Window Shopping

Washington has been hot,  really hot it is over 85 Fahrenheit, about 30 Celsius, and really humid and muggy, thank goodness for air con!

The bus trip from NYC turned out just fine, great value for money. We arrived 15 mins behind schedule but that is pretty reasonable given the traffic in the city. The bus stopped about half way there for a rest/food stop, let's hope tomorrow's trip is as good as the first one.

In case you were not aware, the US Government is shutdown, due to the congress not approving to fund government expenditure unless the democrats agree to delay funding Obama care for another year,  (well, that is my take on it from watching the news here). So for us visitors to the capital it means that  a lot of the plans we had to view the museums had to be put aside to another time.

We opted for the old town trolley hop on hop off bus. These are good because the driver gives a live narration and adds a bit of their own charm to the trip, the other buses, use a pre-recorded tape and you can't ask any questions. All the drivers we had were fun and were happy to ask questions, and even had  some questions for us, and I am pleased to say, my knowledge of America is as good as some of  the US citizens on the bus.

Yesterday we left the bus at Georgetown, and stopped for lunch at a beautiful seafood restaurant, off the main street, next to the canal. It was a nice respite from the noise and heat, here are some pics of the canal and some of the delicious lunch we had.

we sat on the deck overlooking the canal

looking across to the other side of the canal

Junior Goddess with her Seafood Martini

Close up shot of the seafood martini

my oysters cerviche with lime, tomato an cilantro (corriander for us  aussies)

Today we went back and walked all over Georgetown and also did a little shopping. The thing that caught my eye most was the window displays again,  and the flowers along the main street atop the street lights. What do you think, aren't they cute, as it is getting near to Halloween a lot of pumpkins are around....

a lot of pumpkins

the was on the front door step of a house in a side street, really cute

hard to see, but little pumpkins on the window sill

all the street lamps have flower baskets on the top, so lovely 

Anthropologie window display

I think when I get home I am going to do a little Halloween display at Glenquarry Goddess central, so stay tuned!

Will the last person in Washington, please turn off the lights, we can't pay our bills!

So we've arrived in Washington and the whole place is shut down, well strictly speaking only government buildings are shut down, but as someone who has been here before I can definitely sense that the city is not running on a full tank.

So we may have to revise our plans somewhat, as all the museums and monuments are closed. This is obviously a big deal as the TV here is consumed by the situation, it's hard to find any entertainment to watch.

Thank God for the internet, here in my lap is a world of entertainment!

and thank God for room service, when you are just too tired to go out and eat and just want to chillax and have a bath.

We are staying at the Mayflower Renaissance Hotel ( which is a Marriott brand) and it is really lovely. The hotel was built in 1925 and has hosted every American President since Calvin Coolidge held his inauguration ball here. See I did read that plaque outside the hotel.

Just to make you feel jealous, here are some pics.

Our Room, an executive double.

Exterior shot of the hotel

The lobby, the place is full of mirrors and chanderliers.

So it's good night from Washington, and see you tomorrow!