I totally forgot that I had a travel journal. I scooped it up just as I was about to leave the house. I’m actually glad that I grabbed that and not my cell phone. Well having both would have been better. I spent most of the hour in the air staring at the blue blue sky and rereading my first entries from my high school trip to Europe… hilarious, but very sweet. Also my in flight listening mix was excellent addition.
- Renting a car.
D.C has the Metro, easy to navigate, and a bit less on emissions and the cash. However, we got it just in case my sister needed to get out of the ballet school. She has been tucked away at the Kirov Academy of Ballet, hard at work and surely in need of sustenance (junk food). We also needed to get to back and forth to Baltimore for the airport and to see our beloved Red Sox take on the Orioles. In the end it created too much stress for both driver and co-pilot with not knowing the area and putting our entire faith in a little GPS. Holistically speaking I would avoid the car to prevent the uncomfortable stress suffered. Although the vehicle was quite pretty, but as I am not car savvy I totally forget what it was!
+ Hotel.
The Liaison Capitol Hill, is the closest hotel to the U.S. Capitol. It also was undeniably chic and sophisticated, making Madre and I feel as if we were all fancy. Ha, I sound ridiculous but Madre and I could not deny getting a bounce in our step walking into the gorgeously designed lobby. Green points to us for forgoing getting our room cleaned. To be honest I don’t think we got dirty enough to need maid services, please we don’t do that at home! Like I said the hotel was super close (about 5 minute walk) to Capitol Hill and the Mall. Due to this proximity no taxis or Metro fees to worry about… nor the environmental impact of either forms of transportation. Our feet cried later that evening: flip flops are not a good idea even if sneakers make your outfit not so cute.
+/- Reusable water bottle.
Best decision to bring this along… except I didn’t. Totally forgot it. I avoided buying water bottles (two bought over four days) and one was an Ethos water bottle, which is supposedly helping the world’s children get assess to clean water. I’m not so sure I believe that it’s worth buying but I felt if I was breaking my water bottle free pact it might as well be helping someone. I tried to reuse or recycle the extra bottles of the Madre’s. She though I was ridiculous I was proud that I was able to stay low on the plastic.
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Now that all is said, I had a wonderful time. My favorite day was walking along the Mall being a complete tourist with Madre and my college bud Megan, looking on in uncomfortable compliance. Well not always. I am quite sweet all have you know, so many people put up with my shenanigans. The city was so clean and historical, and people were very friendly.
The friendliness came especially came from the slew of Red Sox fans in for the games in Baltimore. A trip to Fenway Park is difficult to grab a ticket to on a whim and pricey as far as the average ballpark. Many fans go all in and head down to Baltimore or D.C to catch a game or a series. It was fun to be walking into one of the Smithsonian and holding the door and having some familiar navy and red clad tourists zip through. Madre felt the need to announce our allegiance to the team with everyone in Red Sox gear, which was adorable.
Watching my sister dance was incredible too. I haven’t seen her take ballet class in a long time. Actually I’ve never seen her in class. She has progressed so much and I’m thankful that she had the opportunity to be taught at such a prestigious school and by world renown teachers.
I definitely want to visit again. Soon. Without my mother and with Megan instead. And no rental car.