Flat Stanley

Have you heard of Flat Stanley, before? Flat Stanley travels around an envelope to explore the world and then goes back to the school where he started and then tells the class about his adventures. My best friend from high school, Duana's daughter, sent me her Flat Stanley. I was hoping to get Flat Stanley before I went to NYC, but because of Snowzilla our mail was delayed. Therefore, when I was back in DC, Flat Stanley and I went on a walk during my 1 hour lunch. I was pretty impressed with how much Flat Stanley saw. This is where I took Flat Stanley in chronological order:

1. We started our walk outside where Meredith works. As we cross the street we see the headquarters for the FBI!
2. 2 blocks after the FBI building we come across our first of many Smithsonian's, Archives. While no photos are allowed inside Archives you can see the original Declaration of Independence, Constitution and Bill of Rights.
3. After Archives we cross over Pennsylvania Avenue and get our first glimpse of the United States Capitol where our laws are made by the representatives that we elect.
4. Posing for a photo in front of the National Archives sign.
5. Across from Archives is the sculpture garden, is an ice skating rink where the public can skate during the winter. During the summer time this area has a fountain display. 
6. Closer look at the US Capitol dome.
7. Looking at the signs of all the places we could see along the National Mall.
8. In the distance you can see Meredith's favorite monument, the Washington Monument
9. A real life castle - this one is the Smithsonian Castle where the administration for the Smithsonian work.
10. On our way to another Smithsonian we see a Butterfly Garden.
11. Have you seen, Night at the Museum? If so, you can go inside the National Museum of Natural History and see Dumb Dumb!
12. Front stairs of the Natural History Museum
13. Our next museum in the American History Museum where you can see the flag that inspired our National Anthem, the Star Spangled Banner.
14. Another view of the American History Museum
15. The Washington Monument! Did you know that the Washington Monument is the tallest building in Washington DC at 555 1/8 feet. It is city rule that no other building can be taller than the Washington Monument
16. Flat Stanley was really excited to see the Washington Monument
17. We walked quickly past the IRS
18. and the Department of Justice
19. Pennsylvania Avenue - the President of the United States lives on this street. Do you know his address?
20. No visit is complete without a visit to the Spy Museum!
21. The last Smithsonian we saw on our walk was the Portrait Gallery.
22. Finally after our walk we had to go back to work at Meredith's desk.

NYC - Day 5 & 6

On Wednesday, Alissa and I had lunch at Fika and we had the most amazing soup, sweet potato coconut milk - yum,yum, yum!

On Wednesday evening we went to a comedy show in the Gramercy district. On the subway we saw an old co-workers' doppelganger.

We went to a place called the Stand. The lineup was a series of comedians, all equally funny and some big names that I can't remember :)

On Thursday, Alissa left me to go back to the wonderful state of Idaho. I made friends with one of the girls in my training class and for lunch we had traditional New York pizza! And yes, I ate it with cheese (cause it is pizza cheese) and more importantly I ate it with my hands (I like to eat Pizza with a fork).

Little side note, the shower in my hotel room was huge! Could seriously have a party in there!

For my last night in NYC, I decided to go to the Observation Deck at One World Trade Center. The observation deck are on floors 100-102 stories above ground. One World Trade Center is the tallest building in the Northern Hemisphere and the 6th tallest in the world. One World Trade Center opened their doors on November 3, 2014.

As you walk to the elevators you walk through Voices and Foundations. Voices tells you the personal stories of the men and women who built One World Trade Center. Foundations provides you with a close up view of the very bedrock on which the building stands.

I rode to the 102nd floor in an elevator all alone. That alone is a once in a lifetime experience, I can just imagine the crowds that come here during the tourist season. 

When you get off the elevator on the 102nd floor you watch a short video of the evolving NYC skyline.

Then the curtains move and you get your first glimpse of the skyline.

Next you walk to the observation deck on the 100th floor and can take in the 360 degree view of New York and New Jersey.

The colorful building directly in the middle of the photo is the Empire State Building.

While I was inwardly proud of going by myself, I wanted to experience some of it with someone, so I Facetimed Barb - she may not have been able to see much of it, but it was still fun!

Somber look down, where the towers once stood.

The Sky Portal is a 14-foot wide circular disc that delivers an unforgettable view, using real-time, high-definition footage of the streets below, but what is really below is just offices.

Going down the elevator and this time I had to share with one other person.

Looking up at the amazing building.

Taking another moment to walk around the memorial.

As I was walking back to my hotel, I walked past the fire station that that is closet to the towers. Not the best picture, but it says "Still Standing" on the front of the engine.

The few times I had walked past the "Charging Bull", there were people all around it. However, this Thursday night, there was nobody, so BAM, I got a peopleless photo! The Charging Bull depicts aggressive financial optimism and prosperity. The Charging Bull symbolizes Wall Street and the Financial District.

My training ended on Friday afternoon and I took an evening train back to DC. I absolutely loved New York City and I am so excited to venture back in May with Kathie.