Playing the Tourist and Loving It

My brother-in-law mentioned last week when he was in the area for work that he was amazed that we lived so close to D.C. Without traffic (okay, thats rare) it really is only ten minutes to the memorials, the Smithsonians and all of those iconic buildings and monuments D.C. is known for.

While we do better than many, we often forget to take advantage of the great things that D.C. has to offer. Yesterday, however, we took an excursion that made me grateful to live where we do. We were only out for two hours (perfect, so that my son didn't have to eat or get too upset while we were out) and yet we got to have frozen margaritas at Tortilla Coast (I've been going there for almost ten years - hard to believe!) walk by the Capitol and take a quick turn around the Botantical Gardens - part of the Smithsonian, and therefore, free.

I'd highly recommend the Botantical Gardens for a kid this young. Much as I like to pretend otherwise, Gus doesn't yet have much appreciation for the zoo or animals in general. What he definitely does love, however, is sunlight, trees and interesting smells. While the Gardens (inside) are fairly easily navigated with a stroller, Gus liked it even more when I took him out and carried him and he could see all of the different kinds of plants which are set up by climate system. He particularly liked the humid jungle portion and was fascinated by the light filtering in through the dense trees. What an easy and great way to spend a few hours!