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Washington DC

We arrived into Washington in style aboard, for the second time this holiday, the streamlined Amtrak Acela Express train.  We took a taxi to the hotel, leaving the vast expansive and grand Washington Union Station behind. Our Hotel is the best of the bunch, ideally located, and very much more class than the previous two. Having deposited our bags, washed and changed we decided to find our bearings and to find out about transport into and out of the City.

At the nearest Metro station, McPherson Square we found an extremely informative member of staff who immediately sorted us with tickets which would cover us, on the Metro, for the duration of our stay. She even directed us to the required platform, where our train would be arriving shortly. She even told us where to get off at the Smithsonian station which is just about midpoint on the National Mall. We did as she instructed and ended up using these station as our way off and on throughout much of the week.

As we reached the top of the escalator and walked out onto the Mall for the first time we were greeted with the roar of motorbikes as they made their way along Independence Avenue. What we could hear was part of “Rolling Thunder”, the motorbike chapters of America’s tribute to the men and women past and present who have served their country. The parade had been ongoing for some time but thankfully continued for several more hours, giving me the opportunity to take pictures and videos of the various bikes on parade. The numbers that take part are vast, riders attending from all corners of the States, and, according to the official website, the numbers are growing year on year. An unbelievable sight as the bikes have complete freedom to travel from the Pentagon, along Independence, with no other vehicle in sight, as they take in the applause and cheers of the crowds that line the route. An event I had heard about and read about and now pleased to say had witnessed in the flesh. With Pam wilting under the heat, despite being dowsed in water by a friendly American lady, concerned at how flush Pam looked, we decided to leave before the parade was over and make our way to find somewhere to eat and drink. We settled, on the recommendation of an English exile, a lady at the Mall tourist information kiosk, on the café in the Sculpture Park, where we found suitable refreshment.

Having risen early that morning we decided to return to the hotel, unpack and rest for the rest of the evening in readiness for the adventures that were sure to unfold as the week progressed.

Rolling Thunder

On Monday, we were up early as we wanted to make sure that we were in a good position to watch the City’s Memorial Day parade, reportedly the best in the States. We needn’t have panicked as the event didn’t kick off until 2 pm (eastern summer time). Arriving at our usual exit point from the subway, Smithsonian, we wandered down the National Mall heading east in the direction of the Capitol building, as in the distance we could see lots of activity. The activity we could see was related to the event, floats, soldiers and marching bands, the latter rehearsing, but for what time to perform and where. Not sure at that point what time or where the parade took place I asked a couple of local police officers, who were patrolling the area, to be told the time and the best place to view. Now, with time on our hands, we decided to make for our usual heating hole, the Pavilion Café, which was ironically located just nearby the route of the parade. Our café a little busier than normal, with a large number of participants in the parade also participating in the food facilities. Nevertheless, we managed to get ourselves food and seats and again enjoyed the meal. Replenished we walked through to the adjacent Constitution Avenue to look for an advantageous spot to take up to view the parade. We eventually decided on a spot just 200 yards up from the starting point, the kerbside edge of the Avenue, joining a number of other couples and families that had already decided this was a good vantage point, which it was. We had a wait until the parade began, but spent the time, recalling the adventures we had already experienced whilst in America, and more importantly what we planned to do whilst in the Capitol and when. Add to this a few hours of people watching – of course, it wouldn’t be us if we didn’t do that. A contingent of U-Haul vans appeared driving slowly down the centre of the avenue, with alongside them on the kerb edge several people passing out papers to the crowd. The items being handed out, very informative parade programmes in the form of a newspaper, which proved extremely useful along with free, obligatory American flags, for us all to wave.

