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Published: November 6th 2009
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Ok so its that time again for another yarn and tale of my US adventure this time to DC sans parents and Chinese tour company. It was time again for 'we' to travel again, yes superstar Jeremy was back onboard as we headed to DC for the defence funded trip which would put us back in Aus mode for at least 3 days. The trip started off in our travelling shirts which have "that's how we roll" embossed on them. Early start saw us off to the airport and someone's bag being overweight by a pound (half a kilo). My bag weighing in well under the desired weight saw me witness the exchange rather than partake in it this time and watched the lady not so politely tell Jeremy that he needs to watch his weight and could be charged. I remained out of this one and had a laugh at the silly lady and her power trip. A minor exchange, a frustrated travelling partner and 51pds was through the baggage check and security.
On route to the plane someone misplaced one of their headphone slots which for some reason I found absolutely hilarious. After watching him rummage around for
Piano Man
Acting like kids a good 7 or so minutes with no luck and with me crying with laughter had people on the plane wondering what was wrong with us. We both copped those looks of "I hope they are not sitting with me". A few seat pushes, some punching and of course laughter saw us pull into Dulles International in DC and begin our journey downtown. The thongs idea that were pleasant for Florida were not DC proof and I was a little cool with the change. That and the asshole cab driver had the window down which let in both wind and rain and instead of responding to my initial polite request he grunted....enter cranky pants who told him to put the window up its cold and wet.
Finally out of that cab we both had plans to go to the gym before heading out however the hotel had other ideas with rooms not being ready which resulted in us walking around DC and figuring its time for a beer. By 1pm we were settled and somehow we managed to loose 11hrs with beer college football and making fun of each other. A quiet morning saw a relaxed start the next
Local Nutter
Adam and Steve...LOL day and a decision to check out Georgetown and the surrounding area. After curiously eyeing other hotel guests we found ourselves running into the beginning of a gay pride march which explained a lot. A nice stroll through the area, lunch and heading back for some quiet time saw us get ready for drinks at the embassy. Like all functions you end up running into people you have not seen in a while so our plans to drink conservatively slowly got pushed out the window and it was on again. At one stage we found a piano and figured it was time to goof around.....see photos of piano man. I resigned by midnight however 'others' continued the rage until the morning forgoing decent sleep. The next day sitting in a lecture theatre would push a few people as well as see an absence.
Regretting the late night everyone pushed through and then it was time for some Indian food and a beer or 2 to ensure the body wasn't completely depleted. At this stage when payment came a member of the group realised that they had lost their card and ID at someplace somewhere the night before but knew
Georgetown
Recovery Day it was in walking distance. Armed with this extensive knowledge we left dinner, and proceeded to walk around looking for someplace that inside looked like an aeroplane. Safe to say nothing eventuated and it was home for a quiet night. Next day more lectures, some tedious and one that was excellent. The CO of the USS COLE which was attacked in Yemen spoke giving a very detailed account of what had happened.More lectures and then time for an official reception saw everyone decked out in formal gear. After the official part was over we walked around Du Pont circle, found the aeroplane looking nightclub (surprisingly) picked up the stuff (happily) and got ready for the final day. While we had been quiet at the official reception many had not and the next day was very rough on some. A tour of the capital building saw me scanned by the security guard for about 2 mins and people watched as my chest was scanned 6 times....at different intervals. After that it was back to the airport and our DC trip had finished so until next year.
Lucky me also had a visit from my KANIMBLA bunkie Dan who flew over
on a whim of a trip to see her bunkie and hang out for the weekend. Her introduction to Jacksonville included watching college football and drinking poor American beer and eating American food. Later that day we caught up with another friend and drank champas, wine and then on to cocktails....common theme. While out we chatted caught up on old times and new goss and I watched Dan and Leanne chat away about shoes and shopping. After sculling the first Jager bomb I could see where this was heading so I called it a night and we headed back home. An American breakfast, a shopping trip and a tour to St Augustine saw her quick but memorable trip over. Thanks for coming Dan and I hope to see you again next year.
Recently I let everyone know that I had the chance to watch Obama speak to the service personnel in the Jacksonville area. After hitching a lift with the CO and XO I followed them through to the VIP area and mulled about. Completely aware that I would be asked to move I put into gear the theory of "look like you belong and no-one will know otherwise".
Obama
Very Close Indeed 3 hours of sitting where I belong, getting impatient and being told by the XO to sit still my theory had worked a charm and saw me sitting 30ft from the man himself and listening to the president of the US speak as well as the secretary of the Navy. Americans are very different to us Aussies and in this scenario generally crazy. Having seen John Howard twice the reception the 2 received are at polar ends of the spectrum, although I think we have it right. People cheered as though it was a Springsteen concert and Obama didn't really say anything informative. He has charisma yes, and is a great speaker able to work a crowd, but when that crowd is a non-challenging non informed group your task isn't that difficult. Having said that it was a very memorable experience and a great privilege for me to have the opportunity to witness a part of history. Next blog will be sooner and will encompass a few things such as Halloween another trip to ALABAMA and thanksgiving.....stay tuned
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Jock
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Hey Sherrin, Just a short note to let you know that I am home. I loved reading about your Beer, DC and Obama experience. After having spent six months working with the Yankee Doodle Dandees I can thoroughly agree with your comments on non-challenging and non informed crowds. I'll send you an e-mail with a load of photos from Bahrain soonish. There is lots and not much to tell from that time, if you know what I mean. Look after yourself. Cheers Jock