Washington DC

OK - where to start people?!

Had an uneventful flight over here.  Due to 'favourable' tail winds, the journey took an hour less than scheduled.  Brad and I didn't realise that we could have checked in on-line in advance and so couldn't sit together, but seeing as we're going to be eachother's shadows for the next five months, it was no big deal really.  He stroked the top of my head (was sitting behind me) as I cried a bit at take-off, which was sweet.  Don't set me off!...

Managed to stay awake (just about) because I knew we'd have to sleep once we arrived, although it would have been about 5am UK time when we got to bed.  Absolutely shattered.  You get to the point with the bloody rucksack where you're torn between sitting down on a Metro with it on (and looking like a plonker), or keep putting it on and off.  Mine is so much lighter than Brad's though, reckon it's time for some shopping...

We had to wait 45 mins for the next bus to take us to the city from the airport, then a short Metro journey (not underground) to our hostel. 

I can't speak for Brad here, but I have never really stayed in a 'proper' hostel before (with shared dorms and shower facilities).  It all seems so much better after a (surprisingly good) night's sleep and a (surprisingly good/clean shower), but when we first arrived I was like, I'm too old for this - I don't care about the extra money, we're staying somewhere better next stop.  There seem to be tons of shared dorms on two levels.  Our one has 3 bunk beds in it (not all occupied last night).  To be fair, i've only seen about 10 other people max. 

It concerned me that there were only 3 bathrooms, two with showers.  Lucky that I happened to get up at 6am, so I sneaked in then, unhassled.  This place feels like staying in someone's house  - there's a nice atmosphere actually.  We're only here another couple of nights and Washington seems to have quite a lot to see, I can't imagine we're going to have the time to loll around and socialise, but you could certainly have a nice time doing that here, if you wanted.  There's a yard with a couple of hammocks, lots of comfy couches, fridge for food, fridge for drink (label your stuff with your leaving date and name so any left over can be used/thrown once you go), cookware (just wash up after yourself), copious amounts of books, games, one computer (which I'm hogging at the mo) with free internet, telly with 500 channels.  Bet you're all thinking, sounds great!  It's just wasn't fun getting to your dorm close to midnight, trying to put the covers on your (top bunk) bed and find your toothbrush with some girl asking you to turn the light off cos she's trying to sleep!  Brad and I are in adjacent top bunks, with our heads closest to eachother.  We just touched hands and said 'goodnight'.  Apparantly, i was out like a light!  Slept right though!

OK - it's only 7am now (even Brad's up now).  He'll probably write tomorrow (and make it slightly more succinct (good word).  I read the guide to Washington in the Lonely Planet on the flight  - there's actually a lot to do.  We'll head out for brekkie soon and have a full day of sightseeing.  Hopefully will have some piccies to show you.

Speak to you soon,

Lisa