Scenic Runway

I have always been a dreamer. Some would say that I live in my own little dream world. Whether or not that is true is debatable but one thing that is certain is that I have always been fascinated by other cultures. I believe this fascination began in my secondary school French class. I had an amazing teacher who would often discuss what it was like growing up in France. I was mesmerized by her enchanting stories!

Years later, I began creating a scrapbook of places I had visited but more importantly of places that I wanted to visit. Of course France was on the top of my list but my travel wish list also included many countries and states within the United States. I have been very fortunate to have been able to visit many of the locales within my ever growing travel wish list. I have also included within my travel scrapbook information on local customs and phrases. I have always treated visiting other countries with the same respect as if I were visiting a home of someone which has served me well in my travels!

One of the most famous streets in the world is the Avenue des Champs-Elysees . Located in the 8th arrondissement of Paris, France this famous street is lined with luxury shops, cafes, cinemas as well as the Arc de Triomphe.

I remember the first time that I walked the Champs-Elysees , I could not help but to notice how wide the sidewalks and streets were. Presumably in order to accommodate the large amount of tourists that are drawn to this amazing shopping area. I am sure that during my first visit to the Avenue des Champs-Elysees , I looked like the typical tourist stopping at almost every store front window. On each visit, I am still filled with excitement of what this street has to offer!

In an effort to navigate through the crowds in Washington, DC on Inauguration Day we stumbled upon the Art and Soul Restaurant which is located between the Capital and Union Station. Having been a huge fan of The Oprah Winfrey Show for years, I was aware of Chef Art Smith from his numerous appearances on her daytime show and other cooking shows. Chef Art Smith was Oprah Winfrey’s personal chef for many years. I remember reading the sign “Art and Soul” as we walked by knowing that I had heard the name before. It was only until we got to the end of the block that I remembered it was Chef Art Smith’s restaurant. I immediately said “we have got to have lunch there”. We turned around and went back.

My first impression upon walking into Art and Soul was that of comfort. The environment is relaxing and comfortable. The service was excellent. While enjoying our lunch we received a surprise visit from Chef Art Smith himself. I was so taken aback that I don’t remember if I said hello or not. I do remember saying to him as he stood in front of our booth “I know you, I have been a fan of yours for years”. His response was “you’re so sweet”, we chatted briefly about the inauguration, he then shook our hands and said “enjoy your meal”. The fact that he would come over to our booth and welcome us into his restaurant was so amazing! From the moment I stepped into Art and Soul I felt welcomed as if I was stepping into someone’s home which made for a thoroughly enjoyable experience!

President Obama and Mrs. Obama

Four years ago, I thought it was important for my sons to attend the inauguration celebrations for President Obama. Four years later, I thought it was equally or possibly more important for us to once again attend the re-election inaugural celebrations for President Obama. The same enthusiasm displayed during the inauguration celebrations in January 2009 was as powerful in January 2013. The crowds were a little smaller but record setting for a second term president.

President Obama was sworn in using two bibles: one used by President Lincoln and a bible used by Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., coincidently President Obama’s public swearing in ceremony took place on Dr. King’s federal holiday.

President Obama entering St. John’s Church

We began Inauguration Day waiting for President Obama to arrive for prayer services at St. John’s Episcopal Church. We then headed to the Metro for a trip to the Capital for the swearing in ceremony and ended our day enjoying the Inaugural Parade as it passed by the White House. We had an amazing time waving to and cheering on the parade floats as they passed.
Every once in a while we would look over to the glass viewing stand where President Obama was enjoying the parade, which was equally as amazing!

While walking to the swearing in ceremony we were directly behind a gentleman who had difficulty walking but who was determined to reach his goal of attending this historic event. The feeling of support and respect was in the air as it was in January 2009. Four years ago the weather was extremely cold but this time around it was warmer with temperatures reaching up to 60 degrees on Sunday, a day in which I found myself re-visiting the Lincoln Memorial.

