Washington in 48 hours – My bucket list

With only 48 hours in Washington DC, I had a short bucket list of things I had to see which would capture the city for me. I believe this shortlist will give a well rounded idea of what’s what. These were explicitly gained by gathering intel from previous travellers to the capitol of the US. I then thoroughly combined their ideas with my own interpretation of the best way to quickly submerge myself in the culture.

My conclusions were justified when on approaching the decided upon sights, I was delighted to hear how many of the so called tourists were Americans themselves. Unfortunately this also included bus loads of school children learning about their history ahead of their summer holiday break.

1. Air and Space Museum

I am energised by travel. Space travel: the pursuit by the human race to enter the vast heavens and discover our closest neighbour, the moon. The ultimate form of travel, zero crowds, best views and only for a select few. I need a glimpse into this world, therefore, a visit to the Air and Space museum close to Dulles international airport made a logical choice. This was the first stop in my race to experience the essence of Washington DC.

I would not be satisfied until my eyes wandered across the tiled exterior of the Discovery spacecraft and imagined fire shooting out of the rear jets. The knowledge that this vehicle has been to the outer limits of my known world is too much, and I pass out at its sight…just kidding. I would need to touch it for that to happen. I am surrounded by space suits, satellites, rockets and old mission stations. The mission station computer has the strength of my old Nokia 3330. My current cellphone has 100× more power than my old Nokia, imagine what I could control in space.

The large main hangar has old WW2 Japanese and Nazi planes, America’s smallest plane, Vietnam war choppers and a Boeing. Biplanes, hang gliders and my personal favourite, a stealth spy plane. Did I mention a Concorde? Wherever you look are jets or propellers.

An added bonus on my 48 hour quest through Washington is a monument to recent and memorable history, the Red Bull Stratos. Shiny and steadfast, returned to sender (earth in this case), the mighty victor having delivered Felix Baumgartner to his destiny of becoming the first man to break the sound barrier without a powered vehicle. This museum is a tribute to where our curiosity can take us.

2. Arlington Cemetery

My quest to capture the essence of Washington leads over the bridge that traverses the Potomac River. On the opposite bank, we are delivered into the silent rows of white crosses that comprise a vast majority of Arlington Cemetery. So many young soldiers have fought and died for this country, it is no wonder they have this space to honour their deaths.

A constant flame flickers at the JFK burial site. His famous words and those wise utterances of many others who have passed on, forever transcribed into slabs of marble for all to read. The Tomb of the Unknown Soldier is watched both day and night. The lonely soldier marches silently, slowly with the occasional click of the heel. His steps wear into the surface below him as this picture is etched into my soul.

3. Walking Capitol Hill and the National Mall

The 48 hour tour through Washington has led me to the conclusion that the city feels a bit like a tomb. Down every street is a memorial made of marble and rows upon rows of columns dedicated to one of the many fathers of America. Most of the famous buildings have that cold stare that white marble gives, the sullen carvings on the precipices don’t help the picture being formed in the recesses of my mind.

Fortunately,  this city dedicated to days gone is a hive of activity with people playing ultimate Frisbee in the greenery between the memorials, running or playing soccer. The houses in Capitol Hill have been painted in a variety of colours and the everpresent Capitol Bikeshare bicycles, create a splash of red against the stark background.

I am here in the rain so there is a further splash of colour from the multitude of umbrellas in use to maintain the wet at arms length. The aroma of grinding coffee can be experienced at just the right corner when the rain is beginning to seep just a little too deep and you need respite from the pitter patter.

I was delighted to come across little postboxes posing as libraries on my rainy walk. Small local libraries, take a book, replace it with another. I recon it says something about the community and I love it. I need more time for the people, this place isn’t just about the marble statues, the colourful evidence is visible .

4. Attempt to fist pump Abe

Apparently the best time to see the memorials is late in the evening when they come to life with the warmth of electric light. Lit up, fewer throngs and locals enjoying the space. This is better.

I walk toward the one memorial I want to see up close and personal. At night, the Statue of Abraham Lincoln looks like it is floating amongst the columns. Small groups of people sit on the stairs deep in conversation and the occasional roar of laughter. All are enjoying the evening out and about.

When I reach the top of the stairs, my hope is dashed, I was hoping to hop up and give Abe a fist pump but alas, my cousin was right, I’m not even tall enough to tickle his toes. This is one large tribute. The acoustics in this shrine are unbelievable, so instead I let the Africa out of me and bid my farewell to Abe by humming a portion of Miriam Makebe’s Click click song.

I’m deep in thought as I descend the steps and look up to see Washington’s memorial reflect off the water of the pool of reflection, a yellow needle reaching up into the sky. I wonder what people really think of this memorial to a man that championed slavery. But I keep that thought to myself. My last sightseeing for the night is the White House which, bathed in the light of this late hour, looks more yellow than white. Shadows are bouncing off its walls but the tall fence guarded by men clad in black protect the Obama’s, who are probably tucked in for the night. I doubt it is a very restful sleep, a different kind of enemy is steadily approaching…Trump is on his tailcoat.

Good night Mr President and goodbye America. Til my next visit.