did a bit of shopping, followed by a dessert buffet at Citronelle. Life is very good! Then in the evening I had the house to myself and I got to watch t.v., a very simple pleasure but a good end to the day. I even got to bed at a decent time. Sunday dawned cold and miserable and since there wasn't anywhere that I had to be I read the morning away. Later we went to a concert in Georgetown "A Gaelic Christmas", a mixture of readings and music. The lead musician played a range of instruments and took the time to explain each one. I am sad to say that the only instrument I recognised was the lute. We all went out for dinner to a french/Belgian restaurant, the food was great, but then I shouldn't expect otherwise anymore.
Monday morning found me finally leaving D.C. and heading north to Pittsburgh.