On day three, the weather was still spectacular. No clouds and crisp temperatures made walking around town an absolute joy the previous two days and this day would be no different.

Again, I started at Starbucks in Dupont but a different one two blocks away and this time I was able to sit outside in the sun. Also, I had stopped at Dunkin Donuts on 17th instead of getting a scone. Mmmm, doughnuts! The only downside was that the outdoor area allowed smoking and there was a veritable chimney at the next table. Thankfully he left just before I hit my breaking point and I was able to enjoy my time reading and watching the commuters on foot and bike.

I decided that I would head towards the other end of the National Mall this day. I headed towards the White House but made a left at Lafayette Park and worked my way through the main business area of downtown.  As I came upon St Patrick’s Church, the road was blocked off. A huge US flag was strung between two fire-trucks and there were numerous policemen in dress uniforms. It turned out that they were about to hold the annual Blue Mass.

Just a few blocks later I got to the International Spy Museum. I have wanted to visit here for a long time but when I realized the entry fee is $18 I decided that it could wait, especially with the near perfect weather. So I continued walking, passed through the US Navy Memorial, and eventually got to the Newseum. It had recently opened and it’s another one I’d like to tour but with tickets at $20, I quickly wrote it off too and headed towards the Capitol Building.

After walking along the reflecting pool I decided to wander through the National Gallery of Art and its Sculpture Garden. As I walked back towards the hotel I started to get a bit hungry so when I got back to Scott Circle I stopped into an outdoor cafe to get a small plate of crab cakes accompanied by a Gin Rickey. A quick nap in the room to topped off the afternoon.

The big event of the evening deserves its own post - don’t you want to know what it is???