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Sunday, October 8, 2023

2023 Leesburg Airshow

 The Leesburg Airshow took place the last Saturday each September - this year was on 9/30/23 from 11am - 4pm. The event took place on the Leesburg Executive Airport with aircraft and rescue vehicle exhibits, an aerial show in the afternoon from 1pm to 3pm.

The show presented variety of aircraft displays, including vintage and modern military aircraft, civilian planes, and sometimes aerobatic stunt planes. Attendees were able to get up close to these aircraft, learn about their history, and meet pilots and crew members.  One of the main attractions of airshows is the thrilling aerial performances by skilled pilots. These performances included aerobatic maneuvers, formation flying, and sometimes demonstrations by military aircraft.

It was my first time to watch a live air plant show.  I must say it is not easy to take a good photo when you have to hold your face up and chasing the aircraft with a camera.

Friday, October 6, 2023

A Day in Georgetown

Founded in 1751, Georgetown is one of the oldest neighborhoods in Washington, D.C.is a historic neighborhood located in the northwest quadrant of Washington, D.C. It's one of the city's oldest and most iconic neighborhoods, known for its charming streets, historic architecture, and vibrant cultural scene. 

M Street and Wisconsin Avenue are the neighborhood's main commercial streets, lined with a diverse array of shops, restaurants, cafes, and bars. You can find everything from high-end boutiques to independent bookstores and international cuisine.

Georgetown is also home to the prestigious Georgetown University, founded in 1789, is located in the heart of the neighborhood. 

The Chesapeake and Ohio Canal, often referred to as the C&O Canal, runs through Georgetown. It's a picturesque waterway with a towpath that's popular for jogging, biking, and leisurely walks.

From Georgetown you can walk through the Key Bridge to reach Virginia and have a great view of the Potomac River.

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*"Key Bridge" also known as the Francis Scott Key Bridge is a historic bridge that connects Rosslyn in Arlington, Virginia, with Georgetown in Washington, D.C. 

At the end of the bridge on the Washington, DC side, there is also a Francis Scott Key Park. The park is named in honor of Francis Scott Key, who wrote the lyrics to the U.S. national anthem, "The Star-Spangled Banner." 

The Chesapeake and Ohio Canal, commonly known as the C&O Canal, is a historic waterway located in the eastern United States. It stretches for 184.5 miles (297 kilometers) along the Potomac River, from Washington, D.C., to Cumberland, Maryland. 

Tuesday, September 26, 2023

The Basilica of the National Shrine of the Immaculate Conception

Situated within the campus of The Catholic University of America in Washington, D.C., the Basilica of the National Shrine of the Immaculate Conception is a remarkable religious and architectural masterpiece. This grand Roman Catholic church ranks among the largest and most prominent in the United States. Visiting this splendid site is a sensory delight for the eyes, body, and mind, offering a captivating blend of aesthetics and spirituality.




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Construction of the basilica began in 1920, and it has been a work in progress ever since. The basilica is renowned for its stunning architecture and intricate design. It combines various architectural styles, including Romanesque, Byzantine, and Gothic elements, making it a unique and visually captivating structure. Its towering dome and intricate mosaics are particularly notable. The interior of the basilica is adorned with over 80,000 square feet of vibrant and intricate mosaic art, making it one of the largest collections of mosaics in the world. These mosaics depict scenes from the Bible, the history of the Catholic Church in the United States, and the life of the Virgin Mary. The National Shrine serves as a place of worship for Catholics and welcomes visitors of all faiths. It's a popular destination for pilgrims and tourists alike, drawing hundreds of thousands of visitors annually who come to admire its architecture, art, and religious significance. Crypt Church: Beneath the main church, there is a smaller, more intimate space known as the Crypt Church. This space is often used for daily Mass and smaller gatherings. It also houses several side chapels and additional religious artwork.