We were in Washington the day the debt deal was done. The Hilton where we stayed (picture) was the hotel where Ronald Reagan was shot in '83.

Have done many sites and memorials this morning; White House, war memorials, Lincoln, Jefferson, Capital Hill ( as in picture). Good to see, but by golly it's hot. Afternoon in Smithsonians and then Arlington National Cemetery.

Traveled through Philadelphia to Washington. Philadelphia appears to be a lovely city, neat, clean, calm, full of meaningful monuments ..... for the Americans. Home of constitution etc. Everything, well most things, are about Benjamin Franklin. We think the yellow gummy bears are the nicest. Tomorrow we'll try different travel lollies. And how about this, wifi on the bus!

After dinner at Union Station, we did an evening tour of all the major monuments and public buildings. Quite lovely. Lighting effects etc quite brilliant. A long day, packed with lots. Fell into bed at about midnight after a 5 am start. T'will slow now!