I left off in my last post right before I got on AirTran Flight 854 MCO-ATL. A lot has happened since boarding that flight. That flight got to our gate a little late, thanks to us landing on the 5th (new) runway in Atlanta. Reminded me of the victory lap I once experienced in Dallas….took forever. Anyways, I headed for my connecting gate and with it not boarding I plugged my tablet in to get a little juice, but it wasnt really convienent, so after a few minutes I stopped that. I noticed I had a while till my Flight 184 boarded, so I went to go change my shirt. Next thing I know when I return is that the gate area is almost empty. I was one of the last few to board and got into my very comfy Business Class seat. I’m fine flying Economy since thats what I always fly, but it sure was nice. You actually get your choice of snack. While coach only gets Biscoff….which I dont hate, but choice is good….
Anyways, we flew the Potomic VFR approach into DCA, which gave some really good views, so I took some pictures of the mall area. Of course after landing that prompted the person next to me to ask me if a flew alot, because he wanted to warn me about the FBI going after people taking pictures when on that approach pattern. Too bad everyone does it and well what could they really do? Oh well…
I made my way to the Metro and jumped on the Blue line to Rosslyn station. Got off, and made the short walk to my hotel. I was happy that 1) I had no issues checking in early and 2) They were able to check me in very quickly. After a quick run up to my room and taking a shower I headed back out. I stopped at the Rosslyn Metro Center and got a hot dog, before jumping on the Metro to DC…Capitol South Station. I walked up 1st St. Which took me past the Library of Congress, the US Capitol, Supreme Court, and the various congressional office buildings. I headed to the office of Senator Nelson, to pick up a Senate Gallery pass. I think I was the only one in that whole office building in shorts and a t-shirt.
I headed straight to the Senate Gallery, went through a metal dectecor, then a maze of coridors, then had to check my camera and phone, then went through another metal detector. Finally I made it to my seat. They had been debating the Iraq War earlier, and now there was like 4 maybe 5 Senators staying around listening to I believe Senator Biden say his thing. I stuck around for a while…It was quite interesting to see that. Of course I want to make it there for when theres a better amount of Senators….maybe I need to check the House Gallery….
After that I walked around, took some pictures and decide to check out the Library of Congress. Walked a bit around and then found out you can get a free LoC library card, so I could go into the reading rooms. However, after failing to find the super-secret tunnel, so I wouldnt have to wait in line/clear yet another security checkpoint I decide that I would just move on to my next destination. There is always another day to check it out.
I walked around more, and eventually wound up at Union Station which I wandered around in and discovered the areas that I had not noticed the last time I was there. I also grabbed some dinner there, just your basic chicken strips and frys. I walked around some more around Union Station, then jumped on the Red Line to Gallery Pl. – Chinatown where I switched to a Yellow Line Train to L’Efant Plaza. I walked around that area, but not for long since it started to rain. I admitted defeat and decided going back to my hotel would be good, so I jumped on the Metro. Of course, I forgot what it is like to be on the Metro going in the direction of the suburbs at 5PM-ish. When I got to Rosslyn, it still was raining, but I made the short walk back and since then have just kicked back. Still havent sleeped. I think im either at or past 36 hours now……
Well tomorrow will be a incredibly full and crazy day. Hopefully, the rain will go away. I can deal with the cold, but the rain just makes things difficult. Also, I better get up at a decent time. Like 8 or 8:30, if I plan on going anywhere……