Travel

Tips for Washington, D.C.

Angel BoucherLeave a comment

After spending several days in Washington, D.C., I have a few tips for anyone considering the trip.

Do Not Rent A Car, Instead Buy A Metro Pass

Unless you plan to travel outside of Washington, D.C. (Jamestown, Philadelphia, etc.). I do not recommend renting a car. Aside from the cost of renting a car, parking is extremely expensive. Parking is extremely limited within the city, so finding a spot is more of a hassle than just walking.

I highly recommend buying an unlimited Metro pass. I used the 7-day unlimited pass. It made traveling around the city and the surrounding areas easy. It likely saved me a good $100. The metro is easy to use and understand. They also have an app that you can download temporarily to help navigate around town. Using Google Maps also helps you find the closest Metro stations.

Stay Outside the City

To save money, especially if staying over several days, I recommend staying outside the city center. Places like Herndon and Reston are near the airport and the Metro. You can find hotels with shuttle service to save money, or you can take the Metro from the airport to the hotel. Staying outside of Washington, D.C. will save you hundreds of dollars. Yes, the metro takes a bit of time to get from point A to point B, but if planned right, it is worth the distance.

Do Not Use Capital Bikeshare

Although the concept behind it is nice, it is more of a hassle than helpful. I bought the unlimited pass. It is misleading. You can only ride unlimited for 45 minutes at a time. It takes you almost 45 minutes to get anywhere with the mass amounts of crowds in the city. By the time you check out the bike, go to a couple of places, and come back, you’re well into your day. I was charged over $20 on top of the $8 unlimited pass. They charge you by the minute. It is a ripoff, especially if you’re just trying to explore and enjoy your time. Instead, I recommend either planning your trip with walking and Metro in mind or using an Uber in extreme cases. Uber rides aren’t that expensive. I would still only recommend those for travel across the city (e.g., from the Library of Congress to the Washington Monument).

Tickets in Advance

I recommend purchasing as many event tickets in advance as possible (e.g., the Holocaust Museum, the Washington Monument). I recommend waking up early to ensure you have an opportunity to visit some of these limited opportunities.

I would also get tickets to the Capitol and try for a White House Tour well in advance of your trip. If you reach out to your local representatives, they do a great job at preparing you for the trip. Although I wasn’t able to visit the White House on this trip because of Memorial Day weekend and the debt ceiling debate, others were lucky enough to tour it.

Plan Accordingly – Not Everything Is Close; Holidays Are Tough

I grossly underestimated the number of people on Memorial Day weekend. I know if I had attended another weekend, it may not have been so crowded. Granted, I had once-in-a-lifetime opportunities there (Tomb of the Unknown Soldier Flower Laying, Parades, etc.), but it threw a wrench in my timing. Because of this, I ended up seeing fewer things than I had planned.

I also recommend planning things close together. I underestimated how big the city was. There is no way to walk around the entire city to see everything in one day, much less several days. I walked an average of 9 miles a day, and I still couldn’t see everything in three days. Pick the events, monuments, memorials, and sites that mean the most to you and plan around those first.

Prepare for Weather

I made the mistake of packing the light with only one pair of shoes. I recommend sneakers, but bring at least two pairs. Although I knew rain was a possibility, I didn’t expect a downpour. I would bring a purse-sized umbrella just in case and have a plan for where to go if it rains. I enjoyed the moment and lived in the moment. I accepted my fate of being poured on. It’s not an experience for everyone, though.

Hydrate

You will do so much walking that you may forget to hydrate. Although street vendors are everywhere, trying to sell you water, it’s expensive. I would carry some water with you to ensure you do not get dehydrated from all the walking you will do. On some days, it will be extremely humid too, with the moisture from the river. You don’t want to get ripped off by someone selling a $1 bottle of water for $6.

Journey to Washington, D.C. – Day 4 (Jamestown Settlement, Historic Jamestowne, Colonial Williamsburg)

Angel BoucherLeave a comment

This would be my final day in the Washington, D.C. area. One of the reasons I wanted to visit this city so badly was to see the actual historical context of the people who lived during those times. In doing so, I knew I had to visit Colonial Williamsburg and Jamestown. To do that, I had to rent a car! It was the only time I would drive a car while on this trip!

Jamestown Settlement

My first stop would be Jamestown Settlement. This was first on my list because it best represented the period when people lived, as accurately as possible, through replication.

I paid for several site passes ($119). Although I wouldn’t necessarily recommend this, it worked for me. As a teacher, I wanted to bring back as much information as I could into my classes or my peers’ classes.

Walking in, they did a fabulous job replicating the buildings, jobs, and boats of the time. Everything was sized to the period. They dressed in the 1600s and 1700s. They were extremely informative and included many hands-on activities.

Historic Jamestowne

Historic Jamestowne is the site of the original settlement. This was probably the best visit to date. Although much of the history has been torn down, broken down, etc., archaeologists were there digging and finding new artifacts. We were able to walk through original graves, churches, homes, and more. It felt very surreal walking the same grounds as those from history books, knowing the struggles they had during that period.

Colonial Williamsburg

Colonial Williamsburg was probably one of the sites I was most excited about seeing, but it ended up being the most disappointing part of my visit. It was so disappointing that I left after just a couple of sites. I do not recommend this site at all, which is why I do not recommend the big, expensive site pass.

When I visit places like this, I expect to see history. When I arrived, they said this was a real town built around a historic one. They supposedly had a ton of historical elements within the town. As I walked around, though, almost nothing was historical. What was historical was replicated and not original. It was a bunch of people playing dress up while regurgitating information we learned in history class. I wanted to see artifacts. I wanted to see historical markers. Instead, I saw modern cars driving through town, hotels, and other modern things that took away from the love of history.

Overall, it was a nice visit, but I wouldn’t say Washington, D.C., was my favorite. Follow up for another posting for some reviews or tips if you plan to visit!

