Our People to People program didn’t start until 6pm, so Mom and I took a limo to Arlington National Cemetery.  We spent the majority of the day there and only saw a few things.There is so much there.  We started at the Women’s War Memorial, which is the first thing you see when you drive in.  Mom is a charter member of the Memorial, so this was the priority of going there today.  We spent about 2 hours at the Memorial, so much to see…..so much my Mom connected with.  It is beautiful, and so very well done.  Mom was pleased!  On the top deck are large glass plates with inscriptions from different people.  Was amazing

Did I mention that this was the coldest day in D.C. in the past 10 years?  In the beginning of our day it was 12 degrees, then warmed up to 20.  However, we dressed for it and were never cold.

We then went to the visitors center and got tourmobile passes to see the rest of Arlington.  Our first stop was the Kennedy sites.  Then onto the Tomb of the Unknowns.  We spent at least an hour there.  We watched the changing of the guard which occures every hour and is an amazing thing to watch.  They performed a wreath laying ceremony which includes a bugler playing Taps. Was amazing!

From there we went to Arlington House which is Robert E Lee’s home.  They are in the beginning stages of restoring the home. Lots to do with that. The gardens (even though they were frozen……. were amazing.)  The slave quarters held  facts and history of the slaves who lived there and were a part of the Lee and Washington families.  

We then caught the little bus and finished the Arlington tour, caught our limo, and headed back to the Hotel.  By then it was 4:30 and time to check in with People to People.   After the People to People dinner, Mom and I took a limo back into DC at dark.  The monuments are spectacular at night.  We rode around for about 2 hours.  

Was an eventful day.

You can view Arlington pictures at     http://www.flickr.com/photos/34267123@N07/?saved=1

Well, I don’t even know where to begin.  D.C. is overwhelming!  It was dark when we arrived and the specitacular sights and historical atmosphere leaves me breathless………………and it’s 12 degrees which also almost leaves me breathless………… I forgot what cold is!  Thank goodness for long johns!  

Our hotel is in Historic Alexandria, which is awesome!   Our room is on the 22nd floor and our view is monument alley and Washington’s Monument, then to the Capitol!  

We are off to the Women’s War Memorial tomorrow.  Mom is a charter member and has not been to D.C. since it was built.  She was in the Navy during WWII, so it represents an important part of her life.  I will take kleenex……for me.

Anyway,  I’m done being awake today I think.  My mind is on overload and needs to shut down of awhile.

Tomorrow I hope to get some good pics!

As many of you know, my Mom and I are off to attend the Presidential Inauguration.  I will do the best I can to write a blog each evening and attach pictures of our adventures.  This is a People To People International Trip so it’s well organized and should be packed full of exciting and interesting activities.  

Anyway, hope all is well at school………………I miss not being there, but I’m excited about attending such a historical event.  I’ve never been to D.C., so what an introduction I will have.  

I made a page that has a brief intro regarding “People to People”.  It’s a fantastic organization. 

Bye Bye for now!