Santorini: Life on a Volcano

4 August 201816 September 2024

Arriving by sea, the cruise ship pushed forward, edging closer to dramatic views of whitewashed villages atop Santorini’s crescent-shaped caldera. The scenic view of watching the island appear between the islands of Sikinos and Ios is breathtaking. Undeniably one of the most beautiful islands in the world, Santorini’s history, scenic views and whitewashed buildings are incredibly fascinating, but it is the island’s gorgeous sunsets that make the “Devil’s Isle” worth a stop in the Cyclades.

Santorini is one of a group of islands that includes the isles of Santorini and Therasia, while the uninhabited islets of New Kameni and Palaia Kameni (the “Burnt Isles”), Aspronisi (“White Isle) and Christiana are great for day hiking. Surviving one of the largest volcanic eruptions in history, what remains of Santorini are the steep 1100 feet cliffs and the water-filled caldera.

When the island was first established, it was appropriately named Kallisti which means the “the most beautiful one”. By the thirteenth century, the Empire of Romania renamed the island Santorini after Saint Irene of Thessoloniki, who was martyred in the 4th century BC. Locals may refer to the island as Thera, which became its official name in the 19th century.

To confuse matters a little, Santorini’s capital is also Thera (Fira), located on the northern side of the island. The town of Oia, with its whitewashed houses and colorful domes, displays the typical scenery that one sees in travel magazines and photographs.

Anchoring within the cove of the caldera, passengers boarded the ship’s tender offering transportation to the south end of the island, the New Port at Athinios.

After researching the opportunities available on Santorini, I decided to purchase the ship’s excursion which included a stop at the archaeological site of Akrotiri, a Greek-inspired lunch and then sunset in Fira. That morning, the tour group boarded the bus and our driver began the steep climb up the side of the cliffs. As the bus rounded the corner, I could see the cruise ships in the harbor and, in the distance, the smaller islands in the caldera.

As we entered The Museum of Prehistoric Thera, I had not imagined the complexity of the archaeological dig. I was impressed that the site was enclosed under a large structure, which was built to protect the ancient ruins. Unlike many excavations, the structures, streets and artifacts were intact and in pristine condition.

Boarding the bus, I was left thinking about how terrifying it would have been for the Santorinians during the time of the volcanic explosion and was relieved to think that they were smart enough to leave town before the event.

Next, we had the lovely pleasure of spending time in the picturesque town of Oia (or Ia) which is located at the northern tip of the island. Oia’s charm is seen in its white-washed buildings and gorgeous bougainvillea making it the most photographed village of the Aegean. Walking through Santorini’s second-largest town, I noticed the beautiful whitewashed fences, narrow passageways and staircases that disappeared into restaurants and hotels. Searching for the central square, there were gorgeous views of the cobalt sea and rust-colored lava cliffs in the distance.

White washed churches with their stunning blue domes are the first thing that comes to mind when I think of Santorini. The charming combination actually keeps the buildings cool over the hot summer months.

After learning about the local cave houses, I found the Laskarina’s Old Bakery Cave House in Oia. I had plenty of time to stop by to explore this gorgeous home before finding a restaurant to try the local wine. Carved into the rocks on top of the cliff, some of these beautiful structures have remained here for many years. This amazing location was once a bakery and the interior and decor were completely stunning. The views from Old Bakery were spectacular and would have been the perfect location to watch the sunset.

I easily found an authentic Greek restaurant that offered all of the local dishes and was interested in sampling the world-renowned wines of Santorini where the grapes are grown in volcanic ash. I ordered the tzatziki sauce with pita bread and a glass of Aryitiko, the island’s popular dry white wine. My second glass of wine was the Vinsanto, which is a sweeter white, produced from dried grapes at Gavalas a local winery in Megalochori. Santorinian wines are served in some of the most upscale restaurants in the world and I knew I had to buy a few bottles.

The dramatic cliffs provided several opportunities to witness a bird’s eye view of the town. The awnings, walkways and balconies along the side streets piqued my interest as I strayed away from the main street to enjoy the extraordinary scenery. Wandering the streets, I could easily lose myself among the unique landscape with scenic views all around me.

Oia is full of surprises and one of them is the Venetian Kasteli (Castle) of Agios Nikolas. Built in the Middle Ages, as a beautiful church carved in the side of the rock, it also served as a lookout point. Much of the structure was damaged in the earthquake of 1956 and only the Goulas (watchtower) exists. It is one of many ideal locations to watch the sunset.

