3rd Day Touring DC – We did a little something different on the subway this morning. We started on the Blue train and transferred to the Yellow train....interesting, but we didn't think it saved us any time.
We got off the subway at the Federal Triangle Station and went first to the Old Post Office. This was awesome! Originally built in 1899, a highlight of the Old Post Office Pavilion is its 315 foot Clock Tower. The Old Post Office Clock Tower also proudly houses the official United States Bells of Congress, a bicentennial gift from England celebrating the end of the Revolutionary War.
The place was nice.
We wondered how they kept it so clean. Well, here is one way. They were polishing all the brass.
We rode the elevator to the 12th floor observation deck and were able to look over downtown DC.....really neat!
We also visited the bell tower and saw the bells.
On the way out of the post office we ran in to President Obama. Paul gave him the thumbs up and Marsha, unbelievably, gave him a KISS! Holy Cow!!!!
We then went over to the White House for pictures. We walked completely around the White House. They sure don't let cars get anyway near the building.....pedestrians don't get very close either. We were a little surprised that it wasn't as large of a building as we expected. There were guards everywhere, including on the roof. We have a tour coming up on Saturday morning (rescheduled) so will get a closer look! Pictures in next post.
Next was the Blair House, which is directly across the street from the White House. The original Blair House was built in 1824. What is today known as Blair House is in fact the combination of that original home and three other handsome townhouses. While they appear from the outside to be independent of one another, the four homes are connected internally.
Together, the complex is larger than the White House, with 119 rooms and total area of 70,000 square feet. There are 14 guest bedrooms, eight staff bedrooms, 35 bathrooms, four dining rooms, kitchen facilities, laundry and dry cleaning facilities, an exercise room, a flower shop, and a fully equipped hair salon. Blair House strives to be comfortable, discreet and secure, and to provide any service that a visiting dignitary might require.
We also visited the famous Willard Intercontinental Hotel. This grand Washington DC historic hotel has hosted almost every U.S. president since Franklin Pierce in 1853. On August 28, 1963, the Reverend Martin Luther King wrote his famous “I Have A Dream” speech while a guest at the Willard. Other notable guests have included Charles Dickens and Buffalo Bill. If you plan to spend the night, be ready to cough up at least $400.
Lobby
Next stop....the American Art Museum and National Portrait Gallery. The Smithsonian American Art Museum is the nation's first collection of American art. The American Art Museum is the home to one of the largest and most inclusive collections of American art in the world.
On the second floor of the Museum is where President Lincoln held his inaugural ball.
We really enjoyed the Folk Art section.
Marsha’s favorite sculpture. Do you know who this is?
And there was this very odd sculpture in the hallway. No one seemed to know who this was or why he was here.
The Smithsonian’s National Portrait Gallery tells the history of America through individuals who have shaped its culture. Home of all the OFFICIAL PRESIDENTIAL PORTRAITS. Also, the museum was having a special showing of Telling Stories: Norman Rockwell from the Collections of George Lucas and Steven Spielberg. No photography was permitted in this area.
The most famous portrait of George Washington. The original one is in the White House hung in the State Dinning room.
These priceless paintings were wonderful to see. We could have spent an entire day in this art museum but had to move on to our next stop.
The National Archives and Records Administration is where the Declaration of Independence, Constitution, and the Bill of Rights are housed. The only Magna Carta permanently in the United States is displayed here. The National Archives and Records Administration (NARA) is the nation's record keeper. No photography is permitted in this building.
We had a little wait to see the documents but it was well worth it! It's amazing to see these historical documents in real. We've all seen them in history books but there they were, right before our eyes....truly amazing! The Archives also had a special display of Civil War historical documents. Marsha being a history buff, really enjoyed reading almost every piece of history......ha ha!
Then it was time to head back to the Metro for the ride home. It was nice to get back to the motor home and relax for the evening. Whew.......a long day, but very enjoyable!
SOME WASHINGTON DC OBSERVATIONS:
1. Things are really clean. The streets and subways.
2. The people are friendly. For some reason, this surprised us. They are eager to help tourists.
3. 9ll really did have a huge impact on Life in DC. Everything is done with security in mind!
4. Washingtonians drive VERY aggressive......fast & not allowing merging.
5. The Metro really works great! Best to use it!
6. Living here must beEXPENSIVE
7. Beautiful
8. This city is a National Historical Treasure.
9. Young people give up their seats on the subway for seniors! (No one gave Marsha or Paul their seats….this is a good thing! Ha Ha!)
10. Since young people use the subway for “going out” on Friday & Saturday, they head out about 7 p.m. not 10 p.m. like back in Ohio.
11. Glad we came!
Thanks for stopping by. Hope to see y’all real soon.
