On the evening of Independence Day we joined Gordon, Diana and many others on the roof of their block of flats to watch the fireworks. The photo shows one of scores of rockets (and Washington Monument to the left) that were on view at any given time across the horizon. Although they were some distance away the sheer scale of activity was amazing. The ones set off on the White House lawn were closer at hand but we could not hear the accompanying orchestral music.
On another day we took the metro to the Zoo station and did a green walk around three sides of Georgetown, starting at Rock Creek Park and continuing along the C&O Canal.
We also walked round the houses of the rich and famous who have lived there. The photo shows a house that was once an Inn that Thomas Jefferson used to stay in - it looks very much the shape of an old English pub. Georgetown was a thriving port long before DC was built and its affluence is reflected in the number of large but old houses. Its feel reminded us of an upmarket version of Balmain in Sydney. You know you have made it when you can buy a place in Georgetown. That is why they have not troubled to have a Metro station, with some inconvenience to tourists, chauffeurs and others.
This picture shows some small and twee-looking terraced housing which was once the accommodation of freed slaves. One doubts very much that they looked anything like this for its original occupants. Still, in our local paper a converted barn was recently advertised for £1 m. Hold on to an old shack, do it up and you never know what it will be worth in due course.
As always it was good to see Gordon and Diana again and enjoy their urban lifestyle for a couple of weeks. We ate out more than over the rest of the year combined and this is a pleasure given the quality and cheapness of the food. It was so hot that I always wore shorts during the day time (sorry no pics). DC is very walkable and public transport is cheap and good in the inner core. We had a very varied visit this time and even after this fifth one we have not yet visited all the sites. And we only hit the Mall on two occasions, to extend our wardrobes and Barbara's shoe collection.
Here's to the next one!
(The photos here are mine and on Part 1 largely Gordon and Barbara's.)
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