Busch Gardens/D.C. Trip Report...with Pics!

[loribell]

Thanks for the link Katie. Don't know why I kept missing it. Now you have me wanting to go. Next summer we are going to California, maybe the summer after that we can head out that way. I think the kids would love it.

Can't wait to hear more.

 

[KStarfish82]

Wow it's been a while..better finish this report.....

Thought this pic of my dad was just funny

We then proceeded to the National Archives. We have never been there before and my bro is a history buff. And I wanted to see where Nick Cage stole the Declaration of Independence in National Treasure. While we were waiting to see the historical documents, we overheard someone ask the guard about the security system and if it was the same in the movie. It was a real system, but from many years ago.

Here is one of em

If you can make it out, it's John Hancock's signature

Sorry the pictures are blurry, they do not allow flash photography.

 

[bubba's mom]

We were there...briefly stopped by DC for a day on our way from Kings Dominion in VA to friends in MD. It was a nice day...but, not enuf time to see/do everything. Never got IN the Smithsonian ....but, we plan a trip back when Bubba is actually learning about that stuff in skool

 

[Spidey7]

Yes, DarKastle is similar to Spiderman in its effects. The cars are the same and you definitely get the same feel but the story revolves around a haunted castle. Kinda nifty with the holiday coming up and all.

That sounds so cool. I go to DC a lot for my job and get to do the museums quite a bit. Love the Air and Space Museum and the Natural History one I see you got to go too with the elephant. I haven't been but also have been told the air and space part of the museum out near Dullus Airport is great, they have a space shuttle out there. But the one on the mall is awesome. So much history, all of the space capsules, including Apollo 11 Command Module, a LIM, Mercury and Gemini capsules, cold war missiles and of course many historic airplanes including Howard Hughes record breaking H-1 that was in the Aviator movie. One of my favorite places.

 

[Lisa P.]

For anyone planning a visit to DC, an absolute must-see is the International Spy Museum! What a way to spend a half-day!!!

It starts with a challenge to select a "cover" persona (from many posted in a room) to memorize, then see if you can recall the details of who you are supposed to be when questioned by authorities. There's fictional spy memorobilia, like a James Bond car from the movies. And there are tons of actual items used by spies over the years - ball point pen weapons and button cameras, information about bugging rooms and surveillance techniques. Computerized interactive displays challenge you to identify costumed spies from their natural photos or descriptions, while watching security camera footage. There's info and videos about spies from the world wars... and up through recent years... and famous celebrities and sport figures who accepted spy assignments from the gov't while they toured in other countries (or here, from other countries).

We've been to this museum on two different Washington DC visits. It was fascinating, both times! Highly recommended!

 

[KStarfish82]

For anyone planning a visit to DC, an absolute must-see is the International Spy Museum! What a way to spend a half-day!!!

It starts with a challenge to select a "cover" persona (from many posted in a room) to memorize, then see if you can recall the details of who you are supposed to be when questioned by authorities. There's fictional spy memorobilia, like a James Bond car from the movies. And there are tons of actual items used by spies over the years - ball point pen weapons and button cameras, information about bugging rooms and surveillance techniques. Computerized interactive displays challenge you to identify costumed spies from their natural photos or descriptions, while watching security camera footage. There's info and videos about spies from the world wars... and up through recent years... and famous celebrities and sport figures who accepted spy assignments from the gov't while they toured in other countries (or here, from other countries).

We've been to this museum on two different Washington DC visits. It was fascinating, both times! Highly recommended!

Thanks for the tip Lisa!

 

[KStarfish82]

Day 2 continued....

So we leave the National Archive and walk towards the Capital Building. My fiance had never been to DC so we wanted to show him as much as we could. We walk to the capital and see that there are many, many police officers and barricades in place. They closed the capital because there was going to be an anti-war protests.

*** None of the pics I'm going to show reflect my personal viewpoints and I don't want to start any type of political debate.

Ok with that said, here are some pics...

The family before the protest

DF and I

First the Pro-troops supporters

Now the protest

 

[bubba's mom]

More great pix....a LOT of strong feelings out there, huh?? I noticed in the first pic (at the Capitol) and eerie site....plane flying in the background

Thanks for sharing....

 

[loribell]

Another great post Katie. Can't wait to hear more.

 

[macraven]

i'm going to willamsburg this friday.
thanks for the tips and pics of your trip there.

 

[DOOM1001]

Busch Gardens Williamsburg is absolutely one of my favorite parks.I just missed the grand opening of Darkcastle and now with Griffon,a trip up to Virginia will definitely be in the works!!