Sunday 16 October: New York & Washington

We packed and checked out of the Beacon, and took a cab to Penn Station. Got our cases down the stairs to the concourse level, checked in and got to the train. At each step of the way we were assaulted by constant reminders to Be careful on the escalator....Hold the handrail...Ma'm that case should be behind you not in front of you...Sir, turn around on the escalator... This may be the land of the free, but from our perspective it's an over-regulated nanny state.

We're going the miss the friendly, smiling people of New York, their pleasant demeanour and helpful ways.

The train ride to Washington was smooth and comfortable, and arrived right on time. We checked in to the Holiday Inn, which is one block from the Mall, and a fairly short walk from the Capitol.

We then caught the Metro system to the end of the line, where Carol Tomerlin met us and took us to the hospital. One of our main reasons for coming to Washington was the meet Nikonian friend Bob Tomerlin (DrJimbob). However, Bob has been very ill, and was in intensive care when we arrived. However, he was in very good spirits when we got there, even showing off his new pressure stockings. They're what all the trendy young men are wearing on this ward.

After leaving Bob and Carol we caught the metro back to Washington, had dinner at the hotel, and got an early night.