Journey to Washington, D.C. – Day 3 (City Center – Supreme Court, Capitol Building, Smithsonian, Holocaust Museum, and Library of Congress)

Angel BoucherLeave a comment

I knew this was going to be my last day in the city. I had one more long trip I wanted to take before I left the area, so I had to make the most of my time in D.C. today. Yesterday was completely exhausting, but I was going to make use of every moment and opportunity.

Supreme Court

My first stop was to see the Supreme Court. Unfortunately, they were closed to the public the day I went (Memorial Day), but I was glad to have seen it in person. One of my dreams growing up was to be a lawyer. I made the mistake of talking myself out of it. I regret it quite often, but I also believe everything happens for a reason. The Supreme Court always held a special place in my heart – not only because of my dreams, but also because of the things fought for in that building and on those steps.

Capitol Building

With the help of Representative John Carter, I was able to schedule a tour of the Capitol Building. I didn’t realize how big the building was until I arrived there. I stood there in awe, thinking about how this was built long ago, burned down, and rebuilt with minimal tools. The building’s details respected both its past and present history.

One of the coolest facts I learned while here is that they built a Tomb for George Washington at the very bottom of the Capitol. In the center of the Capitol Building, there is a compass that points to a straight shot to his tomb. It is sectioned off on each floor to ensure no one disrupts or disrespects the idea behind it. However, because of Washington’s Mount Vernon Tomb and the family’s wishes, they kept him at his home there.

Another interesting piece of information I learned concerned the rotunda. Around the rotunda is an art piece that serves as a timeline of American history. It dates back to Christopher Columbus and modern-day Space Exploration. It was interesting to see how they tied allthe pieces of history together to show the growth of our country.

Smithsonian Museum of Natural History

I missed my chance at the Holocaust Museum, so I made my way to the Smithsonian Museum of Natural History. I’m not big on fossils, gems, or minerals, but I figured, why not?

The part I spent the most time on was the jewels. There was such a beautiful display of jewels from all around the world, gifted to famous U.S. Diplomats.

Holocaust Museum

Though I missed my first chance, I made my second visit to the Holocaust Museum.

I was given a card of a special person who was involved in the Holocaust. My person was a survivor, but we know that was rare. As we made our way through the museum, I learned things I didn’t know previously. I knew Hitler was evil and the period was dreadful for Jews, but this museum really opened my eyes to much more. They had many artifacts to show how bad things were during the period. It walked us through how they brainwashed the country into believing the propaganda.

It took days to get tickets for this, but I highly recommend going.

Washington Monument

Another place I recommend getting tickets to is the Washington Monument. Again, it took a couple of days to score tickets, but I’m grateful I did!

We took a ride up 500+ feet to the top of the Washington Monument. Just like a plane, you felt the pressure change. I had to pop my ears at least twice on the way up. It had stunning views of the entire city of Washington, D.C. It put into perspective just how small we really are.

Library of Congress

My final pit stop was the Library of Congress. I signed up for a tour. I’m glad I did. The columns honored famous authors such as Longfellow, Scott, and Gibbon. As a teacher who teaches reading and writing, I was in awe of the building. I came at the perfect time to visit the Reading Room as well, which is a rare opportunity.

I thoroughly enjoyed my time in Washington, D.C. I learned a lot and lived through moments I normally wouldn’t have had the chance to experience. My appreciation for art and architecture grew tremendously after visiting most of these places. Although I didn’t get to see everything, I experienced a lot.

Journey to Washington, D.C. – Day 2 (City Center – Museums, Monuments, and Memorials)

Angel BoucherLeave a comment

After an emotional first day, I was looking forward to an exciting touristy day 2. Little did I know this would be the most interesting and enjoyable day yet!

Smithsonian

I knew I had to start at the Smithsonian Museums. As a teacher, I use their resources all the time in class. I didn’t realize they had so many museums until I came to Washington, D.C. Luckily, they are all situated near each other and easy to access. Despite that, I wasn’t able to access them all in my short time, so I had to prioritize.

I boarded the metro for another long travel into the city. Upon arriving, I walked through the streets and took pictures of other well-known monuments (i.e. Washington Monument). I saw other tourists taking photos and offered to help with family photos. They were grateful and almost shocked that I was willing to do that for them.

I started at the Smithsonian National Museum of American History. I wasn’t sure what to really expect, other than history. Surprisingly, it included everything history-related – not just war history.

One of the first displays that stood out to me was the Greensboro Four display. They had part of the counter and chairs from the diner that made history. Just outside of the display, the museum included chairs for visitors to watch a short documentary on the Greensboro Four. These four gentlemen do not receive enough credit for their bravery that day.

As I walked through the displays and rooms, I saw exhibits from the old American education system. The chairs and desks were so incredibly tiny. The outfits were traditional white-and-blue dress codes, with girls wearing modest dresses, even on their arms.

They brought an actual home from the 1600s into the museum. You were able to see the architecture of the time, and it included an interactive family having tea. It told the story of six families living in one home. I’m not sure if I could handle housing another family in my small home. Next to the home, they included a bucket of water that would have been the weight of the time. I didn’t realize just how heavy these buckets were for people to carry back and forth to the home for cooking, bathing, washing clothes, etc. They included a laundry wringer as well. I thought I was strong until I started twisting the wringer.

I made my way to the entertainment portion of the museum. I saw Dorothy’s red slippers. They were on display behind a locked enclosure, but there was a second pair, copper-colored, for patrons to feel. I couldn’t believe just how heavy these shoes were and were made of metal! The entertainment portion continued with original dolls from The Muppets, Mr. Rodgers, Sesame Street, and more. It was very nostalgic, and it made me sad to be a grown adult. It made me sad to realize many of today’s kids didn’t have such great influences as we had.

