Washington....done!

Just want to say that today for breakfast I had oats with fruit, yoghurts and nuts.  Bradley on the other hand had French toast with chocolate and banana, which was bloody nice.  He got 'full' just 2 bites short of finishing, so it would have been rude not to try a bit.

Any trip we go on has to include some sort of food market, so we headed to Eastern Market.  It wasn't very good though.  One thing I've noticed about Washington is the lack of supermarkets.  You've got your 7-11's , but nothing else - they must be out of town.  So we've just been eating out all the time!

We went up the Washington Monument (the obelisk thing) - in a lift, I hasten to add.  It's the highest structure in Washington so got the usual photos of sights from a great height (another must-do for us when we're travelling).  It's also the highest masonry structure (made of marble and stone) in the world, for anyone who's interested.

The Holocaust museum was moving and stunningly presented and Chinatown - a little less impressive, comprised of about 10 Chinese restaurants (but the world's longest single-span arch to make up for it!)

Can't forget to mention the White House.  To be honest we've been getting confused with the Capitol building (which has a big dome) and the White House (which doesn't) every time we see either of them.  I think we've got it sussed now we're leaving.  One thing I noticed (and is particularly clear when viewing the White House from the top of monument) is that the North Lawn in front of it is lush and green.  All the other grass areas in DC are brown and sparse.  It's really really hot here - in the mid-thirties.  Apparently, it's the hottest it's ever been (and the hottest place in the US at the mo)

What IS that squirty fake luminous yellow cheese the Americans put on everything?  It's gross!  Had it on jacket potato, nachos...have a feeling we're going to be seeing a lot more of this before our time here is done.

If anyone out there is thinking of visiting Washington for a few days (even as a stand-alone trip)- do it!  It's a much cooler place than I imagined.  I had this preconceived idea that it would have the White House and that's about it.  It's actually a large, vibrant city with loads to see and do.  We've really enjoyed our time here.

Oh, by the way, I've got this hostel thing sorted.  You can spend as long as you like in the shower as long as you get up really early, which I do anyway.  Actually got used to this place now we're moving on to L.A, have a feeling I'll realise how good it was once we visit a dodge-pot one.  The place is spotless.  Brad thought someone had nicked his sleeping bag, but the staff had taken it off his bed because they're not allowed here (bed bugs).  Can I assure everybody that, as far as we know, Brad's belongings do not contain any kind of bugs.

When we get to Will's at the weekend, we'll probably be able to load some photos, which will make things a bit more interesting.  Not allowed to download stuff on this communal computer, which is fair enough.

Off to L.A this afternoon.  We've got a hire car booked.  Speak to you all soon!

Lisa