We took a cab from Union Station to the Ramada Inn. The hotel was within walking distance from the station but Rich had a very heavy suitcase. The cab had no meter. The cabbie said that fares were determined by taxi fare zones. Rich later explained that Washington was the exception, not the rule. In most cities, he said, cabs had meters.
At the hotel we checked in without any problems. The desk clerk confirmed my reservation for a double room. We filled out registration forms and got our key. The bellman took Richard's suitcase up. I wondered how much I should tip him. Rich said a one dollar tip would be okay. Well, how was I doing? Rich said I was doing all right so far.
Our room was not a room but a suite. In fact, it was a whole apartment with a kitchenette, a refrigerator and even a bar. On my bedside table I found a Bible. Rich said there was one in every hotel room. Can you imagine that?