Washington Woes, Wonders and a Very Early Wake-Up Call
Rise and Shine… Unfortunately
There are early mornings, and then there are holiday early mornings — the kind that make you question every life choice that led you to setting an alarm. Ours went off at the truly offensive hour of 06:30, which, frankly, should be illegal when you’re meant to be relaxing. Still, we peeled ourselves out of bed like reluctant stickers and attempted to resemble functioning human beings.
Apparently, the saying goes “the early bird catches the worm”. In our case, the early bird caught a mild headache, questionable posture, and a sudden deep resentment towards alarm clocks. Nevertheless, adventures wait for no one — especially not a slightly grumpy British family on tour.
Breakfast Battles and Buffet Bingo
The Queue That Time Forgot
By 07:00, we’d shuffled our way down to the Riu Plaza New York Times Square breakfast area, dreams of coffee and croissants firmly in our minds. What greeted us instead? A queue. A long one. A queue that felt less like an orderly line and more like a social experiment in patience.
Now, we’d been assured there wouldn’t be a queue. Lies. Absolute lies.
The line was populated by what can only be described as people who looked like they’d never seen a breakfast buffet before. Cereal boxes were examined with the intensity of bomb disposal units. Muesli decisions took longer than international peace talks. It was magnificent… and mildly infuriating.
I tried to summon patience. I failed. Spectacularly.
Victory at Last (With Toast)
Eventually, trays in hand, we emerged victorious. The breakfast itself? Solid. Nourishing. Precisely what was needed to fuel the day’s ambitious itinerary — which, as it turned out, involved an alarming amount of walking. More on that later.
Farewell, Riu Plaza — You Were Lovely
With bellies full and caffeine levels restored to something resembling acceptable, we checked out of the Riu Plaza New York Times Square. Credit where it’s due: the service was spot-on, the staff were friendly, efficient, and genuinely helpful, and the whole experience was refreshingly painless.
If only all hotel check-outs were so smooth.
Bags collected, spirits lifted, we prepared ourselves for what has become a recurring theme of this trip: another walking marathon.
Michele vs. The Pavement
A Woman on a Mission
At this point, I’m convinced my wife Michele is secretly training for the Olympics — specifically the Endurance Walking While Smiling category. She simply does not stop. Pavements tremble at her approach.
With suitcases in tow, we marched towards the metro station. Again. I trailed behind, contemplating the invention of portable sofas.
Metro, AirTrain and a Dash to JFK
A Surprisingly Smooth Ride
The metro whisked us off to Sutphin Boulevard in Jamaica, Queens, where we hopped onto the AirTrain. If you’ve never experienced the AirTrain, imagine public transport actually working as intended — clean, efficient, and blessedly air-conditioned.
Before we knew it, we were gliding into Terminal 4 at JFK Airport, marvelling at how everything was… on time.
The Aviation Gods Smile Upon Us
Not only did our flight depart as scheduled, it landed early at Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport. Early! I don’t trust it. The aviation gods were clearly in a mischievous but benevolent mood.
Hello Washington, D.C.
CitizenM and a Capitol View
After landing, we made our way to the citizenM Washington Capital, checked in without drama (always a win), and finally collapsed for a brief moment of rest.
Our room, however, had a surprise waiting.
A View Worth Writing Home About
Straight out of the window: the United States Capitol building. Glorious. Majestic. Floodlit like something out of a political drama series.
We briefly considered starting our own late-night political commentary show from the room. Ratings would’ve been questionable, but enthusiasm was high.
Out We Go Again (Obviously)
Any sensible family would’ve rested at this point. We are not that family.
Michele announced it was time to head out. Again. Shoes on. Spirits up. Legs protesting quietly.
Monuments, Museums and Mild Awe
Casual World-Class Sightseeing
We set off towards the United States Capitol, casually strolling past the Smithsonian Institution as if this were the local corner shop. Just another day, passing world-renowned museums without breaking stride.
Washington has that effect on you. Everything feels important, but also strangely accessible.
The Washington Monument Explained (Briefly)
For those unfamiliar, allow me to summarise the Washington Monument in precisely the spirit it deserves:
A very tall, pointy thing. Basically an architectural exclamation mark shouting “AMERICA!” at the skyline.
It’s impressive, undeniably so — especially when you’re standing beneath it questioning your neck strength.
Dinner at The Wharf — A Culinary Triumph
Food, Beer and Happy Feet
Eventually, hunger overtook our sense of duty to sightseeing, and we headed towards The Wharf for dinner.
Excellent choice.
The area buzzed with life: music drifting through the air, people laughing, lights reflecting off the water. Restaurants beckoned with menus that demanded attention.
The food? Fantastic.
The beer? Cold and plentiful.
The atmosphere? Spot on.
We ate like tomorrow wasn’t guaranteed, soaking up the lively vibe and congratulating ourselves on another excellent decision.
Washington vs. New York: A Friendly Comparison
A City That Breathes
If New York is a city fuelled by espresso and ambition, Washington feels like it’s had a herbal tea and a lie-down.
It’s calmer. More spacious. Still buzzing with importance, history and politics, but without the constant sensory assault. It’s as if Washington gently tapped New York on the shoulder and said:
“Mate. Relax.”
And honestly? We appreciated that.
Reflections, Tired Feet and Tomorrow’s Promise
As we finally returned to the hotel — legs aching, stomachs full, cameras brimming with photos — there was a shared sense of contentment.
Washington had welcomed us warmly. It offered history without stuffiness, grandeur without arrogance, and food that absolutely deserved a second visit.
And this, dear readers, was only the beginning.
Until Next Time…
Stay tuned for our next adventure, where there will undoubtedly be more walking, more food, more questionable decisions, and plenty of laughs along the way.
Until then:
Keep exploring.
Keep smiling.
And never trust a hotel that promises “no breakfast queue.”
Cheerio,
The Adventurous Clearys