Another gem located below the town of Oia, at the base of the cliff, is the Harbour of Amoudi. From Oia, there are 300 stairs that reach the harbor, known for its red lava cliffs.

From the Harbour of Amoudi, the ferry service takes tourists out to the islet of Therasia. A piece of land untouched by tourism and commercialization, the landscape draws hikers and adventurers. Within fifteen minutes, tourists can experience an authentic Theran village and view the caldera from a different perspective.

What remains of the volcano wraps around to create a semi-circular basin. The spectacular formation of the caldera dominates the view at every angle and I wondered how it would have looked before the eruption.

Taking in the sunset in Fira is highly recommended, but not before we lunched at Restaurant Iris. We boarded the bus for a short ride and arrived at the restaurant to enjoy a buffet of Greek food and desserts. Since I had already eaten, I had a lovely conversation with our tour guide who was happy to give me an insight to the current economic situation in Greece. We had a lovely dining experience and looked forward to winding down our day where we would witness one of the most spectacular sunsets in all of the world.

Fira is located close to the cruise ships dock and is the starting point for most tourists visiting the island. The town has made it very easy to find the perfect location to enjoy the sunset although it can be more crowded than Oia at sunset. From this vantage point, the structures built into the lava cliffs provide a breathtaking backdrop and view.

Several options are available to reach the town of Fira. For the adventurous, brave and strong, a set of 587 stairs reach the top. This is also the way of the donkeys, so if one does not mind sharing the route with donkeys, there are no lines and no waiting. Riding up the cliff on a donkey-for-hire is another possibility as long as the mule is not stubborn.

Cable car rides run every 20 minutes and takes only a couple of minutes to go up or down. Each car transports 36 people at a time and is very convenient, quick way to travel. The cost is 6 Euros one way and there may be a wait, especially when cruise ships are in port.

The town has made it very easy to find a cliffside, seaside spot to enjoy the sunset and there are many more options here in the energetic village of Fira. Fellow cruise ship passengers waited for the spectacular show as the sun began to hide behind a piece of the caldera. We watched in awe as the sunlight reflected off of the iconic Clycladic architecture.

Undeniably, the view from Santorini a couple of hours before sunset is phenomenal. As the sun slowly disappears behind the caldara, the sun’s light dances upon the cove below and reflects off of the cliffs and islands to create a magnificent pink glow.

And this is the sight that we are all anticipating….the beautiful sunset at Fira.

No one can deny that Santorini is magical, spectacular and everything in between. Picturesque at every turn, the island is one of the most scenic and enchanting of the Greek isles. What a beautiful opportunity to capture the essence of Fira at twilight. I could have stood in this moment forever but this moment of awe would soon come to an end.

Moving towards the cable cars, I looked back at the extraordinary scene. I couldn’t help but contemplate if the ancient Greeks knew that they were living among one of the most beautiful landscapes in the world. I think I have found my Atlantis.

Have you been to Santorini or any of the other Greek Islands? What would you recommend doing on my return visit? I would love to hear your comments below! Wishing you many Happy Travels!

What to See and What to Do:

Akrotiri Archaeological Site
Thera 84700 Greece
Telephone: +30 2286 081939

Admission Fee: 12 Euros for full ticket price and 6 Euros for reduced ticket price; The special ticket price of 14 Euros for full ticket or 7 Euros for reduced ticket is good for 4 days and allows admission to the archaeological sites and museum in Thera, Ancient Thera, Akrotiri and the archaeological museum, Museum of Prehistoric Thera, Collection of Icons and Ecclesiastical Artifacts at Pyrgos. Children and students 18 years of age and under are free of charge.
Hours: Open daily from 8 AM to 3 PM Tuesday to Sunday in the months of November 1 to March 31; open from 8 AM to 8 PM Tuesday, Wednesday, Friday, Saturday and Sunday and Thursdays from 8 AM to 3 PM in the months from April 4 – October 31. The museum is closed on Mondays.
Amenities: Historic tours, Exhibits, Group Tours, Special Exhibits
Scenic View: Amazing archaeological artifacts
Length of Visit: 4 hours

Gavalas Winery
Megalochori, Santorini, Cyclades
Telephone: +30 22 8608 2552

Call or email the winery directly for hours of operation. Email: info@gavalaswines.gr

