Washington DC: August 25-26, 2018 (off off Tokyo)

I visited Washington DC for the first time in decades. I walked in and around the National Mall, where the White House, the Congress, many memorials and the Smithsonian institutes gather.

The Lincoln Memorial stands in the west of the Mall. His words are curved in the wall.

I looked eastward from the memorial. The Washington Monument stands over the Reflecting Pool.

Martin Luther King had the famous “I have a dream” speech here in 1963 in the Great March on Washington. Forrest Gump and Jenny had a reunion here. (See also the top photo)

The Congress locates in the east of the Mall.

The White House is in the north of the Mall. Senator John McCain died on August 25, 2018. The flag was at half-mast in the White House in the following day. 

People enjoyed their times on the lawn in front of the White House.

I visited several monuments: They include:

The National World War 2 Memorial,

Martin Luther King Memorial (see the 2nd photo)

Vietnam Veterans Memorial,

Korean War Veterans Memorial

The monument look to be reflecting the views of Americans on the wars and other social developments. There is no monument yet on the Iraq War and Afghanistan War.

I visited Virginia through the Arlington National Cemetery. 

The Iwo Jima Memorial is in this area.

New York : August 21-24, 2018 (off off Tokyo)

I visited New York City for the first time in six years. It was my first visit to the U. S. under President Trump.

The city was full of energy as it was six years ago. The Fifth Avenue, Times Square, and many other places were crowded with business persons and tourists. Local people were enjoying their times in the Central Park.

I also found many changes. Amazon bookstore opened. The Trump Tower is now not only a garish landmark but also a place with political meanings. There are many development projects under the way including the Hudson Yards Complex.

I walked under the skyscrapers in the Midtown. I saw many tourists enjoying their walks in the 5^th Ave.

I saw the supporters appeal reelection of President Trump in front of the Trump Tower in the 5^th Ave. (See the 4th photo from the top) 

The guards held rifle guns.

There were so many tourists gathering in the Times Square. Most signboards are now electronic-run.

In the Time Warner Building in the Columbia square, I visited Amazon’s real bookshop. I also entered the Whole Foods store, where they widely sell organic and other health-friendly goods.

17 years have passed after the 9.11 terrorist attack. I visited the ground zero in the lower Manhattan.

Two pools have been constructed in the places where two fallen WTC buildings once stood. The names of the victims are curves on the plates. I saw white roses devoted to the victims who had their birthdays. (See the 2nd photo from the top)

Many tourist boats were visiting the Statue of Liberty in the Liberty Island. (See also the top photo) 

I also visited the Harlem area in the north Manhattan. I saw various paintings in the walls.

It was just after the death of soul singer Aretha Franklin. People displayed her portrait and mourned her in front of the Apollo Theater.

I walked in the Central Park. 

People enjoyed jogging and cycling. Horse wagons moved around.

They enjoyed sunbathing on the lawn.

Tourists took pictures in the Strawberry Fields, which commemorate John Lennon.

I also walked the High Line, a walking path developed on the old railroad.

A painting of the Statues of Liberty stood at the side of the path.

I visited several museums.

Dinosaurs, meteorites and many other interesting things were displayed in the American Museum of Natural History.

The Museum of Modern Arts was free in Friday evening (thanks to Uniqlo’s support). There are so many masterpieces of great painters, including Picasso, Maris, Mondrian, Andy Warhol, there. (See also the 3rd photo) I enjoyed them.

Belgium Beer Weekend @ Hibiya Park: August 10, 2018

I often visit “Belgium Beer Weekend” events to enjoy beer as well as Belgium pop culture.

The events are held in several cities such as Tokyo, Yokohama, Osaka, Nagoya, Sapporo and Kanazawa.

In Tokyo, a “weekend” event has been held for years at Roppongi Hills in September.

Another “weekend” event was added this year. It was planned in Hibiya Park in August

The place is in Kasumigaseki area, where many governmental offices gather.

I visited in the evening. Hundreds of people were there in a hot summer air. Electric fans were running to make fresh air go round.

They served tens of Belgium beers as well as Belgium foods.

Belgium musicians played music.