Lucked out at the hotel and ended up with a room to myself rather than bundled in with a  roomie so some calm before the storm of 21 days on the tour. And typically one of worst nights sleep in had all trip. Putting it down to excitement and the chemicals they put in coca cola here…

Headed down to the Lobby to meet the group and all a lovely bunch! First friend I made in the queue for breakfast was actually on a different tour so that was a total fail, but the 12 others were all as bubbly and excitable as I’d hoped. Four very grounded and lovely under 21s and the rest mid 20s as expected.

Boarded the bus and made our way across town to our first stop Philadelphia. Waved “Good morning Baltimore” as we crossed the bridge into state.

First stop was the Philadelphia Art museum aka the steps that Rocky runs up. We all did comedy reenactment and I managed not to fall over…win!!! Snaps with the man himself and back on the bus to complete the drive down to D.C.

 

Stopped off en route to see the Liberty Bell and the site of Washington and Adams’ former home. Very interesting accompanying museum and a beautiful day to explore. I walked up to see the grave site of Benjamin Franklin and we chilled in the sunshine before getting back on the road again.

We went for lunch at a complete dive on the side of the road which you never would have stopped at had we not been with our guide. All in aid of sampling Philadelphia’s favourite dish – the famous Philly Cheese Steak! It was literally a sandwich the size of my forearm! so ridiculous! Managed less than half. it was nice but didn’t blow my mind, was missing “owt moist” as Peter Kay would say. Get some mustard or mayo or something new there lads! you’ve had years to perfect it! Also neither “provelone” nor “American” are types of cheese?! Have a word!!

Arrived in Washington around 5pm so enough time for an explore of the Hostel…yes hostel. Oh how I have missed them so!!! Pretty lucky as 10 girls on the trip so all bundled in the same dorm room without any randoms which is fine. Dinner and all in bed by 10 as we were shattered. Busy day ahead tomorrow.

Bright and early start to the day as lots to see. I asked if we could stop off at Ford’s theatre on the way down to the Mall. Sparked confusion amidst some of the group…”where are we going”? “oh were going to a theatre where some dude was shot apparently”…..that’ll be the “dude” that abolished slavery and was one of the most pivotal presidents in American history we joked (50% joking, 50% horrified!). Bless her!

Got to the Mall and started with the Washington monument. Very striking. Next stop was the World War II memorial, an interesting American take on the history of how they won the entire war (just a few years late to the party eh!!!) Next up the Reflecting Pool, the a huge lake which leads up the Mall. Made famous by the “Jennnnnnny” scene in Forrest Gump where she wades though it at the peace rally.

Top of the lake is at Lincoln Memorial and one of the highlights of our trip to D.C. Really awesome monument and great to see in the flesh

The afternoon was spent wandering the Smithsonian institute – which is a series of museums in a row much like in South Kensington. We stopped at the Natural History museum, air and space museum and the museum of American art & national portraits. Visited the Hall of Presidents gallery and saw the greats. Also heard a grown American woman turn to her husband and ask why does Bush have 2 portraits?”…..well one is Bush Jr and one Bush Snr…”but yeah why are there 2 one of him,where he’s young and one where he’s old?!”…..jesus wept!

Next stop was Capitol hill, unfortunately covered in scaffolding whilst extensive repairs are completed but got the jist. We also stopped in to see the Supreme Court and the Library of Congress, both beautiful buildings and a welcome shelter from the sun.

Popped in to see if Barack was home but he is currently on a 3 day visit to the UK, must remember to let him know we’re coming next time!

I have walked 35,000 steps today, in flat strappy sandals…and shorts (who even am I anymore?!?!) Been a really busy but great way to explore the city on our one day here though.

Before our epic drive down, we stopped on route at Arlington Cemetery. We visited the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier and saw the changng of guard, very  poignant ceremony accompanied by “imagine if the guard just totally stacked it” from the stands……oh dear! haha! Also stopped off to see the grave of JFK and Jackie O, where an eternal flame burns between them in a quintessentially American ott kind of way. Fascinating all the same.

Team have been seriously entertaining, on hand for lots of laughs and to provide fun facts like “did you know your earlobes are the same width apart as your nipples”…so it’s keeping the trip interesting! Begin the journey down south tomorrow, adventure continues!