Heading to the Capital for Swearing in Ceremony on Jan. 21, 2013

I will be forever grateful for having had the opportunity of attending both of President Obama’s Inaugurations. Each experience left me with optimism and hope for the next four years and beyond! My sons will one day be able to tell their children that they attended such historic events.
Being able to provide these types of opportunities to my sons, fills my heart with immense joy!

President Obama and Vice President Biden in Parade Viewing Stand Jan. 21, 2013

“I believe we can keep the promise of our founders, the idea that if you’re willing to work hard, it doesn’t matter who you are or where you come from or what you look like or who you love. It doesn’t matter whether you’re black or white or Hispanic or Asian or Native American or young or old or rich or poor, able, disabled, gay or straight, you can make it here in America if you’re willing to try.”

“I believe we can seize this future together because we are not as divided as our politics suggests. We’re not as cynical as the pundits believe. We are greater than the sum of our individual ambitions, and we remain more than a collection of red states and blue states. We are and forever will be the United States of America.” ~President Barack Obama’s victory speech in the early hours of November 7, 2012

Happy New Year!

As the clock ticks closer to 2013, we at Scenic Runway find ourselves reflecting on our travels of the past year. The year of 2012 has brought us new discoveries, amazing adventures, fulfillment of long held dreams and sights that only travel can bring.

Each traveler has their own unique experiences but for me travel has always energized, brought me clarity but most of all travel brings me back to me.

A sincere thank you to all who have assisted and welcomed us at Scenic Runway during our travels in 2012. And a special thank you to our readers who have made 2012 our busiest year to date!

Harrods at Heathrow Airport (London)

Shops and restaurants in some airports are truly amazing. High end stores, celebrity run restaurants and art galleries can be found in some airports around the world.

For those of us who travel a lot it is nice to be in an airport that is not your typical airport environment.

These mall like environments help to make the time go by a little faster while waiting for your flight.

Entrance Area

The Gaylord National Resort and Convention Center is located in National Harbor within Prince George’s County, Maryland. Situated along the shores of the Potomac River approximately 30 minutes from downtown Washington, DC and across the river from Alexandria, Virginia, the Gaylord National Resort is an absolutely beautiful hotel and convention center. Our deluxe room with atrium view and balcony sitting area was amazing! I found myself utilizing the balcony early in the morning while reading the newspaper and late at night while viewing the decorative lights below. The atrium is a community within the resort with shops, restaurants, water features and a park like setting with sitting areas.

Atrium View Deluxe Room with Balcony

Entrance to Pienza

Our mornings began with breakfast at the Pienza restaurant. I loved the huge decorative flower pots and white picket fence surrounding the restaurant. I definitely have a love of flowers and water features as a result I must have taken well over a dozen pictures of the atrium area as well as of the grounds surrounding the resort. After a day of shopping and sightseeing in the National Harbor area we had drinks at the Belvedere Lobby Bar overlooking the atrium. I never strayed far from the beauty of the atrium.

Atrium and Potomac River View from Balcony

Entrance to Pose Ultra Lounge

The National Pastime Sports Bar & Grill is a sports haven for anyone who loves sports with multiple huge screens covering every game. I’ll be honest I’m not a huge sports fan but I found it an exciting environment to have dinner. After dinner, we headed up to the 18th floor to the floor to ceiling glass Pose Ultra Lounge Nightclub, the views of the Potomac River and the lights of National Harbor from the wraparound terrace are breathtaking!

The lounge opens at 9:00 pm but it’s not until 10:00 pm when the lighting changes that the action begins. On the night we visited the DJ was truly on point with his music mixes. Everyone was enjoying the music on the dance floor.

As its name indicates conventions as well as special occasions are held at the Gaylord National in addition to having a family atmosphere . While riding in the glass elevator, I ran into a very friendly gentleman from San Antonio, Texas who began telling me about his stay and that he was considering holding his convention at Gaylord National. There was a wedding held at the Cherry Blossom Ballroom during our stay. I had a perfect view of the beautiful wedding ceremony from the balcony of our room.

The Gaylord National Resort and Convention Center is a destination in itself!