As I write this, I am on a motorcoach with thirty 8th grade girls on the way to our nation's capital. That may sound like torture, but to be the one who teaches them about D.C. in the classroom, then physically take them there is an honor and pleasure. I also have four other fine chaperones. The four days are like watching little children open presents on Christmas morning, and I never tire of it.

This is something like the 18th time I have been to D.C.. I am quite sure you would be hard-pressed to name another place where such amazing and important places stand so close together. This is why the place never ceases to amaze me.

Here are the top five reasons why I love D.C.:

1. It is historical. Ford's Theater, Old Town Alexandria, the War Memorials. The District of Columbia is like a living history book.

2. It is educational. Nineteen Smithsonian museums, among others in the area, offer Kermit the Frog, the world's most perfect diamond, and spaceships hanging from the ceiling.

3. It is powerful. The White House, the Supreme Court, the Capitol, the Pentagon. The place screams strength, importance. This is clearly where the bucks stop.

4. It is emotional. Students reach out and touch the Vietnam Wall, take a momement of silence at the Pentagon impact site,and stand in awe of the dress right dress rows of headstones at Arlington Cemetery.

5. It is fun. Expect the unexpected. See a Presidential motorcade, watch a frisbee tournament in front of the Washington Monument, bump into a famous Congressman or Senator. Washington is full of fun surprises.

I will blog this week about what we are seeing, and maybe I'll need to add to this list.