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Washington DC: Capital of the Nation
Washington DC is the capital of the United States of America. When a new field, it is beneficial take the pulse of the earth. We knew they would not try to drive to Washington, DC with Boss. (Remember that this is a head of a ton with a double bed size and wide hips. Finding a parking space is difficult. We have heard horror stories of the ring, not to mention the traffic of DC proper. The ring device is a system of interstate highways, which surrounds the city, well known considerable congestion.
We found that DC has a wonderful subway, train, subway, take the system of traveler anywhere in the general area. It must first find the stations near us and check a look at the car park. The College Park station is close, but it has much postage stamp. Most students using the University of Maryland This deposit through his bus service. The other station, the terminus of the line of the Greenbelt Green the planned city built after the Second World War. The park has its own bus service to help customers in the boundary of the parcel. Nearby is the Greenbelt Park, a treasure hidden in the National Parks Service. Although the park is officially closed at this time, camping is still permitted in an area for only $ 14.00 per night (half for Gold Passport more people). A dump station is available to the needed. The campground is a half mile from the station in College Park.
Our objective today was to develop the Washington Monument to the aerial view of the city, then visit the Lincoln and Jefferson memorials. To enter the Washington Monument must have a ticket, picked up free at a kiosk nearby. For a ticket that must be there at 8:00. We arrived around 11:00 and all were taken.
We went to the Lincoln Memorial Vietnam Wall, a show in motion flowers, wreaths, and letters provided at the base of the monument. In the extreme south are two books with the names of the dead in alphabetical order. The names on the monument is in chronological order. Find the name of the individual in the book and guide the panel in which his name appears. Through a small green are two monuments dedicated to survivors of war: one of three soldiers from other women who served.
What can we say about the Lincoln Memorial, which has not been done before. These days barricades and restrict the movements of the sport tourists. You can not walk around the memory at the highest level. Downstairs, however, is a museum that chronicles the construction of the monument and the events that took place on the site, such as steps of freedom, Concert Marion Anderson and Martin Luther King Jr. "I had a dream." Once again, the NPS has a wonderful film about the importance of life Abe Lincoln through his words and images and the impact on the entire history of our great country. The background music is the portrait of Lincoln by Aaron Copeland.
Down Lincoln Memorial, opposite the Mall of the Vietnam Memorial is the Korean War Memorial. Make sure you have a tour to sort of get the best experience. The purpose of this commemoration is the participation of all, living and dead, in the experiment. Were originally thirty-eight (re: size statues nature of the 38th parallel) of soldiers climb the steep slope to freedom. The number was divided by two to nineteen.
On approaching the road, soldier looks over his shoulder, signaling the troops gathered in the forest, leaving behind the clear, full of juniper and rock. Ascending the hill toward the American flag symbolizes freedom, is in stone at the end of more than 53,000 men were killed and over 8,000 have been MIA. Atop is a mirror of water with a triangular wall is made (in the Korean Peninsula). Not to mention the black wall on the other side of the hill. In 2500 sculptured wall photographic images of men and women who were accessories to the fighters. You can not see the face of far, just close. Drawing near the wall, you can see real faces look at you, and you are also reflected in the wall with the Nineteen soldiers of the hill towards freedom. You become part memory and memory is a part of you. It feels strangely disturbing that lasts all day.
Across the road Basin tidal walking. Thousands of Japanese cherry blossoms. In the distance, the Jefferson and Washington, the memories. On the way to the memory of Franklin D. Roosevelt. It consists four outdoor rooms writings, water and statues, each dedicated to a warrant. The monument is a tribute to a great president that we brought out of despair of depression and the horrors of war. The tribute is nothing compared to what he had experienced before.
The Jefferson Memorial is another in the list to see in Washington DC. Dedicated to reason and enlightenment, which makes a fitting end to a day full of emotion.
Some impressions Washington and Washingtonians. The city seems to Illinois in the summer: the construction wherever you look, cranes, fences, barricades. Police presence everywhere you look: on foot, by car, bicycle, motorcycles and horses. Joggers many runners that I mean, not only from a few of them, no matter where you are in the park, on the Tidal Basin Road in the street. People in large numbers, or see the places of interest in small or large groups travel, or individually. A body of people, smells, images, sounds and fill all the pores agency.
