Get’n Down in DC

The epicenter of bureaucracy…the pillar of politics…the capitol of our nation. I recently made a work trip to Washington DC where I spent a few days attending a conference.



While I was there, I spent the majority of time in workshops or at conference activities. Fortunately, I was able to get a small amount of time to see just a few points of interest in the city…at least the ones that happened to be in the proximity of my hotel. I was not alone in my nearby walks. Excluding my work counterpart, I was also escorted by a spirit very dear to Sydney (and me)…and one that also happens to be a world traveler. That is Kooky Bird (or just Kooky for short). Kooky was picked up in Australia at the Toronga Zoo, and likely made on even another continent. But a week ago, I would have never guessed at how invaluable Kookie’s experience and travel tips would be on this current travel adventure. And for those of you who can’t figure out where he got his name, he is a Kookaburra…afterall. Kooky helped to make me feel like I had a little part of Sydney with me on the trip. In the end, it gave me a chance to have some fun taking pictures with my feathered travel companion.



Kooky at the Washington Monument.



The say life has it’s ‘ups’ and ‘downs.’ Well, most times this is used metaphorically. Unfortunately, in my case, I experienced it literally while on the trip. On my journey from my room on the 9th floor to the lobby of my hotel, the hotel elevator got stuck between floors four and five. This left the elevator unresponsive to any button pushing or general desires for it to move. The bell was rung, the operator was called, and three brave souls (one of which was me), were trapped in the elevator awaiting help. What seemed surely to be six days, was in fact only about 17 minutes. I was rescued, signs of emaciation obvious, loss of weight evident, and a dramatic desire for java ever present. While there were no injuries or casualties, it does add a little extra memory to the trip.



Unfortunately the weather was extremely cold. While the temperature was cold, the accompanying wind made it truly bone-chilling. When the sharp cold makes your nose run and then also makes it freeze to you, that provides a good indication that flip flops and shorts are not appropriate attire.



Kooky visiting the National Christmas Tree.




Kooky at the White House.



   

Outside the Lincoln Memorial...





Despite being away from my wonderful family for a few days, technology was great in helping stay connected. Skype was very handy in allowing us to video call each other, giving me a chance to read Sydney a bedtime story, as well as find out how her day went. This let me know the latest ‘bus’ count, as well as the new words she surely learned that day!  But, even when a trip goes well, it's always nice to come home :)

Have a great weekend everyone!!!