Sunday, May 10, 2009

Washington D.C.

Arlington National Cemetery. Approximately 25-30 funerals take place within the cemetery every day. The deceased must have officially served their country in some form.

Here is a view of George Washington's home, Mt. Vernon, located near Alexandria Virginia and overlooking the Potomac River.

This is the original Smithsonian Museum, the Smithson Castle. Money for the museum was donated by a Brit named James Smithson in the 1800's. James Smithson never visited the United States, but felt disrespected by his fellow country men. There are currently 16 Smithsonian museums in D.C.

This is as close to the White House as we could get. John looks like a handsome secret service man I think.

Check out the bee hives behind me to the left. John and I thought that was pretty interesting.

1600 Pennsylvania Avenue. You have our respect, Mr. President.

The beautiful Capitol Building. You can't even tell it was pouring down rain!

A pretty night time view of the Capitol Building and the Washington Monument. The slight color variation about 1/3 up the monument is because construction on the monument was stopped during the Civil War. When construction resumed after the war, the same color stone was not available even though builders went back to the exact quarry as before.

The Lincoln Memorial, dedicated in 1922. Beautiful and awe-inspiring.