Mt. Vernon

            My final weekend spent in DC was spent travelling to see the residence of George Washington at Mt. Vernon. We piled in the car and I had immediately forgotten how much I love driving. It was so relaxing to sit in the passenger seat with the windows down, music playing, wind blowing, and talking with friends. We made our way through the spiraling off ramps and exits until the concrete parted and trees appeared.

            We bought our tickets and made our way onto the grounds. The first lesson that we learned on the premises was that the greatest thing any leader can do is learn when to give up their power. Not only did Washington do this once, but he gave his power up twice. The second lesson we learned while walking around was that it was very hot and we ducked for shade whenever we had the chance.

            However, we made our way to his manor and toured the insides which would have be spectacular living for even someone of today let alone in the late 1700’s. Perhaps my favorite object in his house was the key to the Bastille, as a gift to the Father of Freedom from the people of France. The view from his front porch was spectacular and a perfect place for an O-H-I-O picture.

            I cannot imagine living in the 1700’s let alone living as well as he must have. His vast property, his house on the hill overlooking the beautiful river surrounded by gardens would make anyone envious. As we drove away, all of us tired from a day of walking in the hot summer sun, some of us fell asleep to the gentle curve of the road and the wind in our hair, and I wondered if I would have been able to give up the power that Washington had, and could have had, for the greater good of the country. I wonder if any us would have been able to do what he did then, today.

-Evan