Tuesday - train from NYC to Washington DC

We were super efficient this morning when packing up and checking out of our New York hotel, because we were not sure if the layout of nearby Penn Station and didn't want to be late for our 9.35 am train to Washington DC. As a result we were about half an hour too early, but at least that gave us plenty of time to purchase pastries and coffee from Zaro's for breakfast on the train. I chose a raspberry rugelach which was delicious. When the platform was announced there was a great rush, but James took the cases onto the train while I scouted ahead for seats, which were comfy and spacious. Soon we were on our way to Washington. The three hour train journey was great, down past Philadelphia and Baltimore with views of Chesapeake Bay; the Autumn colours of the trees looked spectacular in the sunshine.

We arrived in Washington to find it very warm - about 28 degrees C - on chatting to some people in a waterfront bar later we found out that this is unusually hot for October here. We checked into our hotel in Foggy Bottom (love it!) then went out and walked along Pennsylvania Avenue towards the centre to get our bearings and see a few sights. I think that Washington definitely has the feel of a capital city; there are of course many government buildings and monuments, and there were lots of suited business people strolling about, chatting. As the afternoon went on, out came the joggers! I have never seen so many of them, especially around the Washington Monument and the World War II Memorial. The Washington Monument is on a slight hill and it was a good vantage point to see the White House and the Capitol Building. 

Later on we went for a drink at the aforementioned waterfront bar at Washington Harbour, which is near our hotel. What an amazing and vibrant place! As well as hundreds more joggers there were lots of people enjoying a drink after work at one of the bars, or going on boats up and down the Potomac River. It was right on the flight path to the airport so of course James was loving watching all the planes coming in low, and there were helicopters buzzing around too, no doubt taking diplomats or dignitaries to the airport. We had dinner sitting outside at a great seafood restaurant called Tony and Joe's and someone at the next table tapped me on the shoulder to point out to us that the International Space Station was passing overhead - it was clearly visible! Very exciting day!