the revenge of the self-portrait

The trip was a lot of ground to cover in a very few days. In regards to my law school decision, I believe I have made a pretty solid decision; this trip definitely helped with that. Now, for your viewing pleasure, here is Jenny and mine's revenge of the self-portrait.

In front of a Maine Beach.

In front of a lighthouse.

In front of the Capitol.

In front of the White House.

what up secret service, sure I'll stand here as the President drives by...

Woke up early and took the hotel shuttle to the metro. Today was the first time Jenny was going to see DC and I had about two hours to show her everything. We started with the Capitol.

Then ran across the mall to view the cherry blossoms around the Jefferson Memorial, sadly though, they were no longer. Some light jogging led us to the Washington Monument and then on to the WWII Memorial. 

We were going to go to the Lincoln Memorial next but with the work on the reflection pool it just wouldn't have been the same. Plus we were over time already so we walked fast towards the White House. But not before capturing a photo of the memorial.

Along the way, two secret service cars blocked the road and asked us, and some others, to stop so that a limo with several police bikes and suvs could drive to the White House. Jenny and I suspect it was the President. 

We finally made it to the front of the White House. I was going to show her the back too but couldn't remember how to get there and we didn't have much time.

Across from the White House was gift shop complete with photo opportunities. Unfortunately, I have discovered I make funny faces in every picture I take. Here is the least funny. Just call me Madam President.

After some shenanigans trying to get back to the metro and back to the hotel (making it to the hotel at 10:56, check-out was at 11), we finally hit the rode home. Nearing West Virginia, we saw this and couldn't determine if it was a storm or a smoke cloud. Still looked cool though.

Then, we made it to West Virginia: a state Jenny should never drive through again, she does not do well with mountains.

Unfortunately, through most of Virginia I was either on Edge or no network at all. This made for a sad me. 

And finally, Kentucky.

The trip, long. The tolls, high. But 2,428.5 miles and 5 days later, we arrived home. 

its been a long day...

Today was a really long day. We left Portland, Maine this morning and had to be in DC by the end of the day. Wouldn't have been bad but I had a tour at Suffolk University at noon. We left Portland early. Here follow our path: 

New Hampshire

Massachusetts

Boston

While in Boston, Jenny and the Parents checked out Fenway Park.

The tour led them throughout the Park and they got some really cool pictures. At $12 a piece, I think they would recommend it to others. The tour leaves from the Team Store every hour.

While they were touring, I took the subway to the school. It wasn't that far away and it was my first time on the Boston T (I prefer DC's Metro). The school was really nice and huge. I was pretty impressed and could definitely see myself there.

Boston was a very quick stop and then we had to continue on. Connecticut was next.

No state sign here but this was the only view of New York City I was able to capture.

New Jersey was next but it stunk and I saw nothing to photograph. (This isn't meant to be a political statement or judgement against the state, by the time we were there I was really tired.) The one thing I really do like about New Jersey though, is the fact that it is state law for gas stations to be full service. Heck ya! Then we decided to forgo the eating of a Philly cheesesteak in Philadelphia and drive straight to DC. Passing through Delaware.

By the time we made it to Delaware, it became too dark to take any more pictures but we eventually landed at our hotel in Maryland, exhausted from the long day on the road. Not much to see today except miles of road and street signs. Tomorrow, Jenny and I will wake up early and tour DC. Then we hit the road for home! Until then...

that's so maine...

Woke up around 8 this morning, got ready, and grabbed breakfast at Becky's Diner thanks to a recommendation from Diners, Drive-ins, and Dives.

I had two blueberry pancakes (just $2.50 each!). They were delicious and absolutely filling.

My tour with the law school was not until 2:45 so until then, we drove down to Kennebunkport!

You cannot beat the beach in front of The Colony (the same beach I visited two years ago). It was cold. And I was wearing the same pair of shoes I nearly ruined last time but this time I stayed out of the water.

From Kennebunkport we went on to Cape Neddick with the Nubble Lighthouse. This time, the water was a lot more calm and not crashing onto the rocks.

Then it was time for the tour of the law school which went really well. Although the building is reminiscent of the towers from the Lord of the Rings. 

Unless Boston really wows me tomorrow, it's looking like Maine may be the one!

From the law school, Jenny and I decided to go to Freeport, 20 miles away.

To find some outlet stores. The area reminded me of Vail mixed with some Gatlinburg. 

Most importantly, the area is home to L.L. Bean, including their Outlet store! The shopping center was pretty dead though, very few people there. On a side note, all L.L. Bean stores are open 24 hours. Who goes to L.L. Bean at 3am?

We eventually drove back to Portland to try to find some dinner.

After ditching the parents and walking around the city for a while, we finally decided to go back to the hotel and eat in the lounge in the basement. Pretty good food and not that bad of prices.

Tomorrow is not very well planned and will likely remain a mystery until late. I do know that we will leave early and head to Suffolk Law for a tour at noon. I imagine some light sightseeing will also occur. From there, who knows where we will go. Until then...

portland, maine and a sloe gin fizz, if that ain't love than tell me what is...

So, the song is Portland, Oregon and I have never had a sloe gin fizz but I think I could be in love. Some more touring tomorrow and a trip to the law school should tell me more. Today has been a long day. We left Buffalo this morning and drove across New York. New York was long...very long. $16 worth of toll roads long. But we eventually came to Massachusetts. 

And Jenny and I switched to the front of the car to give the parents a break.

New Hampshire...

And finally, Maine...

Crappy picture but they have "Moose Crossing" warnings. :)

And we finally made it to our hotel. The Regency was originally built for the Maine National Guard in 1895 for $20,000. It was converted to a hotel in 1984 and officially opened in 1987. 

After getting our room, we set out to find dinner.

And walk around town for a bit.

Before finally going to Gritty McDuff's.

Can't tell from the picture but this was one amazing rosemary chicken sandwich.

Family picture! (Mom made me crop her out.)

After dinner, we walked back to the hotel, jumped in the car, and drove to Cape Elizabeth and the Portland Head Light.

I just love lighthouses.

Some of the coast around the lighthouse.

We drove around some more and then came back to the hotel for some good sleep. Tomorrow should be a mostly relaxing day; we're staying in Portland except for the necessary road trip to Kennebunkport. I also tour the law school in the morning, probably after a good breakfast from Becky's Diner. Should be lots of pictures tomorrow. Until then...