Finally did the 45ish minute drive up to Maryland's capital of Annapolis on Saturday 29 December 2007.
It is a pleasant old small town with a population under 40 000. Being winter, it wasn't overly busy but most businesses etc still seemed to be open. We had a nice sunny day which was perfect to walk around the shops, small lane ways and historic house rows just off the City Dock area. Much of the tourism info for Annapolis highlights the cruises and the Naval Academy there but given it was only a day trip, we didn't do either of these.
We went through the Maryland State House which is still the seat of government in Maryland and has a number of historic claims to fame. Interesting building without being mind blowing!
Overall just a pleasant day in a smaller town.
Malcolm
Saturday, December 29, 2007
(Not so) White Christmas
Thanks for all the wishes for a White Christmas but it was actually relatively warm, maximum temperatures around 10 - 15 degrees Celcius.
The Washington Post kindly summed up our (pretty poor) odds on Christmas Day with the following article under the heading of 'Dream On'!:
It has been five years since snow fell in Washington on Christmas Day and 45 years since the city's record snowfall for Dec. 25 (an unimpressive 5.4 inches).
Indeed, Bing Crosby would have given up a long time ago on the nation's capital. Only nine times since 1872 have dreams of a white Christmas come true here.
Today won't be No. 10. The prediction is partly sunny with highs in the 50s.
After our snowfall back on 5 December, don't really mind as the iced sidewalks for the next couple of days left a lot to be desired!
Malcolm
The Washington Post kindly summed up our (pretty poor) odds on Christmas Day with the following article under the heading of 'Dream On'!:
It has been five years since snow fell in Washington on Christmas Day and 45 years since the city's record snowfall for Dec. 25 (an unimpressive 5.4 inches).
Indeed, Bing Crosby would have given up a long time ago on the nation's capital. Only nine times since 1872 have dreams of a white Christmas come true here.
Today won't be No. 10. The prediction is partly sunny with highs in the 50s.
After our snowfall back on 5 December, don't really mind as the iced sidewalks for the next couple of days left a lot to be desired!
Malcolm
Wednesday, December 26, 2007
White House Tour
We finally managed to get onto a tour of the White House on Saturday 15 December 2007. This was organised by an Australian living here who is married to an American. He normally arranges a tour once or twice a year for 60 - 70 Australians. Since 9/11, White House tours have to be arranged through your Member of Congress which makes it difficult otherwise for us 'non-resident aliens'. (Although I did just find that there is an online tour.)
Part of the tour arrangements are that you can't take virtually anything in with you. 'Prohibited items include, but are not limited to, the following: handbags, book bags, backpacks, purses, food and beverages of any kind, strollers, cameras, video recorders or any type of recording device, tobacco products, personal grooming items (make-up, hair brush or comb, lip or hand lotions, etc.), any pointed objects (pens, knitting needles, etc.), aerosol containers, guns, ammunition, fireworks, electric stun guns, mace, martial arts weapons/devices, or knives of any size. The U.S. Secret Service reserves the right to prohibit any other personal items. Umbrellas, wallets, cell phones and car keys are permitted.'
We headed off with just some food and drink for the kids which we could dispose of any left overs before heading in. In hindsight, we were deficient in hats, scarves and warm footwear etc! I picked up a hat at Macy's on the way over, having realised how cold the day actually was. We were still a bit early for the 10.15 meeting time, ready for our 11am tour. We didn't get into the warm security area until 11.30 by which time my hands weren't working from holding the (quite good) brochures we were given while Donna's feet were frozen through the thin soles of her shoes. The kids didn't feel a thing ...
The tour was self guided and involved following the crowds along the marked path through the various rooms. There was more to see than usual as the White House was decked up with Christmas decorations. Each year, the First Lady chooses a theme. This year the theme was 'holiday in the national parks'. The press release summarises the theme as:
This Christmas season we give thanks for our nation’s abundant blessings.
In the spirit of gratitude for our natural and historic treasures found from sea to shining sea, this year’s theme highlights America’s national parks. From breathtaking landscapes to important historical sites, generations have marveled at God’s magnificent creation and cherished memories of visits to these special places.
Our deep appreciation goes to the White House Executive Residence staff, artists from across the country, and many volunteers. Their creativity and tireless efforts have made possible this year’s holiday decorations representing our beloved parks.
We send our warm wishes for a happy holiday season full of the love of your family and friends.
George W. Bush Laura Bush
The tour book we were handed is also online and this outlines each room we visited and the Christmas decorations in each room. The paintings give a fair idea of each room. There's also some photos of the 2006 decorations available online.
The Christmas tree in the Blue Room was a highlight: 'The ornaments represent the 391 national parks, memorials, seashores, historic sites, and monuments across our country and were decorated by artists selected by the sites. Each ornament reflects the diversity of our national landscapes and the many wonderful and unique treasures found from sea to shining sea!' Although filing past meant that it wasn't possible to recognise any of the ornaments as they related to their sites.
