On the Steps of the Capitol to Pay Tribute to America's Best

Not since Inauguration Day, have I been so inspired -- this special music-fest in the steps of the US Capitol merged music, War Heroes, Flag waving and dramatic readings from Hollywood stars.  Particularly inspiring was the story of SGT José Pequeño who was ambushed in Iraq and severely wounded when an insurgent had tossed a grenade into his Humvee.  

José lost the bottom two lobes of the left side of his brain, and the doctors from Iraq to Landstuhl to Bethesda issued the grim outlook that it would take a miracle for Jose to recover.  His mother, Nellie, and sister, Elizabeth, went immediately to his side and remained there for over three years.  They kept the Faith and stayed with Jose through 17 surgeries and many different hospitals.

This year's concert celebrated the 200th birthday of the Abraham Lincoln.  And GEN Colin Powell called on all Americans to support the wounded and their families who need and deserve our support.

After standing proudly when the orchestra played Anchors Aweigh and clapping fervently as they played the other service tunes, I was motivated to head out on my 5 mile run around the National loop.  This time, I stopped at the Vietnam Memorial to honor the fallen and to read and cherish some of the momentos that families, friends and even perfect strangers -- but all Patriots had left behind to thank and remember.

What a wonderful way to cap off a terrific weekend that started in the birthplace of freedom

Run to Remember our Heroe

I love the Memorial Day Concert -- it has all the fixings of a small town charm in a big, American city.  Yes, there are other bigger and more signficant parades -- National Independence Day Parade, Cherry Blossom to name a few.  But this parade (that started merely five years ago) was created to pay tribute to Heroes like Jose Pequeno, and I am so grateful to witness this appreciation by so many and to also have the opportunity to serve my Country for which I owe my life and freedom to.  So let's march on....

 

As I ran along the Constitution, I was so motivated and inspired.  Fans waving flags, people from all over America applauding, dancing like the renowned Ballou High School Knights Marching Band looking crisp and sounding sharp as they usually do (when I drive by their school during practice).  Trumpets blaring the service theme songs making my head spin round and round.  I felt like a Million Dollars as I ran along with them, clapping and jogging in sync.  My run led me to the venerable Vietnam War Memorial. 

At the Wall, I could see veterans reflecting, embracing, holding back tears.  These images resonated so deeply and stirringly with me. Thank you Vietnam veterans for your service to our Country during this very important time, and I am sorry that it took a long time for America to say "Thanks."

Thank you once again... Thank you so very much!

Jose Pequeno -- My American Hero

Posing proudly with the Family

Running allows me to meet people I would never have a chance to see if only walking.  And today, running presented me a rich blessing in the form of a true Miracle.

It is such a honor and privilege to personally meet my American Hero, Jose Pequeno, his mother, Nellie and his sister, Elizabeth, just a day after they were all honored at the patriotic Memorial Day concert yesterday.

After the concert and being truly touched by their inspirational story, the first thing I did when I went home was read more online.  When I informed Nellie this, she pointed me to the website: www.caringbridge.org -- Elizabeth has journaled their remarkable story of recovery on Caring Bridge regularly and it was a wonderful and inspirational way to learn more about their incredible gift of love.

What was wonderful was that Jose looked great and was so strong. I knew that he could hear me and understand my true words of thanks -- I was deeply touched by their love, spirit and immense faith -- my prayers are with Jose, Nellie, Elizabeth and the rest of their loving family.

Running has changed my life -- and today, running has led me to a true American Hero -- someone who I'll never forget.  Jose, I salute you! Thank you Jose, Nellie and Elizabeth!

Posing proudly with my American Hero, Jose Pequeno

Touring the Scenic Charles

If Virginia is for lovers then Boston is certainly for runners and as I ran along the scenic Charles River providing a splendid and serene, panoramic view of the Boston skyline as well as parts of Cambridge and the veritable MIT,  I was vividly in my elements.

Amazingly for May, the last two days in Mass, the temps broke the low 90s, like DC without the stickiness (as we ran the Freedom Trail from Boston Common to the mighty Constitution yesterday, savoring every minute of American history and early beginnings).

But this morning, the temps had reverted back to the more typical Boston spring -- chilly, overcast and windy in the high 50's -- making this particular run more energizing, effortless and invigorating.  As I ran, I could imagine what it was like running in the dead of winter, with snow covering the blacktop running path and the Charles River packed in snow, wind whipping harsh across the river.

The run from the Holiday Inn at Beacon Hill over the Longfellow bridge and onto Cambridge territory was really special -- which despite me not being at my best in shape was one reason why I found this run to be particular pleasant and peaceful.

The running was so much unlike what I was used to in DC.  In Beantown you had tall buildings, the mighty Charles River instead of the meek Potomac and lots of  avid runners from all ages sporting a wide range from a fast sprint to a nice leisurely stroll along the popular River route.

