Day 8 - Washington D.C

After driving 3 hours, and going through all of the toll roads, we were checking into our Marriott Hotel in Silver Spring, MD. We were unsure on where to stay in D.C. so we stayed about 30 minutes outside of the city and planned on taking the subway into town. I wonder why California doesn't have toll roads? Maybe that would help the state budget?! I think I many have to write that letter!

After unpacking we drove to the subway, hoped on and in a few minutes we were standing in the National Mall. It was so spread out and soooo humid! A cultural event was going on in the center and many different foods were offered. Taylor got a strawberry smoothie and Dick and I shared a mango smoothie to help cool us off. It worked!! Yum!! We walked over to Washington Monument and checked into tickets to the top. They were sold out for the next 3 days we were in town. I double checked online and discovered this to be true. Thankfully, I read that the second tallest point in D.C is the clock tower of the old Post Office building so I kept that in the back of my mind for a later day.

On our way to Lincoln Memorial (in the background) is the WWII Memorial (foreground) - new since Dick's last visit.

We walked down to the Lincoln Memorial and was in AWE!! I knew it was big, but I didn't anticipate it being so POWERFUL! There is a definite feeling of AMERICA, and patriotism that I've never felt anywhere else.....standing among people from all nations, remembering how these figures molded America. Why don't we always feel this part of America?

As I was standing on the steps, I turned and told Dick and Taylor, "I feel like conducting a speech right here!" Surprisingly, I looked down and discovered someone else beat me to it!!

The spot where Martin Luther King, Jr. stood

and gave his "I have a Dream" speech!

Standing just about on the spot, at Lincoln Memorial,

looking down toward the Capitol Building -

which lies just beyond the Washington Memorial.

We walked over to the Vietnam Wall. I was surprised to see it soooooo long!!!

Pretty sad.

It started to sprinkle so we had to decide if we wanted to chance it and drive out to Arlington Cemetery or head back to the hotel. We thought the rain would be short lived and hopped in a cab to the Cemetery. It ended up being the right decision because by the time we arrived, the rain stopped.

A somber site.

There were so many Orioles in the cemetery!!

John F. Kennedy and Jacqueline Kennedy resting place with eternal flame.

The tomb of the unknown soldier.

Current guard with every step precise and counted.

We timed it just right and was able to watch the 'changing of the guards' at the tomb of the unknown soldier - which is performed this time of the year every 30 minutes.

Here is the sergeant on the left, escorting the new guard to his position.

They are wearing out the cement!

After hopping back in a cab, Dick told the driver, "We have a dinner date at 1600 Pennsylvania Ave." LOL!!

Impressive. We thought we saw the head of a figure in the far right window. But no other movement was detected.

We took the subway back to the hotel and ate at T.G.I.Fridays - our first and last 'chain' restaurant.

With full bellies, we showered and fell into bed! By now I was in need of a MAJOR foot massage!! Using the words of my loving husband, "My dogs are barking!" I soaked mine in hot water most nights!

Day 7 - Philadelphia and Valley Forge

We left NYC uninjured - LOL - and made the 2 1/2 hour drive down to Philadelphia. When planning our trip, we had 2 items for this city.... 1) The Liberty Bell and 2) eating a Philly Cheesesteak sandwich! After passing through more 'airport type' security measures, we entered a museum like setting, describing the history of the Liberty Bell. Then, there at the end of the long room, there she stood! The museum was very well done and upon gazing at the Bell, I felt very proud to be an American. I loved the way every detail is preserved for future generations to continue telling the story of our nation!

A short walk down the street is Independence Hall!! The tickets were sold out for the day so we just walked up to it but did not go inside. Someone is holding an umbrella in the photo but it was not raining. She was shielding herself from the sun - it was about 90 degrees outside.

As we made our way to Betsy Ross' house, we stopped in at the United States Mint. This is where coins are made. If you look at a coin and it has a 'P' under the date, it was made here! We took the self-guided tour - darn, no free handouts today. Across the street is where Benjamin Franklin is buried!

After walking a good distance, we arrived at Betsy Ross' house.

