Quite frankly, we saw, felt and did too much to recount here with any justice, as is typically the case in any of my adventures. I only have enough space to cover some of the highlights, which is frustrating because there is so much about this trip that is worthy of mention. My favorites weren't necessarily Drew's favorites, though we shared a few, but he'll have to start his own site if he wants to tell you all about his thoughts and favorite memories. In short, I hope everyone gets a chance to visit DC at least once in their lives and I can assure you, there is enough to see and do in DC for repeat visits. I hope we get to go back some day.
My favorite moment has to be watching Bobby score that first career goal while we were there. This was an exciting game from start to finish, never a dull moment. Here's how the evening played out. It was a grim start for DC who went down 2-0 early on. It was especially daunting considering DC hadn't scored a goal in their three previous games. But as luck would have it, a penalty kick gave us ground to stand on as the teams headed to the locker rooms 2-1 at the half. Fresh from the break, United scored a quick goal to tie us up at 2-2. But the Chicago Fire obvously weren't ready to settle for a tie yet as they scored again to take a 3-2 lead! Considering the 0-0 conclusion of United's two previous games, the scoring in this game was out of control. Everyone felt the energy and you just had a feeling that we were going to fight to the very end...which we did and our third goal of the evening brought us to a 3-3 tie. In the 84th minute United geared up for a corner kick...none of which had been successful all evening...and once again Bobby came up for his chance at a score...but all were denied. However, after the missed corner kick opportunity, Bobby lingered around up front, and all of a sudden a few seconds later in the 87th minute, Stokes (Bobby's fellow defender) was up with the ball on teh right side of the field and he made a quick pass right over to Bobby, who seemed to compose himself, size up the net, and just tapped it in for the win and his first ever MLS goal! It was beautiful...and it all happened right down at the goal in front of us! Couldnt' have been conscripted any better than that. We came to town and the first game we see, Drew's little brother gets his first professional goal and it wins the game 4-3! How sweet it was. We were celebrating up in the stands, thrilled as humanly possible, watching him wave his shirt up and down as he ran over to the stands and leaped into the fans. What a thrill to share in this momentous occasion!
The Jefferson Memorial was one of my favorites. Many people miss it because it is slightly off the beaten path from the other memorials, but highly worth it. Teh experience began with a curved waterfront approach beneath the cherry trees, which gave us a chance to truly enjoy the impeccable rounded white marble domed architecture contrasted by the surrounded murky blue-green water. It rained a bit and we got wet, but weren't soaked. The cornerstone for the foundation was laid in 1939 by FDR. I loved the impressive domed architecture and admired the utter simplicity we found inside the memorial. It consisted only of the tall dark handsome figure of Jefferson in the center of the circular open-aired room, whose curved walls were engraved with four prominent quotes, and an additional quote chiseled into the marble around teh circular rim of the ceiling. Simplicity at its finest.
Completed just last year and only open to teh public since April 2004, we were excited to see the new WWII memorial in all its glory. The entirety of the memorial truly honors those who gave their lives in the war, but one area specifically acknowledges their deaths. The Freedom wall displays 4000 sculped gold stars honoring the more than 400,000 Americans who gave their lives. The memorial includes a central pool of water called "rainbow fountain," which successfully provides a tranquil and solemn experience, as its running water muffles all individual discussions and reflections from the many visitors. The layout and structure of the walls, ramps, pillars, arches etc are all enhanced with details such as humbling inscriptions; intricately carved, bronzed battle scene depictions; symbols of the unity of all states; and symbols representing the ultimate victory! This was an amazing and very humbling memorial.
Apparently not possessing a decent map, we happened upon the Korean War Memorial while waiting for Bobby just after we finished up at the Lincoln Memorial. Without a doubt, one of the most moving memorials I've seen. On one side you have a wall...similar to the Vietnam Memorial, except that instead of names, it has images etched ever-so-lightly into the black marbled stone. The etchings included ships, aircrafts, American soldiers, battlefield scenes, Korean soldiers and more. It was amazing! Just next to the wall was a small grassy courtyard holding several life size statues of troops eerily pushing onward across a battlefield. Their expressions, posture, and rain gear attire were all so lifelike. The memorial was completed with a fountain flanking both wall and statues. Such an inspiring memorial.
Another of my favorite moments was my "One Woman Protest" standing at the side of the Reflecting Pool as we made our way to the Lincoln Memorial. Knowing I was standing where so many had stood before in rallies and protest, standing up for what they believed! Continuing on down the length of the reflecting pool, you arrive at the Lincoln Memorial. No matter how many times you might have seen this in books or on TV, it still manages to impress in person! We're always shown the primary foyer at the top of the mountain of steps housing the enormous Lincoln figure, but just as stunning to me, were the two side rooms, separated by enormous pillars, each room included a beautiful red hued mosaic high on the wall above one of two Lincoln speeches.
And the Iwo Jima Memorial, (technically in Virginia) which took an out of the way metro and a good bit of walking to reach...was absolutely breathtaking! I always thought the figures were lifesize, but they are much much larger than life. Awesome from every angle, this Marine Memorial is too incredible to miss! Absolutely one of our favorites!! And when you think about all that these Marines and so many others have gone through...what's an extra mile or two for us?
There really isn't enough room to continue in detail, but I highly recommend taking a stroll over to Ford's Theatre where Lincoln was shot and then across the street for a quick tour of the house where he died the next morning. Another favorite experience was the quiet, romantic, and impeccable dinner with Drew at Two Quail. Our tour to the top of the Washington Monument provided stunning arial views of the White House and all the monuments. Oh my gosh, and let's not forget our thrilling time doing a bit of family research in the Nationarl Archives! The entire trip was just perfect! We did so much and yet I'm amazed out how much more there is to go back to. Hopefully we'll have an excuse to return soon if Bobby's success with United continues.