Around 1:45 we could see a gathering of flags and a large group of similarly clad individuals, which turned out to be a choir, at the official start point, we could hear distant singing and finally, close on 2 pm the National Anthem. With the people quickly clearing the Avenue, which they had completely taken up, the parade official, began.  As it appears to be the case, at least in America, parades inevitably start with a police motorcycle cavalcade and this event was no different. Yesterday’s “Rolling Thunder” started similarly. Forming a huge V across the whole avenue, lights and sirens to the full, they made their impressive way along the avenue.  The parade had begun and on time.

Naturally following the out-riders came the might of American power throughout the world, its armed forces. Representatives from the Army, Marine Corps, Navy, Air Force and Coast Guard, proudly marched down the avenue duly led by a riderless horse, in honour of “Those Who Have Made the Ultimate Sacrifice”.  They were greeted with enthusiastic applause and, exuberant flag waving by the patriotic crowds lining the route. This genuine enthusiasm, from the crowd, never waned throughout the entire parade.

 What followed the forces was meticulously choreographed to encompass eight important periods of conflict, national and international, in which the country had been involved. Each area of conflict Interspersed with representatives of associations and support groups, local and national personalities and, to add that all-important razzamatazz, even on this the National Memorial Day, performing High School bands.

The first group to parade passed us represented the American Revolution, with the Fife and Drums of Yorktown, suitably attired in period costume and, despite his earlier demise a George Washington look-alike, riding in an historic period carriage. Next group to pass us represented the War of 1812, ably led by the USS Constitution colour guard again in period costume and, General Andrew Jackson – yes another look alike.

Not to forget their own internal conflicts, the next group represented the Civil War, which had to be led by the man himself Abraham Lincoln, again riding in a period carriage and yes, another look alike, but as with the two prior a very good likeness.

We then moved onto World War 1, in which representatives from the current Australian Military marched to commemorate 100 years of service, serving alongside that of the United States. Several period vehicles, military and commercial on display. A surprise in the shape of a horse-drawn Wells Fargo stagecoach, kindly provided by Wells Fargo, somewhat confused me as to its contribution to this period of conflict – nevertheless, it was interesting to see.

From World War 1 we moved on to WW2 and the first representation of this period was the veterans of the legendary Tuskegee Airmen. Their attendance on the parade, marking the 75th anniversary of their first combat missions in WW2. Again, as with the previous section of the parade, WW2 was marked with the display of several impressive WW2 vehicles. Interspersed as with all the various sections where the high school bands. Not to miss out on the appearances of other sections of the parade, there was also another look alike, this time of General Douglas MacArthur.

Three more sections followed to commemorate the Countries involvement with the Korean, Vietnam and finally the Gulf wars. Each section represented by veterans from each of these war theatres.

The final section was a further salute to today’s military with representatives of the Army, Navy, Marine Corps, Airforce and finally the Coast Guard.

As with the previous day, we were so pleased to have been present, to witness the tributes paid and, the remarkable outpouring of patriotism, shown by the American people to those who have served their country. Patriotism, shown, as only the Americans can, and are proud to do so, in style, with flag waving and, yes, the razzamatazz. At least they do have a National Memorial Day.

National Memorial Day

On Tuesday we awoke a little more leisurely. Our objectives today are a visit to Macys Department store, The White House, The Washington and Lincoln Memorials and if that’s not enough, The Air & Space Museum. It turned out to be a busy, but thoroughly enjoyable and, of course, a truly memorable one. Feelings about this holiday that we have had throughout, and, will continue to do so, right up to the very last day.

We walked from our usual breakfast venue to the White House which, surprisingly wasn’t crowded out with folks. It was also surprising how close you could get to this side of the building, yes there were several guards in attendance and a tall fence surrounding the grounds but, the front appeared to be within hurling distance with a hand grenade or similar explosive device. Needless to say, I didn’t try simulating such actions. What amused Pam & I was the number of secret service officers roaming the area with, said title, emblazoned across their backs and fronts – some secret. Not overly impressed by the front of the building, we made our way, past the elaborately architectural Dwight D Eisenhower building, the Old Executive building, to 17th Street and then to turn left to walk towards Constitution Avenue, to view the White House, in the distance, in the direction this time from the South Lawn. We made numerous stops for drinks and shade, where ever possible, as the temperature was rising as the day progressed.