The early bird, worm, or a breakfast with Senators. Every Thursday morning at 8:30, while Congress is in session, Senators Dick Durbin and Peter Fitzgerald will host a continental breakfast with their voters in one of the rooms of the subcommittee Dirkson building. We have also passes the Senate and House galleries. Ask your senators, if they do the same.
A visit to the capital is given by the Senate or the House staff. You must know someone to visit the building. What came to our country where he can not even visit the building capital? Fortunately we had spent the gallery.
Our first stop was in the Senate. What a wonderful place to see government in action .. We been disappointed by the absence of the occupants of the gallery. Less than ten percent of the gallery was full. Those who came were mostly in groups school. Of course not shaking the earth are receiving votes, but we heard from Senator Barbara Boxer of CA call for an amendment add devices to fight against terrorism on commercial airlines. This was supported by Senator Evan Bayh of IN who also spoke. Senator John McCain of Arizona spoke in the opposite direction. Senator Kennedy went into the office later. Every hour, the President Pro Temp of the evolution Senate. Every fifteen minutes, court reporters turn. What is missing is the modern electronics. No signs hand phones mobile. The teams we've seen on the desk of a secretary and television cameras before.
Senate House representatives. Considering that the Senators had tables and individual chairs, members of Congress sit on the benches that seats Divisions them. They have no offices. If you want to talk, get to a table on each side of the aisle and be recognized. A representative was a speech about putting troops in Iraq Home. Finally, he withdrew his amendment, but his point of view anti-war recorded in the Congressional Record.
He went to the Rayburn building, where our representative Jesse Jackson Jr. has his headquarters. I still vote in Illinois and continue with local politics. He was absent from office, but her granddaughter, Jessica, was in charge and staff were being enforcement in the search for a lost soccer ball. His staff is creating a tour of the utmost importance to us.
To complete Today on "the Hill, visited the Supreme Court. They did not hear any case this afternoon. Therefore, they visited the courtroom and receive a conference (Tower) of the building. In case of session, you should go online soon to hear each case. When all seats take the rest of the line are allowed to sit on wooden chairs in the back rooms of three periods of minutes. The plaintiff and defendant lawyers have an hour and a half to plead their case. Did you know that there is another court in the chamber of the Supreme Court? He is a basketball court. The courts can not in session simultaneously.
We try to see Ford's Theater where President Lincoln was assassinated. The line is too long for the conference Tours. Backpacks are not allowed in the theater. But after 1200, you can go for a look in minutes.
On the way to the theater, we Museum International Spy new. The entry price was a little steep, $ 12.00 wholesale. I expected to be disappointed and deceived. To my surprise, I was neither. The museum is high tech and looks at many aspects of intelligence, all monitoring devices of the Bible and modern techniques. The museum is divided into different sections with their hands in many activities. We spent more two hours and he could spend more time watching all the videos and programs. Yes, his agent Maxwell Smart shoe has our phone line. There were many replicas of the Cold War, including injecting poison umbrella. Did you know that Julia Child is a once a spy? That may be how it all your revenue.
We went to Ford's Theatre (one block). Lincoln was part of "American Cousin." Today "1776" was on stage. Unlike 40 years ago, box of Lincoln is now off limits. A picture hangs when the clerk took Boothe his spur, and thus broke his leg. The ground floor of the museum and the house opposite, where Lincoln died is closed for renovation
In how the Department of the Interior, we pass the Willard Hotel, a building of extraordinary beauty, where negotiations Finals were held to keep the Union together in 1861. We went through the White House. Guess what, in many obstacles to construction. The most Anyone can see close to the White House these days watching West Wing. Another beautiful building is the Old Executive Office Building (one of the most important Washington), and the White House. This is also closed to the public. Interesting is that the other side of the White House by the Treasury, rather close to the President to keep an eye on the money.
Finally we reach the Secretariat of the Interior. The building is two blocks long. Anne James gave us a wonderful tour of the facility. There is a great museum in the building that represents the history and various aspects of the service. The interior was created in 1849. The main focus today is the management of land and Aboriginal Affairs. The seventh floor the cafeteria of age with frescoes painted by artists from various Native American tribes. The windows overlook a magnificent view over the city.
All government buildings are closed at this time. And we're off to the Smithsonian. Everything is free. The first museum that we wanted to see was National Museum of Air and Space. Arrive early to avoid long queues. The museum is two stories trace the history of aviation and space exploration. Some aircraft include original Spirit of St. Louis Lindbergh, Yeager Bell-1, Mercury, Gemini and Apollo capsules, V-1 rockets, a Steve Fossett's balloon capsule, and many others. The Enola Gay is the storage. At the end of this year, the museum opens an addition near the Airport Dulles International and display much more of your collection.
