Washington D.C

Last night in Chicago - would like to spend more time here. Big snowball fight tonight on the way home. People falling over - will post some pictures.
Left Chicago on the 9th. You need to allow plenty of time to catch flights even if they are just domestic because traffic can be horrendous. Even though they have minimum of 8 lane freeways and some up to 16 lanes, they still come to a standstill. While Chicago city has about 2 million people, the surrounding region called Chicago land has another 9 million, so roads get pretty clogged at peak hour especially.
Anyway,we got away OK once I was able to find a cab co that could fit us in one vehicle. Would prefer to use the public transport but it was morning peak time and the trains and buses don't cater for luggage.
Some flights canceled but ours was leaving on time - phew!
Arrived DC on time and caught the Metro. Very efficient train system like Chicago and didn't have to change trains like in LA, which is not easy with luggage and 6 people.
Small walk to our digs which is another good choice - only 1 small flight of stairs to basement apartment with 2 bathrooms (who hoo!) and very good location.
Dinner at local pub with half price hamburgers and local brew. Pie (of course) for dessert.
Good sleep - we needed it after late night in Chicago. Back to the Metro and only 1 station away to many attractions. The Capitol (that's the way they say it here) is very well set out, very clean and ordered. First stop was the Library of Congress. Unfortunately not open due to weather which was snowing but wet. Hopefully we can get inside tomorrow.
Then we went to the Capitol Building and free tour. The guide was very knowledgeable and quirky - knew all about Australia and able to speak 6 different languages. A very impressive building.
Off to the museums and galleries which are all free. Impossible to see than all in 1 day and probably want see them all tomorrow either but will do what we can.
Planning to get up early tomorrow for a run through Arlington Cemetery and see some memorials on the way back to the apartment before breakfast.
Take care
Mike