But then that's when it dawned on me -- as special and renowned as Boston is for runners, this New England city did not sport something that is unique and indigenous to DC -- the sight of tourists interspersed and entangled amongst passionate runners, sweating it out.

All yesterday, as we hiked along the venerable Freedom Trail (from the Old State House to the Paul Revere house) we were hard pressed to find even a single jogger darting around tourists. It seems that most die hard Boston runners completely avoid the tourist-filled Freedom Trail.  Instead other well known running spots like the scenic Charles has become a mecca for runners of all ages and style.

But in the city where I learned to run and admire it with such passion and drive, the tourists, adventure seekers, business suits, and yes, the ubiquitous runners are all intermixed in this hodge podge swirl that we call the Nation's Capital as well as THE CAPITAL Running town in this world that I know.

Yes, DC sports the manicured GW Parkway and the isolated Haines Point -- but besides these well-marked trails that are mostly dominated by runners, bikers, and even inline skaters, the rest of the Nation's backyard, the National Mall, is a cornucopia where all people from all races, and cultures, and yes, all walks (no pun intended) have learned to peacefully and painstakenly co-exist.

It is the DC I know, it is the DC I love.

Thank you Boston, for a great run along the beautiful Charles, but to each his own.

On the Trail of America's Birthplace

DC is the Seat of our Nation's Capital and Boston is the Cradle of America's Liberty.   In the run-up to the American Revolution, it was the radicals in Boston who rallied most loudly against Britain and precipitated the events which led the colonies to seek independence.

And that is why I chose to come to this great patriotic city on the eve of Memorial Day weekend.   

The run this morning, a leasurely 2.5 mile path that follows the Nation's history was not uncommon or for the stuff of Iron Man.  But the path that led from the Boston Common, where the British forces were encamped during the occupation from 1775 to 1776 to the Old Ironsides was unique and meant everything that this Nation stands for especially on the cusp of Memorial Day.

Boston is a historic, hybrid city with a unrivaled collection of well-preserved old granite from the the 17th, 18th and 19th centuries and modern steel and glass.  (the iconic clock tower stands tall amidst the new skyline with the modern Prudential Building nearby) 

We started by the Massachusetts State House, the famous Gold Dome, that we could see reflecting the Boston rays from the 8th floor of our hotel building on exquisite Beacon Hill.  During this momentous trek we would visit 16 historic shrines through a path painted on city streets with a conspicuous red line.

The beautiful, ornate interior of the State House -- we were so glad to take a respite from the heat and were enamored by the Bostonian elegance.

Then we passed the famous Old Granary Burial Ground where three signers of the Declaration of Independence including John Hancock and Samuel Adams (not only renowned throughout the world for Boston's world class and eclectic ale.  

With our nation this weekend commemorating and thanking those who served and sacrificed for our freedom by visiting Arlington National Cemetery and other war memorials in DC and throughout this great country, we must also thank and recognize the signers of our Freedom, some buried here at Old Granary.

As we were touched, we moved to King's Chapel -- a granite church built in the mid-16th century, the nation's first public school, the Old State House. the site of the Boston Massacre, where British troops opened fire on colonists who had been taunting them with stones, 

We were entertained by festive street performers at Fanueil Hall, Boston's main market and where Samuel Adams (a statue stands in front of the building) convinced fellow colonists to unite and fight the British oppression.

We were tempted by the rich smell of Boston clam chowder and free flowing beer next door from Boston's own micro brewery and pub: Cheers.

Next to the Paul Revere house where this iconic hero lived in this wooden house when he made his famous midnight ride to warn the minutemen of the impending arrival of the British troops.

The Fleet is in port (Norwegian frigate in the background)

Finally to the Bunker Hill Monument, a granite obelisk that resembles the Washington Monument, but actually predated it by many years.  The monument commemorates the battle between the colonists and the British (which was won by the British) but nine months later, General George Washington was able to force out the troops.

After climbing 294 steps and 221 feet high to the tippy top of Bunker Hill (very narrow and spiral mind you), we are offered a splendid panoramic view of downtown Boston and the harbor -- What a sight and well worth the sacrifice (steeper than the metro in Bethedsa).  Not exactly Ironman to tackle these steps, but now, let's proceed to the true Ironhorse, the Old Ironsides.

Travel Tip:  There are many easy ways to get from Logan Airport to downtown and back. The subway "The T" is easy, quick and only $2 each way.  Also we learned that Water Taxis are available for $10 each way.  On a nice, bright day, this is a wonderful way to get to the airport and get splendid views and shots of downtown Boston -- which we did.

Old Ironsides

USS CONSTITUTION was launched on October 21, 1797

I am both proud and impressed by the men and women serving in the world's oldest active Naval vessel: USS Constitution.