I remember reading that the COVID mask was brought into the Smithsonian Museum. I remember laughing about it at the time and thinking it was crazy. Sure enough… the mask was there in the Smithsonian Museum.

The Nintendo, old video recorders, old microphones, Nokia phones, pagers, and more were also on display at the Smithsonian Museum. I immediately felt old. I felt ancient as I watched kids walk around, asking questions about things that were popular in my childhood.

The coolest part of the Smithsonian Museum I saw was the First Ladies display. I’m not one for fashion, but I was 100% intrigued by the fashion of the times. One thing I realized was how tiny women were in the 1700s. They were both extremely short and extremely skinny. You can see how fashion evolves over time in its size and design. Long modest clothing (length and arms) became off-the-shoulder, sheer, and closer to the body.

After attending the Smithsonian, I wanted to explore the city for monuments more. I knew I had future days to see other Smithsonian Museums.

Monuments Galore

I rented a Capital Bike to travel around town. I definitely don’t recommend these, but I’ll get into that later. I knew that much walking would kill my back, though, so I took the chance at the suggestion of someone else.

The White House

My first stop would be the White House. I grabbed a bike and tried to find my way to the most famous building in our country. Like the previous day, I realized many streets were blocked off. I noticed many dark-colored vehicles with dark-tinted windows. My only assumption would be that it was the Secret Service. Another interesting thing about Washington, D.C. is that there are metal barriers all over the city – even for flowerbeds and trees.

After fighting with Google Maps for several minutes to get to the White House, I finally found my way there. It included a tumble on my electric bike. It left me with a pretty nasty injury and bruise that led me to limp the rest of the day and the next day. I finally got to the gates of the White House. I always see amazing photos of the place, but I can’t figure out how people get them. There was an incredible amount of security around the White House. I was even afraid to put my arm through the metal gates to get a clear photo of the famous building. I did it though! It was absolutely stunning!

Thomas Jefferson Memorial

My next stop would be the Thomas Jefferson Memorial. Unfortunately, it wasn’t a place I could get up close to or inside. Because I didn’t have a lock on my bike, and I couldn’t park it anywhere in particular, I had to just take photos from a distance. Its location is absolutely stunning as it overlooks a beautiful body of water. The building was undergoing restoration, so parts of it were closed off as well.

At about this time, the weather became extremely humid. I noticed the cloud coverage was getting darker, and a few drops of drizzle were falling. I didn’t prepare for heavy rain. I had a raincoat, but that was about it.

Franklin D. Roosevelt Memorial

My next stop was the Franklin D. Roosevelt Memorial. This one wasn’t what I expected at all. It was a huge park of stone structures and waterfalls honoring Roosevelt, his family, and his causes. Another beautifully designed memorial. The stones were covered with famous quotes, pictures, and statues related to Roosevelt.

Midway through the memorial, it started pouring rain. At this point, I just had to embrace it. It was such a moment, though. I sat in the rain, taking pictures and enjoying the moment of being in the pouring rain and seeing history. It made me think that we, as humans, need to dance in the rain more often. It was so childlike to be poured on. The only downside is that my pants were soaked. Nothing is worse than jeans soaked in the rain!

Martin Luther King Jr. Memorial

I wasn’t going to let the rain stop me. I continued my trek through the city to the Martin Luther King Jr. Memorial. Walking between the two rocks, I noticed a huge statue. It was one of the biggest statues I’ve ever seen. On the side of the statue sat a famous quote from MLK Jr., “Out of the mountain of despair a stone of hope.” It made sense why they chose stone to represent MLK Jr.

When you looked at the statue from another angle, the three stones (the two you walk into and his) are connected into one major stone. It made me look up some more information about the design behind it. The thought process behind this memorial was moving.

World War II Memorial

My next stop would be the World War II Memorial. By now, the rain had let up a little bit, but I was still drenched head to toe. Arriving at the WWII Memorial gave me a chance to sit and recover. The sun was peaking in and out. I watched people admire the memorial. I was in awe at the amount of respect and dedication put into this memorial. It was an absolutely stunning and moving memorial. Several people came to honor those who served.

It was perfectly placed within the National Mall. You could see beautiful views of the Lincoln Memorial, the Washington Monument, the Capitol, and more. About that time, it began to pour rain again. I sat in the middle of the National Mall, behind the WWII Memorial and by the Reflecting Pool, and just smiled. I looked at the sky and appreciated the moment of experiencing this blessing.

Other Memorials

I saw some of the smaller memorials on the National Mall.

The Vietnam Women’s Memorial was on the edge of the National Mall. A small but honorable statue expressed appreciation for the women who served during this war.

The Vietnam Veterans Memorial was probably the most moving. As I walked by, I saw a line of people laying flowers along the memorial honoring those who served. The wall includes a list of names of people who were lost during this tragic war.

Band Parade

By the end of the National Mall, I was a bit exhausted. I was heading back to return my bike when I was stopped again by blocked streets. I heard music earlier but didn’t think much of it. As I made my way to the sidewalk, I realized high school bands were performing for the Memorial Day parade. They had color guards involved. In between the bands, they included military veterans. It was actually pretty cool to see the parade honoring those who served. As the parade ran, it rained on and off. I had to give major props to the kids who stuck out in the rain! This also explained the large number of schools I saw the previous day!

Back to the Hotel

I made my way back to the hotel to wrap up for the night. I needed the best shower of my life, but more so, I needed to get my soaked clothes off my body. The metro was packed with people, and I happened to be one of the few soaked. I felt bad trying to sit next to someone, but I just needed to sit.

I decided I’d do laundry. I definitely had to dry my sneakers because they were soaking wet. I didn’t pack well, in terms of extra shoes. I was trying to pack light, but I kind of regretted it at that moment. I threw my shoes in the dryer, ordered DoorDash, and finished laundry. I slept probably the best I’ve slept in ages.

