Our first stop in the USA was (but of course) the nation’s capital, Washington, DC.
We were expecting glorious blue skies and lots of sun, but we weren’t prepared for the bitter, freezing cold. The annual Cherry Blossom Festival had begun, but there were no puffy blush blooms on any of the trees! It was a crushing disappointment.
Still, there were sights to be seen!
We had breakfast at the hotel, at a table basked in morning light, reading over the papers. The Washington Post is running a segment on the 150th anniversary of the Civil War!
Smoked salmon and chive scrambled eggs with herb oil
It was hard to leave our sun-drenched spot and head out into the numbing cold, but we felt obligated to pop across the street and say hello to the neighbours.
Thankfully, Barry and Michelle didn’t answer the door. So we continued on our sprightly stroll around town – taking in the monuments in all their glory.
Well, most of their glory…
As if the lack of cherry blossoms wasn’t disappointing enough, the powers that be didn’t see fit to put any water in the reflecting pool. So the vista across the Lincoln Memorial to the Washington Monument was a little lacklustre.
Thankfully, there was still inspiration to be found in Honest Abe’s historic Gettysburg Address, which gives me chills every time I read it.
After our long walk, it was time for lunch. Well, technically, brunch.
We headed to Logan Circle and grabbed a booth at Birch & Barley.
Dill Bloody Mary
I was thrilled when they told me I could get a wheat-free version of their delicious flatbreads. This gluten-free beast was a sausage and cheese dream!
Spicy Muffaletta Flatbread Oil-Cured Soppressata, Olive Relish, Ricotta, Provolone
The homemade donuts were also a must-try.
Freshly Fried Donuts: Toffee-Bacon, Lemon-Poppy Glazed, Bittersweet Chocolate
After several cups of coffee, we headed back out into the streets for more exploring!
It’s so good to be back 🙂
