Conrad and I just got back from a trip to Washington, DC. It was a wonderful experience. My first time to DC was actually last year, but I only had half of a day to spend there, so I didn't get to see much. This time we spent almost a week there and saw all of the main attractions. We had a staff member of my representative's office take us on a tour of the Capitol. We did a self-guided tour of the white house and all of the sights along the National Mall, including the Smithsonian.
There were so many good restaurants that people recommended we eat at. They were all really good. I think I gained a few pounds during the week. It was such a happy experience.
With all of the wonders and marvels that are available to tour in DC, it's hard not to enjoy your time there. Despite the fact that the USA is a relatively young country, there is so much history there to be told. There's so much art and science to explore. We wore our feet to the bone every day walking around from museum to museum. But, for me the most wonderful and marvelous part about the trip was having my sweetheart with me. I got to hold his hand and put my arm around my dear, adorable Conrad everywhere we went.
I was impressed by the people in DC (which, by its very nature, includes people from all over the world). During the week that we were out in public, hold hands and hugging each other publicly, not one disparaging remark or homophobic statement was made within earshot of us. In fact, one man said "You've got a good thing going there. Keep it up." and several people smiled as they saw us walk by, holding hands. We were treated equally by the police and security guards (who can be found in great abundance in DC). I felt no discrimination at all. I have great hope for America--and for the world--that this environment is what we have to look forward to. I foresee a day when people will be allowed to walk down any street holding hands with their lover and not be assailed by verbal abuse.
As far as we are both aware, we didn't destroy any families by holding hands in public. We didn't instigate any divorces. We didn't end any marriage. We didn't discourage any couples from being together. We didn't dissolve any parent-child bonds. We didn't ask any children to disbelieve their parents' religious beliefs. But we did show a lot of people that gays can feel and show love just the same way straights do. We feel affection for each other just the same way straight couples do. The love between us is just as strong as the love between any other couple. And being in an environment where other people seemed to see that as well was very refreshing.
There were so many good restaurants that people recommended we eat at. They were all really good. I think I gained a few pounds during the week. It was such a happy experience.
With all of the wonders and marvels that are available to tour in DC, it's hard not to enjoy your time there. Despite the fact that the USA is a relatively young country, there is so much history there to be told. There's so much art and science to explore. We wore our feet to the bone every day walking around from museum to museum. But, for me the most wonderful and marvelous part about the trip was having my sweetheart with me. I got to hold his hand and put my arm around my dear, adorable Conrad everywhere we went.
I was impressed by the people in DC (which, by its very nature, includes people from all over the world). During the week that we were out in public, hold hands and hugging each other publicly, not one disparaging remark or homophobic statement was made within earshot of us. In fact, one man said "You've got a good thing going there. Keep it up." and several people smiled as they saw us walk by, holding hands. We were treated equally by the police and security guards (who can be found in great abundance in DC). I felt no discrimination at all. I have great hope for America--and for the world--that this environment is what we have to look forward to. I foresee a day when people will be allowed to walk down any street holding hands with their lover and not be assailed by verbal abuse.
As far as we are both aware, we didn't destroy any families by holding hands in public. We didn't instigate any divorces. We didn't end any marriage. We didn't discourage any couples from being together. We didn't dissolve any parent-child bonds. We didn't ask any children to disbelieve their parents' religious beliefs. But we did show a lot of people that gays can feel and show love just the same way straights do. We feel affection for each other just the same way straight couples do. The love between us is just as strong as the love between any other couple. And being in an environment where other people seemed to see that as well was very refreshing.
Glad you had a good trip. It's sort of the nature of the beast. DC is one of the most liberal cities in the country—the Republicans didn't even bother putting forward a candidate in the last mayoral election. I don't know if you got away from the area around the Mall, but many of the neighborhoods in the Northwest are fantastically gay. I've been living here for a month now, and not only do I see other gay couples daily, but being gay has been a benefit at my job.
ReplyDeleteShame you don't see it in the rest of the country...
I absolutely love DC. I spent last spring break there alone just wandering around for days. Being alone allowed me lots of time to go through the museums at my own pace. (I've been before, but never got the chance to do what I wanted at every turn.)
ReplyDeleteDid you check out the Holocaust Museum? It was one of the toughest things I did while in DC. I cried walking through the train car, looking through the hall of portraits, and finally the room of shoes. The shoes just about killed me.
Another favorite was the FDR Memorial. I greatly admire FDR and Eleanor, so it was a high point for me. The memorial was unlike any I had seen before. It was very beautiful, peaceful, and serene.
If I could afford it on a teacher's salary, I would live there in an instant.
Also, you and Connie should have stopped off to see me on your way home. You passed right by me on the interstate!!!