From here we walked passed the Museum of African American History, a building reminiscent of an upturned pyramid, making our way to the Washington Monument and the Circulator bus stop which, would take us to the Lincoln Memorial. Note the differences between Washington and Lincoln of monument and memorial. I hadn’t realised the significance; it was whilst on our night tour that our guide pointed out the difference. The tribute, a monolith, to Washington was decided upon during his lifetime, as a monument to his achievements and, remains a monument, even though it wasn’t completed until after his death. The Lincoln Memorial and, subsequent other memorials, are erected after the death of a group or individual, to mark their achievements. Sadly, the Washington Monument was undergoing repairs, so we were unable to visit and partake of the view from near the top of the monolith. Thankfully, this was to be our only disappointment of this stage of our holiday.

We caught the Circulator, free travel once more, and alighted at the Lincoln Memorial, taking time out to eat at the nearby café. We then made our way, suitably replenished, to take our first, but not our only look at the memorial to the 16th President of the United States. What greets you, is impressive, and, extremely, large structure, based on a Greek temple, with 36 lofty Doric columns, each column symbolizing a state in the Union at the time of his death. We’ve already seen it from a distance, whilst on the National Mall, but close too, it is an overpowering building, a scale, that truly reflects the man’s standing in American politics and history.

Having finally climbed the numerous steps to reach the vestibule in which the seated President sits you are once more amazed at the scale, some 19feet tall, and, how unbelievably the likeness of the President, when compared to photos, sculptured by Daniel Frazer French out of 28 blocks of white Georgian marble, has been captured. The sculpture, as an aura about it, it sends shivers down your back.  We will return, later in the week, for a second glimpse.

We caught the Circulator bus once more, returning to the National Mall and, specifically Independence Avenue, to make, what turned out to be our first visit to the Smithsonian Air & Space Museum. I hadn’t decided on two visits, thinking one would be enough, but quickly found that not to be the case after only being inside, this homage to flight, for an hour, and not being able to see a fraction of what was on offer. Pam started to walk around with me, but after a short while realised she would be better sitting out and leaving me to explore at my own pace. Even I had to admit that this wouldn’t be achieved, with any benefit, from the one visit. We would find this out to be the case, throughout our exploration of the museums on the National Mall.

A remarkable collection of aircraft, covering the discovery of flight. From the very earliest attempts of man to fly to the conquering of space, what a collection and, so thoughtfully presented. Not just a plane or an aeronautical object, stuck on a stand or in a display cabinet, with a label attached. This was a museum, that had gone to great lengths to present the articles in relevant surroundings, creating dioramas and huge backdrops to show the relevance of what was on display. A prime example of that was the display related to aeronautics and the navy. Here they had built the display as part of an aircraft carrier, into which you step below decks at hanger level to find aircraft parked, as they would have been. From the hanger deck, you progressed, to the upper levels, using open metal steps, like those you would expect to find on board ship. As you step through hatchways, you move from display to display, arriving at flight landing control, where you look out through windows, of planes, landing on the flight deck, simulation of both day and night operations. Turn and follow the displays, avoiding tripping over the hatch doorway, you end up on the reverse side of launch control, this time watching the planes being launched, again, both day & night. This section and others relating to WW2 covered just part of the first floor, right-hand corner of the museum and I had been engrossed for over an hour. Hence, my return to Pam to ask if we could return to try and at least to visit some of the major sections remaining on the first floor and all of those on the ground floor. Our first day exploring and a clear insight into what we would experience throughout the rest of our magical stay in the Capital City.