First, what a fine duty for our batch of young Sailors -- most of them just last year were still in high school, now they were representatives to New England and rest of America -- many of whom never had an opportunity to tour a commissioned warship.

For me, it had been ten long years since I had visited Old Ironsides (last time during the Great Lakes Cruise when USS CLARK visited Boston before heading up the Hudson).

And she looked every bit as gorgeous and invisible as she did in the period shortly after her 200th birthday.

Old Ironsides never lost a battle -- was given the name during the famous battle with HMS Guerriere when the British cannonballs bounced off the ship's thick oak hull.

Here I'm looking into the scuttlebutt, the ship's drinking fountain, where the crew gathered to talk about the day's events.

A young petty officer told us interesting tales about how food was stored and prepared.  The ship had only one cook who prepared meals for 400-500 men.   Each day, one hot meal was served.  Meat was heavily salted and stored in the harness cask.  

At sea, where bread would become moldy, there were ships biscuits (aka "hardtack").  

The grog tub contained the daily ration of diluted rum or whiskey -- this was issued daily to allow the toughest meal to go down smooth.

There are 30 24-pound long guns on deck that weigh about 3 tons each.  Their shot can pierce two feet of wood at 100 yards and the 32-pound shot has a kill range of 400 yards.

What a wonderful stop along the Freedom Trail.  2.5 tremendous miles of history and reflection -- now it was time to march back.

Hollywood Studios

Entrance to the park

Main Street Bash at Hollywood Studios

Disney Animal Kingdom

I want to run the Disney Marathon -- the fun-filled race that takes a goofy runner through all four of Disney theme parks seeking happy memories and to earn the celebrated prize of a Mickey Medal.

Well, today, I felt we came pretty close -- visiting three theme parks: Wild Animal in the morning and through the midday, Hollywood Studios in the afternoon and Epcot in the late and evening.

We were pleasantly surprised with the Kilimanjaro Safari which involved a real Jeep-like vehicle driven by a narrator who is seeking out real animals -- close up and personal. The journey took us over muddy trails and flowing creeks, and with large crocs and Simba croaching, we were definitely at the edge of our seats.

But there was one show that beat them all, even seeing the real-life Safari creatures, and that was the Cirque du Soleil-inspired stunts, dance and music showcased at the Festival of the Lion King -- a must see.

It was a delightful experience, featuring happy, powerful songs from the greatest animated movie of all time.

Safari Ride: Where we saw Nile crocodiles, Giraffes, Rhinoceroses, others and even a sleeping Lion, up front and very close.


Next to gigantic Piranha-looking fish from South America

Playing a shaker with a nice lady from Botswana

Spectacular Festival of the Lion King show -- as big as Broadway combining the pageantry of a parade with tribal celebration.

Epcot Center -- Discovering the "Small" World in One Day

     I want to run the Disney Marathon -- the fun-filled race that takes a wacky runner through all four of Disney theme parks seeking jolly moments and earning the celebrated prize of a Mickey Medal personally around your neck.  If you run both the Half and the Full on back-to-back days, you get rewarded a venerable Goofy Medal.

     Well, today, I felt we came pretty close -- visiting three theme parks: Animal Kingdom in the morning and through the midday, Hollywood Studios in the afternoon and Epcot in the late afternoon and evening.

    Not to mention, that just last week, three new found friends and I covered 27 embassies in a span of six hours.  But today, I had Colin, and if it wasn't for the fact that we were in Disney, he would be in Pixar fits and starts.

Oh Canada -- what a wonderful 360 show that provided a close-up view of a beautiful, rugged country -- our first stop on our run across the world.

Japan Pavillion -- Experiencing the country of my Mother -- the bright red toril gate, unmistakably ushers us into the land of samurai warriors and beautiful gardening

Picking Pearls in Japan and entertaining some guests.

Oktoberfest in Germany -- taking a much needed break.

Colin and I loved the authentic buffet at the Biergarten with the nice setting of a medieval Bavarian village.  Inside we saw balconies with flower boxes and stars in the night sky -- our hostess was this pretty half German/half Japanese from Stuttgart.

Resting in front of King Neptune in Venice. Complementing the statue are a bell tower, Venetian bridges, gondolas and beautiful Italian promenades

Amazing Chinese Acrobats

Admiring water lillies in China -- just enjoyed a show that took us the farthest and rarest corners of the Far East

Taking a music break: The British Invasion" -- Beatles tribute band was simply awesome "She Loves You", UK Pavillion

Springtime in Paris and people from all over enjoying the glittering streets

Great Pyramid in Mexico modeled after an Aztec temple.  Across the street is an outdoor cantina serving aromatic cuisine and margaritas.

Yes, after a long day, I was about ready to kick off my shoes, rest and enjoy some healthy margaritas.  And Colin -- he was ready for a smorgasbord in a steak house.

What would be the run for tomorrow?  Home: Was I ready for DC heat and humidity?