A Grand Tour Part 2 - Washington DC +

It was our special pleasure to fly to Washington DC and see our wonderful granddaughter Natasha. After completing her university studies, Nat left the idyllic surroundings of Hobart (Tasmania) and traveled to America where she was offered a position with the American Bible Society. The Bible Society is of course one of our own passions and we were just delighted to have the opportunity to see her happily settled in Arlington. It was wonderful for us to note her happiness and to meet her many new friends.













Part of our time with Natasha was to check out some of the eating houses. Yes, more food!!






The Saturday we travelled to Williamsburg and were fascinated by this historical place where America established its nationhood. We enjoyed the restored old buildings, listened with interest to the guides who related the events that preceded nationhood and were worn out by the amount of walking we did. It was a beautiful day and we were well satisfied. There were many fascinating buildings including the Governor's Residence, the Parliament and the church that was patronised by the early American Presidents, including Washington and Jefferson. Herewith just a few photos, including one of a grave stone that we thought rather interesting.






Sunday was again a day full of fun and enjoyment. We used the Metro to get to the Smithsonian Institute and enjoyed viewing the aviation exhibits, including space. Of course Siebrand was in his element. Natasha was not that far behind and she and I enjoyed going on a flight simulator. Just good fun. There is so much to see in the Smithsonian and we only covered the Aviation Section and the Sackler Gallery where we viewed exhibits from the Spice Road through Ancient Yemen, Islamic Silverware and Chinese Ceramics. It was a most contrasting experience to the Aviation bit!







An Afghanistan Ewer made from Bronze and inlaid with silver & gold dating back to the 12th to early 13th Century. Some collection!







Our time was just too short, but we packed a huge amount in the days we spent together. After the Smithsonian we went to dinner and met about fifteen young people whose company we thoroughly enjoyed. Just hope that they enjoyed meeting us as much as we enjoyed meeting them.
The last morning we drove Nat to the ABS office in Chantilly and met her colleagues, some of whom remembered me from a previous visit. (That was nice) It gave us the opportunity to visit Nat's office and get a feel of her daily activities. We left her in the knowledge that she is in God's work and safely in His keeping. A great blessing indeed!


Our next stop: Vienna the beginning of the Eastern European safari.