People were reenacting the period.

By now we walked up an appetite! Taylor's 5th grade teacher married a man from Philly so when we talked about our trip with her, she gave us the history on the Philly Cheesesteak. Basically, there are two vendors, each in competition with the other, located across the street from each other, that want to be considered THEE #1 for a Philly Cheesesteak sandwich. They thought Pat's was better so we had to try it. It was a little tricky to locate, but we found it.

There are certain RULES when placing your order!

Say it right Dickie!!

Oh yeah!! It was yummy!!

The bread was sooooo good!!!

With our bellies full, we left Philly for West Chester. But, on the way, we saw signs to Valley Forge and thought we'd better take a look around! It was almost closing time but we were able to watch a very informative movie on the history here. George was a pretty amazing man!! We saw Washington's headquarters and some old cabins. It was VERY hot. We were the only family out in the heat and almost gave up trying to locate the exact building for the headquarters. Another family caught up with us and between us, we were not sure which building it was. Then, upon more of a search, discovered it and was glad we pursued. We learned that it was in this room, where George had the insight to attack by going on the Potomac River. That was pretty much the final fight that won the war.

The Headquarters!

Inside

On the grounds of Valley Forge.

Just imagine our troops practicing and learning how to

be a soldier in these hills AND during the winter!!

Wildlife!

We settled into West Chester in our Holiday Inn then drove into town for some dinner. Dick read about Ryan's Pub and thought it would be a good stop and he was right!! Taylor ordered a full, complete Turkey Dinner! He ate every bite!!

As we drove into our hotel, I looked out onto the open field and we played with the FIREFLIES!!! Taylor never saw them before and I've only seen them one other time - in Chicago! It was soooo cool!!

Day 6 - New York - Central Park and MORE

Ah, Central Park - a place I've always wanted to visit! It was a GREAT pleasure and I am glad we spent most of the morning walking through it. This photo was taken without any special filter - A La Natural baby!!

I thought it was amazing how all of these buildings were looking onto this beautiful park!

Not sure how, but I MADE IT!!!

Taylor enjoyed it too!!

A photographers DREAM place!!

Walking in the park with the one I love!

Not sure it gets any better than this!!

Walked inside the Guggenheim just to take a peek at such amazing architecture!

Frank Lloyd Wright, you did good!!

We'll be back for the tour one of these days!!

The outside isn't too bad either. It was made to resemble the peeling of an apple.

By now we were pretty worn out from walking through the park and over to the museum. We jumped on the 'Hop on Hop Off' bus again and hopped off at 'The Plaza' where Home Alone 2 was filmed - a beautiful hotel!

I looked across the street and there was the FAO Schwartz store!!!! YOWZA!!! Move out of the way kids!!!

BIG highlight for me!!! The BIG piano! It was soooo much fun and I didn't do half bad!

As we were walking down 5th Avenue, we stumbled upon this beautiful church, finished being built in 1879! I said, "Let's go inside!" I am so glad we did!! It was St. Patrick's Cathedral!! So impressive and a great break in our day!

Taylor made use of the holy water.

Dick wanted to get a drink at Rockefeller Plaza - the G.E. Building - Top of the Rock but unfortunately, they do not offer that anymore. We settled on the view, which was awesome!

Nice view of the Empire State Building and the Hudson River on the right.

We had to take a taxi ride to dinner! Our trip would not be complete without it!

It wasn't as bad as we heard it could be! We arrived safely and in time!

When Dick was in NYC with his parents in 1967 they went to Sardi's and Dick had very fond memories of this place and wanted Taylor and I to share in the experience. It is a very nice restaurant, we enjoyed the food, the view of all of the caricatures and had a wonderful evening.

One more Tiramisu!

Across the street was our destination for the evening - The Minskoff Theatre - to see Lion King!! Wow!! What a show!! Taylor saw it twice in SF but Dick and I hadn't. It was SPECTACULAR!! We really enjoyed it more than we thought we would! It was extra special to me because my kids watched it over and over as children. A few times, I had to bring out the tissue, just because of the feeling of amazement, I was in NY watching a broadway show, that had so much meaning in my children's youth. God is so good!

