The end of an era and one amazing weekend....

Home at last. I have had enough time to wipe the trail dust off my hems and cast my eye back over the last six months of travel. There have been a number of standout moments, but this last trip to D.C. had more than it's share. To be in Washington DC at such an amazing time was part of what made it special of course. On election night Hayley invited me to accompany her to an election watch party at a friends home. I don't think I have ever been in a room that was more connected - there were three t.v.'s, 4 or more computers and countless Blackberry's and Treo's. Very exciting and totally fun. After President Elect Obama's (!) acceptance speech we walked back to Hayley's home along the streets of Washington. It was really amazing to see all the people and feel the vibe of excitement that was coursing through the city. Jana and Ben went to the White House along with thousands of other people and said it was an incredible experience.
The next moment that stands out was the first in a series that happened in one day - one of those perfect days. Jana picked me up early and we went Arlington National Cemetery. As many of you know this is one of my favorite places in the whole world. Just being there makes me complete somehow. The weather was stunning and perfect for being outside. We saw a wreath laying ceremony at The Tomb Of The Unknowns, visited JFK and Bobby's graves, and stopped and saw my Mom - the main reason for the visit. It is truly one of the most beautiful places on earth.
Next up was the Museum of the American Indian. I have seen many Native American artifacts over the years but I can honestly say I have never burst into tears while looking at one before. As we were preparing to leave we passed a case filled with objects - everything from spears and tomahawks to beaded purses. In this case was the most incredible Sioux beaded horse hood. It was completely covered in white beads with geometric designs in these rich saturated colors. Absolutely stunning!
I don't know what came over me but the tears just started running down my face. Oh well...
From there we strolled up the mall to the National Gallery. Is there a more beautiful walk anywhere? I haven't been to the National Gallery since I was about 10 and I was totally overwhelmed by how lovely it is. Those marble columns! I had no idea that my favorite painting was on exhibit there. "The girl with a red hat" by Vermeer. It was getting late and we were hungry so we stopped for appetizers and cocktails at Central, Michel Richard's bistrot on Pennsylvania Avenue. I had a drink called "Blood and Sand" - scotch, vermouth, orange juice, and cherry brandy. It was incredible. Ben had an absinth; the first time I have every tasted it. Not for me really in spite of it's romantic history. Next up were the appetizers - fresh tomato and burrata mozzarella salad with basil oil. The cherry tomatoes were blanched and peeled then marinated - stunning. We had french fries, perfectly crisp with a hint of spice, and then a very unusual ceviche that I have since learned is a Peruvian preparation. It was in a sort of lime cream sauce - dynamite. Dessert was a deconstructed banana split. Sliced bananas topped by whipped cream and nuts with chocolate and caramel sauce at either end. It was flanked by three dishes: vanilla ice cream, strawberry gelato, and chocolate ice cream that had a something like cocoa puffs on top. Yikes - it was so good.

We decided to walk to the White House and check out the preparations for the inaugural which were already under way. The house is a really impressive sight - it was lovely all lighted up. I spoke with a police officer on duty about the preparations and what it had been like on Tuesday night. She said they never expected the spontaneous outpouring of people that showed up and that every cop in the D.C. area was going to be on duty for the inaugural. I wish I could attend but I will be watching it on t.v. along with almost everyone else. I saw on CNN tonight that they were wondering if they could accommodate the over 3 million people they think may try to be present. Can you imagine? I start to hyperventilate at the very thought. 

So, no more travel for this year and who knows what the future might bring. All in all I wouldn't trade this years experiences for anything - they were life changing and I am entirely grateful.  Ciao for now....