The air in Abilene still hummed with the warmth of recent memories, but the engine of the car was already singing a new tune: adventure. Shelby (my best friend), Shelby’s husband, and Keke (my friend and coworker) and I piled into the car, leaving the familiar behind, and began our grand trek. Our first stretch of this multi-city journey took us directly to Dallas, a bustling hub where our paths would diverge, but our shared spirit of exploration would remain.
We checked into our hotel in Dallas, a comfortable landing pad after the drive, then immediately made our way to the State Fair of Texas. The Fair is a sensory explosion, a vibrant spectacle of Texas culture, larger-than-life attractions, and every fried food imaginable. We spent hours walking around, taking in the sights: the towering Big Tex, the dizzying rides, the bizarre culinary concoctions (fried butter, anyone?). It was pure, unadulterated fun, a quintessential Texas experience shared with my closest friends. After soaking it all in, we headed back to the hotel, knowing our flights would leave early the next morning.
The plan was set: Keke and I were off to Washington D.C., the nation’s capital, ready to immerse ourselves in history and politics. Meanwhile, Shelby and her husband were flying to Newark to spend some much-needed time with his family. The grand reunion would then bring us all together in the Big Apple, with Shelby and her husband meeting Keke and me in New York City for Shelby’s birthday, where we’d spend three full days—a celebration of friendship, joy, and the urban marvel that is NYC.
Day One in Washington D.C.: Architecture, History, and a Test of Endurance
The alarm blared relentlessly in the pre-dawn darkness. Keke and I were up before the sun, making our way to DFW Airport. We left Shelby and her husband at the airport, waiting on their flight to Newark, and then, with a surge of anticipation, our plane took off, carrying us eastward. We landed in Washington D.C. with little time to spare; our schedule was packed, each hour carefully planned. After a quick check-in at the historic Willard InterContinental Hotel, a grand dame of D.C. hospitality, we immediately made our way to our first official appointment: a scheduled tour of the Capitol Building via… sigh… the Ted Cruz office. (Yes, I took one for the team, politically speaking!).
The Capitol Building itself is awe-inspiring, a true architectural masterpiece that commands respect regardless of your political leanings. Its vast dome, intricate frescoes, and imposing marble halls speak volumes of history and power. We toured its impressive architecture, walked through the historic Senate and House Chambers (imagining the debates and decisions that unfolded within those walls), and felt the palpable weight of democracy. However, the sheer amount of walking, the vastness of the building, and the fast pace of the tour proved to be a bit much for Keke. She was not prepared for the monumental trek involved in exploring the Capitol, and after a good effort, wisely decided to head back to the hotel, leaving me to continue our ambitious itinerary alone.
And so, I ventured forth, ready to walk around the Capitol grounds and then embark on an odyssey across the sprawling National Mall. Washington D.C.’s first day was truly unforgettable, despite the persistent drizzle of rain and my profound sleep deprivation from the early flight and lack of rest. I plunged headfirst into the world-class Smithsonian museums, a treasure trove of human knowledge and creativity. The sheer scale and depth of these institutions are overwhelming in the best possible way:
- National Air and Space Museum: This museum is a monument to human ingenuity and the boundless ambition of flight. You’re immediately struck by iconic artifacts hanging overhead: the Wright Brothers’ 1903 Flyer, the very first successful airplane; Charles Lindbergh’s Spirit of St. Louis; the Apollo 11 Command Module Columbia, which carried astronauts to the moon. Seeing these legendary pieces of history up close, marveling at the audacity of human aspiration, is truly inspiring. You walk among rockets, space capsules, and early aircraft, feeling the immense gravity of humanity’s quest to conquer the skies.
- National Museum of Natural History: This museum is a journey through the wonders of the natural world and human civilization. From the towering skeletons of dinosaurs (the colossal T-Rex and Triceratops are always a thrill!) to the intricate exhibits on human evolution, ancient civilizations, and diverse ecosystems, it’s a profound exploration of life on Earth. I was particularly drawn to the exhibits on ancient cultures, like the detailed displays of ancient Egyptian artifacts, including mummies and sarcophagi, offering a glimpse into civilizations long past. The sheer variety of specimens, from sparkling gems to massive mammals, is astounding.
- National Museum of American History: This museum is a vibrant tapestry of the American experience. You can see Dorothy’s ruby slippers from The Wizard of Oz, the original Star-Spangled Banner, and exhibits on everything from the Civil Rights Movement to the history of American industry and pop culture. It’s a powerful reminder of the nation’s complex narrative, its struggles, and its triumphs.
