The United States of America has a federal government based in Washington, D.C. Our rather unique form of government broadly consists of three separate and equal branches that serve to compliment and regulate each other to avoid concentrations of power. The states create and delegate power to the federal government in exchange for united protections and common welfare. For this post, I am presenting my experiences in order of their listing in the Constitution.
Main Entrance to the United States Capitol
The legislative branch of the federal government is based in the Capitol Building. This enormous and elaborate building was designed to impress and impose on visitors and to show off the importance of the people's legislature. The building is the literal center of the District. For example, I stayed in a modern studio apartment on the U Street Corridor northwest of the Capitol, so the address was in the NE portion of the District. The Capitol is impressive and alive with activity. Young interns, attractive lobbyists, and millions of visitors crowd the halls and pump life into the marble halls. If you are lucky, you can observe the activity during a legislative session, but fireworks are rare. Most of the time you will just see boring parliamentary details. The real action is in the committee hearings and back room deals. If these walls could talk! Make sure to contact your representative to request a tour to avoid the lines.
White House
One of the most iconic buildings in the entire world is almost hidden amongst the other government structures. If not for the massive security and near universal recognition, you could easily mistake the most famous residence for another monument. This of course is the personal residence of the President of the United States, however it also serves as the main offices for the executive branch and hosts important events. Tours are available with high security and long waiting lists through your representative, but you can walk through the halls and limited rooms and experience a little of the magic. Regardless of who occupies the office, this is a very cool place.
Main Chamber of the Supreme Court
Having a separate judicial branch of government has been one of the most controversial parts of our federal government. Good or bad, the Supreme Court of the United States has the power to interpret laws and overturn laws that conflict with the Constitution. This power has been used by the justices over the years to help shape our modern experience. The building is rather new and a little small, but is much better than hearing cases in the Capitol basement or other locations. It is an impressive marble structure with an ornate main court with only 8 chairs for the first time in modern history. That serves as a reminder that our government is a living entity constantly changing and evolving. You can easily visit the building in about an hour across from the Capitol.
Newseum Exterior
Many people often regard the free press at the "fourth" branch of government dedicated to keeping the other three honest and open. The Newseum in Washington is one of the few museums in the world dedicated to showing the history and evolution of news and the media in the United States and the rest of the world. Although a little pricy, the modern and relevant museum does an excellent job of documenting those that document history. Bias and agendas have always been an issue and part of the media, so it is a funny reminder that modern arguments echo those of past generations. However, our founding fathers wanted a free press and made it part of the Constitution specifically recognizing its importance in maintaining a free society. Please enjoy the rest of my pictures below.
There is actually a lot of culture in Washington, D.C. The city is constantly changing with new faces arriving from all of the United States ebbing and flowing with the various political tides. Being the nation's capitol also affords a lot of prestige in placing special cultural opportunities in one place for the enjoyment of those in power and those who elected them into power as well. This post focuses on the various museums and culture centers of the District.
Indirect Selfie at the National Air & Space Museum
Most people know about the Smithsonian Museum in Washington. It is actually a collection of 19 museums and a zoo in the District and would probably take about two weeks just to see all of them. Visitors typically stick to the popular ones located on the National Mall including the Air & Space Museum, Natural History Museum, and American History Museum. Others including the Museum of the American Indian and Portrait Gallery are also impressive and less crowded. Even though they are free, be prepared for lines and security during peak times. All of them are excellent including many artifacts from our nation's history and culture enhancing your visit.
Interior of the United States Holocaust Museum
Beyond the Smithsonian, there are many other excellent museums in the District. I was fortunate to visit several including the United States Holocaust Museum. This is not a fun place, nor a place to take a lot of pictures given the content, but it is an important and eye opening experience not only of the horrific events of the past, but a reminder of how to prevent these events from happening again. The museum is free, however you must have a timed ticket which may incur a small fee.
Statue of JFK inside the Kennedy Center
For real culture, head over to the Kennedy Center. This ornate and stylish performing arts complex was built to honor JFK and his push for more culture in the District. It is now home to several theaters for symphonies, plays, musicals, and more experimental dance and arts on a continuous basis. Many nations have donated special art displays in the center in honor of JFK. It is worth a visit for a free tour or a special event.
Portrait Gallery Interior
While other cities have more history or culture, Washington D.C. has an extensive combination of many excellent options for everyone. Most museums are free, making them very accessible, with most within walking distance of each other. Be careful in the hot summer as those close museums will seem miles away as the mercury rises! Please enjoy the rest of my pictures below.
Street near US Capitol
Kennedy Center Interior
Music Theatre at Kennedy Center with Pipe Organ
Russian Room at Kennedy Center
Potomac River
United States Holocaust Museum Exterior
Museum of American History Exterior
History of Credit Cards in Money Exhibit
History of American Transportation
Exhibit on the Danish People who rescued many Jews
After a long dry spell, I finally took my epic East Coast trip. I traveled throughout the northeastern United States for three weeks seeing the historic and cultural centers and points in between. Because I took nearly 2,000 photos, I am splitting up my trip into 11 separate posts. If you are brave enough, please visit them all; they will be worth it. This first post focuses on the Monuments in Washington, D.C.
Flying to the East Coast from California is a chore. It is a long flight that often leaves early in the morning and arrives late at night, plus the joys of jet lag. I began my journey in Washington, D.C. which involved arriving at Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport. This airport is small with limited flights, but it is right next to the city with excellent subway connections. One of the advantages is the River Visual Approach where the jet flies low into the District and buzzes by the iconic monuments. The above video is a good overview of this unique approach.
Washington Union Station
Many people now arrive in Washington using a train. High speed trains shuttle people in and out of the District through Union Station. The station was not named after the Union Army or even in honor of various labor unions. Instead, the station was built to replace three other stations to "unify" the operations under one spectacular roof. From here you can still head to Chicago, New York, and Atlanta. The station was done is an impressive classic style with lots of arches and marble making the interior and exterior worthy of its placement in our capitol city.
Eternal Flame at JFK Grave
Washington is home to many monuments to our military and various wars. It is home to Arlington National Cemetery which is a somber and solemn reminder of those who died in service to our country. It is a very nice tribute with rolling green hills reminding those that life endures. The cemetery is also home to the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier to honor those who gave their lives without any record. The military still works to identify the remains of all soldiers and recently returned a soldier's remains to his family after working hard to identify them.
Interior of the Lincoln Memorial
Washington is home to many memorials to historic presidents and various important people critical to the development of the United States. The iconic Lincoln sits in the middle of the National Mall and is open 24/7 for visitors. I took a night tour of the monuments to avoid the oppressive heat and humidity and enjoyed seeing them all lit up at night with a good narrative. The tour included the FDR, Martin Luther King Jr., Iwo Jima, and Lincoln Memorial. I highly recommend using the tours to save your feet and time during your trip!
Washington Memorial
Of course, the Washington Memorial stands above all other memorials in the District and is somewhat convenient as a landmark when navigating the city. It is very tall and is accessible to visitors brave enough to stand in line and wait for the stairs or elevators. From the outside, it is probably more impressive and always worth a stop.
Various Neighborhood Memorials
There are literally dozens of monuments in the District, so you may be overwhelmed or intrigued based on your preferences. Many of them are accidental finds as you are walking between destinations. I recommend enjoying them all, especially through the many walking or night tours. Most museums close around 5:00 pm, so night tours of these monuments are a great way to leverage your precious vacation time. Please enjoy the rest of my pictures below.
