The End of the line

Taking my final train journey from Charlottesville to Washington DC completes my amazing circular trip.

I have travelled 7003 miles in 23 days (not counting the air miles from Heathrow)
I have stopped in 10 cities
I have passed through 19 different states
I have crossed  26 rivers
I have travelled on 6 Iconic trains - and slept on 5 of them!

I have seen countless wonders, sunrises and sunsets, Oceans and Mountains.  I have seen hundreds of miles of the United States of America - endlessly awe inspiring, amazingly beautiful and jaw droppingly (made up word) stupendous miles!

I have ticked many things off my bucket list

• Seeing the Grand Canyon
• Staying in a Hostel
• Sleeping on a train
• Learning about America's history
• Riding on a Steamboat
• Eating Chicago deep dish Pizza and French dipped sandwiches
• Experienced an American Tea Bar
• Seeing both the mighty Rockies and the Sierra Nevada
• Meeting new people and sharing their stories

I can honestly say I have enjoyed every single moment of the trip and really have to say that all those critics are wrong - AMTRAK IS FANTASTIC.

Many people have asked me "what was your favourite place" and during the entire trip, right up until Charlottesville, Chicago was by far my favourite City.  Charlottesville, however, with its laid back vibe and all that Thomas Jefferson history, just pips Chicago to first post.

I also feel I cannot end this blog without thanking all the fabulous Americans who helped me along the way and took the time to either talk to me, help me or share their stories/experiences with me. One big thing I noticed about them all is that they are so positive - no moaning or complaining, Americans just get on with it.  And I know they get a bad wrap with their "Have a nice day" dialogue but it is used in  a very genuine, polite way that really does lift your day.

I have also really enjoyed writing this blog and having you all follow my adventures - its been kind of comforting to know you are keeping tabs on me!

Apparently I can have the blog printed in a hardback book so that I have a souvenir to keep so with that in mind I am adding a few more photos from my last day in DC as I managed to get up to the top of the Old Post Office tower to take some last shots.

Thank you for following - I hope you've enjoyed reading xxx



“No one realises how beautiful it is to travel until he comes home and rests his head on his old, familiar pillow.” – Lin Yutang

 

Repairs are on going to the Washington monument following last years Earthquake

 

The Capitol building showing Pennsylvania Avenue

 

The Lincoln Memorial in the distance

 

 

 

Inside the 11 storey Old Post Office

 

 

Hotel roof garden

 

Distant view of the Potomac River

 

The distinctly '70s' FBI building

 

 

 

 

Thomas Jefferson's Monticello

As I have already explained I originally chose to visit Charlottesville because of the Walton's TV show.  That lead to me finding out about Thomas Jefferson and Monticello and I must admit, during my travels, my curiosity about him has grown.  From seeing his memorial and his book collection in The Library of Congress to the 'Declaration of Independance' - he was an extraordinary man.

 

 

With an IQ of 160 Thomas Jefferson could speak 5 different languages, read in 7 (Latin, Greek, French, Italian, Spanish, Old English and of course English).  He would never read a translated book if he could read it in its original language.  A lover of books - he famously wrote to John Adams "I cannot live without my books" -  he had a passionate interest in science, invention, architecture, religion and philosophy, interests that led him to the founding of the University of Virginia after his presidency. He designed Monticello himself - taking 40 years to complete it to his satisfaction.

 

 

 

The design and building of Monticello was delayed by his time in Office - first as Vice President then two terms as President.  He also spent 5 years in Paris, France as an overseas secretary of State where he studied French Architecture (which he found enthralling) so on his return he demolished the upper floors of Monticello and had them rebuild with much French influence.  He also added the Octagonal Dome to the top floor.

 

 

 

The picture above shows the elongated sash windows much loved in Paris at that time - Jefferson had the top nine pane's added on his return but the window frame is actually an illusion - the windows belongs to the room above, on the next floor, which are set low to create the desired effect.
Jefferson also invented sash windows/doors for this house - working exactly as an ordinary sash window, there is actually 3 panels - enabling the lower 2 panels to be raised high enough to be used as a door. His other clever invention was skylights - he had them in several lower rooms to let light flood through.  Always looking for efficiency and ease, he had a dumb waiter built into the fire surround in his dining room so the wine could come straight up from the wine cellar below.  The dining room also had a shelved revolving door so that the butler could put the food on one side and turn it into the room - thus ensuring privacy for Jefferson's guests and their many in depth conversations.



Jefferson used local craftsmen as well as his own slaves to build Monticello. Though Jefferson owned many slaves, he opposed the institution all his life and consequently treated and took care of them very well and expected them to work no more than free farmers.  They were allowed a day of rest on Sundays and he gave them cloth twice a year to make winter and summer clothing.  He never sold his slaves on or broke up families and the women were encouraged to have children.  Jefferson believed having children was the best work a woman could do.

 

He was keen for his plantation to run smoothly and efficiently - he encouraged his slaves to become multi skilled and let them use their skills to create their own economy on Sundays - their one day off.  The top picture shows Mulberry Row which is when all slaves where housed and where they worked - producing food for the plantation as well as Ironworks and Nail production for construction.

Jefferson was meticulous about keeping records so The Thomas Jefferson Society have a first hand account of all details and numbers involved.  From the slave headcount and family numbers to the amount of metal given to make the nails on a daily basis - Jefferson himself would weigh the days produce and note it in his ledgers.

The house remains lovingly restored and contains many of Jefferson's original items from furniture to books and Artifacts.

The entrance hall is a study of Native American Indians and contains gifts sent back from the Lewis & Clark expedition which he commissioned to explore the New West after he orchestrated the Louisiana Purchase - land purchased from France in 1803.

Unfortunately, due to the preservation of all these items its not possible to take photo's inside the house so here is a useful link - very interesting if you have the time.

http://www.monticello.org/site/house-and-gardens

I really loved my visit to Monticello and it was a beautiful day.  As the local bus only goes as far as the entrance to the estate I decided to walk up the hill via Saunders trail.  The bus driver assured me it was only a mile and half and would take about 20 minutes. Ha - muggins here believed him!!!! it was actually a 3 1/2 mile hike up the side of some quite steep terrain - good job I had my walking shoes on and that I needed to shift all those peanut butter laced bagels!!!!!

 

lovely flowering Dogwood

 

 

Saunders trail



As I said it was a beautiful day so I really enjoyed the trek and photographing some lovely flowering trees.

A fantastic end to my visit to Charlottesville.