Journey to Washington, D.C. – Official Day 1 (Arlington National Cemetery, Lincoln Memorial, Mount Vernon)

Angel BoucherLeave a comment

Arlington National Cemetery & Mount Vernon

I woke up incredibly excited! I thought I would start at Arlington National Cemetery because it was “out of the way” from Washington, D.C. City Central. I 100% knew I wanted to visit the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier. I always heard stories of how emotional it would be, how they did an amazing job honoring those soldiers, and just the beauty of the cemetery.

I walked to the Metro early in the morning. I was a bit iffy because it was a longer walk than I expected. It wasn’t terrible, though. I arrived at the Metro and followed the signs for the train. It was pretty easy to navigate. When I arrived, I wasn’t quite sure how to use it, though. I purchased a 7-day unlimited Metro Pass that is directly connected to my phone. Luckily, there was a nice gentleman who helped me figure out how to get to the train and explained how it worked. After that first encounter, I felt like a natural resident.

The little kid in me was giddy with excitement when I boarded the train. The last train I took was in New York City over 15 years ago with my dad. I was too young at the time to know how it worked. Before that, it was in Germany. Again, I was too young to appreciate how it worked or the beauty of a train. As I sat down, I looked out the window and took photos of the cities and the actual train itself. I’m glad I went early because not many people were there. I would have been the dictionary definition of a tourist at that moment.

I arrived at Arlington National Metro. I wasn’t sure where to go, but luckily found a couple of people to guide me. Again, walking, walking, walking nonstop. I think I grossly underestimated how much I walked on this trip. I arrived at Arlington National Cemetery. The outside was filled with military memorabilia. My dad was a former member of the military, and they had a big statue to honor that division. I got a little emotional before even entering, knowing my dad passed away and he was a part of history, even if it was in the smallest way. As I approached the visitor check-in, I noticed an insane number of people. I knew it would be busy, but this was almost intimidating. I soon discovered that several schools were there as well (I later found out why).

I made it through the checkpoint and immediately began my hunt for the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier. I turned on Google Maps to try to guide me. As I was doing that, I realized there was so much more at Arlington National Cemetery. I walked along the paths as I followed my Google Maps. I saw rows and rows of graves. They looked beautiful in the most sad way, though. They were all clean, perfectly lined up, with perfect writing and designs. I was already tearing up. I didn’t know these people, but the fact that they gave up so much for us made me feel unworthy of being in their presence.

I realized Ruth Bader Ginsburg was buried there. Although I don’t know much about her, I do know she did a lot for our country and for women’s rights. I found her gravesite and just stared in admiration at it. That’s when I turned around and noticed the cemetery had a stunning view of the center of Washington, D.C. I had to take a picture and just admire it for a minute.

I also realized the Eternal Flame of former President Kennedy. When I learned about why he was buried there, it made it a bit more emotional. It fascinated me that a flame existed that was meant to never burn out. Although so simple, it was one of the most beautiful things I’ve ever experienced in my life. How could something so sad be so beautiful?

I found my way back on the path to the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier. I didn’t realize how I perfectly planned this. There was a line to see the Tomb, but today was even more special. Workers from the cemetery came by and handed everyone a flower to put on the Tomb. We were within touching distance of the Tomb. Since it was the weekend before Memorial Day, they held a special ceremony to honor the Tomb.

As we approached the Tomb, one of the soldiers on duty told us we must show respect by being quiet and not recording as we laid down our flowers. They told us where to place the flowers (to ensure they were evenly spread out).

I walked by the Tomb and immediately felt a heaviness in my heart. I bent down to lay the flower down. Had it been my choice, I would have just sat there feeling the ground, but we had to keep moving. I can’t imagine the heaviness some families carried/carried of a loved one that never made it home. A loved one who was never identified. A loved one who gave everything to protect their country.

The soldier who protects the Tomb was stationed at the back of the Tomb for the special occasion. Normally, he’s guarding all aspects of the Tomb, but was limited today due to the ceremony. It was amazing to still see them following the 21-second turn, 21-step protocols, etc. It made me realize how much this Tomb meant to some people. It wasn’t about being there. It was about respect.

I sat on the steps in front of the Tomb and watched as people laid flowers. The next thing I knew, I was wiping away tears and sniffles. Some people were cracking jokes, and it seriously made my blood boil. I wanted to yell and tell them to leave. It blew my mind that people could be so disrespectful, especially given that they had been given an opportunity that comes only a few times a year. People can be shot by getting close to the Tomb on a normal day. This is a day when we have the honor of being close, and you dare to make jokes? It made me sick.

I walked away after composing myself and followed the path back out of the cemetery. On the way, I saw a couple laying flowers on the gravesites of soldiers. They had no idea who these people were, but they were honoring them. I ended up crying again. It moved me to know good people existed in this world, especially after seeing such disgusting behavior just minutes later.

I made my way out to see the Arlington Military Women’s Memorial. Whoever designed this did a fantastic job of creating something moving, feminine, yet so strong. It was oddly relaxing. I would’ve sat there all day, admiring it.

An Unexpected Delay

In between Arlington National Cemetery and Mount Vernon, I decided I’d try to see something in the city center of Washington, D.C. I decided my first stop, and closest stop, would be the Lincoln Memorial. I took the Metro to the nearest stop near the Lincoln Memorial. As I made my way there, I noticed a lot of police and roads blocked off. I didn’t think much of it, other than maybe road work, but I was wrong.

I found my way to the Lincoln Memorial. I went through all the steps and was in absolute awe. I didn’t realize how many steps I had to climb, but when I got there, it was worth it. I had wonderful and beautiful views of the National Mall (which is not a shopping mall). The statue was incredibly huge. It amazed me that someone could make this with minimal tools. They honored the states on the memorial’s outer rim. It was truly gorgeous and breathtaking. It may have been one of my favorite monuments to visit. As I sat there, I realized my time was cut short. I had to haul butt to the metro to make it to Mount Vernon in time for my scheduled tour.

