So, here comes the Washington D.C. trip. First the preparations for the trip and the road maps and stuff. Here, driving is real trouble for people who don’t have a roadmap. With lots of highways of which I have seen the Interstate and State highways and lots of exits, it’s a bit confusing for beginners coz we generally tend to loose our nerves initially!! A funny incident happened with me while searching for the route and the location of our destination. Searched the distance between Malvern (source) and Washington (destination). The ‘mapquest’ (website) came up with a long route. It was then I came to know of the existence of a state called Washington and the difference between Washington State and the Washington D.C.!!!! Anyways…. So finally got ready with pre-trip requirements.
Got up at around 6. We had planned to leave at around 7. But due to unavailability of breakfast before 7.30, had to delay the start by an hour. So, finally started at 8. Then started the fun on roads. With a road map enlisting all the highways and exits to take and the approximate distance to travel along each of roads, our ‘Saarathy’ Aravinda started off with Sanjeev’s car following us. We drove and drove and drove.. But would it happen that we get succeded in first attempt? Na Na Na Na……… got caught up at a point and realised we have missed an exit. Waited for some directions, and took help from a cop. Finally we were on track back again. By then, both the cars had got separated. We reached D.C. at around 11.30 and then searched for a parking lot. Parked the car. And then we were ready to explore the Capital of USA. 
Our first point was the National Air and Space Museum. Therein is a wonderful display of the Rockets and AeroPlanes and Space Satellites and related stuff. Lots of videos were being played explaining and creating interest especially in children about the space, planets and stuff. It was good. Then planned to see an IMAX short documentary on the Landing on Moon. Was directed and acted by Tom Hanks. Wore the specs (for viewing 3D movies) and experienced the world of 3D movies for the first time. It was simply wonderful and just thought how much fun it would be to watch a proper Action or Horror movie with 3D effects!!!! ……. After that proceeded with some flight simulator stuff and models of ships carriages…… Then some pet puja at MacD outlet withing the Museum. And we got out at around 3 p.m.
Now with great anxiety proceeded towards the Natural History Museum. There was fine depiction of all Natural things/Beings, ranging from animals to plants, stones, gems, human body, etc…… Models of Dinosaurs, African Elephants, Giant Bears, etc.. Just perfect for kids!!! Ya….. By then was bit bored of these things as they were all artificial (except for the stone and gems)… Anyways wrapped it up in an hour or so… And then proceeded to see the Washington Memorial. It was nothing but a long pillar with flags around it. Nothing great though for a visitor, but definitely it may be meaning lot for them. However, the cool breeze and the bright sunshine brought a kind of serenity and peace to that place. There were seats to just lie down and watch the big jumbo tower!!!! The moment was/is worth preserving!.
And straight opposite to this memorial stood the WHITE HOUSE shining bright and reflecting the light as sun dawned exactly opposite to it!! There didnt seem to be much of security though near it. But there might have been a lot of hidden security measures, maybe!!! Anyways, took some snaps and by then it was 7.00 p.m. Then we decided to take the dinner and leave as ppl didnt wanted to stay late and drive!!. So, as we walked back to our car, we found all the roads deserted. Thought some election campaingn or what? On enquiring learnt that there was a Cancer Walk scheduled. So, we decided to stop somewhere and watch for some time. I was just taken aback seeing the amount of participation by the people. Right from kids to elderly ppl.. all were participating. Great Enthu yaar and that too for a right cause. A peaceful walk with all holding balloons that had a blinking led within! Felt good to see such a sight especially when its not politically provoked and all the ppl irrespective of gender, sex, religion, cast, creed take part for the betterment of religion called “Humanity”!!!… Ok so, then we went back to the parking lot. Had our dinner. Waited for the roads to become clear, went back to the other car (they had parked somewhere far) and then left back towards home.. Maa kasam kya nazara tha raston par!!!… I mean the car lights on the highway and the roads at night!!! And this time I was the guide with the map in hand and directing our driver saab. 
We reached back home by midnight.
Wasn’t feeling sleepy so saw ‘Shiva’. …….. And slept at around 3.00 a.m. Thus ended my first visit outside Malvern!!!
Now well have taken picture of myself infront of White House. Ab soch raha hoon MAMU ke saath photu edit kara loon White House ke saamne khade hoke….. arey bole to BUSH ke saath ekdum dhinchaak photu!!!!!
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