The White House

The Washington Monument

The Lincoln Memorial

The Air & Space Museum

Wednesday, we made a detour after breakfast, using the Metro, not to return directly to the National Mall, but to locate Ford's theatre, the location of President Lincolns assassination. We got as close as we could, using the Metro, but inevitably had to walk to 10th Street.  This was an interesting area of the City with the benefit of several older and architecturally interesting buildings – less of the concrete, although it was still in evidence. We knew we had arrived at the right location as it was heralded with the noise from several school parties. The road not only contains the theatre in which Lincoln was shot, in 1865, by John Wilkes Booth but, directly opposite the house into which he was taken and in which he died. From here we walked past Madam Tussauds and the Washington version of our favourite Philadelphia eatery, The Hard Rock Café, to make our way, once more back to the National Mall, this time to visit the Natural History Museum.

As with all the museums, entry was free, once you had gone through security and vast. It would appear, that you would need days, nay, probably weeks to do the museums and their vast contents justice. I suppose it’s the same within most cities, and our own capital London is no exception. With the Science, V&A and natural history museums, as just three examples.

We spent several hours wandering around the various exhibits, amazed at the level of detail within the various sections, and, noting once more the very high standard of presentation. Every effort had been made to make the exhibits interesting, nothing staid and boring. This was especially so in the wildlife area, where real lifelike displays of African animals had been created, with lions attacking animals so realistic that it could have been on camera. Instead, it was created life-size in front of you. There were several similar examples, not made to look gruesome with blood and gore, but life as it happens out in the wild. We inevitably had to move on, first to eat at what was becoming our favourite watering hole, the Sculpture Park café, before moving on to visit the Botanical gardens, located just to the right of the Capital building, as you look down the National Mall from the Washington Memorial.

We are enjoying our food at the Park Café, a good selection of mains and dessert and, all at reasonable prices.

We caught the Circulator once more to take us to the Capital building stop, which is adjacent to the reflecting pool, which, we then walked around, rather than going direct so that we could view the Ulysses S Grant's memorial which, marks the Western end of the National Mall. The statue of Grant rests on a pedestal decorated with bronze reliefs of the infantry; flanking pedestals hold statues of protective lions and bronze representations of the Union cavalry and artillery. My description does not in any way do justice to the artistry and detail that these two memorials contain. They need to be seen to be believed. We walked on around the pool and crossed the Maryland Avenue, this section just a car park and entered the gardens at the front of the glass buildings which hold the National Botanical collection.

Below is the website description of the importance and creation of the location.

“The Botanical Gardens are steeped in history, rich with tradition, the United States Botanic Garden is a living plant museum that informs visitors about the importance, and often irreplaceable value, of plants to the well-being of humans and to earth's fragile ecosystems.

More than 200 years ago, George Washington had a vision for the capital city of the United States that included a botanic garden that would demonstrate and promote the importance of plants to the young nation. Established by the U.S. Congress in 1820, the U.S. Botanic Garden is one of the oldest botanic gardens in North America”.

Pam & I were surprised as to how few people there were, walking around the vast glass conservatories. We had expected the place to be busy, as would be the case at any such building in the UK. To our benefit, as it made for more opportunities to enjoy, in comfort, the vast array of plants and arrangements, that were on display. Pam didn’t climb the numerous steps to the topmost point of the large glass house and therefore missed some of the more beautiful and exotic orchids. I did take pictures, so she had the chance to see them later when we viewed the day’s activities back at the hotel. There was still enough for her to enjoy, meandering through the huge glass house, admiring the wide variety of plants that were on display, and, amongst the outside gardens.

Whilst in the area I took a stroll across Independence Avenue, which was to the rear of the Botanical Gardens to visit yet another garden. This time the one within Bartholdi Park. Treated as part of the Botanical Gardens and was well worth the short walk.

We sat, after leaving the Botanical Gardens, at the end of the National Mall, with the Capital to our backs, and enjoyed the simply gorgeous weather as we contemplated our meander back to the Metro and the hotel. We decided after much deliberation that we would make a midway stop at the Sculpture Garden and force ourselves to sit out and partake once more of their food. It was only a short walk before we were once more enjoying the food, whilst watching the activities within the park. Suitably refreshed we continued our journey back to the hotel for a well-earned rest. Another interesting day and still with two full days of exploring to go. Will we survive?

