Slowly but surely, there are less and less unknown touristic sites around Washington. This time, the classic Shenandoah (see entry last year) was in full colors - the timing of the visit proposed by the guide was perfect.
The fresh air was perfect motivation to go for a walk to one of the waterfalls - dark hollow.
Besides the forest and mountain, a local gem is found underground. The Luray Caverns are one of the best I have seen, with lots of interesting, old, thick formations. The best was this reflective lake - look at the picture and it is almost impossible to see that it is only the reflection of stalactites that is seen. Of course, being in America, they could not avoid commercializing it a little bit - they installed an organ, which was linked to stalactites chosen so that the sound would correspond to the notes. Quite impressive performance. The other US influence could be noticed in the name given to some of the formation in the cave, in particular the "fried egg". Was it discovered at breakfast? Finally, close to the exit, there was also a pool where you could throw your money - each year it would be allocated to a different charity to the nearest cent.
The trip led also to the roots of American history ... it does sound much further in the past than what it is. A little stop at Harper's Ferry, a small town in West Virginia, where the Potomac and the Shenandoah rivers merge. Jefferson, on a visit to the area, stood on a rock, from which he thought the view was stupendous - the rock is now named after him. But the most memorable event in this town was the raid on the local arsenal led by John Brown, who wanted to abolish slavery. He was tried and hanged, but this event was one catalyst of the Civil War.
The two residences of the first American presidents are located in Virginia, respectively in Charlottesville and in Alexandria. In Charlottesville, the Monticello was the main residence of Jefferson, the third president. The house, actually I should say the whole estate, was carefully designed, certainly because Jefferson was a keen architect and found a lot of inspiration during his stay in France. It is one of the few UNESCO World Heritage in the US. But probably its moment of fame occurs daily, as Americans make use of the 5 cent coin.
In Alexandria is located Mount Vernon, the house of George Washington, the first president. The best about it is actually the view over the Potomac river. Otherwise, it is less impressive, maybe reflected in the fact that it is "only" a National Historic Landmark. Still, there were quite a few common threads: the large memorabilia, the slave's quarters, the vegetable garden, the tomb, and their management by a private entity.
Finally, the sky above us also was worth scrutinizing. I saw in the newspaper that astronomists gather at a field in a National Park, far away from the city lights. It was then very surprising to see that - on a cold October night - so many amateur astronomers there - they were also so nice to let us watch through their (huge) telescopes. The highlight was to see Jupiter and its four main moons: Io, Europa, Ganymede and Callisto. Specialists also pointed to the center of our galaxy (in the Sagittarius) and explained various phenomena.
Above is the view over the main aquarium in Baltimore. Striking!
There are also smaller aquariums, with this one being popular with the fans of "Nemo". Apparently up to two of these fishes can "share" an anemone. 
The sea horses were moving very delicately...
... which was not the case of the octopus next door (oops, next window). This one looked much scarier than in a dish. Is it politically correct to ask how this one will finish? I also wondered if they would use it to predict some sports result, like its famous European counterpart.
Some aquariums looked peaceful and idyllic, while I was happy that there was a big glass between me and this nasty looking shark. 
