Capitol Hill

On Tuesday, we toured the Capitol building. It was a really short tour and the guide didn't really give us any time to take pictures, but I managed under the pressure. I forgot how many statues they have in the capitol. So many statues. Lucky for you, I only had time to take pictures of a few of them and was almost left behind the tour group several times in the process. I'm not very good at tour groups; this is why we do not participate in organized vacations. 

So far my very favorite place in D.C. is the U.S Botanic Gardens. We walked in at 4:38 and they close at 5 so we didn't have much time in there, but the time we did have was beautiful. Plus there were only three or four other people visiting. I really love being in big green houses, the kind you can get lost in because you can't see the other side. I breathe deeper of all the extra oxygen and smell the aromatic blooms and feel so tranquil. Time almost stops and it feels good. They also had peaceful trickling water and calming zen music playing. Every time we go to a place like this, I tell Forrest I want it and he heartily agrees to build me one just like it. Never mind the cost or maintenance requirements, someday we'll have a huge greenhouse. This was a really relaxing way to finish up a busy day of touring Capitol Hill. 

 

 

 

I love D.C. 

The Library of Congress

The Library of Congress is considered without question to be the most beautiful government building in the entire country. I have been to it once before, but I don't think my 15 year-old self appreciated the art and decor quite as much as my current self. We took a tour and learned many things, most of which I have already forgotten, but it was the mosaic floor that I enjoyed the most.

There was a Civil War exhibit on display which included several drafts of Abraham Lincoln's handwritten speeches as well as the contents of his pockets the night he was assassinated. He had two pairs of spectacles, a linen handkerchief, a pocket knife, a few other small things, and, most interestingly, a brown leather wallet containing a Confederate five dollar bill. Of course, as per usual, no pictures were allowed of the best exhibits. 

February seems to be the very best time to visit our nation's capital. All the tours are available at the last minute and there are almost no crowds anywhere. The last week has been unseasonably warm and sunshiny and wonderful for the most part. I'm still very thankful for the opportunity I had to come here with Forrest. Even though I still haven't recovered from the jet-lag (ridiculous, I know), we're having a grand old time.  

Welcome to Washington (D.C.)

Yesterday I awoke at promptly 9:30 a.m. My body then realized I was not in England and it was really 4:30 a.m. I am not a morning person whatsoever, but I am enjoying the feeling of being awake before everyone else. I was excited to discover that our hotel has a waffle iron as part of the continental breakfast and I fully intend on eating waffles every morning for our entire trip. I don't feel bad about this because we carted our juicer (the juicer we actually bought to travel with) all the way across the Atlantic Ocean. There is either something wrong with us or we are really dedicated, but regardless, we will be juicing.

Our first day in the city was very busy (and SO COLD) and we managed to skim by most of the main sights as well as tour the entire Natural History Museum. I also discovered that I may be a squirrel whisperer. Forrest is gone all day today for official things and I am more than okay with resting my exhausted feet* and getting caught up on some American Netflix. I have been up for five hours already and it's only 9:00. I feel triumphant.

A few pictures of our day:

*Turns out you shouldn't walk in boots for more than six hours when you have only worn them three times before.