Fords Theatre

The Natural History Museum

The United States Botanic Garden

Thursday saw us partake of our usual breakfast prior to catching the Metro at McPherson Square. A change of tube lines today as we are heading for Arlington Cemetery, which we can reach by Metro.

The cemetery has its own station, such is the draw, of this sombre location, to a vast number of visitors to the Capital. On arrival at the reception centre and seeing the scale of the location, we decided to take the official tour bus, rather than try to walk. The bus made several stops, as it slowly meanders around, giving you the opportunity to hop on and off as you wish. It was most definitely the most beneficial way for Pam and me to get around. It avoided the walks but most importantly, from the onboard guide, provided information on the significance, of special areas, within the grounds, which, we would have otherwise missed.

Our first stop, as was many others, was to the Kennedy gravesite, at which President Kennedy, his wife Jacqueline and their youngest son Patrick are buried. At the graveside is an eternal flame marking the Country’s highest honour and respect for a President so cruelly taken from the country whilst in office. Around the perimeter of the graveside is raised walls into which are engraved memorable sections of speeches made, by President Kennedy in his short period of office. The walls form a semi-circle around the graveside. The graveside itself stands on a promontory within the cemetery with views out over the cemetery with Washington’s memorial in the distance. Continuing our tour on the bus, our next stop was at the Memorial Amphitheatre and the Tomb of the Unknown Warrior. Again, another location which had attracted many people, not for the Amphitheatre as such, but to witness the changing of the guard at the Tomb. There is a 24hour – 365 days a year guard on duty at the tomb, in all weathers, which is changed every 30 minutes during the summer months. The guard duties and, the changing ceremony, are performed with the highest degree of military precision and respect. The guards, who are volunteers, are from the 3rd U.S. Infantry Regiment (The Old Guard), headquartered at Fort Myer, Virginia.

Outside the amphitheatre is the gravesite of the film star Audie Leon Murphy, (20 June 1925 – 28 May 1971) was one of the most decorated American combat soldiers of World War II. He received every military combat award for valour available from the U.S. Army, as well as French and Belgian awards for heroism. Murphy received the Medal of Honour for valour that he demonstrated at the age of 19 for single-handedly holding off an entire company of German soldiers for an hour at the Colmar Pocket in France in January 1945, then leading a successful counterattack while wounded and out of ammunition.  The recognition of the man's valour is shown below in his list of honours.

We continued our ride around the cemetery, with our guide pointing out numerous areas or memorials as we made our way through this immaculately maintained area, in which so many lives are commemorated. A truly moving location and one we are both pleased to have set aside a part of our holiday and made the effort to visit.

We returned to the National Mall via the Metro alighting at the Smithsonian station and emerging back into daylight before heading to the Air & Space Museum for our second visit. We had lunch, not successfully at one of the kiosks on the Mall. A slight misunderstanding between myself and the staff taking the order resulted in Pam being successful with her hot dog and me ending up with nothing. Sadly, not all vendors understand English, it's obviously not their first language. Sad, as this was our only minor setback of the holiday.

Annoyance, soon behind us and the Air & Space Museum to look forward to again – yippee.

Pam, as good as gold, immediately said, on entry to the museum, seeing the mass of folk inside, that she would be happy to sit and wait whilst I wander to my heart’s content – no rush she added. Pam got herself sat, ending up next to a couple from Chesterfield, how small is the World, whilst I wandered off snapping away as I progressed around the various fascinating displays. I couldn’t believe some of the aircraft that was on display, especially the German WW2 Messerschmitt ME262, my first sighting. As much of interest, that the actual planes were, I also found that the various aeronautical artefacts were as fascinating as were the paintings that had been commissioned to adorn the exhibits. I was grateful for the opportunity to visit for the second time as this enabled me to see far more than I achieved on the first day. Like a lot of museums, and there is a considerable number here in Washington, and in many other large cities that we have visited, you need to be able to wander in on numerous occasions and only the locals can do that. Being greedy, I would also love to have visited the second site of the museum, located out at Dulles Airport, where the larger aircraft are on display.  Maybe when we make another visit to the Capital, who knows?

