God sometimes gives us unexpected gifts. Our gift has been a grandson who enlivens our lives and makes retirement very different than the one we anticipated. He is a special joy. And that's "Casey." In 2006 we fulfilled our dream of living in Italy for a year. It was every bit as wonderful as anticipated. This blog begins in 2005 as we prepared for that experience. Since then we have explored many places together. That's the "Travel." And finally, I am a person of opinions--spiritually, politically, on just about anything and that's the "Other Stuff." Welcome to my blog.

Friday, January 16, 2009

We're Off to Watch History Made

If all goes as planned, we left San Diego at 7:25 this morning, headed to D.C. via Denver. There is a 2 + hour layover there so we don't get into D.C. until 7:00 pm where a car service will be waiting to whisk us off to the Grand Hyatt--our home for 6 nights. We used miles for the tickets and points for a couple hotel nights and so have saved money to spend on good eating.

This is our itinerary which will be full and wonderful--maybe a little cold but excitement will generate some heat.
  • Saturday --We have reservations at the new U.S. Capitol Visitor Center for a tour of the Capitol.
  • Saturday Dinner--City Zen--the chef, who came from The French Laundry in Napa, was one of ten chefs receiving the James Beard ‘Best Chefs in America’ title in 2008. It should be a memorable dinner. And...good friend Eirin, sometimes known as Chicciola, is taking Casey out for pizza and a night on the town. What a treat that is going to be.
  • Sunday--Plans are up in the air right now--either Mt. Vernon so Casey can visit George Washington or staying in the National Mall at the Lincoln Memorial for the hugely big Inauguration Kickoff event with Obama and entertainers. Which ever we do, friend Vicky is spending the day with us--either driving us to Mt. Vernon or enjoying the concert and then the reopened American History Museum with us.
  • Sunday Dinner--a big night! 17 friends from the Slow Travel community are dining at Dino Restaurant which is owned by an original Slow Travel member. It is going to be a very special and fun night.
  • Monday--We pick up our actual ceremony tickets from our Congressman's office. Right now we just have a letter telling us where and how to get the tickets. Then to the Air and Space Museum and whatever else grabs us.
  • Monday Dinner--Tony Chang's
  • Tuesday--THE BIG DAY! We will go to the inauguration ticketed area about 8:30 am and then stand in the cold the rest of the morning. The actual ceremony is at 11:30. This is the ceremony agenda.
  • Tuesday Dinner--Fogo de Chäo
  • Wednesday--The International FBI Spy Museum Casey is excited about this. And other unknown things.
  • Wednesday Dinner--Oceanaire Seafood Room (no link because they play obnoxious music)
  • Thursday--rest, relax and get a 2:30 plane home. Fortunately, this is a direct flight to San Diego.
As you can see this is to be a momentous, busy, exhausting wonderful week. One that we will remember and one that will give Casey something very special to tell his grandchildren.

3 comments:

Barbara said...

We'll be watching on TV, but I know the excitement of being there will be amazing! I'm sure it's something Casey will remember for the rest of his life. Have fun!

Trekcapri said...

Hi Jane, hope your flights went smooth. Have a wonderful time. I'll be watching it on the tube and will be thinking of you all who are luck to be there to experience this special moment in person. Have a really wonderful trip!

Unknown said...

Jane,

Hope that you all arrived safely in D.C., and that the excitement keeps you warm! I'll be thinking about you as I follow on T.V. Though I wish I was there, I am looking forward to our celebration with the Residents at work - most of whom never thought that they would live to see this day!
Sheri