We opted to purchase trolley tickets at Union Station in order to save our feet from extra walking and see the most sites we could. Our first destination was the US Capitol since Matt had arranged a tour for us through Congressman Stutzman's office.
While waiting in line to go through security, we read more thoroughly the complete list of what was and wasn't permitted inside the building, and it suddenly dawned on us that we had a problem on on our hands. In order to be frugal and not waste time, we had made peanut butter sandwiches and brought water bottles for lunch and packed them in Miriam's bag. But the sign said absolutely no food or beverages allowed (opened AND unopened - water included). We debated a few minutes on what to do but finally decided that Miriam would stay behind with all our prohibited items since she had toured the building a year or so before, and Debbie and I would proceed together.
The tour was fascinating, but I found it to be too much information too fast while trying to take in my surroundings and snap a few pictures. That building is incredible with so much history! Our tour guide was excellent, but with our group so large (approximately 30 people or more), it was difficult to see everything, not to mention try to take pictures!
The most impressive room of all, of course, is the rotunda. One could only gaze upward in complete awe, being literally overwhelmed by the beauty and grandeur of what was before their eyes. There are no words to describe it, and a mere picture cannot capture it.
After completing the tour, we browsed the gift shop for a while before meeting Miriam outside near the trolley stop. We ate our lunch and also enjoyed some Starbucks before hopping back on the trolley for our ride to the Washington National Cathedral. While on the way, we passed numerous Smithsonian museums as well as other notable landmarks, and it was interesting to have the trolley driver share noteworthy tidbits of information as we traveled on our way.
On the trolley. We look a little tired, don't we?
We arrived at the National Cathedral around 4pm and only had about 30 minutes to tour the place before it closed. So after snapping a few pictures outside, we made a mad dash inside in order to hit the high points.
But once inside, we soon realized we couldn't move all that quickly. It was another impressive site to behold.
There are numerous famous people buried here, one of them being Robert E. Lee.
In the children's sanctuary (yes, a children's sanctuary!), each little chair had a chair pad with a crosstitched picture on it. I thought they were so cute.
After a blitz tour and perusing the gift shop, we once more hopped on the trolley for our ride back into town to meet Matt for dinner. The route we were taken was through Georgetown, and there were numerous times I wanted to get off the trolley and go into all the little shops and cafes! It was such an intriguing area of DC that I want to spend more time there if I ever get back.
One noteworthy building we passed in Georgetown was the bank that bailed out the US government in 1812! I just had to take a picture to show Dad as we passed it.
After dinner, Matt and Miriam offered to take us to the Lincoln and Jefferson Memorials to see them lit up at night. It was drizzly and cool but well worth the effort! It was so beautiful! Matt was so patient sitting in the van or driving in circles while waiting for us to come back from taking pictures.
The Lincoln Memorial:
The Jefferson Memorial:
What a day it had been! So many good memories made with some very special friends. Even though I was tired and a little anxious to get back home the next day, I was so grateful for all that God had allowed us to see and do together.
While driving out of the city, Matt mentioned the idea of visiting Gettysburg the next day before heading back to Indy. At first I thought he was joking, but when he said he was dead serious, I couldn't believe my ears. I had always wanted to see Gettysburg but never thought I'd get there! So while on the road, we made hotel reservations at a Comfort Inn near Gettysburg. I went to bed that night with anticipation of what the next day held for us.
No comments:
Post a Comment