We had little time to visit a museum of the Smithsonian down. Next is Hirshhorn Museum specializes in modern sculpture and paintings. The museum itself is a work of art, the circular design with a beautiful center courtyard a fountain and surrounded on the outside with fine sculptures. They had an exhibition of Gerhard Richter, a fugitive wanted by Germany. His works represent either a severe case of myopia or reluctance to openly say what he meant. Many of his paintings are blurred, but photographic in nature. He liked the use of gray.
Today, we have designed as a day of rest. I wanted to do a little research pedigree. So I thought today would be a good year to find information about my family. The National Archives in Washington and they have a branch in College Park, MD. Check the archives, Nara, I registered and received a photo ID to search. Unfortunately all the documents I was looking for were in the center office. This gentleman says that there is a free bus departs every hour between the two facilities. Just believe my ears. At noon, and I promised the shuttle. I thought this was some time because of the horror stories of Washington DC and blocking traffic everywhere. Taking the main road, we passed Hayettsville, Catholic University with the Basilica, many ethnic neighborhoods. Within thirty-five minutes, we were Nara on Pennsylvania Avenue in the heart of downtown Washington. We had hit the mother lode. Free transport, without the hassle of finding a parking space Metro and the time to travel even College Park in DC proper.
NARA is the repository of federal documents more than thirty years (72 for the census). The exhibit hall is closed for renovation, is the Declaration of Independence and the Constitution on the screen. My registration card showing allowed me full access to sections of microfilm and later in the Main Reading Room, where original documents are drawn by a researcher very friendly staff. A note of caution: be sure to allow enough time for the registration drive. It takes some time to recover. I took the shuttle four players in College Park.
We NARA transportation hub and went to the National Gallery of Art, just two blocks houses. This is an incredible number of beautiful buildings with two main structures: the East Wing and West Wing. Inside sources are Gardens bright flowers, and, of course, art. Its collection of impressionists are not as extensive as other museums, but they have something Special: the only Leonardo da Vinci in the United States, de'Benci Ginevra. We spent the day immersed in the beauty offered by the great artists and sculptors master. There are special exhibitions Gainsborough, Kirchner, Vuillard and Matisse. Next week begins an exhibition of paintings by Remington night. We want to return.
At the entrance of most rooms, there are boxes with information cards in different languages on the specific work room. The visitor reads the card and then replaced in the area for others to use. I have not seen this kind of information to other galleries.
We finally got through to Andy Wilson, the intern for the member Jesse Jackson, Jr., and toured the capital. Your staff is happy to see us. Team directed Tower opens doors to tourists is not available for display in the gallery together. We were able to go through the stairs and hidden enters the roundabout with a magnificent view of the dome of the capital. Today, the Senate budget debate, which later happened. The house was to discuss natural gas drilling. We were on the road to the Rayburn building, when the House called for a vote. The bells were still ringing in the corridors, and representatives of rushing to the rooms of the house. It was exciting to watch our government in action.
Because it was lunchtime, we were shown where the cafeteria was in the complex of the House. If you are ever in the area, I recommend the breakfast. The cafeteria is like a food court. The prices are reasonable and generous sides.
Our next stop Library of Congress has been the strengthening of Jefferson. Self-guided tours are offered, but teachers are better guided. The paintings and sculptures in lobby are allegorical. Everywhere you look, you get the idea that went into the construction of one of the largest libraries in the world. On display are one of three printed Gutenberg Bibles in the world complete and finalize written illustrated by the Bible. The Reading Room primarily devoted to the various items of knowledge. The Library of Congress has its own page site, www.loc.gov. Here you have access to its catalog cards and other information provided by the library.
Today we travel to the Holy Land, also known as the Monastery Francisco. Installation was built so that people can visit the shrines of the Holy Land without having to spend all his money to go to the Middle East. The shrines are replicas of Golgotha, the tomb, the manger of Bethlehem, etc. There are also replicas of the catacombs. Tour guides provide clues about how sites have been authenticated. Even as a skeptic, I was impressed by his knowledge and the importance of the sanctuary. This a highly recommended stop for all Christians to come to Washington.
