Aug. 2 - Washington, DC

Day 137 - Capital Tour

Gangplank Marina

Our first stop today was the United States Capital. What a beautiful place...it really is on a hill and the landscaping is wonderful. While we waited for our tour time we looked around the visitor center and exhibition hall, which tells the story of the congress and the construction of the U.S. Capital. Our tour included a short video about the capital and a tour of the crypt, rotunda and statue hall. We didn't have tickets to the Senate or House chambers. Our next stop was Union Station, where we had lunch and wandered through a few stores. After lunch we rode past The Ford Theater and then to a field were we could get a look at the White House. No one was allowed to get to the normal viewing area since President Obama was in the Rose Garden.

On the way back to the boat we stopped at the Vietnam Memorial, the Lincoln Memorial and the Jefferson Memorial. What a busy day, it felt wonderful to relax on the boat all evening.

U.S. Capital

The back of the Capital

Part of the Rotunda

The frieze in the Rotunda of the United States Capitol contains a painted panorama depicting significant events in American history.

The Apotheosis of Washington in the eye of the Rotunda of the U.S. Capitol was painted in the true fresco technique by Constantino Brumidi in 1865. Brumidi depicted George Washington rising to the heavens in glory, flanked by female figures representing Liberty and Victory/Fame. A rainbow arches at his feet, and thirteen maidens symbolizing the original states flank the three central figures.

House Chamber

Union Station 

The White House 

The Vietnam Veterans Memorial  

The Wall

The Lincoln Memorial

The Jefferson Memorial