Wrap up time... what did we really learn on this trip.

Washington - I was continually surprised by Washington. This entirely "walkable" city is the jewel of our neighbors to the south. Walking the Mall, admiring the bounty of architectural and artistic treasures, the Capitol and Monuments in the evening shadow, the educational work and capacity of the Smithsonians... Washington was entirely impressive for us. Most incredibly, her best attractions are free (it made the continuous parade of security checks bearable). Included was the free advice we recieved from strangers while floundering in Cleveland Park.

One of our lasting impressions was the overall cleanliness of the parts of the city we viewed. Each and every area we experienced (as per itinerary) was well kept and cared for. Another was how the theme of politics plays large here, and was never far from the lips of city goers and travelers whether on the subway, at morning breakfast, or wandering the Mall and Smithsonians. Mid-March was a good time to visit other than some cooler days for outdoor visits. We, fortunately, didn't face the crowds we knew the warmer weather and blossoms would bring, but got a taste in several of our attractions how busy the city can get. Yet, with few exceptions, our tourist questions were tolerated and the service provided was generally helpful and with a smile.

Gettysburg - In 1863 the nation hinged on the results of the collision of two vast armies, as Union and Confederate forces met in Southern Pennsylvania. Unfortunately, for the residents of the quaint little town of Gettysburg some 145 years ago it occurred in their backyard. Today, armies still gather in the Gettysburg area, a different group comprised of tourists visiting attractions left behind and newly built that relate to this Civil War battle.

I can, without hesitation, say that the Gettysburg Visitor Centre/Museum is one of the best single museums I've ever had the good fortune to enjoy. Today's visitor "experience", including the cyclorama, video, museum and battle sites, is simply phenominal. Gettysburg, of all places on this trip, was the one I had done the most indepth historical research. I had a mental picture of the rolling farmland along the Blue Ridge Mountains on the way to the site, I had read about the cyclorama and how Civil War soldiers who had seen it wept, I envisioned the field where "Pickett's Charge" took place... Our time in Gettysburg was special as we matched ideas to realities. If you get the chance... Gettsyburg is an incredible visit.

New York City - New York has become a favorite of ours for visits with the kids. This was my third vacation in Manhattan and the visit was focused on several attractions that we hadn't managed to fit in on previous trips. New York has a flavour that's indescribable for the rural Nova Scotia kid. The pace, physical dominance of the architecture and cosmopolitan "people watching" opportunities make New York more like a trip to the moon than vacationing. Voyeurism aside, I think sometimes we're drawn by the opposite of what we know, and the real potential for new learning. This trip in I drove through the city for the first time... can't think what the cabby must have been saying when he saw those plates!!! Steve MacKenzie suggested that to drive there appropriately swearing is a must... when in Rome.