Travel Journal

When you’re on a coach tour, you certainly can’t complain about not making the most of your time!

Yesterday, we managed to squeeze in almost every major memorial in Washington, DC: Lincoln, Washington, Jefferson, World War II, the Korean War, Vietnam, and the Holocaust. We also visited the White House and the Capitol, crossed the Potomac to Arlington National Cemetery, and stopped by the Kennedy Centre. To top it all off, we had dinner at the glamorous Georgetown waterfront. Phew!

Our guide, Michelle, was fantastic. She had a strong patriotic streak, with a father, husband, and kids all having served in the military. That probably explains the focus on the memorials. We learned a lot from her, and it was our first experience with the “follow the brolly” style of coach tours. Michelle’s command of “and we’re walking” became our signal to move on.

DC is seriously impressive, as you’d expect from the centre of the federal government. The downtown area is spotless, with no rubbish or graffiti. Every building looks like it’s been steam-cleaned daily, and the number of free attractions is amazing. There are 18 Smithsonian Museums in DC alone! I imagine you don’t have to go far from the centre to see signs of poverty, but the parts diplomats and tourists see are very imposing.

One of the great things about DC is that all the main sights are located in a walkable area. We visited the National Air and Space Museum on the Mall, which, although looking a bit tired, was still amazing. Their newer hangar, the Steven F. Udvar-Hazy Centre near Dulles International Airport, is fantastic. It has the SR-71 Blackbird, an Air France Concorde, and the Space Shuttle Discovery. The American History Museum is a must-see, and the Newseum, an interactive museum of news and journalism, is well worth a visit even though it’s not free.

Exploring DC on foot made everything feel more connected. Walking between the monuments and museums, we got to soak in the atmosphere of the city. The National Mall, with its wide-open spaces and beautifully maintained grounds, made it easy to navigate from one sight to the next. Plus, seeing everything up close gave us a real appreciation for the history and significance of these landmarks.

The Lincoln Memorial was particularly moving. Standing at the foot of the massive statue, looking out over the Reflecting Pool towards the Washington Monument, it was easy to feel the weight of history. The Vietnam Veterans Memorial, with its simple yet powerful design, was another highlight. The wall of names, reflecting the faces of visitors, created a sombre and reflective experience.

The White House was another highlight. Although we couldn’t go inside, seeing it in person was thrilling. The sense of history and power associated with the building is palpable. Nearby, the Capitol Building stood majestically, symbolising the heart of American democracy.

Crossing the Potomac River to Arlington National Cemetery was a humbling experience. The sheer number of graves, each marked with a simple white headstone, was a stark reminder of the sacrifices made by so many. Visiting the Kennedy gravesite and seeing the eternal flame was particularly poignant.

Dinner at the Georgetown waterfront was the perfect end to a busy day. The area is lively, with a great selection of restaurants and a beautiful view of the Potomac River. It was nice to relax and enjoy a good meal after all the walking.

All in all, our walking tour of Washington, DC, was an unforgettable experience. The city’s rich history, impressive monuments, and well-maintained public spaces made it a pleasure to explore. If you ever get the chance, I highly recommend visiting DC and taking a walking tour to really immerse yourself in all it has to offer.