As we emerged out of the Smithsonian Metro station we noticed a stall advertising the “Tram Company” night trip, which after a short deliberation, sitting eating an ice-cream, we decided to purchase tickets for that evening’s trip.  So, having emerged from the Air & Space Museum and returned once more to the Smithsonian station we made our way back to the hotel, where I needed to drop items off that we had purchased earlier.  We had decided to drop the items off rather than carry the items around with us during the evening and to do so we would return on the tube to McPherson Square, where I would have a quick walk to the hotel, whilst Pam sat and had a coffee in our usual Starbucks café. On meeting back up together we would then make the short trip back to the Metro at McPherson, where we would catch the train to Central Station, where we would meet up with the “Tram Tour”. Our evening meal we would partake at the station, sure in the knowledge that there would be sufficient choice there on places to eat.  Our decision was thoroughly justified as we had multiple choices on the type and styles of food to eat. We settled for takeaway Chinese meals, the options laid out rather like a pick and mix sweet selection. A wise choice, both of us thoroughly enjoyed the meal, could have easily shared one between us, but didn’t. Excellent value for the money. Suitable replenished we walked to the main entrance of the station to find that the heavens had opened, and all hell let loose. Rain, thunder and lightning greeted us – thank goodness the “Tram” service uses enclosed vehicles with the option of roll-up windows or rolled down as the case will be tonight. First in line and for once thanks to the efficient control by the “Tram” staff, first on board to pick the best seats. A number of passengers arrived as we were queuing and deliberately tried to loiter to be first on board. The staff had other ideas and stood no nonsense in seeing them to the back of the queue.

We deliberated as to whether we should keep the clear plastic windows down or not, but after a few minutes of the rain pouring in on us, decided that down and closed would be best. Our driver come guide was brilliant, a comic, the knowledge he passed on to us throughout the trip was amazing and delivered in a way to make it interesting and sometimes amusing. Sticking to his route he took us to the major interest points around the City, some of which we had obviously already seen, but not all. Even though we had visited the locations, the information about them that our driver provided, was well worth the second look, and, we hadn’t seen them lit up at night, nor in the middle of a thunderstorm. The tour highlighted in fact the number of places that we hadn’t managed to get to see, like the Jefferson, Roosevelt, Martin Luther King Jnr and the Korean Veterans memorials, which due to the rainy conditions only I braved the elements to witness. Pam wisely staying in the dry. At least I managed pictures so that Pam did at least see them later. It was annoying that the weather had to break on this very night as seeing the memorials illuminated, was in some ways, the best view to have. The driver stopped at several locations and gave us time to take photos, which, I did despite the rain and the storm. The stop at the Lincoln Memorial was epic. Standing with the President to my back looking down the National Mall at night with the storm overhead was amazing. Sadly, I was unable to time my photos to capture the lightning as it struck and appeared to strike the Capital Building, way off in the distance. Equally impressive was Lincoln himself. Unbelievable realistic in the daylight eerily more so at night. The lighting, capturing his silent pose with, even more, effect.  Our final stop, sadly with the rain persisting, was at the Iwo Jima memorial to the Marine Corps. The famous picture so brilliantly recaptured in the sculpture, of the Marines raising the flag having retaken the island of Iwo Jima from the Japanese.

A very interesting tour made that bit more interesting thanks to the witty and informative driver. A pity that the weather had to put a dampener on the evening, excuse the pun. Back to the hotel to dry off. Thankfully when alighting at McPherson Square the rain had stopped.

