January 1, 2009

We had a wonderful January 1st in Washington DC. It seems fitting to have spent the first day of 2009 in DC. Just as I am embarking on my life quite changed this year, as is DC embarking on a new life as well. There were signs of the upcoming inauguration all over the city.

We spent the day exploring the city. It was a nice day to explore DC as newcomers, since there weren't many cars on the streets, you could drive around and get lost with no-one honking.
We started off in Georgetown for breakfast. Georgetown is such a wonderful area of the city. I love the classic architecture and the quaint feel.

Jörn and Marcel were particularly excited to find Old Europe, a German restaurant that was featured in a television biography of Jörn's political hero, ex-chancellor, Helmut Schmidt. We found the restaruant quite easily, and made plans to return later that evening for dinner.
After our morning in Georgetown, we drove down to the Mall area, in order to park and walk around. I really wanted to go to Smithsonian National Musuem of American History. Once we found a parking space, surprisingly near the White House, we made our way over to the museum. Unfortunately, we arrived pretty late, and only had a chance to check out the first floor, both the Science and Innovation wing and the Transportation and Technology wing. I was a little disappointed not to see the upper floors, which include the flag that inspired our National Anthem, an exhibit which includes 19th century Bridgeport, CT, and of course, Kermit the Frog. Nevertheless, the first floor proved quite interesting. There was a replication of Julia Child's kitchen, exhibits about various scientific achievements of Americans, and America on the Move, which highlighted how transportation changed the face of our country.



After the museum, we walked by the White House. I haven't seen the White House since I was 7, and we drove past it on our way home from Virginia. I couldn't believe what an impressive building it truly is. Of course, it is known worldwide, but seeing it in person is truly wonderful.

We checked in to our new hotel, the Sheraton Suites Old Town Alexandria.
We were so pleased to have a suite. "Marcel-land," or the front room had a pull out couch and a TV with a Nintendo. "Joern and Allison-land" featured an ultra-plush bed.
We headed down to Old Town for dinner. Old Town Alexandria is marvelous, we had lots of fun exploring! It was truly an enjoyable way to start off the New Year.