Today, we did the neatest thing. We went on a cell phone tour of Lafayette Square. We started at the statue in the center and walked around the perimeter. As we stood in front of each structure(the White House, a bank, an opera house, a church, etc), we called a number on our cell phone and heard all about it. You could leave your phone on and punch in another number if you moved or hang up and call once you got to the next house/structure. It was a really neat way of touring. You can hear the tour if you go to this website http://www.preservationnation.org/travel-and-sites/sites/southern-region/decatur-house/ and click on the audio tour.Did you know that urban slaves in DC were given their emancipation and their owners were reimbursed? One slave may have been bought for $1,000 and his owner was reimbursed at least $800 for his freedom. Over $1 M was reimbursed. The freedmen did not get any money. This reimbursement thing only happened in DC. On April 16, DC celebrates Emancipation Day. School is out and government offices are closed.
Tonight we went to Ben’s Chili Bowl.
It on U Street in what would have been sort of equivalent to NY’s Harlem. It is very multi-ethnic now. Ben’s Chili Bowl is an “institution” in this area. We watched a little film of all the news footage about the place and the famous people who bragged on it. Bill Cosby did a long piece with Oprah about it. Rachel Ray did a segment. You start with fries, chili and cheese. Then, you move to the entrée and milk shakes are last. It was a fun time.Okay, here is the real story. A friend and I walked around the White House at night…very pretty. When we got back, she swiped in and I followed. I arrived at my room and couldn’t get the door open. The key seemed to work, but the door wouldn’t open. Another girl down the hall was at the elevator ready to go down and wait for the “door” people. I went with her. Long story short….9 pm until 1 am waiting. She never got in. I got in, but the door is still sticking…so I didn’t leave. I don’t know yet what the end of her story is. Now, off to the Decatur House.
4 comments:
Dear Kelley, I love DC! Two of my sons lived in Alexandria for 5 years and we would go often into DC when we would visit.I was in awe seeing the White House even in a distance. One year we did July 4, in DC and it was great. The only place to be on the 4th! Get sleep. Sounds like you never rest! Laura
Hey David's Mom,
I'm not getting much sleep...this time it is not an "activity" issue, but a housing issue. They are still trying to resolve it. Hard to believe how much money it costs to send kids to these prestigious universities and they have problems like this in the dorms. I am done editorializing...for now
Wow.... Mrs. Graves, DC sounds like it was off to a bumpy start!
YBBF,
Cameron
P.S. The picture of the White House is awesome!
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