Arlington National Cemetery

The Air & Space Museum

Martin Luther King Jnr Memorial

Jefferson Memorial & F.D.Roosevelt Memorial

The Lincoln Memorial

The Korean War Memorial

The Marine Corps War Memorial

It’s Friday, our last full day in this amazing location, where despite last night’s rain we have enjoyed the glorious weather, the hotel, in the main the people and without a doubt, the place. So open, so clean and with so much to do. Oh, to have sufficient money that you could stay here for a number of weeks rather than just the one.  We have seen so much but know that there is so much that we have missed.

Having said all that, we still have an action-packed day today – visiting two new locations, The Museum of American History and a tour of the Capital Building. First, an early arrival at the Museum to be greeted with a small queue and only a small number of school parties. We are warmly greeted just prior to the opening with the National Anthem, which warranted the usual respect from the queue. On picking up our guide map, having cleared baggage control, the gentleman on reception advised that we start at the top of the building and work our way down, having once seen and taken pictures of the Star-Spangled Banner, which one couldn’t fail to see draped as it was on the wall, directly behind, him.  We did as he suggested and made our way to the third floor.

On this floor are displays specifically related to the Office of the President of the United States and the holders of this position of power, both past, and, present and also of their first ladies. An interesting insight, especially for the visiting ladies, is the display of dresses worn by the FLOTUS, (First Lady of the United States), on the night of the Presidents inauguration ball. The display stretched back to, if I recollect correctly, Barbara Bush and as up to date as it could be with the ultra-thin appearance of Melania Trump. In addition to the dresses, was a display, of a tradition that dates back many years, that the first lady has the option to change the official dinner service. It was interesting to see the change in style, design, and shape, as was the case with the dresses, that had occurred over the years. I suppose, typical of the change in taste that has transpired, even in our own if much less grand and less expensive tastes, over the years. On the same floor was a wide collection of personal articles donated to the museum from a number of past Presidents, like a saxophone from President Clinton. Some articles clearly had not been donated as in the case of President Lincolns most distinctive head ware, he, sadly, wouldn’t have been around to ask. This I’m sure may have been the case with other items. In addition, reminders of events in a Presidents period in office are on display. Much was made of the funeral of JFK, with numerous poignant reminders of that momentous event. With stark difference was a pair of pyjamas to show the range of interesting and somewhat quirky items on display. We quickly visited two other exhibits within the museum, The Price of Freedom and America on the move. The first recording America’s involvement in some of the bloodiest theatres of war in World History, in their pursuit, rightly or wrongly, of preserving that country's sovereignty, portrayed through dioramas, artefacts, and numerous photographic records. America on the move exhibits depicted, just that, the evolution of travel in all its various guises. From a full-scale steam train to cars and lorry, depicting the change in size and styles that have occurred over the years. Developments also in propulsion, from steam through the gas powered to the early pioneering development of electricity. It was amazing to see how early the Americans were involved in electric propulsion. As with all of the museums visited we could only allow ourselves so long, although we could easily have spent all day there. But on this occasion, we were committed to our tour of the Capital building which was on timed entry and we would need to eat, and, we would need to make our way to the rear of the Capital for our point of entry. We rushed the latter group of exhibits, picked food to take out from the museum café and made our way, using the Circulator bus, to the foot of the Capitol building, to sit and eat lunch in a quiet recess just to the back of the reflective pool. No sooner had we started than the peace and tranquillity of our picnic area was broken by an invasion of a large school party, using the area as a congregating point before joining their buses for the next whirlwind visit. We didn’t move just continued to enjoy our lunch, trying to ignore the inane chatter going on around us. Not surprisingly. not one teacher or accompanying adult make any attempt to apologise for disturbing our peace and quiet. A sad reflection of the times!

