there is almost no better way to start a tour across the US than to go to the capital. Right on- I had only one day and the intention was to roam two of the numerous museums of the Smithsonian Institution – the Museum of American History as well as the Air and Space Museum. A stroll on the National Mall finished the day.

National Museum of American History

First order of business was, of course, to check out the transportation section of the exhibition, mostly in search for the
Southern 1401. Its a beautiful engine and it even gets some daylight where it resides. But there is more to see as the museum did a good job in presenting all different kind of means of transportation and power machinery that helped to form the Nation as we know it today. Transportation alone did not do the trick and next I went upstairs to learn more about Americans at War. An impressive presentation as well- I heard that George Washington was a tall man but the mannequin with his uniform stand really high. The American stories section, showing artifacts of “The American Dream” followed by a glimpse at the Star Sprinkled Banner – another impressive item, rounded up my walk through the museum.

Air and Space Museum

Right across the street, or better “The National Mall” is the Air and Space Museum. A place that draws attention to even a train buff like me. No fee, as in all Smithsonian branches, and modest wait time at the security check are a good start. The collection represents the history of aviation and space flight of, with and for Americans. The museum managed to put a lot of items in the big halls. I took my time to check out all different means of air tranportation. I have to admit that the most impressive craft was the lunar module of the Apollo program. I did not realize that this thing is bigger than a family home! The space section takes probably a third of the exhibition which also represents the importance of the programs in American history. I liked that they even show Soviet Soyuz capsules. Even with all the room available this building is too small for the biggest air craft so they branched out to a hangar at the airport. I had no chance to check this one out yet but maybe there is a chance later on when I come down the East Coast again.

The National Mall

After spending several hours inside I needed some fresh air and sunlight. Luckily this was a nice day and I walked up and down the parks of the National Mall from the Capitol via The White House to the Lincoln Memorial. Because of the upcoming Independence Day celebrations there was some sort of higher security measures but all in all I was impressed how freely one can roam the premises of the center of a world power nation. While walking quite some miles I realized that the Museum for African American History is pretty much finished so I will come back one day to check it out. Also, with all those people hanging out in the parks, it is always amazing to me how organized and calm these masses of people move around. After an interesting and intense day I headed back to the hotel across the Potomac River in Arlington to get some rest and get ready for the next leap of the journey.

Eat, rest, ride

This time I stayed in Rosslyn, a modern(izing) neighborhood of Arlington VA at the Holiday Inn. Nearby is an interesting landmark – the garage where “Deep Throat” revealed details about the Watergate scandal to Washington Post journalist Bob Woodward. Anyways, the subway station is two minutes away and connection to Regain Int. airport as well as the city is swift. When using the metro which I like for the “understate design” architecture, the Smarttrip card is your friend. Rosslyn features a ton of hipster restaurants as well as convenience stores within walking distance. As I arrived on a Friday, and people who know me that that is pizza day, I had artisan pizza & beer at “The Fireworks” 2350 Clarendon Blvd, Arlington, VA and light and awesome breakfast at “The Corner Bakery Cafe” 2111 Wilson Blvd, Arlington, VA.

That was it for this time in DC. Mission accomplished in regards to visit the museums and checking out the sights. So lets see where I will be next and which means of transportation will be used to get there.