@postaday 171; #postaday2011.
Maybe it’s because I’ve never had to work in Washington, D.C., but it is one of my favorite places to visit. Just as we found on our day trip to New York City, WDC is very crisp and sophisticated. I love it. Sure, there are the brusk, self-absorbed and legends-in-their-own-minds types on the periphery, but for the most part, I can’t help but get a sense of aloha. It started with the hotel valet and the reception desk, it occurred when we had to squeeze by the guy shampooing the carpet in the hallway, I expect it tomorrow when we board the metro and head to Sen. Daniel Akaka’s office for our Capitol Tour. Mahalo, Elisa!
The drive down from South Jersey was intense. I don’t get that aloha feeling along I-95. It takes a lead foot and a white-knuckle ride to hang with the 18 wheelers and the regular movers and shakers who dart from lane to lane, hopscotching their way to the finish line. I imagine their big shiny SUVs panting in reserved parking stalls. Would one of those have belonged to me?
Early this morning we were woken by a dramatic thunder and lightning storm that blew in and out within 30 minutes. Having been through a few of these before I departed for a life beyond New Jersey, I walked around the suite unplugging all of the family’s iDevices in case there was a nearby hit, crisping our bushel of electronic apples.
Between Perryville and Baltimore we drove through another wild thunderstorm. Visibility was nearly nill. It’s thrilling, but I do prefer appreciating dramatic weather from a safer perch, such as a hotel room.
The Benderettes will get their fill of museums over the next few days. I’m grateful most of the museums in our nation’s capitol have free admissions. Your tax dollars at work.
Lavagal 
Enjoy! Love the Smithsonian.