Guess Where I Am!

 ...and here is why!

I was the presenter for the first session on the list for 10:30-11:45.  The session went well, although the room was only about a quarter full.  No session I attended had more than about 20-25 people in it, and that's about what I had, too,  so I don't feel bad.

I arrived in DC on Friday evening and since there was minimal conference work yesterday I had some time to play.  I've been here before (3 times) on conference travel, but haven't ever had the chance to explore on my own.  My tourist tastes are a little different than other people's so it was fun to go alone.  I walked down Connecticut Avenue from the hotel with one goal in mind--the Botanical Gardens.  I accidentally also found the textile museum, but I skipped over it, thinking I would see it later (but I didn't--closed on Monday so I won't be able to see it this time, but I will be back and I know where to find it!)  On my way to the Botanical Gardens, I saw a few other things! 

Loved the look of the Washington Monument against the sky!

 

This is the WWII Memorial

Looking down at Lincoln across the Reflecting Pool from the WWII Memorial

Look the other way and there is the Washington Monument

Again with the WM!  I couldn't get enough!  The WWII is in between.

 I thought the Botanical Gardens were on the Lincoln Memorial side of things.  So I walked that direction (to the right--I think it was West).  Since I didn't see this before, I stopped to take a look.

Horrible picture, but proves I was there!

That sky!  The view!

Do I always look this cross-eyed? Yikes!

 

After finding a map, I discovered that the gardens were back the other way...past the WM.  So I walked around the back of Lincoln and there was water!  And stairs.  And people running the stairs like in a stadium.  In fact, there were runners everywhere!

This is one of 4 statues at the end of the bridge

 I then walked back toward the Botanical Gardens and came across the new MLK, Jr. Memorial.  Very powerful!  Lots of quotes all around and a gorgeous view of the tidal basin.

MLK, Jr. Memorial is right on the water

 

Notice the WM in case you are wondering about my progress!

I finally made it to the Botanical Gardens.  They were over on the Capitol side of things! But if I had read the map correctly I would have missed Lincoln and MLK, Jr.!  Just like at home, it isn't the best time of year for Botanical Gardens, but I totally lost track of time and place while wandering there!

I want these asters!

I like these asters, too.  What are they?

Hey! Agave in blue pot! Great minds think alike!

Inside the conservatory and up on the catwalk

Cool plant!

Looking outside from the catwalk

 

Here is the conservatory from the park across the street

That's the end of my pictures, but on the walk back I stopped for brunch at a bookstore/cafe and then checked off my other destination--the yarn shop on Connecticut Avenue!  Not sure quite how far I walked.  Maybe 8-10 miles?  The perfect day!  A long walk, plants, books, food, yarn and DC sightseeing!