I made the mistake of waiting too long! I ended up caught up in a Memorial Day motorcycle parade. It lasted over an hour. Loud revving engines that just kept coming and coming and coming. There were thousands, if not tens of thousands, of motorcycles. It was never-ending. It made me look up what was happening, which I discovered was a Memorial Day remembrance and demonstration parade. It was called Rolling Thunder. Just as the motorcyclists were finishing, semi-trucks followed. Initially, it was pretty cool. But how many motorcycles can you see without getting irritated by the loud rumbling? Even with my headphones in, I heard it as if I were part of it. It didn’t help that I was on edge about making it to my tour in time, too. It would have been different if they showed patriotism, but it was literally just motorcycles riding with honor. I would’ve loved to see some banners, flags, and other decorations. The semi trucks were much more impressive on this front. There was one moment when a soldier stood in the middle of the traffic at salute to honor those fallen. That was the most impressive part of the demonstration.

When it was over, I walked faster than I ever had in my life to get to the nearest metro (which I later realized was not the nearest). Somehow, I made it without being too irritated by traffic. My focus was on making it to Mount Vernon.

Mount Vernon

My second major visit today would be Mount Vernon, home of George Washington. As a teacher, this was the nerd in me coming out. Although I don’t teach history, I am fascinated by it. I knew that this was one of the sites I had to visit before I left.

Getting here was a bit tough. I had to take several trains and buses to get here. Some of the train stations were extremely sketchy. At one of the stops, I started to feel a bit paranoid. On any other trip, I would have had mace and other defense items. However, in Washington, D.C., you can’t go anywhere with anything – not even nail clippers. I definitely felt out of place and nervous.

I had less than 20 minutes to get to my appointment for the scheduled tour. I knew I couldn’t wait here for 20 minutes. I was already anxious and feeling on edge. I didn’t know what to do. Out of desperation, I took my first Uber. I just had to get out and get away as soon as possible.

I’m a very paranoid person (especially being a female traveling alone), but this Uber driver made me feel safe and comfortable. There was no awkward conversation. He made sure to keep his distance while driving. He never once showed his frustration with other drivers. I felt extremely safe.

I arrived at Mount Vernon and immediately hauled butt to the actual tour. I had about 8 minutes to get there. I do wish they had more signs telling you where what is. It may have been easier if I grabbed a map on the way in, but I didn’t have time. I found the line to the tour. It was a good mile-long line. Again, there were tons of schools here visiting. I was starting to think something was going on (which I later learned was). Luckily, they were pulling people in by their tour times. I was able to move up front based on the time of my tour.

His house was absolutely stunning, even before entering. The perfect symmetry made my ADD heart happy. It was my ideal house because it was symmetrical on both sides. It sat at the end of the river, with a stunning view of the river and the landscapes. It seriously made me feel at ease and calm.

When we entered, it was everything I expected. It encompassed a lot of old memorabilia from that time. The floors were made of stone or dirt. In some spots, they had wood. In fewer spots, they had carpet. Almost every room had a fireplace. The walls were covered in intricate wallpaper, which I’m sure at the time meant you had money. The number of items made from metal and gold was stunning. Canopy beds were apparently a trend of the time. The rooms were decently sized, given the period. It was eye-opening to see the old doors and keys. Some keys were bigger than both my hands put together. In some parts of the property, I was amazed at how well protected he could have been at the time.

We saw George Washington’s desk and old books from that time. Things like this make me sit in awe, realizing how far we have come as a country. Wooden windows that were deteriorating due to age. They are doing a good job at preserving and restoring, though, so I will give them credit! The ceilings featured intricate designs that reflected social status at the time. Many of the items in George Washington’s house were gifts from other countries, including his main fireplace mantel. It blew my mind how everything matched within one room. The wallpaper would match the bedding.

We were able to see George Washington’s room. The same room that he died in. Although I didn’t experience anything paranormal, I’m sure there’s something interesting that happens there. I can’t imagine dying in my house, my house turning into a national treasure, and having hundreds of thousands of people in my home just about every day.

After touring the home, I visited several other buildings on the property. I saw George Washington’s old tomb. The original tomb was meant as a temporary holding space until he would be buried at the Capitol in the city center of Washington, D.C. However, by the time they created a burial site at the Capitol, Washington’s family and estate basically told them no. Instead, they built a new tomb on the property for him and his wife. Again, it was enchanting to see how people survived and lived during that time period.

The most moving part of Mount Vernon was the Slave Memorial. Walking up to the Slave Memorial, there were unmarked graves. They outlined the graves with rope and placed small rocks to indicate who should be buried there. Right next to it, a memorial was built to honor those who were part of the property. It’s not something many people think about, but to have that honor was eye-opening.

Overall, I’m glad this was my first official day. I experienced a range of emotions. I feel like this was the perfect way to start my trip and to be grateful for the opportunities in front of me. I was extremely lucky to have been part of a memorial service honoring those who served, both recently and from the 1700s.

Journey to Boston: Day 4 – Plymouth, MA

Angel BoucherLeave a comment

My last pit stop on my historical tour was Plymouth, MA. I knew the original features of history were gone, but their ability to recreate it was astonishing!

I started off at the Plimouth Plantation. It included old Native American ways of living. It featured their living spaces, how they kept warm, their canoes (though called something else then), and more. It was amazing to see how people survived the brutal winters in Boston then. It was only 36 degrees, but the breeze made it feel like 28. I could feel the coldness all over my body. It made me think about all those poor lives lost to the extreme cold.

After visiting the Native American portion of the exhibit, I saw a 1700s colony. Walking into these homes put the average lifespan of the time into perspective. There were holes and gaps in the walls (though I’m sure they were much larger due to deterioration over time). Almost all the homes had ground as flooring. Everything was made out of wood. Whether it was from then or rebuilt, they definitely caught the vibe of what old settlers went through. Even with mini fires going on in each little house, it was incredibly cold. The only thought I could imagine was the thought of people freezing to death in their homes, hunting for food in the ice-cold temperatures, and the like. Although completely fascinating, I felt a sense of sadness thinking of the lives of those who had to endure such a factor.

After the village, I decided to visit the gift shop. Again, they had several items, including an old wooden grinding tool and a wooden bowl. I bought a couple of things (Christmas is coming) and headed to the next stop: The Mayflower II.

On the way to the Mayflower, you pass Plymouth Rock. Although there is no true history behind the rock itself, it was amazing to see how this was the landing spot for America. It made sense, but it was also very surreal to see. Looking out at the ocean, Cape Cod, and the endless history behind them was moving in an inexplicable way. I was very grateful for that moment. Despite my feelings about modern America (or even Puritanical America), I felt the settlers’ pride. I know the intentions were good, despite some choppy times and beliefs.

The recreation of the Mayflower was stunning! I boarded the ship, which was all of three levels. I never knew a fireplace was built in the middle of the ship, but I guess it makes sense with the cold weather. I wondered how they were able to supply enough wood and food for 200+ men and women. Again, I can’t imagine living during those times. Inside the Mayflower II were old tools they used, the general layout of the true Mayflower. It was fascinating to see how far ahead of our time we were then. It doesn’t feel like we’ve made too many improvements, though we have over the last 300 years.

I ended my trip there. Although there were a million other places to visit and things to do, I decided I just needed to soak in what I had just experienced over the last few days. I felt something different from what I have with other trips. I felt a connection to everything around me. It was moving in a way that cannot be described. Not in a way that brings tears to your eyes or makes you feel a certain way, but in a sense of, “I felt something change in the connection I had to the area.” It was very surreal. I’m grateful for the opportunity to visit. I know many who dream of going, but never do. I had to share.

Journey to Boston: Day 3 – Boston, MA

Angel BoucherLeave a comment

Where else do you go to find out about the original history of the country other than…Boston! I think very few places (such as Philadelphia) are as great to learn about American history as Boston! It’s a very fortunate experience.

I woke up early to make sure I wouldn’t be late for my Freedom Trail walk through the city. I was looking forward to seeing some of the most famous sites of American history. I wanted to beat the Masshole drivers as well. I was lucky to arrive early and find parking easily. I walked to Boston Common and immediately fell in love. So many trails, hills, tree colors, people walking and running, and more. It looked like it was right out of a movie!

As I sat and waited for the tour to begin, I called my mom to let her know things were okay. In the midst of the phone call, the squirrels were coming closer. They had no fear of human people. At one point, a squirrel started up my leg, but took off. I started giggling. In Central Texas, the squirrels are terrified of people!

I started making noises to call the squirrels over and snapping my fingers. Twice! Twice, a squirrel jumped onto my lap. It was such an amazing experience. I’ve never seen one so close before in my life. As cheesy as it sounds, it literally made my entire morning. I didn’t care if everything went wrong past that point. I was cheesing like a kid on Halloween who just lucked out discovering the house that serves full pieces of candy!

The tour guide called us over to start. We walked around and listened to the tour guide spout historical facts about each location and Boston’s general history. I never realized how much I listened to my history teachers until he started talking, and I could basically recite word for word his tour. It was odd, but also funny!

We toured John Hancock’s grave, Paul Revere’s grave, Samuel Adams’ grave, other graves you couldn’t see the names on due to their age, and the Boston Massacre victims’ grave. We were able to visit the school and church that Benjamin Franklin attended when he was a child. We saw where the Declaration of Independence was first read aloud, the site of the Boston Massacre, and some other lesser-known sites. I didn’t get to every historical site, but I am extremely grateful for what I did see. The cobblestone alleyways and brick pavements made me feel like I was back in the 1700s. With a few dirt roads still, I could imagine horses and carriages on the roads.

I didn’t spend much time in Boston because I was tired. I’ve walked more in the last 2.5 days than I have in the last month combined. My legs and upper body were sore, and I was just tired. I did find Boston easy to navigate, though.

I stopped by Chicken & Rice Guys for dinner. It was amazing! Similar to a gyro without the wrap, it was seasoned chicken thigh, seasoned rice, lettuce, two pita slices, and creamy garlic sauce. The seasoning of the food was, as Bostonians would say, wicked good and so fulfilling. There was so much food, I was unable to eat it all. I was thoroughly impressed! I did notice there were a ton of pizza places, delis, and seafood spots in both Boston and Salem. It makes sense, but I wanted something different.

Journey to Boston: Day 2 – Salem, MA

Angel BoucherLeave a comment

Today was the day I discovered the term “Massholes.” I’ve heard it through peers, but I always thought they were overexaggerating. They definitely were not.

I’ve never heard so many horns in my life, nor seen as many law-breaking citizens driving. I was absolutely stunned. I was used to the “weird” roads of roundabouts, sharp turns, etc. That never stunned me, having lived in upstate New York. The number of people who cut others off, showed respect by giving the middle finger, ran red lights, and more was mind-blowing.

It was fine, though. I just had to get back into the habit of driving in a busy northeast city. I mean….I drove in NYC once before…I figured this was a piece of cake. I will say driving in Austin is not the same as driving in Boston. After a few near-death experiences (okay, that may be an exaggeration), I was able to figure out driving again in the city and quickly adjusted to become my own version of a Masshole – or Texasshole. Either one is a proper fit for the drive.

I made it to Salem, once again. This time, I was on my History and Haunting tour with Witch City Walking Tours (the company that rescheduled me because of the late flight). I was in the same location as the night before, which worked out great!

