Arlington National Cemetery

This was my sixth or seventh visit to the D.C. area. With each visit I check off another museum or monument on my D.C. "must see" landmark list. Arlington National Cemetery has been on my list for a while. I was surprised to discover that the cemetery hosts 25 funerals daily. I didn't see one during my short visit, but did hear a 21 gun salute in the distance. My Arlington tour was cut short by rain. I was fortune enough to see the changing of the guard at the Tomb of the Unknowns before departing. It is an inspiring display of precision and tradition. I will move Arlington to the top of my travel itinerary during my next stay in D.C.

Travel Tip #4 - Hotel Savings

I don't know many people that use an actual travel agent these days. The Internet has changed so many aspects of our lives, especially travel. If you are willing to do your own planning and booking you can save significant amounts. Most airlines offer discounts booking your flight via their website. Delta.com offers not only savings by booking online, but also additional Skymiles for using their website. The same is true of other airlines. During my last trip to D.C. I used a service that allows buyers to specify their own price for hotels, airlines, and other travel related services. I was able to get a four star hotel for 53% off the lowest price I could find online or contacting the hotel directly. The price was slightly lower than some two star hotels I was considering. The location was convenient to restaurants, the Metro, and downtown. I had expected a small room in a poor location. I was pleasantly surprised to find the room was very large and had a view of the pool and the Washington Monument. I will be using the service for future U.S. trips.

Below are a list of online services I have used for discounted travel.


Expedia
Orbitz
Travelocity
Priceline

Pics - Washington, D.C.

These are a few pics taken during my trip to Washington, D.C. in April 2006.

Protests!

It seems everywhere I go lately I end up in the middle of a protest. And no they aren't protesting over something I have done. I have somehow stumbled upon protests in London, Atlanta, Tokyo, and now Washington. I was near the White House yesterday when I stumbled upon a protest. The closer I came to the White House the larger the protest grew. There were thousands of Chinese protesting human rights violations during President Hu Jinato's visit. Most of the protesters were Falun Gong followers. They claim the Chinese Government has been imprisoning and torturing their followers. They claim the communist government has gone as far harvesting organs from living prisoners. Some of the photographic evidence they held up was rather graphic and disturbing. I made my way through the crowd of protesters taking pictures. A Chinese teen came up to me and handed me a plastic U.S. flag. I thanked her in one of the few Chinese phrases I know "shieh shieh" (thank you). I can't help but think that this U.S. Flag was probably made in China. Perhaps this small symbolic gesture is a foreshadow of our economic future.

A useful new Washington Department?...Nope

At first glance I thought this was a federal department that helped reign in government spending. Hell no. I should have known better. The United Stated currently has an eight+ trillion dollar debt hanging over our heads. With that being the case that would mean they aren't doing a very good job. It turns out instead that this department oversees savings and banking. While typing this letter the government has spent over half a million dollars. To pay off the current debt each man woman and child would have to give over $28 thousand. That amount grows every few minutes.

D.C. Bound

I am leaving for Washington, D.C. Tomorrow. This is my 6th or 7th visit to D.C. I don't really have an agenda for this trip. Most of my free time will be visiting museums and memorials. I do want to spend a little more time at the National World War II Memorial. I spent a short time on the memorial the last time I was in D.C. , but it wasn't as much as I would have liked. If time permits, I will finally visit Arlington. It has been on my list of "things to see in D.C." since my first visit. Hopefully this time I will be able to check it off.

As usual I am up late doing laundry because I put it off until the last minute. I will post more updates and pics over the next couple of days.

Atlanta Dogwood Festival

I always enjoy art festivals. It gives me a chance to stare at bad art while eating food on a stick. After all, food is always better on a stick. Atlanta's Piedmont Park hosts the Dogwood Festival every Spring. It is one of the premiere arts festivals in the Southeast. Crap art made out of popsicle sticks are nowhere to be found. This stuff is top shelf. Talented artists from all over the country hock their pottery, paintings, metal art, glass, photography, and other artwork. Besides having great art for sale there is of course food on a stick. Above are some pics taken at the festival. The first pic is the ever changing skyline of Midtown Atlanta. The second pic is some of the tasty food vendors. Lastly a pic of food on a stick. Mmm...Fried stick goodness. I give the Dogwood Festival one of my highest recommendations.

More Updates Coming

I will be traveling to the D.C. area and possible back to Europe over the next few weeks. Photos, thoughts, and other tidbits will be posted then.