A few blocks away is the Basilica of the Immaculate Design. The church dedicated to Mary, the Mother of Jesus Christ began in 1920 and is still under construction. The architecture is a combination Byzantium and the Roman style dome after dome and Campanile of the capital after the Washington Monument. Also above the nave and the crypt nave, there are chapels many side chapels and sponsored by different groups of people in the world. Each is dedicated to Mary. The predominant way of expressing work of art through mosaics. The quantity and quality of the mosaics is among the world's cities.
The Museum of Natural History. What we liked about the museum has been the use of templates to classify the different species of animals, the prehistory to the present. Some areas are under construction, namely: the hall of native mammals and exhibitions of America. The geological collection of rocks, especially the Hope Diamond, saliva for any woman who likes to wear gemstones. The multiple colors of different types geological formations are a delight for the eyes.
The museum staff to do many things. Comparison of this museum is like comparing apples and oranges with the Museum of Natural History in Chicago. Each has its strengths. In general, would rate the Field Museum in Chicago, a higher degree Expansion of the library, except the department of geology.
Visit the Holocaust Museum in Washington DC. This is a moving experience. I have done extensive research on this black spot in world history. I was struck by the absence bias in the exhibitions. The self-guided tour takes you to the fourth floor, which tells the story of the rise of Hitler and Nazism in images and short videos. The lesson learned at this stage is that many of the prejudices, fears are fed by flows of people, and manipulation of the media are always with us until seventy years after the events that led to this tragedy. Passing the third floor, find the solution to the Jewish problem: the ghettos, forced labor camps composite of death, etc., not only the Jews were persecuted, but also Jehovah's Witnesses, Gypsies, Poles and Russian intellectuals, and those considered inferior to the ideal Aryan. On display are the piles of shoes of the prisoners, many of his personal belongings and one of the cars used for transport to the camps. From my reading atrocities committed in the camps, most parts have been underestimated. The rooms on the second floor to focus on the resistance to Nazism by Jews and many citizens of occupied countries. There was also, in some way in silence, the silence is a curse of many allies to deny knowledge genocide, which was known to occur.
On a lighter note, we visited the United States Forest Service. How do you say Smokey Bear? Find useful information on our forests and our national resources for camping and visits.
On the way back to the files, we arrested by the Smithsonian Castle, so named because the building's architecture. The main floor is open to the public and acts as a refuge with a video explaining the different museums of the institution. The Commons at the west end of the building is used as a room banquet. This reminds me of the nave of a medieval gothic chapel, without windows.
The return route took us into a garden of butterflies. Most plants are not in bloom, however. There were many signs that describe the various plants and trees and the type of butterflies they attract. Was a nice end to a cathartic day.
The National Zoo is home to giant pandas. In general, we are disappointed by the treatment of most animals. Zoo is not perfect. Each puts its energies and resources on certain species of animals. In our observations, it appears that the National Zoo has a lot to learn from other institutions. Most animals, especially animals are more advanced separated from each other. We do not talk with anyone and if there were no mitigating circumstances of our observations. Even apes have been isolated from each other. We believe that that took place Brookfield Zoo in a few years ago, when the gorilla saved and care for the child who fell into his show, if not allowed to socialize and live naturally as a band.
Took a trip to Walter Reed Army hospital at present. This is the place where presidents get their annual review. In the campus of the AFIP (Armed Forces Institute of Pathology) has a museum dedicated medical research and history. They have a large collection of microscope from the early 17th century to the modern electron microscopes today. At present, displays the life cycle of the pre inherited at birth. They use many different forms the image of MRI and X-rays for normal photos. Many are surreal.
After spending a few hours at the museum, wanted Visit Georgetown and Embassy Row. Driving in DC can be a very difficult time. Not only the intersection of diagonal patterns in the network, you creative signage, or lack thereof. Maggie was upset over the labyrinth we went through. Embassy Row, finally found in and around New Hampshire near Dupont Circle. Outside the circle is the M Street is the main street of Georgetown Heights. We have a magnificent view of the shops and the crowds in the streets because the traffic is on the exploration of a turtle.
