As a general rule, our “Long Long Honeymoon” is a lighthearted show. We focus more upon the fun stuff than the alternative. I figure there’s enough bad news in the world. Why add to it?
With that said, our recent visit to Washington D.C. and Philadelphia put me in a contemplative mood. It’s impossible to visit these areas and not consider our historical origins. We think about how the United States of America got started… and where we’re all headed.
I will go on the record: our “founding fathers” were a collective bunch of philosophical super geniuses (and not of the Wile. E. Coyote kind). What they created in terms of a self-governing democracy was unprecedented. Any way you look at it, the American experiment has been an overwhelming success.
But we also live in a world where (with apologies to Bob Dylan) the times they have a’changed. And I’m not simply referring to recent change, but rather to changes that have happened over time. The White House is no longer easily accessible to the public (at least not without plowing through miles of red tape with a Senator). Instead it sits barricaded behind unsightly concrete walls and iron fences. Going museum hopping? You’ve gotta walk thorough metal detectors and security checkpoints just to peek at Archie Bunker’s chair.
Not unlike Kirstie Alley, all organizations tend to grow. Our government is no exception. We’re “free” — so long as we continually pay our numerous federal, state, and local taxes. Total it all up and it’s safe to say over half of your annual labor goes to fund the government. Oh yeah, and if you are hauling an RV anywhere in the D.C./Philadelphia area, you better have that TOLL money ready. It cost us $39 in toll taxes to tow our two-axle RV from Washington D.C. to Philadelphia. On one occasion, a $5 toll became a $23 toll simply because we were towing an RV. Now, I can understand paying a little more, even double — but MORE THAN QUADRUPLE? Ouch.
Tolls aside, we had a wonderful time visting these areas. In addition to learning all about Abe Lincoln, we learned how to use Mapquest to avoid toll roads. So, it was a “win-win.” Keep the faith, folks! 😀
Another awesome entry to “the moon” driving on cobble stones is fun:) How great was it to wake up grab a cup of joe sit down dial in my fav blog and find a new entry aaaaahhhhhhhhhh life’s good! Have fun stay safe
Matt
Talk about Brave!! Parking the rig in downtown like that!! We are newbs at it but I don’t imagine that was easy at all!
Thanks guys, I’m trying a slightly different style with these recent “on the road” videos. It’s a little more of a gritty documentary feel. I hope you like it! I will mix these together with some of our more lighthearted material.
Matt, glad to have helped with that cup of joe. I know all about the ritual morning Internet check, ha ha!
Restless, it was an absurdly tight parking space. Or rather, it was not only a tight space, but also a crazy location. There’s a lot of traffic. But surprisingly, old town Philadelphia turned out to be quite accommodating to RV’ers. You can park along the street so long as you are willing to feed the meters.