Washington DC - Day 5

We woke up full of anticipation for this day. After a wonderful and full week in our nation’s capitol city, we were going on a tour of the White House and the Capitol. We began at the White House Visitor’s Center. Even if a person doesn’t tour the White House, they should visit here. We proceeded across the street to the White House. We had been told that we could not take our purses or cameras so I was not able to take any pictures again. We entered right away and began our tour. It was such a wonderful feeling to walk through such a place of history. Portraits of the past presidents and first ladies lined the walls. Beautiful fresh flower arrangements graced the tables. It is obviously a very old building. I was very surprised at how small it was. Other than very high ceilings, the rooms were small and you could actually stand in the middle and see through the window of both sides of the house. The East Room, where all the state dinners are held, and where President’s have lain in state was smaller that our church’s fellowship hall! When President Washington designed the house he determined that it would not rival the palace in England. He wanted it to be “not too grand, but just grand enough”. It’s a beautiful place.
Next we ate lunch at the Old Ebbitt Grill, a famous Washington bar and grill. My sister had been especially anxious to eat here, as she had heard a lot about it. Apparently, many of the Washington establishment frequent the place.
Following lunch we headed to the Hart Building to meet at our state Senator’s office to prepare for our tour of the Capitol. The Capitol has a whole underground subway system that connects all the buildings, so you never have to walk outside. We were unable to view the actual Senate or House chambers sine they are not in session.
Following this tour we headed out on the metro to Old Town Alexandria. What a charming town this was. I could have spent much more time there than just the afternoon. We rode the trolley down King Street and visited some of the shops.
Finally, we went back to the hotel and ordered a pizza. My legs feel like twisted stumps. I have never walked so much in my life as I have this week! We are currently enjoying the BSU game on ESPN. Go Bronco’s!
Tomorrow is our last day here in this wonderful city. We are going to Mount Vernon before we head to the airport in the early evening.
I feel so blessed to have gone on this trip. I have enjoyed myself immensely and am already planning when I can come back and next time bring my husband with me. He is a history buff just as I am – we will enjoy it even more together.