We went to Williamsburg and Washington, where we were able to enjoy history and to rest after a very hard few months after Laura’s surgery. There were many Uber rides and lots of walking. People were friendly and the weather was hot. It was fun.

I have some thoughts about what I experienced in all the places we visited. America is a messy, complex place. I believe it’s a place where people can come for a brighter tomorrow. There was a lot of blood, sweat, and tears to get it to what it is today. However, you cannot overlook the suffering and tyranny that comes with it. America is better, I think, when it’s a place of progress and inclusion. Having visited Colonial Williamsburg and Yorktown and the capitol of Washington, DC, I think we have to take America as it is. Williamsburg is an important place, and it’s the home of the Virginia House of Burgesses. Yorktown is a lovely and important place in the early years of this country. We also visited the College of William and Mary for some additional historical vibes.

I was moved in seeing the Washington National Cathedral and the Library of Congress as well as the National Archives, where the founding documents of the nation are housed. All of these places are the sentinels of faith and knowledge and government. They are in a way very important data centers. Very ornate, inspirational data centers. The African American Museum of History and Culture is something everyone needs to see because much of the stuff you like comes from a people who have been through a lot in the history of America. If you want to be a patriot, don’t wave a flag; understand the country and the people and its true history, and go from there to make this place good. You can’t get to great unless something is good.