Harbour of Ammoudi
Sunset Ammoudi Taverna
Unnamed Road
Oia, Santorini, 847 09 Greece
Telephone: +30 2286 071614

Santorini Donkey

Santorini Cable Car

Where to Stay:

Laskarina’s Old Bakery Cave House
Oia Santorini Thira
Oia, Egeo , 84702 Greece

Where to Eat:

Restaurant Iris
Imeroviglion, Kiklahedes
Santorini, Greece 84700
Telephone: +30 2286 032692

What to Eat:

Baklava is layers of phyllo dough filled with nuts, spices and sweetened with honey
Greek Salad
Greek Wine from Santorini is unique as the grapes are grown in volcanic ash
Gyros
Lamb
Local Olives
Mashed Fava Beans (Fava me Koukia)
Moussaka is an eggplant or potato based pie with meat and cheese
Pomegranates
Saganaki is a phyllo pastry stuffed with cheese and covered in honey
Souvlaki are meat kabobs made from lamb, beef or chicken
Spanikopita is a phyllo pastry filled with spinach, cheese, and sometimes onion
Tomato Fritters made with tomatoes and onion, they are spiced either with oregano and peppermint then deep-fried
Tzatziki is a yogurt based sauce with bits of garlic, onion, cucumbers, olive oil and lemon. Pita bread is usually served with this dish for dipping.

What to Read:

The Summer House in Santorini by Samantha Parks
One Summer in Santorini by Sandy Barker
Secrets of Santorini by Patricia Wilson

Photo Guide for Santorini:

Akrotiri Lighthouse
Amoudi Beach for the private beach and lovely restaurants (see octopus hung up for drying)
The town of Caldera for panoramic views of the sunset and center of the caldera
Fira for the sunsets from restaurants and bars
Fira for the scenic views of whitewashed buildings
Oia
Skaros Rock
Windmills in Oia and Fira

For more information about the beautiful country of Greece, visit my following links!

Mykonos, Greece: Whitewashed and Wild
The Island of Delos: A Lesson in Greek Mythology
Corfu: An Old Town, Palace and Monastery
Corinth, A Biblical and Historical Perspective
The Site of Olympia and its Role in the Olympic Games
The Archaeological Museum at Olympia
Athens, Greece: A Living Museum

Exploring An Ancient Archaeological Site, Fort Ancient Earthworks in Oregonia, OH

30 July 201514 December 2024

Tightening my boots in preparation for the trail, I was excited to be reaching the Fort Ancient Earthworks for a late morning hike. Since moving to Columbus, I have been fascinated by the Ohio Indian tribes that once made their home in the valley. I wanted to learn more about the Hopewell Indians, their customs, history and their building of the multiple mounds throughout the state.

I found a great parking spot close to Morgan’s Livery and Canoe in Oregonia, specifically designated for hikers and cyclists. Conveniently located near the trailhead, I crossed over the bridge where I shortly arrived for my hike.

I walked along the paved bike path for a short distance when I noticed the entrance to the Fort Ancient trail. It was springtime and a bit overcast, which was the perfect combination for an afternoon hike. I was happy for the sign that reminded me of the $12 entrance fee and for the distance calculations for reaching both the earthworks and the museum.

Although the hike was not far, it was steep. It took me about an hour to reach the earthworks but it was well worth the trek. I noticed a sign guiding me to the South Overlook so I followed it. I reached the overlook and realized that this would be a wonderful place to visit during the fall. There were so many trees in the distance and I imagined the colorful display when the leaves began to change. I decided to head back towards the museum passing a large number of hills that reach heights of about 23 feet.

As I continued to explore the small section of the mounds stretching over three and a half miles, there were signs that reminded me to stay off of the prehistoric earthworks. There were also several markers that provided information about the Indians as well as the history of the area.

Researchers first believed that the high walls were used for defense and protection, but their theory was later disproven by archaeologists who confirmed it was used for religious and social purposes.

The map showed that I was heading north and walking towards the visitor’s center. I noticed a group of people dressed up as Indians in the distance and could see a couple of large teepees. As I approached the area walking along the mounds, I realized that there must have been an Indian celebration the night before.

There were multiple tables set up with Indian handicrafts and artwork. I was impressed with the craftsmanship of the headdresses, clothing and tools.

I continued the trail towards the museum surrounded by the earthworks. I paid the entrance fee and began to explore the exhibit. Several stations were set up that explained the primitive way of life for the Indians in this area. There were miniature scale models to show how the villages were set up and the types of housing that was constructed during that time.

In addition to the lives of the Hopewells and Fort Ancients, there are displays of animals that once roamed the region but are now extinct.

I was also fascinated by the artifacts that were found in the area and the creative artwork that was discovered during excavations.

One of my favorite exhibits chronicled the later lives of Tecumseh and his brother Tenskwatawa and their final days in Ohio. I grew up watching the outdoor drama, Tecumseh, that took place each summer and looked forward to it each year.

I think we often times lose sight that the Indians were the First Ohioans. I find it wonderful that Ohio makes an effort to preserve the history of these Indians and their tribes. From outdoor dramas to museums and from literature to parks, we can continue to understand a culture and people that have made an impact on the history of our great country, the United States.

Fort Ancient hosts an annual Fort Ancient Spring Wildflower Walk around the first Saturday in April each year.

Have you had the opportunity to visit Fort Ancient? I would love to hear about your experience if you will kindly leave a message in the comments section below. Many thanks for reading about my visit to Fort Ancient Earthworks to learn more about the prehistoric Indians of Ohio! Wishing you many Happy Travels!

What to See and What to Do:

Fort Ancient Archaeological Park
6123 OH-350
Oregonia, OH 45054
Telephone: 513 932 4421

Admission Fee: $7 for adults, $6 for seniors (60+), $6 for students aged 6 – 17; children under 6 and members are free.
Hours: April through November from 10AM to 5PM on Tuesday through Saturday, Sunday from noon to 5 and closed on Mondays. December through March from 10AM to 5PM on Sunday and noon to 5 on Sunday; closed Monday through Friday except by appointment
Amenities: Outdoor archaeological site, museum, children’s groups, tour groups, facility rental, museum store, restrooms, picnic area
Scenic View: Wander among the mysterious Indian mounds
Length of Visit: 1 – 2 hours
Tips for Your Visit: Do not climb upon the mounds. The site is a religious and hollowed location for the Indians, so one should visit in reverence taking this into consideration.

Where to Stay:

The Golden Lamb Restaurant & Hotel
27 South Broadway Street
Lebanon, OH 45036
Telephone: 513 932 5065

Where to Eat:

The Golden Lamb Restaurant & Hotel
27 South Broadway Street
Lebanon, OH 45036
Telephone: 513 932 5065

I began my dinner with The Golden Lamb’s famous sauerkraut balls. I selected the Noodles & Ale Cheese from the House Specialties, with smoked chicken, andouille sausage, campanelle pasta and creamy amber ale cheese sauce. For dessert, I could not resist ordering Sister Lizzie’s Shaker Sugar Pie with Tahitian Vanilla Gelato.

What to Eat:

Skyline Chili: My go-to meal at Skyline is the 4-way chili with onion served with oyster crackers and hot sauce. I always pick up two York peppermint patties after cashing out. Cincinnati chili is a beef based sauce served over spaghetti noodles and cheese. Additional toppings include onions and beans.
LaRosa’s Pizza: A local chain pizzeria, this Sicilian style pie is made with a sweet crust and sauce. My favorite menu item is the Caprese pesto Flatbread Pizza.
Graeter’s Ice Cream: It’s the French Pot process that makes Graeter’s Ice Cream so decadent and rich. Towards the end of the process, they pour chocolate into the mix creating large chunks of yummy goodness.
Montgomery Inn BBQ: Visiting the original Montgomery Inn BBQ at the boathouse is a culinary and scenic experience. Their ribs are served with a sweet and tangy sauce that has since made them the “Ribs King” and a favorite among locals. Load up on their amazing BBQ flavored Saratoga chips,
Glier’s Goetta: While it looks like a slab of corn beef hash, this breakfast staple is made of sausage and oats, cooked until crispy. Most breakfast restaurants carry it as a side, especially the local cafes and diners.
BonBonerie: One of the most decadent pastry shops in Cincinnati, their rich confections are absolutely amazing.

Where to Drink:

Moerlein Lager House
115 Joe Nuxhall Way
Cincinnati, OH 45202
Telephone: 513 421 2337

What to Read:

Eligible: A Modern Retelling of Pride & Prejudice, by Curtis Sittenfeld
Running, by J.T. Cooper
Dead Witch Walking, by Kim Harrison
Beloved, by Toni Morrison
Double Dutch, by Sharon M. Draper
Romiette and Julio, by Sharon M. Draper

Photo Guide for Cincinnati (as provided by Chris Thompson on FourSquare):

The John A Roebling Suspension Bridge
- Pick a spot near the Covington pier and shoot north toward the Cincinnati skyline. Shoot at sunset and underexpose by a few stops to get the lights just right.
- The new lights on the bridge create excellent stars when you photograph them using a narrow aperture (~f/16 and above) on your camera. That means you’ll need a longer exposure (and thus a tripod).
General James Taylor Park
- Shoot from the top of the flag pole mound to get more building reflections in your shot. Shoot at sunset or sunrise for great lighting.
Cincinnati Museum Center at Union Terminal
- Arrive first thing in the morning when the sun is coming up
The Fountain at Fountain Square
- For great photos of the fountain: set your camera on a tripod and use a long exposure (2-5 seconds) to capture the running water. Get Carew or the colored lights above Rock Bottom in the background.
Fountain Square (look for reflections in puddles)
Celestial Restaurant in Mount Adams – The restaurant is now closed, but you may still be able to use the parking lot.
Carew Tower Observation Deck
- Provides some neat photos of the highways snaking around the city. Set your camera on a tripod and use a long exposure to get moving car trails. It’s only open at sunset a few days each year.
Engine Company 46, 2733 Erie Avenue (at Michigan), Cincinnati
- One of the most beautiful historic firehouses in all of Cincinnati. The firefighters here are used to having their photo taken while they work. Ask nicely and you can get some cool shots.
Cincinnati Observatory Center
Krohn Conservatory
Great American Ball Park
- Shoot the front of the stadium around sunset to get a nice color blue in the sky. Get one of the player statues in your shot for extra effect.
Devou Park
- The overlook next to the Drees pavilion affords a great view of the Cincinnati skyline. Shoot at sunrise or sunset for the best lighting. Underexpose slightly to get the city lights just right.
Newport Central Catholic for fireworks
- Shoot the Riverfest fireworks from this location. Bring a long lens and a tripod. You’ll want a long-ish exposure (5-10 seconds) to capture the bursts, but make sure the skyline isn’t overexposed.
Riverfront Park
- The colorful fountains make a great subject, but you need to use a relatively fast shutter speed (>1/20 or so) to catch the lights before they change color, leaving your pic with plain white lights.
American Sign Museum
- Be sure to bring a tripod to capture all the signs. Manual white balance is the way to go, because there are so many crazy colors of lights that your camera won’t know how to react.

Parking lot is beside the Morgan Canoe and Livery Center

Teepees at Fort Ancient

Arlington National Cemetery, A Tribute to US Veterans

26 June 201431 August 2024

With the approaching Memorial Day holiday in sight, what better way to honor the brave Americans who have served our country and fought to protect our freedom than to plan a visit to Arlington National Cemetery?

Located in Arlington, Virginia, across from the Potomac River, Arlington National Cemetery has been the final resting place for American War heroes since the Revolutionary War. Spanning over 612 acres, the site is a beautiful and serene location that reminds us of the lives that were given for America’s freedom…a nation where we are provided the opportunity for “Life, Liberty and the Pursuit of Happiness”.

The endless rows of white headstones represent over 300,000 brave Americans who fought for the united cause of independence. The numbers will continue to rise until we are no longer at war. We have our military to thank for making our country what it is today, totally open to worship in the manner in which we choose and to voice our opinions for ideals for which we support.

One of the most important events at the Arlington National Cemetery is the Changing of the Guard which takes place at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier. At every hour, on the hour, this ceremony takes place to pay due respect to all soldiers who have died during a time of American conflict. In front of the tomb there are also graves of unknown veterans from World War II, Korea and Vietnam, identified by white marble slabs that are prominent among the brick foundation.

Once the officer salutes the unknown soldier retiring from his post, another sentinel takes his or her position at the tomb. The tomb is guarded 24 hours a day, 365 days a year, regardless of the weather.

During my visit, there were several young children who seemed interested in the service and began discussing the recent ceremony with the officer on duty. I was deeply moved by their curiosity and impressed with the questions they were asking.

Among one of the most visited graves at Arlington National Cemetery is that of former President John Fitzgerald Kennedy. At the request of his wife, Jacqueline, Kennedy was provided a final resting place on the Arlington National Cemetery grounds. It was also her wish that an eternal flame be lit to mark his grave. On November 25, 1963 at 3PM, the services began for her husband’s funeral.

Nearly 30 years later, in 1994, Jacqueline Bouvier Kennedy Onassis would be laid to rest beside her husband, her infant son, Patrick Bouvier Kennedy and their unnamed stillborn daughter.

Robert F. Kennedy, John F. Kennedy’s brother is also buried in the Arlington National Cemetery in Virginia, next to his brother. A presidential candidate, Robert Kennedy was assassinated in 1968 as he left the Ambassador Hotel in Los Angeles. Robert’s body was brought to Arlington National Cemetery from New York City by train to his final resting place.

There are a number of monuments and memorials throughout the National Cemetery that are significant. They are a reminder of many who died during times of war, near and abroad, and for those that gave their lives in service to the United States. For a full list of monuments, visit the Arlington Cemetery’s website. Some of the more notable memorials include the Civil War Unknowns, PanAm Flight 103, Pentagon Group Burial Marker, Space Shuttle Challenger Memorial (shown) and the Spanish-American War Monument.

While leaving the cemetery, I could hear the faint sound of military taps being played in the distance. I paused for a moment of respect as my eyes filled with tears and feeling grateful for these American soldiers. It is important that I never forget….never forget that freedom isn’t free, because in the end, someone has given their life so that I could live in one of the greatest countries of the world. I should never take that for granted.

Have you had the opportunity to visit Arlington National Cemetery? What was the most significant aspect of your visit? I would love to hear about your experience if you would kindly leave a message in the comments section below. Many thanks for reading my post about Arlington National Cemetery! Happy Travels!

Disclosure: Please refer to our blog disclaimer tab for more information.

What to See and What to Do:

Arlington National Cemetery
Address: Arlington National Cemetery, Arlington, VA 22211
Phone: 877.907.8585
Hours: Open 365 days per year
Cost: Free, except for guided tours*

How to Get There:

Take the Washington DC area’s MetroRail’s Blue Line to the Arlington National Cemetery Station.
MetroBus stop on Memorial Avenue

*Arlington National Cemetery has partnered with Arlington Cemetery Tours, Inc. as the only provider of tour bus services within the cemetery. $12 for adults; $6 for children; $9 for seniors and free for military personnel in uniform and disabled with valid handicap placard. (Please visit the Cemetery’s website to confirm admission fees).

The Welcome Center is located at the entrance to the cemetery and is open daily from 8AM to 7PM from April 1^st to September 30^th and closes at 5PM from October 1^st to March 31^st. It is closed on December 25^th.

You will find a number of resources at the Welcome Center as well as a bookstore. Here you can find maps, kiosks and information services as well as restrooms and water fountains. Extensive exhibits and displays document the history of the cemetery, from its beginnings as a gravesite in the backyard of Robert E. Lee’s home, Arlington House, to the formal designation of the land as a national cemetery.

Where to Stay:

Hilton Garden Inn Arlington/Courthouse Plaza
1333 N. Court House Road
Arlington, VA 22201
Toll Free Number: 866 538 1314

Hotels in the Arlington area can be quite expensive, so if you can stay in close proximity to the Cemetery and take the Metro, I highly suggest it!

Where to Eat:

Arlington Rooftop Bar & Grill
2424 Wilson Road
Arlington, VA 22201
Phone Number: 703 528 3030 (for reservations) or use Open Table

If you visit during a warm, sunny day, this rooftop restaurant is fabulous, located in the Clarendon area of Washington DC/Arlington area. They have an outstanding weekend brunch menu!

What to Eat:

Fried Eggplant at Peter Chang
Smoky Barbecue at Rocklands
Chinese Hot Pot at Mala Tang
Spanish plates at Ser
Peruvian dishes at El Pollo Rico
Russian and Uzbek cuisine at Rus Uz
Filipino food at Bistro 1521
Best Wine Bar is Grand Cru Wine Bar and Bistro
For sweets its Buzz Bakeshop

Photo Guide for Washington DC:

Arlington Cemetery
- Tomb of the Unknown Soldier
- Gravesites of John F. Kennedy and Jackie Onassis
Air Force Memorial
Netherlands Carillon