The major highlight was the gingerbread house: 'The gingerbread house brings smiles to children’s faces every holiday season. Months of work, pounds of chocolate, countless sheets of gingerbread, and mountains of sugar went into the creation of this enchanting and edible masterpiece. This year, the south view of the White House is depicted with historical and architectural accuracy by White House Executive Pastry Chef Bill Yosses and White House Assistant Pastry Chef Chris Phillips. The Bush family pets - Barney, Miss Beazley, and Willie - celebrate the beauty of creation with moose, elk, raccoons and other friends from parks across the nation.'
As ardent West Wing fans, it was great to finally see inside the White House. Albeit through the East Wing rather than the bit we are more familiar with through the tv series! Probably because of this, the tour was a bit less than we were hoping for. Think that a guided tour may add some extra value. While the tour book did explain a bit about each room, I couldn't help wondering what some of the other paintings etc in the room etc were. They do recommend visiting the White House Visitors Centre first but I've always avoided it due to having the pain of security checks to go in. We did visit it later and found it a fairly depressing place. Basically a large barn-like space with what look like temporary exhibit screens put up as a quick response post 9/11 but which haven't been improved on since. But another one ticked off the 'must visit' list!
Malcolm
Part of the tour arrangements are that you can't take virtually anything in with you. 'Prohibited items include, but are not limited to, the following: handbags, book bags, backpacks, purses, food and beverages of any kind, strollers, cameras, video recorders or any type of recording device, tobacco products, personal grooming items (make-up, hair brush or comb, lip or hand lotions, etc.), any pointed objects (pens, knitting needles, etc.), aerosol containers, guns, ammunition, fireworks, electric stun guns, mace, martial arts weapons/devices, or knives of any size. The U.S. Secret Service reserves the right to prohibit any other personal items. Umbrellas, wallets, cell phones and car keys are permitted.'
We headed off with just some food and drink for the kids which we could dispose of any left overs before heading in. In hindsight, we were deficient in hats, scarves and warm footwear etc! I picked up a hat at Macy's on the way over, having realised how cold the day actually was. We were still a bit early for the 10.15 meeting time, ready for our 11am tour. We didn't get into the warm security area until 11.30 by which time my hands weren't working from holding the (quite good) brochures we were given while Donna's feet were frozen through the thin soles of her shoes. The kids didn't feel a thing ...
The tour was self guided and involved following the crowds along the marked path through the various rooms. There was more to see than usual as the White House was decked up with Christmas decorations. Each year, the First Lady chooses a theme. This year the theme was 'holiday in the national parks'. The press release summarises the theme as:
This Christmas season we give thanks for our nation’s abundant blessings.
In the spirit of gratitude for our natural and historic treasures found from sea to shining sea, this year’s theme highlights America’s national parks. From breathtaking landscapes to important historical sites, generations have marveled at God’s magnificent creation and cherished memories of visits to these special places.
Our deep appreciation goes to the White House Executive Residence staff, artists from across the country, and many volunteers. Their creativity and tireless efforts have made possible this year’s holiday decorations representing our beloved parks.
We send our warm wishes for a happy holiday season full of the love of your family and friends.
George W. Bush Laura Bush
The tour book we were handed is also online and this outlines each room we visited and the Christmas decorations in each room. The paintings give a fair idea of each room. There's also some photos of the 2006 decorations available online.
The Christmas tree in the Blue Room was a highlight: 'The ornaments represent the 391 national parks, memorials, seashores, historic sites, and monuments across our country and were decorated by artists selected by the sites. Each ornament reflects the diversity of our national landscapes and the many wonderful and unique treasures found from sea to shining sea!' Although filing past meant that it wasn't possible to recognise any of the ornaments as they related to their sites.
The major highlight was the gingerbread house: 'The gingerbread house brings smiles to children’s faces every holiday season. Months of work, pounds of chocolate, countless sheets of gingerbread, and mountains of sugar went into the creation of this enchanting and edible masterpiece. This year, the south view of the White House is depicted with historical and architectural accuracy by White House Executive Pastry Chef Bill Yosses and White House Assistant Pastry Chef Chris Phillips. The Bush family pets - Barney, Miss Beazley, and Willie - celebrate the beauty of creation with moose, elk, raccoons and other friends from parks across the nation.'
As ardent West Wing fans, it was great to finally see inside the White House. Albeit through the East Wing rather than the bit we are more familiar with through the tv series! Probably because of this, the tour was a bit less than we were hoping for. Think that a guided tour may add some extra value. While the tour book did explain a bit about each room, I couldn't help wondering what some of the other paintings etc in the room etc were. They do recommend visiting the White House Visitors Centre first but I've always avoided it due to having the pain of security checks to go in. We did visit it later and found it a fairly depressing place. Basically a large barn-like space with what look like temporary exhibit screens put up as a quick response post 9/11 but which haven't been improved on since. But another one ticked off the 'must visit' list!
