Days 3: Wednesday in Washington DC

We began Day 3 by taking the metro to Union Station rather than our normal spot - quite an impressive building. The Washington Monument laid on its side would easily fit inside it.

We walked to the Capitol and picked up tickets for the 9:30 AM tour. A huge visitor center below the East front side of the Capitol just opened in December (taking 8 years to complete). The first 2 pictures are in Statuary Hall, which is the original House Chamber

In the Rotunda, The Apotheosis of Washington, lines the interior of the dome

Several paintings describe the early history of the US and statues surround the rotunda, which separates the House Chamber from the Senate Chamber. The statue on the right side of the picture is of Ronald Reagan, the newest one just added in June. You can also see the ropes in the center area which are used when presidents and other honorees are lying in state.

The Supreme Court Building. We watched a video interviewing several past & current Supreme Court justices, but only peaked in the Court chamber rather than waiting for the 20 minute lecture there. Several camera crews were stationed outside due to the confirmation hearings for Judge Sonia Sotomayor being held.

Library of Congress. This is easily the most impressive and amazing of all the buildings. Pictures just can't capture it!

Another picture of the Library of Congress. Aside from the amazing architecture and painting of the building, the Gutenberg Bible is on display there.

One of my favorite pics of the US Capitol - this is from the Constitution Ave. side

View from the West Front (which faces The Mall) taken our first day when we watched the Navy band perform just to the left of this picture.

We had lunch at the Tortilla Coast, which I'd read George W Bush patronized before his election. It was full of congressman. Another stop on Wednesday was to the National Archives where the original Charters of Freedom are located: the Declaration of Independence, Constitution and Bill of Rights. The 1297 Magna Carta is also located there. After another long and educational day, we took the metro back and made pizzas on the campfire. Yum!