This past weekend was an extended weekend for myself. I took Thursday and Friday off from work and went to Washington, D.C. Thursday was basically a travel day. On Friday, I met Carter and my real brother at the Washington Zoo. We saw lions, tigers, and bears. And climbing orangutans too. After lunch, Carter and my brother went back to Maryland where they were staying, while I went to the National Museum of Natural History. The first exhibit I wandered into was the mammal’s exhibit. This wasn’t very exciting, I had already seen a bunch of mammals this morning, and they were alive. I got worried that this museum would not be any good, but I soon found fossils and other cool stuff. The museum was well worth the visit.
Teeth
Bones
After spending several hours at the Natural History Museum, I went wandering around the National Mall taking photos. I worked my way up to the Capitol and then turned around walked to the World War II Memorial, which is between the Lincoln Memorial and the Washington Monument.
Thick Traffic in front of the Capitol
Washington Monument
Lincoln Memorial from the World War II Memorial
Saturday started out by meeting up with several crazies from North Carolina at my hotel. We then went to World War II Memorial where we met up with Jim, Stacy, Carter, and Cara. We all took in a world wind tour of the Vietnam Veterans Memorial, Lincoln Memorial, Korean War Veterans Memorial, Thomas Jefferson Memorial, and the F.D.R. Memorial.
Carter and Cara at the Lincoln Memorial
Korean War Veterans Memorial
Washington Monument and the White House from the Thomas Jefferson Memorial
Stacy and the kids went back to Maryland after all of that. The rest of us visited the outside of the Washington Monument and White House. We then went to the National Air and Space Museum and did a quick tour of some of the exhibits.
Me with the North Carolina Crazies
After some goofing off in the National Mall in front of the Capital, we worked our way to RFK Stadium. We were going to a tailgate party for that US National Team soccer game versus Cuba that evening. All you can eat and drink for $8. They even had good beer for back east too. The
Screaming Eagles put on the tailgate party, which is the supporters group for DC United. The Rapids supporter's group needs to learn a thing or two from them. Here is
a set of photos of the tailgate party by the Screaming Eagles. This
photo and this
photo in their set will have some interest for some.
American Outlaws
Next up was the game. Carter and Stacy rejoined us for the game. The U.S. took care of business for the most part. They won 6-1. Landon Donovan scored to the delight of Carter. Jozy Altidore, Freddy Adu, and José Torres got into the game to the delight of the U.S. Supporters. It was nice to see new blood get into the game. Best of all, the U.S. have qualified for the next round of qualification with two games to spare.
Game Time!
Sunday was spent traveling back to Colorado and then crashing on the couch watching Georgia football on tape and the Rapids in the evening. I was too tired to do anything else. Busy weekend and 6:30 A.M. flight can wear you out. I will put up some more photos on one of my bonus picture sites at a later date. I got a few good shots. I need to decide what I want to put up.
Cheers,
-MM
