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Ok – so we landed at the IAD International Dulles Airport in Washington on-time. I said goodbye to all the awesome flight attendants on the plane and began my walk to these "buses" that take you to customs and baggage reclaim. While waiting on line for customs there was a huge spill of red wine. Everyone on line was making jokes, mine of course was the best; "this is what happens when you dont have your passport ready!" — only some of the line laughed. I went through customs and immigration and picked up my bag.
Headed to this "Washington Flyer" bus they have. For $9.00 you get transported on a coach to the West Falls transit stop. Worked pretty smoothly overall. Arrived at the West Falls transit stop and went to the bank of machines. It seems that the Washington machines do not help you decide what to buy or how much. The machines just have buttons to raise or lower you fare value or buy a day card. I asked for some help from the guy next to me — his reply — "I have no idea, a friend said to put $20 on". A nice woman pointed out that waaaaaaay over there is a board that shows the rates. It appears that this system charges on a from-to system. This ain't no commuter railroad – I think this is done to confuse people so they wind up overpaying. Anyway, I threw on $5.00 and headed in. The train came about 5 minutes later and looked very '60s like. I will say that the air conditioning in this carriage was awesome. Anyway we made it to my stop and I exited. It seems that I learned the hard way that Pennsylvania Avenue does not run north-south or east-west, instead it runs on the bias. I wound up walking about 5 blocks out of the way.
Check-in at the Willard went fine and I relaxed in the room before going out for a walk. Every building in Washington looks official. You don't see the skyscrapers like in NY, just official looking cold buildings. One after another. I guess it feels like a capital should feel 
It appears there are no longer tours of the White House. We can thank the terrorists for that. Next door to the hotel is the White House so I headed over for a view. The best picture spot is on Penn. Ave. as you can take a clear picture. It was funny to watch everyone jockeying for position for the best picture.
I visited a couple of the Smithsonian Museums. Boy you could spend a week just in those free museums. I enjoyed the display about Jim Henson as well as viewing the Hope Diamond.
I finished my trip by having room service deliver me breakfast in my room. Boy, it feels all high and mighty to eat this way. But too expensive to do more than once a year. Anyway on check-out, they comped the breakfast due to issues during my stay. Yahoo!
I headed to the DCA Ronald Reagan airport for my flight home. I will admit that I am not the most happy flyer. When I arrived at the gate to see the engine open and a mechanic and pilot in it, I was already looking for the barf bag. Right before we were supposed to board, they made an announcement that the flight was delayed 3 hrs. Then 10 minutes later the flight was cancelled. I was moved to a flight 1 hr later and sat next to a man who read his bible. Now this I do not mind at all. What I did mind was the constant "amen"-ing that he would do out loud. Landed in Atlanta on time and headed home. AAAAAHHHHH my own bed…. my own shower…. my own tv…. it's nice to be home.
In summary
I enjoyed this trip but for different reasons than my trip last year. This trip was very relaxing as I didn't do many touristy things. I enjoyed testing out my new German language skills as I stayed in a residential area. No touristy things, little English. I enjoyed Munich and Bath, didn't care for Venice. No reason to visit the Acton Town depot again unless they change the exhibits. London is expensive when you factor in the currency conversion. I love Virgin Upper Class. I love the accents of British women. I want to go back.
end. (for this trip anyway)
View my Washington, D.C. photos
