If I ever write a book called "Getting a Thai Visa the Easy Way", the first chapter will be about Washington. Today I sailed in, turned in my receipt, and had my multiple entry visa in my hands in 30 seconds. Such a different experience than the stuggle in Vientiane and the additional hassle of getting the "multiple" part in Bangkok after I returned.
The rest of the afternoon was spent at lunch at my favorite coffee shop in DC - Soho Coffee, and then a long walk downtown, visiting the Smithsonian Castle, Washington Monument, White House, Lincoln Memorial, and Jefferson Memorial (with the latter being my all-time favorite).
Then it was a quick ride on the Metro to Silver Springs, where my friend Vinh picked me up and drove me to New York. I will be here for a few days visiting friends and seeing the sights, then its back to San Francisco for New Years.
