We spent our winter in Maine, catching up on visits, doctor's appointments, and miscellaneous. We then decided we'd do a trip through the other side of the world, down to Australia then over to Southeast Asia. But we thought we might enjoy taking the long way to the West Coast, taking an extended train trip though the U. S. So, we took the bus to Boston where we boarded the Acela line to Washington DC. It was an excellent opportunity to reacquaint ourselves with the Capitol and visit our good friend Robin while we were there.

Train travel is so much more relaxing than flying! No long security waits, no struggles with baggage, and plenty of leg room! Not to mention the scenery is gorgeous.

D. C. turned out to be insanely hot -- especially considering it was only April! But it did mean that trees and blossoms were in full bloom, and it was beautiful.

We love gardens, and visit them wherever we go. The U. S. Botanical Garden is the oldest continuously operating public garden in the States. George Washington was instrumental in it establishmet.

As with so much in the Capitol, the Gardens are stunning. The grounds are spacious and wll laid out . . .

. . . and the many different biomes represented have beautiful displays of plants from all over the world.

Our friend Robin sings professionally, and performed at a Sunday concert in Mount Vernon. Heavenly voices!

The National Arboretum is introduced by this spectacular expanse of Corinthian columns. This spectacular garden was inagurated by Calvin Coolidge in 1927.

This old sailor still gets a bit of a thrill visiting the statue of the Unknown Sailor.

D. C.'s a great city for architecture. Here the Greater Mount Zion Baptist Church dominates the area near Stanton Park.

While visiting the National Gallery of Art, we were drawn to Philip Guston's sketches of Nixon and his pals.

We love street art. Here a very striking example we found just off H Street.

Another garden! Kenilworth Park and Aquatic Gardens is a serene gem nestled in a green space near the Maryland border. It's a great place to visit and experience tranquility!