Across the Potomac River, we wanted to avoid the traffic back to College Park. I knew there was a road that runs along the front of Arlington Cemetery. Finally, it would lead to I-95 and College Park. Cruise me a traffic police and told me to follow. I do not think I was one million vehicles travel the road. I was not sure at high speed: just follow with that of Jones. I learned that they were not authorized Dually this way since the 9 / 11. Other trucks, SUVs, etc. allowed. He took my basic information and then the police tried to take a picture for the FBI. After breaking two rooms which was finally successful. Look for my picture on your post office. Now that you're looking for the FBI, we will simply flee the country.
Monday April 21, 2003, we visited the Smithsonian American History Museum. We spent five hours there and could after spending five hours. Highlights include trumpet of Louis Armstrong. The bell of the horn reminded me wrinkled my trumpet in elementary school. Exhibitions at the American presidency and First Ladies have been exceptional. I particularly liked the traffic control through the exhibits. Normally had an entrance specific output. This trip easier through them. The first floor is devoted to various industries: agriculture, marine, railways, of information, transportation, and cuisine of Julia Child. The museum has something for almost everyone. Having been at Fort McHenry, we are pleased to see The Star Spangled Banner is being restored.
The collection of coins and money is very large. What I never realized the variety of coins, both foreign and domestic, outstanding at the beginning of the history of our country. Each colony printed and minted its currency. Currency British, French and Spanish were also considered legal. It was worse than the problems of Europe with the euro. A common currency is a necessity to have a real country.
I went to the National Building Museum. The magnificent building atrium rises fifteen storeys and is supported by large pillars. In the rooms of the first and second floor of the exhibition around the atrium. Some exhibitions are semi-permanent. You never know what will be displayed. The court was in turmoil as they prepare for the biggest art exhibition in the country. The Smithsonian holds an annual competition winners and artisans display their work in this museum. The exhibits are also available.
A few blocks is the Post Museum, a part of the Smithsonian Institution. This museum traces the history of the postal service, trails of fire in New York Philadelphia, Ben Franklin with the appointment as postmaster in the mid-1700s by the Crown for the Pony Express, RFD, and airmail. Building itself is impressive. It is in the old post office, in a magnificent main hall of many cages lining both sides.
Next Union Station is located. It is still an impressive building, after underwent a complete renovation and now houses the courts of several stores collecting food and items at the last minute before returning.
Today we have visited most of the other Institute Smithsonian: Freer Gallery of Art, the Sackler Gallery, the Museum of African Art and the arts and the promotion of industry. It looks like a lot of walking, but the museums are small in the region. The first two emphasize the oriental art of China, Japan, India, and the work of different countries Islamic. Some of the songs from the beginning of China and the Islamic world are exquisite. Do not miss the Museum Freer is the Peacock Room by James Whistler. He left Take the responsibility to decorate a living room. He took the peacock pattern maximum. Even the ceiling is painted with peacock feathers. The room is breathtaking and making a perfect collection of Chinese porcelain from the owner.
The Museum Africa has many antique pieces of ancient Nubia, South of modern Egypt, Sudan. As the twentieth century there are many pieces that reflect the culture of the peoples of West Africa.
Not to be missed is the Arts and Industries Building, hosts several Presidential Inaugural Balls. The atrium is large and has a cross. Building hosts special exhibitions that change regularly.
An exhibition of others was a tropical butterfly house. Confined in a closed environment (temperature 90 degrees, humidity 85%), hundreds of butterflies from Central America went at will. It seemed to be a favorite, because they kept landing on my head. Perhaps my love for animals has been lost in the wrong species. Or maybe gray hair. They were very beautiful.
I went to the tower of the Old Post Office: Another Building Museum Zip. Washington DC has had a number of post offices that the requirements of the increased capital. This building has an eight-story atrium with a three-storey tower additional. In the twelfth floor open balcony provides a bird's-eye view of the city below. In the tower are the Congress Bells. These bells are still ringing Hand in hand by a group of rings. They practice every Thursday night to improve their skills. They have the record of the ring. A ring a series of more than five thousand bells ring in a well-established pattern that never repeats itself, for the duration of three hours to ring. The group has a Director who directs his fingers in specific categories. If they lose the rhythm, we should start over.
About the Author
John Pelley is a Geriatric Gypsy. He is retired from the rat race of working. He is a full-time RVer, who ran away from home. He began our travels on the East Coast and, like the migrating birds, seek the warmth of the seasons He has discovered volunteering with the National Park System. Hae has a CD he has recorded of Native American flute music., A Day with Kokopelli. For pictures, links, and more information visit http://www.jmpelley.org.
#2 English Lesson – Camping