Washington, DC: April 2019
Took a break from the conference with Dr. Grant and decided to check out DC. Decent enough breakfast at Astro Doughnuts, where the seasonal cherry blossom donut was pretty but way too sweet inside, and the chicken sandwich was its usual solid self.
Stopped at the National Archives and the National Art Gallery, both of which were great places to visit-- although photography was mostly frowned upon. Long lines for the Constitution meant we skipped it due to time constraints, as did a lack of interest in the Leonardo Da Vinci at the National Art Gallery (oops!). Instead the focus was on American art, most of which was surprisingly good. Some was... odd, but not as much as expected. The Library of Congress, Thomas Jefferson building was next, in particular the interior architecture, emphasized by the Main Reading Room. As famous as the Main Reading Room is, the lobby was equally overdone!
The US Capitol, the Department of Justice, and the Supreme Court were viewed from the outside only, with the inscriptions on the DoJ being particularly compelling in today's political environment.
Caught up with Cousin Matt and his better half at The Diner, which was home to ridiculous portions of both food and milkshakes. I might skip the tater tots next time, but most of the rest was decent or better. Hit the rather quaint Washington Auto Show after lunch, where the small size meant they had three (!) indoor driving (well, riding) events, then wandered the streets of DC for a dinner place without a wait. Ended up with a decent beer and dinner at Capitol City Brewing.