Friday, March 18, 2011

Wonderful Washington Day 3, part 1 - the Capitol


Monday, 14th March 2011

We had booked a Capitol Building tour this morning - our admission time was 9.20am so we had to be at the Capitol for our security checks at 8.30am. It was the most thorough check yet (actually, no, I had a full body scan at LAX - but second after that one!) We weren't allowed and food or liquids, nor backpacks - Mike and the boys had their pockets packed with cameras, hankies, pens, rainjackets, etc etc - we looked like sherpas! I had forgotten I had deodorant in my handbag and so there was a brief security conference to see if I could keep it or not - they must have decided I wasn't a threat to national security and let us through.

Emancipation Hall - the visitor's centre
We entered under the Capitol Building through a new visitor's centre, a huge, airy space filled with statues of famous Americans. We saw a 15 minute movie about the history of the building and then joined Brandon's tour group. Brandon was a great tour guide - think dry wit, history buff, passionate American with a touch of camp - and he led us for about 30 mins through the building. We went in the rotunda (under the dome), the statuary hall (also full of statues and where the President hosts a meal after the inauguration which occurs outside on the steps) and the crypt.

looking up into the dome

After the tour we went to get tickets to go into the House visitors gallery - after checking our passports and identities we were given some - we felt like Charlie Bucket! More security (they took everything we had with a battery - phones, cameras, even Mike's binoculars) and we went through winding corridors to the House chamber. Site of the State of the Union, an impressive room with plush carpets and statues and quotes everywhere. We were sitting near a knowledgeable young man who pointed out lots of features to us. It was Mike's favourite part of our day!


with our House Gallery tickets!

Back in the visitor's centre (actually called 'Emancipation Hall'), we shopped in the souvenir shop, had lunch in the cafeteria and emerged after an amazing 4 hours.

a statue in Emancipation Hall - each state is allowed to display 2 statues- this one is from Hawaii

Karen

4 comments:

  1. Dear Williamson Family!

    We stumble across this! What a fantastic adventure and experience for the whole family! We are in awe and a tiny bit jealous!

    Rob has lots of recommendations for Boston when you get there!

    Enjoy
    xxx
    Mel and Rob and Family

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  2. Wow - all that security. I don't recall ANY security at all there - I do remember having our bags scanned at the Library at Congress but not at the Capitol - I guess things have changed a lot since 1997/98.

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  3. Hi Rob and Mel, lovely to hear from you. It is a fantastic adventure - not yet halfway - we're having fun and loving having Mike around all the time. We're very thankful for long service leave! We fly out of Boston on the 8th April and will be there for a few days before that - any tips gratefully received! Karen xx

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  4. Hi Michelle! I think Sept 11th has changed it all, the whole country seems very security conscious - not that I mind - I'd rather the bag checks and metal detectors than being blown up! Even Aidan has become very efficient at emptying his pockets, taking off bags and jackets, etc etc! Karen xx

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