Lunch over, we started to make our way up the steps leading to the Capital and were offered the chance to have our photos taken together, not just once but twice. Having climbed the steps we then had to walk the slope to the side of the Capital grounds to reach the rear and the point at which we show our downloaded tickets. As we made our second stop to catch our breath a member of staff driving a golf buggy stopped and asked if we were heading for the entrance, which we were, and kindly agreed to give us a lift. She took us straight to the elevator and directed us to go down to the lowest floor and turn left where we would see the queue for the entrance and security check. As impressive as the Capital building is when viewed from the National Mall, the rear aspect is equally so, grander in some ways, for the vast, flat, open area in which the building stands and the width of the building which is not necessarily clear when viewed from the front. So different from the view you always see as you enter the National Mall of the building standing atop of the “Hill”, the name by which it is commonly referred.

Having cleared the customary bag search we made our way into the vast underground workings of the Capital Building. We could not, in any way, contemplate as we stood on the huge flat plaza, looking at the rear of the building, just what lay below our feet. So popular is the wish to visit the building that there are a number of ticket receptions and then the inevitable snaking “Disneyesque” queues. We didn’t in fairness wait long, and during the time we did, we spent admiring the surroundings. A real buzz of activity all around us with the mingle of visitors, like ourselves, numerous officials, what appeared to be invited guests being escorted around by who knows maybe their member of the Senate or House of Representatives. From the large number queuing we were split into more manageable numbers, well the capacity of the cinema, we were about to enter to watch a film. Typical American, wave the flag, remind locals and visitors alike, just how great this country is that you are in as if you needed to be reminded. From here we were split once more into smaller groups and each group with their own guide. There first job to issue us with headsets through which we could hear their running commentary of the rooms in which we would visit.

After our 13-minute intro film, we had a number of stops in the Capitol Rotunda, where our guide pointed out the centre point of the District of Columbia, as well as demonstrated, to the best of his ability, taking the number of visitors in the room, the unique acoustical effect where a speaker several yards away can be heard more clearly than a speaker close to the listener. The Capitol Dome is encircled by murals, and the fresco on the eye of the ceiling is called The Apotheosis of Washington showing President Washington rising to the heavens in glory with Liberty and Victory/Fame beside him. Below, on the walls of the Rotunda, are large paintings depicting significant events in American history—The Signing of the Declaration of Independence, The Baptism of Pocahontas, The Embarkation of the Pilgrims, The Landing of Columbus and General George Washington Resigning His Commission. Other stops on the 45-minute walking tour included the Crypt, National Statuary Hall and some connecting corridors of the U.S. Capitol, where you’ll see statues representing every state, now 100 in total. Our tour was a real eye-opener, as with other visits to buildings in Washington, it left you wanting to see more, which, sadly, we just didn’t have the time. We could have walked underground from the Capital visitor centre to the Library of Congress, and the Jefferson Building, also open to visitors, with hour-long conducted tours, but not to be. We could have booked to have a guided tour of the Senate chamber, so many options available.

The Museum of American History

The Price of Freedom Exhibition

America on the Move Exhibition

The Capitol Building

Inside The Capitol Building - The Hill

We can’t complain, far from it, we just need to record these missed visits in the hope that we can return, as we wish to do so in the not too distant future.

After another great day, within a holiday of great days, we made our way from the Capital building, using the Circulator bus, to catch the Metro at Smithsonian, both for the last time, to return to the hotel, where we would partake of our evening meal in the restaurant as a treat.

Saturday, we start our journey back home, travelling, the hour-long journey, by Uber taxi to Dulles International Airport where we caught our Delta flight to Atlanta Georgia to meet up with our Virgin Atlantic Flight back to Manchester.

Another holiday to remember one of many that the two of us have been lucky enough to record over the years together. This like others before them, stretch our resources, bite into our savings, but are worth the scrimping which inevitably precedes. At least whilst on holiday we enjoy ourselves, we don’t go mad and lash out on luxuries, but still enjoy ourselves in our own modest ways.

Long may it continue, at least whilst the money lasts.