The National Cathedral Day 2

Driving up to this place still did not prepare me for how large it actually is!

Me talking to another visitor that day.

We also were not aware of how much damage had been done during the Earthquake a few years back. 

Marc had a ball taking pics. Between the two of us we took over 250 photos. 

We collected our tickets and only had to wait a few minutes before we were allowed into the cathedral sanctuary.

None of the pics we took does this place any justice! You have to actually be there to understand the size and scope of the place! 

There were so many chapels within the cathedral that you thought you were in a city within itself! 

Even the gift shop areas were beautiful!

Marc's favorite part of the tour was the observation area on the 7th floor. On a clear day you can see a panoramic view of DC and even the Shenadoah mountains! 

Simply breathtaking!!!

There is an area upstairs that shows some of the damage from the earthquake and some of the progress that still has to be made in order to restore the cathedral.

After we took a tour inside (we were there for hours it seems) we headed outside to the gardens! 

Drive Through Georgetown

The drive into DC to the Cathedral was really fun because it takes you into the heart of Georgetown. 

To me Georgetown ( especially the shopping district ) is how I imagine being on Rodeo Drive in California would be like.

The Embassy Suites Tyson's Corner

This was our first ever stay at a Embassy Suite. I was able to get a great rate and it included a meal and free parking. Here is a short rundown of our experience.

We arrived at the hotel with no problem. Parking access was easy and because we were traveling light we were able to just grab our bags and head for the lobby.

Unfortunately the first room they had for us smelled heavily of smoke and Marc had to call the front desk to request a new room. Within a matter of minutes we were in our new suite. It had a faint odor but in comparison to the room before where my throat almost closed up (I have intense reaction to smoke) I was willing to overlook the smell and after a bit of air freshner we was completely fine. 

I didn't take many pics that night because it was to dark.

But the next morning I took a few of the room before we checked out. The above pic was the view from our bedroom at night.

The view in the morning.

The two room suite included a sleeper sofa.

Ample room for the business traveler. 

A small fridge and microwave.

The bed was comfortable to sleep in.

We were on the 8th floor right beside the elevators. Surprisingly once I settled in for the night I never heard any noise and this hotel was filled to capacity that weekend! 

The free breakfast that was included wasn't anything gourmet but there was plenty to eat and the food was edible. For a family vacation I would say its even a life saver because of the variety offered. 

Our view from the dining area.

We gathered our belongings, searched the room one last time and headed for the lobby.

Check out was fairly painless and within a few minutes we were in the parking lot getting into our car.

The Container store directly across the street.

If given a chance to stay there Marc and I both said we would do it again. Especially for $89.00 a night! Not sure what the regular rate is but we were satisfied considering what we paid.