Arlington ImpressionsCopyright 2009 Matt Mortensen
Not only did I get to see D.C. on the fourth but I also made my first trip to Arlington National Cemetery. It was a very amazing experience to see all those tombstones that mark the final resting places of many men, women, and children who died defending American interests. Say what you want about international politics but you cannot take any honor or dignity from the sacrifice made by those brave souls. The most amazing part of the day was seeing the changing of the guard ceremony at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier. The Eternal Flame also was a sight that every American should
see as a remembrance of a past geopolitical reality.
The National Portrait Gallery is another enlightening place to visit. Technically, it was not allowed to take this picture to the left but I couldn't resist. There are two excellent wide-angle portraits by photographer Martin Schoeller of Obama and McCain taken for GQ magazine.
Another interesting exhibit is now on display at the Museum of Natural History and my friend and host is a volunteer in the lab at that Smithsonian exhibit. The exhibit shows the forensic evidence for exploring the 17th Century in the D.C. and northern Virginia area. Finally, I learned on this visit that no trip to D.C. is c
omplete without a stop at Ben's Chili Bowl! Barack Obama knew that and was spotted there within days of his election. Just a quick ride from the Mall to the U-street Metro station and a walk across the street gets you to Ben's...almost. You have to wait in line down the alley until the Doorman lets you in!! Their chili-half-smokes are delicious and the perfect power food to keep you sight-seeing all day long. The atmospher of this place is indescribable, it feels like the heartbeat of the 'real' D.C. starts right here. (Of coures, too many half-smokes will no doubt stop your own heart someday, but...c'est la vie)
see as a remembrance of a past geopolitical reality.
The National Portrait Gallery is another enlightening place to visit. Technically, it was not allowed to take this picture to the left but I couldn't resist. There are two excellent wide-angle portraits by photographer Martin Schoeller of Obama and McCain taken for GQ magazine.
Another interesting exhibit is now on display at the Museum of Natural History and my friend and host is a volunteer in the lab at that Smithsonian exhibit. The exhibit shows the forensic evidence for exploring the 17th Century in the D.C. and northern Virginia area. Finally, I learned on this visit that no trip to D.C. is c
omplete without a stop at Ben's Chili Bowl! Barack Obama knew that and was spotted there within days of his election. Just a quick ride from the Mall to the U-street Metro station and a walk across the street gets you to Ben's...almost. You have to wait in line down the alley until the Doorman lets you in!! Their chili-half-smokes are delicious and the perfect power food to keep you sight-seeing all day long. The atmospher of this place is indescribable, it feels like the heartbeat of the 'real' D.C. starts right here. (Of coures, too many half-smokes will no doubt stop your own heart someday, but...c'est la vie)