We met at Old Town Hall for the walking tour. Seeing it in the daytime had a different vibe. This tour was even better! We saw the Witch House, Ropes Mansion (Hocus Pocus), Hamilton Hall, Bewitched Statue, Salem Witch Memorial (in daylight), Old Burying Point/Charter Street Cemetery, and a few lesser-known places.

I decided to take the rest of the day to explore some of the other places on my own, such as Salem Witch Museum. I wasn’t impressed with the Salem Witch Museum presentation, but the gift shop was amazing! The presentation provided by the SWM was insanely boring and bland. It was like listening to an old history teacher in a lecture-style class. Luckily, the gift shop saved it. It’s about the only thing that was good about it.

I also ended up visiting Proctor’s Ledge, where most of the “witch” hangings actually occurred. It was a beautiful memorial to those who lost their life innocently over hysteria. Little did I know, it was in someone’s backyard. I want to approach their door and ask whether any hauntings have occurred, but that would be intrusive and rude.

I saw the House of Seven Gables, which, as an English teacher, was amazing. I fell in love with its beauty, especially the courtyard. The ironic thing is: I’ve never read Nathaniel Hawthorne’s book. I just heard about it!

I was hoping to visit Pioneer Village, but they closed on the exact day I went. Fortunately, I was able to take some photos of it from outside. Maybe on my next visit, it’ll be open. I’m sure it’s moving as well. Along with that came an amazing view of the waterfront next to Pioneer Village.

Today was a moment for me. Despite the crazy world we live in, I discovered that not everyone is bad. I met some amazing people who had open conversations about their journeys to Salem. I had several experiences I could only dream of. It all finally came true. I learned of burning churches, the power of money (much like today), and how an insane belief in religion likely killed several.

I was sad knowing it was my last day in Salem, but I also knew I’d likely come back to explore more. On my travels, I learned much of the history that happened outside of actual Salem, MA. It gives me another reason to visit and see the stunning views.

Journey to Boston: Day 1 – Austin, TX to Boston, MA/Salem, MA

Angel BoucherLeave a comment

Like many kids, I despised history class. I never understood the importance of remembering dates, names, places, etc. Although one thing I give my history teachers credit for: they made me fall in love with the 1600-1700s, Roman/Greek history, and United Kingdom history. I was always drawn to the history of those areas more than to any other place or time in the world.

Part of me gets a sensation that I came from those areas in a past life. I know people have their own opinions about life after death, rebirth, and so on. I’m not exactly sure what to believe (does anyone, though?), but one thing I can say is I’m oddly connected to those time periods. I knew it was time to see what that connection was all about!

As someone with severe social anxiety and generalized anxiety disorder, the thought of travel for “fun” terrified me. A single woman roaming the streets of unfamiliar places was just not ideal. Nowadays, you never know what you will experience. That’s a whole other blog topic, though!

However, I decided I will not let my anxiety hold me back anymore. “You only live once,” is the popular saying, right?. What regrets would I have if I never explored areas I felt some connection with? How would I feel sitting around for days on end, knowing I could have done something more with my life? I’m all about the experience, not materialistic things.

On the spur of the moment, I decided it was time. Salem, Boston, Plymouth…here I come!!

The first thing I did outside my comfort zone was take time off work on a Friday before the break! That is just unheard of, especially for me! But my thinking is: I needed this for me, my mental health, and if something happened, life would go on, with or without me. I even forced myself to not to check my emails in hopes of not receiving any news that would make the trip stressful or less enjoyable. I didn’t want this moment ruined.

Waking up at 3:30 am, I was so excited! I walked outside to see the temperature and such, so I knew what to prepare for, and I was blessed to see the Lunar Eclipse. Like any person, I snapped a million photos of the beauty that glared before me. This was my sign that the trip was meant for me. This rare Lunar Eclipse screamed out to me now more than ever.

I kept waking up the last few nights for the excitement of everything I had planned. Getting a whole night of sleep was rare and nearly impossible in the last week. I checked to make sure everything was packed up in the last minute before I left. Double-checking for medications, eye glass wipes, fog protectant wipes, enough clothes, all the overnight necessities, makeup, hair accessories, chargers, and everything else you could dream of taking on a trip for several days. I waited until I received the notification on my Life360 that my ride was here. I couldn’t contain my excitement.

We arrived at the airport, and my jaw dropped. I was utterly surprised to see the large number of people at the airport. If you didn’t know better, you’d think it was Christmas pre-COVID. People were shoulder to shoulder. You couldn’t tell where one line started and one line ended. It was horrendous. In all my years of traveling (since 2015), I’ve never seen anything like it. As a child, I would fly back and forth constantly to see my dad in upstate New York. That didn’t terrify me as much as the mass amount of people in there today. I thought there was absolutely no way I could make it to my gate on time.

Luckily, I was raised with a military father who believed the old saying, “If you’re early, you’re on time. If you’re on time, you’re late.” I, even though my friends make fun of me, am always early (this could also trigger my anxiety). Because I arrived early, I made it to my gate on time. I emphasize time because it was literally within minutes of my being able to board after arriving early. All the passengers board the plane, but then we’re told there are “maintenance issues” that won’t affect the flight. OH THE LIES AMERICAN AIRLINES! THE LIES!

After several delays, we were asked to deplane with all our belongings. The airline never kept us informed about what was going on or the status of the flight. It was incredibly frustrating.

We were two hours past our departure time. I was shocked, and my anxiety went into full force. My ride went home (1.5 hours away), I didn’t want to miss my planned activities for the night, and I didn’t want to lose out on my prepaid hotel, rental car, etc. They said the flight wasn’t “canceled,” but was “unknown in status.”

Yes…that’s the perfect thing to tell someone with GAD (general anxiety disorder). No… my feelings totally didn’t go haywire in a craze over what was so serious for us to be delayed again and again and again and again, and eventually deplaned to “fix the problem.”

