Descent into DC

When asked when she fell in love with Mr. Darcy for the first time, Elizabeth says that it might have started when she saw Pemberley (this might be a made up memory, or perhaps it just happens in the movie). Similarly, I think I decided to attend Georgetown when flying over it into Reagan for the first time--when you sit by the left window and you descend from the north, the view is unmatched in my (admitedly limited) experience. The first thing that always catches my eye is the National Cathedral and Georgetown's spires and red brick. Then, as you continue to descend, you see big white, boxy office buildings, and then comes the Mall! From the sky, you can see wonderful circle patterns around the monuments and the plane allows for a view straight from the Lincoln Memorial to the Capitol. The monuments look like they're a small model on display in the National Building Museum, which could be knocked over with no trouble. As you keep descending, you can catch the National Bascilica and the Mormon Temple, consistently banished to the outskirts of the city. Finally, as you land, you catch a view of the Freemason's temple in Alexandria. The whole thing is an eminently satisfying experience. In fact, last time I landed, we pulled out of our landing, circled around, and descended again. Aside from my great fear at unusual things happening during airplane rides, I was delighted to have the best part twice!