Friday, June 10, 2011 Washington, D.C.

Back in the air again – a smaller plane this time, possibly the smallest I've been on. I haven't really done a lot of air travel in the past, but I'm hoping to change that for the future. For those who know about these things and are interested, it was a CJ-200 and we flew at an altitude of about 31,000 feet. As I recall, that is considerably lower than the altitude going to Ecuador, but this was also a much shorter flight. I still didn't believe the people in the exit row, but I never do.

The flight was smooth. It was the first time I'd been to Reagan National Airport. The last time I went to the District of Columbia, I flew into Baltimore. That required the train and the subway. I was kind of glad for the direct flight into Reagan this time since my train and subway skills are lacking. Mostly because last time I was in Washington was the first time I did it. Anyway, I digress (as usual).
The flight was very early and I got to the capital at around 9 o'clock. A full day ahead.

Arrival at Reagan National

Meeting me at the airport was my friend Courteney, who told me that she drove a "Grandma" car. Literally and figuratively. She said the car had been her grandmothers. I don't know what kind it was for the car enthusiasts. I must apologize. I try to get details for everyone, but I failed you on this occasion. So sorry. It was white, if that helps.

Courteney took me to her apartment and I put my bags down and met Buffy, a buff colored, energetic Cocker Spaniel that immediately takes to anyone that walks into her space in typical Cocker Spaniel style. She was adorable. And Courteney threatened to sneak her into my suitcase so that I could take her home with me. As tempting as that might be, I'm thinking five dogs are too many. Actually, four dogs are too many, but that is the current number at home.

Founding Farmers

After petting Buffy and chatting with Courteney for a bit, it was time to start our Washington adventure. I had my first experience on the bus in Washington. It wasn't bad. Caught it at Union Station and paid a dollar for my fare. So far, so good.

 First stop? Lunch, of course! I am afraid I must apologize. Apparently American food is not as intriguing as Ecuadorian food. I didn't take pictures of the food. I'll try to do better next time I travel.
The restaurant was lovely and we had a beautiful table upstairs. The restaurant itself was beautiful – lots of glass and very modern looking. A friend, Courteney's fitness trainer, a beautiful and tall woman, I believe from Ghana, joined us for lunch. It was a pleasure to visit with both of my lunching companions. The food was delicious and the premise behind Founding Farmers is that the food there comes direct from the farm to the table. Their website states that the restaurant is owned by a number of farmers across the Unites States. I had the roasted chicken served with potatoes and asparagus. It was yummy. One of their specialties is soda. They make their own on the premises. I didn't have one, but I tasted the grapefruit soda and it was very good.

The White House

We walked by the White House and had pictures taken by some nice people who were walking by and offered.

Courteney and I in front of the White House

National Museum of Women in the Arts

Courteney in front of the National Museum of Women in the Arts

Inside the National Museum for Women in the Arts - Beautiful!

Walking in Washington is the norm and we walked several blocks in the melting heat to the National Museum of Women in the Arts. The air conditioning was welcome and the art work was beautiful. It always amazes me what people can create. With their hands and with their minds. And women have the pulse of emotion behind their creations. Not that men can't be emotional, but it is often in a different way. Women as creators of not only life, but of art.

The building that houses the museum is astoundingly beautiful. It reminded me a little of some of the ornate embassies that I visited last year. Very feminine and very beautiful. That was a theme for the weekend. The beauty that all women possess – whether you are a plain Jane or if you look like a movie star, you have beauty – inside and outside. Just smile a true smile and look in a mirror and you will see your beauty shine through. I hope you do.

Okay, enough philosophy – let's get on with the trip.

Eb's Coffee House

We hopped on another bus and went back towards the apartment and stopped by Ebenezer's Coffee House for a cold soda on this hot day. Eb's as the locals affectionately call it, serves coffee with a cause. They serve fair trade coffee and they are owned and operated by National Community Church. All the profits from the Eb's goes toward community outreach projects. They have a basement area where meals are served to the homeless and church meetings take place. The cold Coke provided a nice break on a hot day and I enjoyed hearing a little about Eb's history and importance in the community.

Union Station

Union Station

 Not far from Eb's is Union Station and we walked around a bit there. Courteney stopped and talked to the homeless outside. I was impressed – she knows them by name and hugged a couple of them. Often as Christians we want to talk about community needs, but we don't really want to get our hands dirty. Courteney has been a Christian for about a year. She has a heart for others. It was uplifting to see her show her concern for others in such a small, but important way. I'm sure that it is rare that these people who hang out at Union Station because they have no place to live, feel the touch of another human being very often.

After Union Station, we went back to Courteney's apartment and spent the evening talking.

Time for bed and a new day on Saturday morning…