Malcolm
Sunday, December 9, 2007
Snow!
We had our first snow fall in Washington on Wednesday 5 December 2007. There was just the odd flake falling when I went out to get the paper at 6am. This steadily increased until we had fairly constant snow falling through out the day. It was probably 10pm by the time it stopped.
Not much settled in the city, other than on trees, garden beds, etc. We had about 4 inches settle at home. It was very dry, powdery and soft. Although the kids and I managed a snow fight, it wasn't even possible to get it to stick together in a snowball. Liv did manage a little snowman.
Thursday and Friday saw ice on the sidewalks which made walking around a bit difficult. We also found that the kids were supposed to wear snow boots to school when snow was on the ground. Kieren had to stand with some of the other boys who didn't have snow boots on Friday morning instead of playing. He seems to have had just as much fun and wasn't too traumatised! Saturday morning saw us out Rockville getting everyone equipped for snow if we see it again. We were all set for keeping everyone dry and warm but hadn't allowed for snow. No wonder we're spending so much money here!
Photos of the snow around home are online here.
Malcolm
Not much settled in the city, other than on trees, garden beds, etc. We had about 4 inches settle at home. It was very dry, powdery and soft. Although the kids and I managed a snow fight, it wasn't even possible to get it to stick together in a snowball. Liv did manage a little snowman.
Thursday and Friday saw ice on the sidewalks which made walking around a bit difficult. We also found that the kids were supposed to wear snow boots to school when snow was on the ground. Kieren had to stand with some of the other boys who didn't have snow boots on Friday morning instead of playing. He seems to have had just as much fun and wasn't too traumatised! Saturday morning saw us out Rockville getting everyone equipped for snow if we see it again. We were all set for keeping everyone dry and warm but hadn't allowed for snow. No wonder we're spending so much money here!
Photos of the snow around home are online here.
Malcolm
Thanksgiving
Bit late but a quick post about Thanksgiving back on Thursday 29 November 2007.
Thanksgiving here is a bit like Christmas lunch in Australia. Everyone gets back home if they possibly can and has a big turkey dinner. Donna was concerned about how many millions of turkeys were being consumed on the day, not counting 'May' and 'Flower' who were pardoned by Bush and spend the rest of their life at Disney World in Florida. So we Australianised the meal a bit with chicken and lamb.
Was also a good four day holiday. We did a few small trips around the Washington area. On Friday, we went into the city where I went to the Corcoran Gallery to see the Ansel Adams and Annie Liebovitz photo exhibitions. Adams exhibition had some earlier and later stuff which I didn't think were examples of great work but did show his full career. Overall though the exhibition I saw up in Rochester was superior. Also had the benefit there of only a few people being in the gallery compared to having a big line up to wait through before I could get into the crowded gallery this time.
Donna took the kids into the National Geographic Museum. The main exhibition there has changed to one on critter cam which seems aimed more at 10 - 13 year olds. The kids renamed it the 'museum which used to be the fun museum' and looks like we won't have to take them back there again!
Another thing that we noticed as different was the numerous requests we received for donations of various kinds. We made 3 or 4 food donations, as well as a couple of shoe boxes of toys to end up as Christmas gifts for kids. There's a lot more emphasis on personal donations here, partly reflecting the hole left by the government in this area. But it doesn't have the positive of making you realise how well off we are compared to others living in the same area and that you can help out.
Malcolm
Thanksgiving here is a bit like Christmas lunch in Australia. Everyone gets back home if they possibly can and has a big turkey dinner. Donna was concerned about how many millions of turkeys were being consumed on the day, not counting 'May' and 'Flower' who were pardoned by Bush and spend the rest of their life at Disney World in Florida. So we Australianised the meal a bit with chicken and lamb.
Was also a good four day holiday. We did a few small trips around the Washington area. On Friday, we went into the city where I went to the Corcoran Gallery to see the Ansel Adams and Annie Liebovitz photo exhibitions. Adams exhibition had some earlier and later stuff which I didn't think were examples of great work but did show his full career. Overall though the exhibition I saw up in Rochester was superior. Also had the benefit there of only a few people being in the gallery compared to having a big line up to wait through before I could get into the crowded gallery this time.
Donna took the kids into the National Geographic Museum. The main exhibition there has changed to one on critter cam which seems aimed more at 10 - 13 year olds. The kids renamed it the 'museum which used to be the fun museum' and looks like we won't have to take them back there again!
Another thing that we noticed as different was the numerous requests we received for donations of various kinds. We made 3 or 4 food donations, as well as a couple of shoe boxes of toys to end up as Christmas gifts for kids. There's a lot more emphasis on personal donations here, partly reflecting the hole left by the government in this area. But it doesn't have the positive of making you realise how well off we are compared to others living in the same area and that you can help out.
Malcolm
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