Monday's Washington DC highlights

On Monday morning, we travelled by subway to the US Capitol, the seat of American government since 1800 (made up of the House of Representatives and the Senate). The two highlights were 1) a visit to the Rotunda, a ceremonial space where presidential funerals have been held since Abraham Lincoln and 2) a walk around the House of Representatives, where 435 state-elected Representatives meet to discuss legislation and cast votes.

Strolling around the US Capitol

 

After lunch, we moved on to the media-focused Newseum, starting with a 4D film (complete with moving seats) on the historical role of the investigative journalist. On the top floor's panoramic deck, we then had a chance to take some photos in the warm Washington sunshine. The first exhibit illustrated the media's role in the Vietnam War, and showed how Americans' decreasing support was reflected in the news coverage from 1965 to 1971. Other interesting exhibits were on the Civil Rights movement in 1966 and behind-the-scenes news coverage of the 9/11 tragedy. Before leaving the Federal Triangle, we visited the National Gallery of Art, with its impressive collection of Dutch masters, Impressionists, Ancient Greek and Roman bronze sculptures and the only Leonardo Da Vinci painting in America, the Ginerva de Benci.

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Ben's Chili Bowl

 

We ended our final evening with a visit to Ben's Chili Bowl, where President Obama visited during his Presidential campaign, and a history quiz at the hotel.