Christmas in July!
Today, we sang Christmas carols in a sweltering sanctuary, complete with a decorated lit up tree. It was to remind us that love, charity, and acceptance of others aren't to be focused on in December alone.
I hadn't attended in some time, so it was great to see so many more new members. Several of them in my age group. This is a first in a congregation that for the past ten years counted only a few members who were under the age of 35.
Today marks 90 years since that fateful night on July 17, 1918 when Tsar Nicholas II, his family and his retinue, were led down to the cellar room of the Ipatiev house and murdered. Ending their lives and the Romanov dynasty.
Such a somber anniversary. If you can call it that.
In Russia, this occasion is being marked with Orthodox services all over the country. Naturally, Yekaterinburg is the focal point. In scientific news, there is cause for at least some celebration. The Russian team has concluded that the remains found last year are in fact the Tsarevich Alexei and his sister Marie.
I will be in St Petersburg and Moscow this November, too late for the commemorations. Still, it will be poignant to visit the Alexander Palace, the last home of the Tsar and his family before their exile and ultimate death, during this anniversary year.
Summer classes start today at my new university. I'll be taking on two courses in eight weeks. Both are part of the required curriculum. Logging on, I was ecstatic to be welcomed as a full student, regardless of the fact that I am learning from a distance. What an excellent start! Though I don't have my books yet. Those should be trickling in shortly.
Fingers crossed!
Just got back from Washington DC were we spent four days and three nights. Our hotel was located in Logan Circle and had a funky vibe. Visiting the city was a nice distraction, even if the weather didn't fully cooperate. Naturally, DC is primo for collecting NPS stamps, and we pretty much got all of them, save for a few spots that were out of the city center.
Photos here.
Here's a basic rundown of the things we visited and saw.
Day 1 -
Old Post Office Tower. It offers excellent views of the city and of the Washington Monument.
Photo-ops in front of the White House. I despise the current guy in power and hope to see Obama in there by 2009 (fingers crossed). Then, I'll be able to take another picture with a more confident smile!
Day 2 -
Arlington National Cemetery. The sun was beating down and draining our energy for the duration of our travels there. We saw the graves of both Kennedy's: John and Robert. We also visited the grave of Audie Murphy (the most decorated American soldier), the Space Shuttle Challenger memorial, and the mast of the USS Havana. Most moving was the changing of the guard in front of the tombs of the unknown soldiers. I don't know how these soldiers do it, but the fact they can endure this in all kinds of weather will always have my respect.
National Holocaust Museum. The permanent exhibit is moving and a frightening reminder of such a dark time in Western history. I was soothed by the sight of visitors from all ages, races, and walks of life who were viewing the exhibit along side me. The museum's slogan "Think of What You Saw" stayed with me the entire trip.
At night, we saw the fireworks on display near the Washington Monument. We changed our minds at the last minute and decided the mall was too crowded, so we found (by accident) a spot on 15th & Pennsylvania Ave which was just a block away from all the action, but afforded the same exact view. Others thought so too because by the time the sun set, the park was filled to the brim with spectators.
Day 3 -
This was our get-out-and-finally-see-everything day, and it concentrated mainly on area around the National Mall. In no particular order: WWII Memorial, Korean War Memorial, Vietnam Veterans Memorial, Lincoln Memorial, FDR Memorial, and the Thomas Jefferson Memorial. Well, the last one was from a distance as it was too hot and we were about to suffer from heatstroke. But, we got close enough to "see" what was inside! The reflecting pool was so dirty, really cruddy. Unbelievable considering it manages to look so pristine in media images.
I witnessed a curious thing at the Vietnam Veterans Memorial. Apparently, if you have a name, the parks department will do a name rubbing for you. We saw this happen a few times. I thought it poignant that families of these soldiers are allowed to have a keepsake of the wall that bears the name of their fallen relative.
That night, we participated in a night time trolley tour to see the city lit up. I highly recommend this tour. The Lincoln Memorial is more beautiful at night, especially with Abe's majestic presence looking out towards the Washington Monument.
It's kind of odd when I consider all the other countries I've been to. Yet, up until this point, I hadn't even seen my own nation's capital!
Tomorrow, we head out to our nation's capital - Washington DC. I have never been before, and I'm looking forward to going. We haven't planned much in terms of the who, what, when, and where; but I'm sure it will all fall into place. Our travels will take us to most of the major monuments, including Arlington Cemetery. Museums will be added to our itinerary if we can manage to get timed tickets for the days we want. So much up in the air right now.
The weather doesn't look like it will cooperate, but we're going to make the best of it regardless.
