Mr. Phelps goes to Washington

Well... both of us actually. Today we took advantage of the afternoon off and metroed into D.C. First we grabbed some sandwiches from The Breadline. This is a well known Washington bakery/cafe that has organized chaos down! It was packed with students and business types alike all calling out their orders. You walk in and have to choose right away whether you want salad, soup or sandwiches (and then decide between hot and cold) because each item has their own corner in the cafe. If you do not choose you are pushed aside by the many others streaming through the doors. After deciding what you want (in my case a hot sandwich) you stand in the appropriate line. Unfortunately as I previously mentioned the dozens of people yelling and milling about only gives the appearance of chaos because after only a moment in line the 6 people in front of me had already placed their orders leaving me at the front of the line before an ornery looking man and still debating the many choices. Aware of my inexperience and distress middle aged business men in suits would lean and whisper in my ear "try the egg salad", "the turkey is great", "you better order quick before you upset the Sandwitch Nazi!" Ahhhh, the pressure! Relenting to the last suggestion I heard ordered the turkey and then ducked behind the mustard counter. I felt relieved but a tinge of regret...I should have gotten the spicy chicken. (hee, hee)

We took our spoils from successfully running the gauntlet and walked to the White House which only stood about a block away. We sat down in the park across from the White House. It was lovely, absolutely perfect weather: not too hot, not too cold.



While enjoying our peaceful lunch, complete with angry protestors, I saw a man dressed in black with a large gun. Oh dear! I calmly pointed out this unsavory looking character situated on top of the White House and Daniel explained that they are there to protect the president.

A better look revealed that they had a little station up there from which to survey their domain. Cool!

* * * *

Our afternoon in the capital was followed by walking to the Police Officer's Memorial. Daniel's great-grandfather is commemorated there. His grandma Phelps' father was killed in the line of duty.

The memorial is like a large ring that has been split down the middle; one half on one side of the courtyard and the other facing it. The names of the fallen are written on the inside track of the ring. Guarding the entrance are statues of lions.


Under the statue of the large lion is the following inscription:


Great-grandpa Dilworth


Sadly the rest of our afternoon was hampered by impending rain clouds and sore feet (the memorial was a decent walk from the White House). Oh well, but there's always next time! ;)