PHILADELPHIA AND WASHINGTON DC, USA
Weather: Left NYC on a bright, sunny and hot morning but, as we progressed south, there were clouds and heavy rain as we entered Washington DC.
We spent most of today on the bus travelling from New York city down to Washington DC.
We had a 1 and a half hour stop in Philadelphia and, boy oh boy, were the school kids out!! Thousands of them!! School bus after school bus after school bus full of school kids!!!
We had a quick tour around town from the bus then, our main aim was to at least get a photo of the Liberty Bell. There was a huge line of school kids to get in the building where the Bell is kept. We managed to get a photo through the window.
We then had a quick orientation of the surrounding historical area, including Benjamin Franklin's grave, then had time for a quick lunch .... all the while fighting the swarms of kids!! We were advised that we were to encounter school kids in Washington DC. Great. Just great.
Then it was back on the bus towards Waghington DC.
About an hour away from out destination, the heavens opened. Thank goodness we had a skilled driver as it was a pretty heavy downpour. Our guide advised that this is typical Washington weather and that it won't last long. She was oh so wrong. It continued all night.
Our hotel is the Washington Hilton. Famous for being the place where Ronald Reagan was shot. They have now built something like a mini garage over this spot with a roof and no doors so that when "special" people come to stay, the car can just drive up and safely deposit their passenger without anyone seeing who is in the car.
We managed to finally get to our hotel 10 minutes before we had to leave for our restaurant for dinner - as it was Friday, the traffice was really heavy. We had enough time to find our rooms, dump our stuff and leave again.
Most of us had our rain weather gear in our suitcases which were still under the bus. When we arrived at our restaurant - Clyde's - the bus couldn't park outside as there was no spot for it. We had to park across the street and around the corner. It was pouring with rain. By the time we were inside the restaurant we were soaked.
The food and service were great. I sat at a table with a couple named Maureen and Michael and a woman travelling on her own named Susie - all from Melbourne. Maureen and Michael were reluctant to sit with me at first as they were looking for a booth just for themselves. I had just sat down at the first booth I'd found as no one wanted me to sit with them. I didn't care. At least I had a table and anyone who wanted to sit was more than welcome. This often happens when travelling by yourself.
I haven't warmed up to any group yet but there are plenty of days ahead. There are no Dulcie and Steves, no Maureen and Tonys, and definetley no Marilyns in this bunch. Not even a Lorna and Donald. There is a woman sitting two seats away from me who has a really loud, annoying voice and won't shut up! Even when our guide is talking. Her hubby hardly says a word - probably because she's always talking!!
After dinner it was time to go back to the hotel and finally rest. It was pretty tough going as there was still peak hour traffic at 10pm.
Tomorrow we tour the city.