Finally, four hours later, we boarded again and were finally on the way to Boston! Due to the stress of the morning and the lack of sleep for the last couple of days, I was exhausted. Luckily for me, the four-hour delay caused some people to change their flights. The seat next to me was open, and I had a window seat. I was able to take a few great naps! I didn’t care if I drooled, snored, twitched, talked in my sleep, etc. I was tired! It was going to happen one way or another! I woke up with snacks and drinks. I hadn’t eaten breakfast because of my excitement and GI (gastrointestinal) issues. I didn’t want to take the risk. I was starving by the time the snacks came. I’ve never been so thankful for a biscotti before in my life. It was like finding wholesome diamonds or emeralds, but the food version!

Not long after, we began descending for landing. I could feel my body and eyes light up. All the lakes, the colors of the trees from the skies, the open land, rolling hills, etc. I was so excited. In Texas, you don’t see that. The trees are either brown or green. The grass is either brown or green. Mountains? No way…maybe a hill or two, but nothing like the northeast. Trying to find a decent number of trees now in Texas (unless you’re in certain areas) is like a treasure hunt.

As we descended further, I could see Cape Cod. It was somewhere so many people dreamt about and talked about. It looked like it was straight off a movie or TV show. I knew I would save that trip for another time (peak whale watching season). I felt so honored to see such beauty. As we got closer and closer to land, my excitement and nerves skyrocketed! I was ready to jump off the plane and explore!

I knew I was going to miss my first tour because of the delay. However, I was determined to make my second tour, which started at 8:00 pm. But could I? It was almost 6:00 pm, and I still needed my rental car, my hotel, my tour tickets, and directions to the place in Salem, which was a good 40-50 minutes away with traffic, according to my lovely Google Maps.

Hello anxiety! Thankfully, the owner of the first tour company (Salem Walking Tours) rescheduled my ticket that I missed due to the delayed flight. Beth, at Salem Walking Tours, did an amazing job accommodating. She was so polite and understanding. I highly recommend them on so many fronts.

My second tour was with someone else (Salem Night Tours). I was hoping I wouldn’t have to reschedule again. My night would have been ruined. I had been looking forward to starting immediately.

The line for the rental vehicle was ridiculous. The lovely Alamo Rental Vehicles has a whopping total of two people working, with about forty people in line. I had two hours to make my tour, and my anxiety was telling me there was absolutely no way I was going to make it. I was feeling defeated and irritated. All their Kiosks were down as well, so I couldn’t even do the check-in process myself.

I finally made it to the counter with one hour to spare. I just kept praying they would hurry. Luckily, it didn’t take long since I had pre-scheduled the rental and pre-paid. I had to decide whether to go to the hotel or skip it in hopes that they don‘t give my room away. I was determined for this tour, though.

I skipped the hotel and went straight to Salem, MA. Oh, the nostalgic feeling of being back in the Northeast! As someone who lived in upstate New York for only six beautiful months, I just missed everything the Northeast offered: scenery, activities, people, weather, etc. Yes, I, a Texan, missed the cold, windy winter. Shocking! This is also coming from someone who wore a hoodie every day in Boston/Salem/Plymouth, with temperatures between 28 and 55 degrees, and who continued to sweat regardless of the temperature. Don’t ask! I’m definitely not made for Texas anymore!

My eyes lit up at the older buildings, the cobblestone streets, and the brick streets. I felt an odd connection to the place. It felt familiar, even though I’ve never been there in my life. I’m not sure whether it was my connection to upstate New York or something else that connected me to the situation and place. Either way, as I drove closer to the city center of Salem, MA, I felt this overwhelming sense of excitement.

I found somewhere to park, and I didn’t care how much it cost. It could have cost $50, and I still would have paid it, so long as I was able to explore Salem, MA, by night and by day. I parked and had to go in the trunk of the rental car to get my thick jacket. It was so incredibly cold with the breeze. It was the one and only time I wore my jacket on the entire trip. I often wonder why I even brought such a bulky thing. Needless to say, I was glad. I went from the 50s in Texas to the low 30s in Massachusetts. With 45 minutes to spare, I decided to shop at whatever stores were still open. Much like European countries I’ve been to, several shops were already closed for the night. I ended up in a souvenir shop with witchy items and a ton of Harry Potter Memorabilia. I returned to my car to unload all the items into the trunk.

I used Google Maps to get walking directions to my first tour of the trip. I found out it was also the gift shop, which worked out perfectly for me! I already met the people and knew where I was going.

The tour was fabulous! From the company Remember Salem, Sebastian was our tour guide. He was your traditional goth: long, black trench coat, black boots, black pants, black shirt, black hair, black lipstick, etc. His personality was amazing! I couldn’t ask for a better guide.

We hit all the well-known spots, such as the Old Town Hall (hello Hocus Pocus), the Salem Witch Memorial, Old Burying Point/Charter Street Cemetery, and a few unknown places. We also visited St. Peter’s Episcopal Church, the Pickman house, and so much more! I was hoping and praying for a spiritual interaction of some kind, but sadly, nothing happened. I was manifesting an apparition, a tug on my clothes, some voices next to me, etc., but nothing occurred. I know that sounds weird, but I was hopeful! I wanted to know it was real! I did, however, learn about the game Clue and its connection to Salem, MA!

The moon was fantastic! I knew this trip was exactly what I needed. Everything I saw was straight out of a movie.

After the tour, I went to the hotel with a late check-in. I knew I’d sleep great that night! I was filled with excitement about my upcoming adventures, but part of me was totally worn down from the stressful morning. I hadn’t eaten a real meal all day, so I knew I had to try to get something from the bar before they closed. Residence Inn at Boston/Logan Airport provided me with such amazing service my first night there, including the food options. With 20 minutes to spare before close, they were kind enough to still make the delicious flatbread.

I had such great scenery that night. I was ready to explore more, but I needed sleep. I couldn’t wait for my next adventure, so I set my alarm to make sure I made it to my other tour on time.