Meeting Reuben and Ainsley a couple of years ago was an occasion of great enjoyment that I shall never forget.  Tomorrow, they become man and wife.

This morning, I awoke determined to at least see the Capitol Building and anything else I might remember.  On the way, I came across this (I think) 27 bell carillion tower in honour of Robert A. Taft. 

I said this the first time that I visited Washington. I would stay longer and see much more of what this capital city has to offer.  I would need a month. But, yet again, in the brief period I have available to me, I can hardly scratch the surface, even doing a couple of circuits on the hop-on hop-off trolly.

I arrived at the Capitol Building after a short walk from the hotel.   Again, it was hot.  As you can see, I took a few pictures, but none are outstanding.  I would return to the hotel, retrieve the luggage cases, and one of the staff hailed me?a taxi for Bethesda, which I ascertained was 7 miles away.  The taxi driver took what felt like a forty mile detour. I was suspicious, but I knew not the area.  I may well write to the hotel and let them know that from now on, all my private transfers will be either pre-booked or by Uber. 

I did eventually arrive at my destination, home for the next three nights, the very spacious fifth floor suite at the Embassy Suites by Hilton.  I settled into my suite, which is very spacious.

Being very humid, I took an extra shower before attending a pre-wedding gathering at the home of the bride’s grandparents (who appear younger than me!)   What a splendid get-together and although very much a stranger, I was made to feel very much at home.

Blog 131 will include some wedding photographs.

That’s two blogs completed in one evening.

Many thanks for reading, David, 23.30 E.S.T. 3/8/24. at the hotel.