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Washington DC National Mall is a magnificent travel destination
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The train ride
We had been a passenger on every type of transport except trains and space shuttles and we wanted to change-up. We eliminated becoming stowaways on a space shuttle because neither of us have a space suit in our wardrobes and opted to take an Amtrak train ride from Tampa to Washington DC. This proved to be an interesting mode for travel; however it is unlikely we will repeat the experience – at least not in this particular life.
For one thing, railroads often snake through the least attractive sections of cities so passengers view scenery like power plants, steel smelts and auto graveyards all along the way. While the scenery was often mundane or ghetto-gritty outside the train, it became downright bizarre in the coach. Somewhere in South Carolina I decided to take a nap. I was about to close my eyes when I noticed a disheveled long-haired man in dirty jeans and a wrinkled denim shirt moving carry-on luggage around in the overhead compartment about six rows ahead of ours. I remembered seeing him as we boarded and the only luggage he carried was a tattered backpack.
I wondered why he was making such a fuss with the luggage up there but finally dozed off. A few moments later I heard some commotion and opened a weary lid for a look around. He noticed my raised brow observation and grinned like an inmate escapee from his perch up in the overhead luggage shelf. He still had several teeth and deep lines accented the comically inane expression on his otherwise rutty face.
I elbowed Leigh and her eyes opened wide as she put her hand to her lips either to smother a giggle or showcase her shock. Eventually the man stretched out, laying his head on the grungy backpack, and went to sleep. I resumed my own slumber modified only by an occasional one-eyed glance to determine if the loon had moved any closer to us. He never did and a conductor eventually showed up and asked him to take a seat. He de-boarded in the next town to the relief of all. It reminded me of one the Andy Griffith Show episodes when Earnest T. Bass came down from the hills to harass Mayberry residents.
Union Station
Union Station itself was the first tourist site that we explored upon our arrival in DC. Over 32 million people pass through Union station in Washington DC each year. There are two concourse levels that include shopping, dining and many stores. Union Station opened on October 27, 1908 and the structure is a world famous example of Beaux-Arts architecture.
Seventy pounds of 22-karate gold leaf are decoratively embedded in the 96-foot barrel vaulted, coffered ceilings. The white granite and classic style of Union Station are reminiscent of Washington's Classic architecture and are reflected in the lines of the Washington and Jefferson Memorials and the Supreme Court building. The original cost of construction was a whopping $125 million for the Station, its fountain and surrounding amenities.
National Mall
I visited the Vietnam Veterans Memorial Wall and looked up the names of friends including a few from my old unit that were killed while I was in Vietnam. We also visited the memorials of every American war. This was personally moving, a place of great respect where pent emotions are often released in the tears of American warriors.
Whether it is exploring the extensive array of museums, touring the Capital Building and White House, or visiting the many monuments and memorials in Washington, one needs to arrange for at least a three day stay. Comfortable walking shoes are a must because the National Mall is rather large in scope and size.
Near the Dulles International Airport at the Smithsonian National Air and Space Museum, visitor's can see a myriad of famous and interesting American air and space craft, from the Enola Gay to the Space Shuttle Enterprise The museum is located near the airport in the Steven F. Udvar-Hazy Center and houses hundreds of aircraft and space craft. Close by, but a real moonshot for aviation buffs.
After a thorough tour of our Capital, most visitors come away with a more complete perspective of our country. The greatest representation and largest collection of authentic artifacts of America’s journey from tiny colony to colossal country are in Washington DC. It is so much larger than the political noise of today’s politics. I recommend this travel destination for all people and especially to all Americans because it is our common heritage.
One thing though. You might want to fly or drive to avoid Amtrak’s version of One Flew Over the Cuckoo’s Nest.
*contact for freelance assignments lclifton@etcmail.com