Day 5 - New York

Now, onto NYC!!! I have to say, this was my first trip and I was somewhat nervous about it. I’ve heard so much of how big it was, how crazy the traffic was, how crowded the streets were…My sister Debbie gave me a book to read before going – My Manhattan by Peter Hamill. I really enjoyed the book and was looking forward to actually experiencing the history of this town.

They weren't kidding about the traffic and the amount of TAXI's!!

We stayed in a Holiday Inn on 57^th Street. We were sooooo nervous about booking this hotel online. We must have researched this decision for DAYS!!! Thankfully, we were very pleased!! It was in a great location, the place was clean and we felt safe! We were able to check in early so we did and set out for our fist stop – The Statue of Liberty! We walked down to the boat and we were OFF!!

Taylor has a good friend whose family is from Boston. One of Taylor’s LEAST favorite baseball teams are the Yankees. So, while in NY, Taylor wanted to support his friend and wear his Red Sox baseball cap. We warned him of the remarks that he may get but he was feeling brave. Upon boarding the boat for the statue, comments were made along the way, “Oh sorry, you are not allowed to board wearing THAT hat” and “Prepare the life boats, man is going overboard.” Taylor was feeling like a little rebel and stood proud!

View of the Empire State Building from the ferry.

Dad and son taking in the sites!!

There she is!!!

Our tour guide was drinking out of a Yankees cup, held it up to Taylor and proceeded to say, “Yes, 40 pennants and 27 World Series!” Yes, we wee surrounded by proud YANKEES – and they really have every right to be so proud – pretty impressive record!!

The tour was great, pointing out the Empire State Building, and so many other important buildings and telling us lots of history about the city. Did you know that The Empire State Building has 2000 windows and 1000 toilets? Before the trip, some people suggested to take the FREE Staten Island Ferry because it also goes close to the statue. We considered doing this but I am so glad we paid the $20 per person tour.

After the tour we were STARVING and wanted some NY Pizza!! We looked around then jumped into one – Claudio’s – one of the many little restaurants sporting pizza by the slice. Ahhhh, our FIRST NY PIZZA! There was NO air conditioning and it was WARM! We folded the pizza (NY style) and enjoyed every bite!

We walked to Broadway and was BLOWN away by the excitement, buildings and people everywhere!! We hopped on a tour bus and thought we would take the entire tour around the city but when we came to the Empire State building, we decided to hop off and check it out since there didn’t appear to be many people. As luck had it, we walked right up, no lines!!! David Nash was in NY with his daughter a few weeks ago and had to wait at least an hour in line!! WHEW – we got lucky!!

The top of the Empire State Building

Well, not sure if you know this little fact but Dick is really afraid of heights. As we exited the elevator – after traveling 86 floors – he had ‘the look’. THEN I REMEMBERED!!! He was a trooper though. Surprisingly, Taylor was fine and we took a bunch of pictures. When Taylor and I went to the waterslides a few years ago, his legs would shake as we climbed the steps to the top – not anymore.

The views were magnificent! Such a clear day!!

We hopped back on the tour bus and made our way around the outskirts of the city, passing the site of 9/11, Battery Park, the three bridges – BMW – Brooklyn, Manhattan and Washington. Did you know New York has 252 Starbuck's and Central Park is 6 miles all the way around? These are the bits of information we learned from our 'Hop on Hop off' bus ride. The guides we had were born and raised PROUD New Yorkers that explained much about the city.

Where the ball dropped!! See the ball?

Sooooo many people doing Yoga in Times Square! Only in NY!

Beautiful Flat Iron Building

On our way back to the room we had dinner at Ralph’s - an old Italian restaurant – since 1956 – and enjoyed a delicious dinner and outstanding service. The placed reminded us of our Parma in SF.

The Tiramisu, could not resist!

So, our first day in this big city was a GREAT one!! I told Dick that I did not feel as ‘overwhelmed’ as I thought I would be. I think SF was our ‘training grounds’ because I was really digging this city!