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Home > Oh, Just Go Spend Some Money Already!

Oh, Just Go Spend Some Money Already!

March 9th, 2008 at 01:22 am

DH is on a business trip, and had to lay over in Washington DC. [That was the only routing available to get the free ticket he wanted using his mileage.]

I had to practically NAG him to get him to go downtown and take in some of the sights. (I suggested he spend one extra day in DC, since he had to fly through there anyway, but he wouldn't hear of it.) He has never been there, and he is not a US citizen, so he didn't get what the big deal was, even after I showed him my pictures and brochures and tourist book souvenier and raved about it. I told him it's like The Louvre, Champs Elysee, Eiffel Tower, and Versailles all rolled in to one, only better! Since he only has this evening, I strongly encouraged him to take the Grayline nighttime bus tour so he could see as many sights as possible in a short time, even tho' it would mean buying a ticket and he would have had to take a cab back to his hotel from a Metro station. I told him "I know that will cost money, but I promise you that it is money you will never regret spending for as long as you live."

I'm happy to report that after much encouragement he finally decided he was willing to spend the money.

Unfortunately, the bus tour was sold out. Frown But he did head downtown as soon as he checked in his bags. He rushed around seeing as much as he could (White House, Smithsonian Air & Space Museum, etc --- unfortunately I don't think he saw any of the monuments) and ended up with blisters on his feet! He called me from the Air & Space Museum quite exhilarated, saying "I could stay just here for hours!" And he has decided that if his flight tomorrow is overbooked, he will volunteer to get bumped!

Hopefully if something like this ever comes up again, he'll listen to me a little sooner! I'm all for saving money (and I certainly would have asked for the AAA discount from Grayline), but goodness, when you have the opportunity to have such an enriching experience, if it causes no strain on the budget, just go ahead and spend the money already!

Are you surprised to hear me say that? Some people think I'm a total tightwad, but I disagree. I will squeeze a penny till it screams, but I also am willing to spend when I truly think it's worthwhile.

Posted in Sensible Spending | 5 Comments »

5 Responses to “Oh, Just Go Spend Some Money Already!”

  1. HelpMeFriend Says:
    March 9th, 2008 at 01:44 am 1205027099
    1205027099

    If you aren't a US citizen, seeing the sites at DC isn't any big deal for you.

  2. scfr Says:
    March 9th, 2008 at 01:49 am 1205027377
    1205027377

    Actually, he was quite thrilled with what he saw. I think many of the sights in DC have more meaning for those of us who are citizens, but there is something fascinating at the Smithsonian for everyone, and regardless of where you are from in the world, it is exciting seeing the White House and other governmental buildings. On top of that, the buildings are gorgeous and can be appreciated just for their sheer beauty.

  3. boomeyers Says:
    March 9th, 2008 at 03:07 am 1205032023
    1205032023

    Of course! History is history. It is fascinating whether you are a citizen of a city or a state or a country. It is fun to see and fun to learn! Glad to hear he enjoyed himself and good luck ever getting them to listen! Smile

  4. baselle Says:
    March 9th, 2008 at 08:05 am 1205049957
    1205049957

    I agree. Just because you're frugal doesn't mean you can't be an opportunist! Had a similar issue in Paris with the Paris Museum pass (PMP). The PMP isn't cheaper than the admission price of the museums, but the not waiting in a line in the rain made it very worthwhile.

  5. Aleta Says:
    March 9th, 2008 at 11:13 pm 1205104384
    1205104384

    I'm glad that he listened to you. We were there around Thanksgiving because my son and family moved up there to in belt way. It is a amazing place. We went to the Smithsonian Air and Space Musemum as well.

    I would really reccommend the Vietnam Memorial and th Korean Memorial. The Vietnam memorial was so moving and you just can't imaging how long the wall is.

    You're right, there are certain things that are just worth more than money.

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