[Because we're doing this entry from a very slow internet connection, there will be no pictures attached to it. We will add the pictures to this entry when we have access to a broadband connection. Sorry!]
We're not sure what we expected from Washington DC, but what we got was certainly not it. Sterling drove us there, braving both thundery heat and the monstrous traffic jam that took hours to negotiate - thanks again, Sterl, you are the Hero!
Instead of a cool government center we found ourselves in a colorful, human-sized and very green and international city. Wanting to take full use of the fine weather, we did a walking tour of the essential sights and landmarks, finally arriving at the Lincoln Memorial for a wonderful sunset finish (along with about a thousand other tourists but that didn't matter none). It was a very emotional sightseeing for some in our team, and the boys certainly outdid themselves, walking on in the punishing heat just to see the legendary landmarks.
The following two days were spent partly indoors, visiting the hugely impressive Smithsonian museums and the US Capitol. The White House we only saw from the outside, and the master of the house was away on business anyway ;-) And while we were there, Marko met his Facebook friend Sam, another prog-oriented amateur musician. We had a nice chat in the sun, and maybe some day we'll meet up by the Baltic!
It was only a brief three-night stay but we were very taken with the colors and the lively, friendly feel of the capital. The horrible metro crash on June 22 did cloud our feelings somewhat (it was the line that we used to travel, too), but it would feel odd to think we will never return there... so, DC - until next time!
The plane from the Baltimore-Washington airport took us to Michigan in just over an hour, and it was so good to see familiar faces waiting for us in Detroit! Reko above all was just the happiest boy alive to finally be back in a place he knows. And we have certainly basked in Jack and Jeannette's warmth and hospitality: eating good, playing out a lot (the battle for mid-Michigan's badminton championship turned in Annu's favor) and so on. And we've had the chance to hook up with several old friends from earlier trips, so it's been fab (Hi Juanita, Jeanne & Greg + Allison & Candace and Karen & Keith!).
The kids next door, Kristen and Kory, had been expecting us and they had lots of fun with our boys! Kristen taught Reko and Atte the secrets of Nintendo DS and the rules of kickball. Kory soaked everyone totally and took his share like a man :) It was fabulous, and we had the feeling that the kids will truly miss each other after this, just like with Rachel and John in Virginia.
The heat that was almost unbearable for several days is finally lifting. It's a swimming day tomorrow, and Tuesday will be busy, with Allison's double header softball game topping the bill. And on Wednesday, it's Annu's time to take the lead: she will drive our gang to Toronto! We're looking forward to Canada - the news of the municipal workers' strike in Toronto and the subsequent cancellations of many big Canada Day events may be downers, but altogether secondary in the long run.
So, saying goodbyes is drawing near, again, and it's not gonna get any easier no matter how many times you do it.
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