Theresa visits Nathan in our Nation's Capital

This weekend was wonderful. Theresa and I got to see each for the first time since January 1st, and, although our 3 days together in D.C. was entirely too short, it was amazing to be together again.

Theresa took the red eye from Seatac Airport to Dulles and landed on Friday morning where I picked her up. After a short rest for her, we went to Mt. Vernon, the plantation home of Gen. George Washington. Visiting Mt. Vernon is a unique experience. The most interesting thing to me about George Washington is how humble he was for a such an amazing person. We all know that he resigned his military commission and returned to his farm after the Revolutionary war, signifying that, although he had just led the Union in a successful rebellion against the most powerful empire in the world, he was still a normal citizen. I also found out on this trip that he didn't want Washington, DC to be named after him, but instead preferred the name 'Federal City.' Additionally, he specified in his will that he should be buried at Mt. Vernon, thwarting some people who had planned to inter him under the dome of the Capital. It is remarkable that a person who could have seized so much power instead gave it up in order to further his ideals rather than himself.

Theresa Viewing the Potomac as George Washington may have in the 1790s

On day 2 of our trip we toured the Capital building, the Congressional Library, the National Mall, and the Lincoln Memorial. We saw the newly constructed WW II memorial, and walked around the Washington Monument. Theresa really enjoyed the reconstruction of the Jefferson library in the Congressional library, and I really enjoyed several maps of the early new world that they had on display. In the evening we saw a comedic play at the Lincoln Center entitled 'Shear Madness,' and then went out for a nice dinner.



On our final day we went through two of the Smithsonian Institute Museums. My choice was the Native American Museum, and Theresa chose the American History Museum, primarily because she wanted to see the First Ladies Exhibit. In the evening we ate Ethiopian food in Adam's Morgan.

Theresa is now back in Seattle, and I am on the East Coast for about 5 more weeks. I can't wait to get back to Seattle!