W a s h i n g t o n D C

We left New York for Washington DC by Amtrak train. With minimun luggage, we boarded the train with ease at Penn Station and arrived at Union Station, DC, 3 hours later. The ride was very comfortable, and we rested well to prepare for our tour of the capital.

Washington Monument and the Reflecting Pool.

Excerpts of the Declaration of Independence inside Jefferson Memorial.

6m tall bronze statue of President Thomas Jefferson.

Taking a moment to reflect her misdoings? 

Mother taking in the sight of peace & quiet.

The Reflecting Pool is over 600m long. Do you know the pool freezes over in harsh winter and people can skate on it?

Lincoln Memorial was constructed in the form of a Greek temple with Doric columns.

Steps where many had gathered when Martin Luther King delivered his 'I Have A Dream' speech.

Statue of Abraham Lincoln sitting in contemplation inside the central hall of the memorial.

The white marble sculpture took 4 years to complete.

Einstein wannabes. Nah, a long shot away.

Korean War Veterans Memorial to honour those who served or perished in the Korean war.

Larger than life size solders in full combat gear.

Sandblasted images of air, sea and land soldiers on the granite wall.

We visited Arlington National Cemetery next.

The resting place of war and military casualties in this vast but well maintained cemetery.

Arriving at the United States Capitol.

The Capitol Dome is made of cast iron with the Statue of Freedom on top of it.

U.S Capitol is the meeting place of Congress and where legislature is passed.

Probably the only spot where The White House could be photographed.

The beautifully constructed arch entrances of the Old Post Office Pavilion.

Smithsonian Institution Building is the heart of the many museums and galleries on the National Mall.

Apollo Lunar Module inside the National Air and Space Museum.

Flights of fantasy, developed through the years.

Space shutter Challenger & Columbia.

Father & daughter sharing a history moment.

Giant mammal inside the National Museum of Natural History.

Mommy, where is his other foot?

Mr Officer Sir, may I get a ride on your horsey?

Spotted a squirrel scurrying near us. As always, we have food to offer.

I liked Washington DC a lot. The place is marked with celebrated monuments and memorials with fantastic statues and structures. The visit to Arlington memorial was a moving experience for me. The tomb of the unknown soldier and the eternal flame are lasting impressions. I have never been a big fan of history, but the museums on National Mall have definitely opened up my eyes. The museums tell fascinating stories through their history and design, and a visit to the Mall is definitely a must-do for any first-time visitor.

And another travel trip awaiting....