Finally made it to D.C.

I took the Metro into D.C. and was much more successful than I was with my car. I walked all up and down the National Mall and ended up inside a castle -- I never would have seen that coming. Turns out it was part of the Smithsonian (along with almost every other building on the Mall). It was pretty cool, I went into the National Archives too.

That place was filled with everything, even report cards from some past presidents, the hall for the Constitution was a pretty powerful place. It really makes you feel the grandness of the documents.

I walked to the Washington Monument which is taller than I ever expected. Unfortunately all of the (free) tickets were gone so I couldn't take the tour. I'll have to get there earlier next time. I ducked into the Natural History Museum but ducked right back out -- that place will take a whole day. Then onto the Lincoln Memorial but first the WWII Memorial.

The place is really amazing, absolutely beautiful but not without letting you know why it's there. It's almost smack dab in the middle between the Washington Monument and the Lincoln Memorial, then the reflecting pool is between the WWII Memorial and the Lincoln Memorial. Click here for lots of pics.

Then I took the long walk along the Reflecting Pool to the Lincoln Memorial and it really reminds me of how the Greeks housed the statues of their Gods. A giant room accessible from only one side and when you walk in, Lincoln just dominates the entire space. It's really amazing. After that, I started walking back towards the National Mall to catch my train but on my way I saw that a National Park Ranger was giving a tour of the WWII Memorial. I only stayed for half of it because by then my feet hurt and I was pretty tired (I think i walked about 10 miles) so I left for home.

I'll leave you with one of my favorite pics of the day.