Well the alarm worked today so I went to Washington DC. Was an early start as the bus is 4.5 hrs.
When I arrived I got straight on the hop on hop off bus and took the first route which took us around the main area of DC where the Capital Building and the Monument etc are. I stayed on the bus until we got to the White House where I got off to have a good look at. WOW can't believe I am here seeing this. You can't get too close and there is plenty of security around watching everyone. Got some really good shots. After this I swapped buses to go out to Arlington Cemetery and the Pentagon. I didn't realize that Arlington is not in Washington at all it is in the state of Virginia whilst Washington DC is a stand alone area like Canberra I suppose. Took the tour of Arlington where they take you straight to JFK's memorial and then the changing of the guard. They are renovating JFK's area and they have exhumed 1 of the brothers and moved him for a short time. The eternal flame is really good though with great views of Washington. Saw Robert Kennedy's spot also which just has a plaque and a small white cross.
The tour then went to the Changing of the Guard. WOW again this was amazing to watch, when I got there it was in between changes and the guard that was on duty was awesome. He stands in a spot for 30 seconds then turns and clicks his shoes then after another 30 seconds he changes his gun position. Then after another 30 seconds he walks 21 steps and does the same at the other end. 21 steps every time. It was really hot today also so he would have been sweltering in his uniform. After a about 10 mins a more senior guard came out and walked to the centre of the area and announced what would happen. He asked that everyone be silent and remain standing during the changeover. Then the new guard came out and the senior guard went over to him and checked his gun. Then they went to the centre and the change happened. Everything down to the finest detail and all doing the same thing at exactly the same time. After the change the new guard did the same routine with 21 steps again. Glad I came and saw that,I got some good shots and filmed the changeover.
The rest of the cemetery is really good also with all the fields of head stones lined up for miles.
I then got back on the hop on bus and we went past the Pentagon, very high security here we were told that no one is allowed to stop there or even take photos as they might confiscate your camera. I then went to Lincoln's Memorial. This is awesome also. Seen this on movies and tv heaps so was weird to be there. The view from there is amazing also with the reflection pool and then the Monument and behind that the Capital Building. I sat on the steps for 10 mins to admire the view. Don't suppose I will be here again.
After this I got back on the bus to go back to the terminal to go home. I reckon i could have had 2 days here to see a bit more.
Very busy as it was peak hour and missed my bus by about 10 mins. I had to then go in the standby line for the next bus which was an hour later. I was sixth in line in the standby and of course when they called fir the standbys only 5 were available. Started to get a bit concerned as I leave for Vegas tomorrow so had to get back. Anyway after a few more minutes and no one else turned up he called me over and I got on, thank god.
Sorry this blog is a but long but I am writing it on the bus home so have plenty of time. I reckon I will sit on a bus today for aprox 14 hours today.
I forgot to mention the other day that there was another American Chopper at the Statue of Liberty so that's 3 I have seen now. They are not far from the city I should have gone to get that book signed.
Anyway that's it for now, New York has been awesome, I have seen a million things but I bet there is a million more things i didn't see.