Washington Behind Closed Doors...Day 2 Review

Wow. Yesterday was even more action packed than Friday! With my accounting hat on and in an effort to refrain from indulging in $30 breakfasts (ah, for juice, coffee, toast and some cereal) my breakfast on Saturday morning consisted of an Odwalla orange juice and Venti sized coffee from the local Starbucks, situally on the corner of 16th and K Streets. Yes, that K Street, the one, according to Wikipedia that is famous for its "think tanks, lobbyists and advocacy groups that exercise influence from its location".

The weather was perceptively warmer on Saturday. Jean and I spent half an hour taking some photographs at the railings at the front entrance of the White House. There was a time when traffic was allowed to pass directly in front of the White House, however, in the aftermath of the Oklahoma City bombing in April 1995, the Secret Service permanently closed off vehicular access in the name of presidential security. Yesterday the air was crisp, the spirits were high and you got the distinct feeling that everyone was happy that we have an intelligent and cool President.

The distance between the Lincoln Memorial and the U.S. Capitol is approximately 2 miles. Jean and I walked along the grass and dust covered thoroughfare that leads you to the home of the country's political establishment, the U.S. Capitol buildings. The dome of the Capitol building completely dominates the skyline and it looks in real life just as impressive as it does on T.V. Immediately in front of the entrance to the property is a statue of former President, and leader of the Union forces during the Civil War, General Ulysses S. Grant. As you cross the road to the entrance to the Capitol proper is a memorial to President James Garfield, who served the second shortest presidential term in history, having been shot and killed 6 months and 15 days into his first term.

The first thing to say about the Capitol building is that it is huge. Construction originally began in 1793 and it held its first congressional session in November 1800. Building was finally completed in 1811 only for it to be gutted by fire by the British during the War of 1812. After taking a bunch of photographs we walked around the back of the property, heading towards the U.S. Supreme Court and the Thomas Jefferson buildings. It is only when you do a full 360 degree walking tour of the property do you get some idea of the scale and size of the building.

Jean and I hadn't thought to pre book tickets for a tour but after a chance meeting with one of the security personnel we were lucky enough to get two tickets (free of charge) for a 1:30pm tour. After the obligatory security check we were ushered into the bowels of the U.S. Capitol building, the part set aside for tours. The main chamber is called "Emancipation Hall" and it is here that you will find a couple of information counters and entrances to the various tours. In rooms off the main hall you will find a fully serviced restaurant, restrooms and a couple of gift shops.

After an introductory 15 minute film on the history of the U.S. Capitol we were escorted by a tour guide straight into the Capitol rotunda. Our tour guide, a native of Virginia and about 60 years ago, greeted me in Irish (Gaelic) and proceeded to welcome a number of people in our group in German, Italian, Spanish and Taiwanesse. It turns out that he can greet visitors in 59 different languages. His knowledge of the Capitol was nothing short of remarkable, recalling dates, names and events off the top of his head. One interesting fact that he mentioned was that if you removed the concrete base of the Statue of Liberty in New York Harbor and brought Lady Liberty in to the Capitol rotunda, she would fit in a fully upright position with 18 feet to spare at the top! A fascinating tour of adjoining rooms and chambers followed. Finally Jean and I spent 15 minutes at the nearby Library of Congress. All in all a thoroughly enjoyable day.

We ate and had drinks at a great wine bar on G Street called "Proof". Today we are off to see the St.Paddy's Day parade and hit a few local pubs.

More tomorrow.