Friday April 10

Friday

I actually managed to get quite a bit of sleep on the train. I woke up a few times but went straight back to sleep, wonderful. I finally woke up at 8.30 was feeling quite refreshed, I knew I was tired, lol!!

I managed to make it to a late breakfast and this morning's group were much more congenial so we had a pleasant chat over breakfast. I had scrambled eggs and bacon, very tasty!

We arrived in Washington about 40 minutes late, I am getting used to this now. The attendant had told me that because I had arrived as a sleeper passenger I could use the Acela Lounge. This was so cool as it meant I could leave my luggage and go for a wander. I checked in and dropped off my two pieces of hand luggage and then went out to find a Starbucks before collecting my checked bag. This was achieved painlessly, lol!!

I decided not to take my camera but to take my IPad on my wander. Once outside, I saw the tour buses and decided to take the Trolley Bus tour that would last for about one and a half hours.

While it was cloudy it was not raining although a wee bit cool. The plastic windows were closed but I soon opened mine up a bit so I could take photos.

This tour was a spur of the moment idea and, as is so often the case, proved to be a great idea. 

I was so blessed that the Cherry Blossom was out. It has only been out this week and, if the expected rain arrives tonight, may not be here tomorrow. Washington indeed looks beautiful and there were crowds of people in town to enjoy the festival. The last time I was here, the blossom was finished!! 

My IPad was very helpful as I do not have to remember where each photo was taken, it has labelled them for me! 

I love it that almost everything is free to visit, all those wonderful museums and exhibits! I am returning in a wee while and will intend to visit the Holocaust Museum as well as the Air and Space Museum. I have a real love affair with space!!

The Tidal Basin was stunning and it is a pity the sun was not out as I can only imagine what it would look like in sunlight! Three things really struck me. 

The Blue Sculpture outside one of the Art Museums was originally on display in the World Trade Center, it was found after the events and moved to its current position.

The Capitol Dome roof is leaking badly and it is being examined inch by inch, hence the scaffold around it. 

The task is supposed to be finished by the 2017 Inauguration, if it is not apparently the scaffold will be removed for the day and replaced again lol!!

It is of Italian design and there are some magnificent arches going in both directions at the entrance.

The tour was certainly money well spent!!

Union Station has to be one of the most magnificent stations around. 

I returned to the lounge and settled down to work on my blog on the laptop. I wandered out to get a Starbucks about half an hour prior to boarding. I organised my bags ready for the red cap to take them down to the train for me.

The train was packed and it was hard to find a place for my large bag, there are no checked bags between Washington and Rocky Mount! The driver had his foot down between the few stops and we arrived at my destination bang on time, a first for Amtrak on my travels!

I could not see Terri and Steve but finally they appeared from behind a brick column. After some catch-up hugs we headed to Ayden via Walmart's at Greenville, another early morning supermarket visit, lol!! We got home about 1.30 am and I met some of the cats and all the dogs. This is really like a miniature FFRC, they have their version of the Cat's Cove for some cats that will spray in the rest of the house but use the litter box in their room, go figure!! I needed a cup of tea while we sat and had a chat and then a quick shower before bed.