Washington, D.C.

The last time I was in Washington I was very young- maybe 6. I can't really remember much, but I have the opportunity this week to be here as part of the NSDC Conference and tonight had the chance to visit many of the important sites here in D.C. and see them in the evening, lit up. I think I would have overall preferred a day time tour, but it was also a unique thing to be able to see the sites with the lighting.

What was especially interesting was that we saw some of the preparations being made for inauguration, just 6 weeks away. The stage is being set in front of the capital and there is construction all over the place to get ready. THere are also many special holiday displays all over, with a patriotic theme. We did get to drive on the parade route as well. Equally as interesting was my dinner companion, who was a friend from high school who is now a secret service agent. I picked her brain a bit about what her job entails and learned some fascinating details about our government, and specifically the functions of the secret service. Very cool.

I took these pictures tonight on my little Canon point and shoot- which did an okay job but I would have loved to have my decent camera and lenses to play with. Of course this tour was on a small bus with frequent stops in the 15-20 degree weather so I guess I wouldn't have been too patient in getting my camera set up correctly.

Here are three of my favorite shots from the evening....

The National Christmas Tree and Washington Monument:


The Capitol Building, and the stage being built for the inauguration:


The White House: