Washington, DC (USA)

[we got a late start, but Mollie and I were able to go into the City to see the National Christmas Tree tonight - we left the house around 1900 and took the Yellow Line (running modified route on Blue Line Track - convenient) - we made it to McPherson Square and walked around the White House to see the beautiful tree - it was mobbed - we spent some time there enjoying the view and making our way through big crowds - we saw some things I missed last year: Santa's workshop and a Nativity Scene - afterwards, we walked back to a gift shop we'd spotted when we toured the White House (see NOV 2012) - went inside and Mollie asked if we could buy the annual White House ornament - when we purchased it, the gift shop owner pointed us towards a mock-up of the Oval Office, where we got to take some great photos! - headed towards home on the Metro - we had to wait a bit (and change trains at King Street) - had wanted to visit a few more places, but it was actually quite late (2200) and we just went to the car]