Washington, D.C. / President's Day, 2008

Traveling with U. S. Anime, I visited our national capital over President's Day weekend in 2008. Katsucon (the trade show I staffed) drew about 9,500 people - squarely in the regional range (4 - 8 range for national popularity). While business proceeded smoothly I had enough time to spend three days traveling. For domestic travel I aim for three days, hitting fifteen major sites. In D.C. I hit my mark.

UNUS

I began with a trip to Congress, the seat of the legislative branch of the Federal Government. I visited first the office of Senator Barbara Boxer, to get my floor passes. The Senate session was sleepy, with just two senators speaking on Indian Affairs. The House session was much more interesting, as Representative Boehner (R - Iowa) led a Republican walk-out on the floor. I toured the Congressional Offices after watching the debate, visiting the office of Congressman Ron Paul (R - Texas) and Congressman Jeff Flake (R - Arizona). The Supreme Court of the United States was just across the street, allowing me to visit the hallowed seat of the Judicial Branch. I ended with a visit to the White House, the seat of the Executive.

DUO

The Dwight D. Eisenhower Executive Offices was the starting site of my second day, a massive building that houses many of our nations brightest political minds. Then it was across the national gallery to visit the Federal Reserve, home of Chairman Ben Bernanke (considered by some to be the most powerful man in the world). The National Academy of Sciences Executive Council neighbored the Fed, but was less powerful than the awe-inspiring Vietnam War Memorial just across the plaza. The National Gallery itself (a stretch of fields leading from the White House to the Lincoln Memorial) was another major highlight.

TRES

My final day allowed enough time to visit the Lincoln Memorial, the overall highlight of the trip. The morning also allowed a visit to the Jefferson Memorial, which was not as impressive despite an admitted bias toward the man. The Washington Monument was spectacular not only for the monument itself, but for the unobstructured visibility of the National Gallery. The Federalist Society was located in a modest environment, but was a real pleasure to visit. My final destination D.C. was the massive National Cathedral, for a recital.