If the Tchaikovsky in Chicago, and if the Grand Canyon were highlights of this tour, and I see little of New York before checking in at the Cruise Terminal at 14.15hrs, then WASHINGTON D.C. was the GRAND FINALE!
Despite warnings not to walk alone, my Concierge, Darryl, has given me a simple walking route to follow. This covers probably what I did last night after missing the bus, with a useful map. I have been given a second chance; my ticket for last night’s missed trip has been transferred to tonight. Tomorrow, I get to meet my great nephew who is visiting his girlfriend in D.C.
This morning, apart from numerous wakings-up in the night, I felt rejuvenated from a good long kip. The hotel bed was, as at all hotels (but not on the trains) magnificent. By the way, on ordinary service trains like Amtrak, there is no space for hotel style luxury. Nevertheless, overnight rail travel (at least in the most spacious accommodation available) is addictive, and I would to think that, even at $1,000/night, including the basic fare and meals, I can and will do another such journey.
I like the Hyatt Regency in Washington. With sensible luggage, it is walkable from the magnificent Union Station, which unlike Euston, has retained its magnificent architecture from the flamboyant glory days of the past; as do most of the big city stations in the U.S.A. While, the architecture is well preserved and maintained, the cafés, bars, and other eateries, are, like in the U.K. set aside for (is this the right terminology?) corporate catering and other organisations e.g. Pret à Manger. I see no Carluccio’s here! The Concierge at the Hyatt, is printing off what I believe is my required documentation for boarding QM2 the day after tomorrow, and also setting up the mandatory Covid-19 test.
Yesterday, for a second time in the U.S. the flags were at half mast. On the first occasion, this was mark the 1 millionth death in the U.S. of covid-19. Sadly, and very tragically, the flags were lowered yesterday because of a mass shooting at an Independence Day celebration in Illinois with several casualties. For what it’s worth, my thoughts and prayers (I do pray fairly frequently) are for all those affected.
There will still be few, if any photographs in my blogs from now on; it seems that I have run out of storage on my phone yet again. I realise that a two-year old could sort this out in no time; but I’m 73 and haven’t a clue! Anyway, it’s about time I renewed my ‘phone. I have seen some fabulous newer models which I shall look at when back at home.
Now to explore the Capital of the United States of America!
Well, I would, but arranging that ruddy covid test so that I can board my ship home on Friday is proving impossibly complicated. I am wasting time while the Concierge tries to jump through hoops on my behalf.
At long last, I have an appointment which requires either being at the Hyatt at around 3.20, or catching public transport.
Actually, looking at the map, I reckoned it was possible to walk there. My guess, it’s around two miles, but it felt longer, continuing to check where I was and stopping to take photographs. Amazingly, I was two minutes early. The walk provided an excellent opportunity to explore and discover. What I do know is, that here, I would gladly spend a week, at least, particularly if I could arrange a good B and B deal at the Hyatt. It’s a doddle on the train from New York, even taking the cheaper slow train. America do museums well. They deserve time to enjoy and learn from. Thus, the walk to the Covid Centre served a brilliant sightseeing opportunity.
The Grand Finale was tonight’s evening Monuments by Moonlight Night Tour, in a superb high level motorised trolley.
It was an efficient way of seeing much of the city, as well as stopping at the WW2 Memorial, FDR Memorial/Martin Luther King. Jr National Memorial, and passing by the Vietnam Veteran’s Memorial.
Once again, I cannot take any more pictures. Perhaps my great nephew whom I am seeing tomorrow can assist! This was a most wonderful day, and a fitting penultimate day of this extraordinary journey.
Many thanks for reading, David in the Lobby of the Hyatt Regency in Washington.
David's Cruise 