To experience all of this—the grandeur of the Capitol, the sheer volume of history and knowledge contained within the Smithsonian—is profoundly humbling and awe-inspiring. It felt like trying to drink from a firehose, but every drop was fascinating. We finished the day off with a fantastic dinner at The Hamilton Restaurant, a lively and often bustling spot known for its delicious food and vibrant atmosphere. The meal was absolutely amazing, a perfect culinary conclusion to an incredibly packed and thought-provoking day.
Day Two in Washington D.C.: Power, Remembrance, and a Final Stretch
Day Two dawned, and despite lingering fatigue, the drive to continue exploring the capital’s iconic landmarks was strong.
- The White House: Our morning began with a visit to the perimeter of the White House, the iconic residence and workplace of the U.S. President. While public tours often require advance planning (and perhaps better connections than a Ted Cruz office!), even viewing it from the outside is a powerful experience. We could see the famous East Wing, often the first glimpse many visitors get. It houses the East Garden, the Visitors Office, the Family Theater, and the East Colonnade, which connects to the Executive Residence. From there, one can imagine the famous Blue Room, Green Room, and Red Room, each imbued with centuries of history and political significance. The stately architecture and meticulously maintained grounds speak volumes of power and tradition.
- Ford’s Theatre: We then made a poignant visit to Ford’s Theatre, the site of Abraham Lincoln’s assassination. The theater itself is a powerful historical landmark, meticulously preserved. The accompanying museum offered a sobering glimpse into that tragic night and its aftermath, providing invaluable context about a pivotal moment in American history. It’s a somber but essential stop for understanding the nation’s past.
- The Washington Monument: From there, we walked towards the towering Washington Monument, an immense obelisk piercing the D.C. skyline. Its sheer height and stark simplicity make it a powerful symbol of national unity and remembrance. The views from its base, stretching across the National Mall, are breathtaking.
Our afternoon was dedicated to a solemn walk around the Lincoln Reflecting Pool, paying respects at the various memorials that encircle it. Each memorial is a powerful testament to sacrifice, bravery, and complex chapters of American history.
- Lincoln Memorial: The majestic, imposing statue of Abraham Lincoln seated in his grand temple, overlooking the Reflecting Pool. Its presence is profoundly powerful, inspiring quiet reflection on leadership, unity, and the enduring fight for freedom.
- World War II Memorial: A vast, impressive tribute to the service members of WWII, with pillars representing each U.S. state and territory, and a striking “Freedom Wall” adorned with gold stars. Its grandeur speaks to the immense scale of the sacrifice.
- Korean War Veterans Memorial: A haunting, evocative memorial featuring 19 stainless steel statues of soldiers, seemingly patrolling through a field, reflecting the stark realities of the conflict. A nearby wall reflects their images, creating a sense of ghostly presence.
- Vietnam Veterans Memorial: A deeply moving and somber black granite wall, etched with the names of over 58,000 service members who died or went missing in the Vietnam War. Its design encourages reflection and personal connection, serving as a powerful tribute to sacrifice and a raw reminder of the war’s human cost.
We then walked from the memorials to the Arlington National Cemetery as closing time approached. This sacred ground is a place of immense respect and solemnity. We paid our respects to the countless soldiers buried there, a silent sea of white headstones stretching across the rolling hills. Our visit culminated in a poignant moment at the JFK gravesite, marked by the eternal flame, a powerful symbol of enduring legacy and hope.
We wanted to do so much more, to linger, to absorb every detail, but time was slipping away. We had to get back to the hotel to prepare for our early bus trip from D.C. to NYC the next morning.
Day Three: The Train to New York City – A New Horizon Beckons
Day Three dawned, and we rose early, making our way to the station. We boarded our train from D.C. to NYC, the landscape outside blurring as we sped north. As I write this now, nestled in my seat on the train, watching the urban sprawl gradually give way to suburban towns and then merge into the unmistakable energy of the Northeast corridor, I’m filled with immense anticipation. New York City, a place of endless possibilities, holds so much in store for us. I’m looking forward to the bright lights of Broadway, perhaps catching a show like Wicked, and exploring all the iconic sights that make NYC a truly global marvel. The journey continues, always moving forward, always seeking new experiences, and always, always with a sense of gratitude for these shared moments.