From the Inside Out

Today was our last day in Washington DC. The day started with a trip to the offices of our TX representatives and senator Kay Bailey Hutchison.

Senate office building

KBH’s office

We were on a mission…a mission to acquire passes to the Senate and House galleries in the capital building. Unfortunately, the House gallery is closed this month for construction. The Senate gallery, however, is not. We learned that the gallery would open in the afternoon once they were in session.

We had a few hours to kill so we had lunch at the visitor’s center and went through the Museum. Finally it was time to get in line for the gallery. We got there early, and I’m glad we did. The line was already long when we arrived. After waiting in line, we were ushered into a room where we had to unload our pockets and purses — absolutely no electronic or battery operated devices were allowed inside. Stripped of our technology, we were loaded into elevators which dumped us off at…another line…ugh! We stood in this line about an hour, winding through the back corridors in the Senate area of the capital. Finally, we arrived in a new corridor where they gave us the rules — no talking, cheering, booing, sleeping, writing, etc. Then we went through yet another security checkpoint. We were getting close now…yay!!

Our time came to enter the gallery, and we quietly walked to our seats and promptly sat down. At first, our view wasn’t ideal, but we were eventually able to move to a better location once others vacated their seats. It was a neat experience to watch our government in action. A few minutes after we were seated, Senator McCain walked into the room. We listened to him address the Senate about the nomination of judge Sonia Sotomayer and then heard him talk about his objections to spending initiatives associated with the agriculture bill. It was really interesting. I’ve seen this room and the process on TV before, but there’s absolutely no substitute for witnessing it “live.” If you’re ever in DC, you need to do this. I highly recommend it, and it’s definitely worth the wait.

After our visit to the capital, it was time to head back to the hotel to pick up our bags and leave for the airport. We strolled along the mall walking to the hotel so we could enjoy our last few hours in DC.

We’re back in Dallas now and while it feels good to be home, I’m sad that our vacation time is over. It was a fantastic trip in a great city. We thoroughly enjoyed it!

Next up: Italy, Sept. 09!!

Here are the pictoral highlights from today’s adventure in Washington DC. First stop…Holocaust Museum. Below is a picture of the lobby — no photography was allowed inside the main exhibit.

Next stop…Ford’s Theatre, museum, and Peterson’s Boarding house. The picture below shows the room where Lincoln died.

Ford’s Theatre and the state box where Lincoln was shot

After the theatre, we jumped on a 3-hr. bus tour that went to all the major sights in DC. Many of them we had already seen during our walking adventures, but others — such as the Washington National Cathedral below — were new to us.

Arlington National Cemetery and Robert E. Lee’s former home on the top of the hill

Inside Union Station

The Capital and night moon

Washington Monument at night

White House at night

For all the pictures from today, check out the photos section here.

We started the day with a tour of our nation’s capital. Below is the view looking up at the dome.

It’s so tall that the statue of liberty can fit inside and

still have 30 feet of space before her torch touches the top!

Next stop…the Library of Congress

Having fun at the Capital…doesn’t look that big after all

The other side of the Capital

We went through some of the museums at the Smithsonian, then headed to the Jefferson Memorial

At Georgetown, we perused the shops and restaurants along M street.

Below is the canal and one of the boats that still runs along it

Washington Harbor in Georgetown where we hopped on a boat tour of the Potomac River

For more pictures of the boat tour, you can check out the new pics added to my DC photo album.

After the boat tour, we had dinner at a little Italian food restaurant on M street and then decided to call it a night.

We did lots of walking and exploring today. My legs are sore and my feet are blistered. I guess it’s going to be a tennis shoe day tomorrow (I hate wearing those…ugh!). But, it’s all worth it…this is a great city, and I’m enjoying the history of our country. Can’t wait for more tomorrow!

Have a great Sunday…and don’t forget to check out all of the new pics from today in the photo section.

After only 3 hours of sleep, I awoke at 6 am for an early morning trip to the airport. Amazingly, it wasn’t too brutal. Vacations are so invigorating! We had first class tickets so the flight was enjoyable, and I got a little nap before we landed in DC. Once we arrived, the fun (and walking) started.

Our hotel is the historic Willard on Pennsylvania Ave by the White House. It was built in 1816 and has hosted every President since Zachary Taylor. It’s where Julia Howe wrote “The Battle Hymn of the Republic” and where MLK wrote his “I Have a Dream” speech. We’re on the 11th floor and have a great view of the Washington Monument and other sights…love it!

We walked EVERYWHERE today. Below are a few highlights from our adventure. To see all of the pictures, check out my “Extended Weekend in DC” photo album here.

WWII Memorial

Lincoln Memorial

Vietnam Memorial

Korean War Memorial

Capital

Ford’s Theatre where Lincoln was shot

At the White House

Washington Monument pointing to the moon

And finally……

the obligatory Laviator’s shot from the 1st class lavatory (couldn’t resist…haha!)

I’m now a member of the new mile high club!