Today was supposed to be pretty cut and dry. 1st half - tour the U.S. Capitol building; 2nd half - wrap up the Smithsonians with the Air and Space museum. Due to a mix of post 9/11 security and the mass amounts of tourism, we had to apply through our Idaho State Representative's office (Congressman Mike Simpson) to apply for a Capitol tour permit. Luckily we did so, and were accepted, months ago.
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But last night, while reviewing our aggressive agenda, I realized that I failed to put an emphasis on an ample night's sleep, months ago when carefully piecing together our agenda. It became very evident at the end of each day, that we could all be getting a bit more sleep. Considering our Capitol tour scheduled is for 8:45 am (and we have to arrive 45 minutes early for paperwork, and walk to the Capitol from Union Station, and ride to Union Station on the Metro), we will have to leave our hotel at 6:30 am - at the latest! I found myself wondering if we should forgo the tour, sleep-in, and as a compromise, simply go to the visitor's center and take a few pics from the outside.
In hind-sight, I am so glad we decided to push through, even sleep deprived, and showed up for our scheduled tour of the U.S. Capitol. It was incredible! Perhaps, one of my Top 5 thus far. Although limited to just a few areas, our tour guide spent a considerable amount of time inside the Rotunda - a circular room 96 feet in diameter and 180 feet in height. He pointed out that there are 100 statues inside the Capitol (two from every state). Some of the most notable are on display inside the Rotunda - Dwight D. Eisenhower, James Garfield, Ulysses S. Grant, Andrew Jackson, Thomas Jefferson, Ronald Reagan, and George Washington.
He explained that the eight large paintings, all originals, hanging on the walls of the Rotunda depict historical events. They are titled "Baptism of Pocahontas", "Declaration of Independence", "Discovery of the Mississippi", "Embarkation of the Pilgrims", "Landing of Columbus", "Surrender of General Burgoyne", "Surrender of Lord Cornwallis", and "General George Washington Resigning His Commission".
Just below the windows of the Rotunda is The Frieze of American History. Painted in a monochrome of whites and browns, to resemble sculpture, the Frieze measures 8 feet 4 inches in height and approximately 300 feet in circumference. It took two separate artists more than 11 years to complete the Frieze. But in 1889, Filippo Costaggini finished 31 feet short of where 73 year old Constantino Brumidi began in 1878. The Frieze was left unfinished for more than 60 years until Allyn Cox was commissioned to complete this masterpiece with scenes from the Civil War through the birth of aviation. In total, 19 separate scenes depict The Frieze of American History.
On the dome of the Rotunda is The Apotheosis of Washington, an 1865 painting depicting George Washington rising to the heavens. In the painting Washington is seated, flanked by two female figures (Liberty and Victory), who are encircled by 13 separate maidens symbolizing the 13 original states.
At the center of the Rotunda, on the floor, is a small, white marble circle approximately one foot in diameter. This marks the very center of Washington D.C. It is also the place that deceased U.S. Presidents lay in state, for public viewing, after their death.
From the Capitol, we walked through an underground tunnel to the Thomas Jefferson Library of Congress. With more than 144 million books and other items, the Library of Congress houses the world's largest collection of legal materials, films, maps, sheet music, and sound recordings. Additionally, this was perhaps the most beautiful interior of any building we visited.
En route to the last of the Smithsonian museums on our agenda, we stopped and visited Idaho Congressman Mike Simpson's office. Although he was not in, were still able to sign Congressman Simpson's guest book. We met with his assistant MJ, whom I coordinated with and scheduled our Capitol tour with months ago. She even gave us a brief tour of his personal office and let us sit at his desk.
And then, the grand-daddy of them all, the Smithsonian Air & Space Museum on the National Mall. By design, this was saved for last. With it's unique chrome spire outside the northerly entrance, this museum is often the highest regarded of all of the Smithsonian museums. Jack was so excited he could barely contain himself. Over and over I heard,"Can we go now Dad?" "When can we go to the Air & Space?" "Dad, NOW can we go???" I took a picture of Jack leading the way and opening the front doors ahead of the rest of us. It was priceless! Once inside there was no disappointment; suspended from the ceiling was Charles Lindbergh's Spirit of St. Louis and Chuck Yeager's Glamorous Glennis. There were so many exhibits, it was hard to visit them all. One of Jack's highlights was our ride in a full-motion F-4 flight simulator, Jack as the pilot and me as the gunner. Very hesitant at first, Jack ended up loving the multiple barrel rolls. We spent quite a bit of time looking at the Wright Brother's 1903 Wright Flyer. The kids really enjoyed a hands-on exhibit that explains the concept of flight where Jack took 2nd place in a paper airplane flying contest (he lost to an adult). Although it was the biggest of the Smithsonian museums, my personal favorite was it's counterpart, the Steven F. Udvar-Hazey museum at Dulles Airport. If you have kids that want a lot of touchy-feely, hands-on learning then the A&S museum on the mall is the way to go; but if you want to experience the best display of historical aircraft, then the Udvar-Hazey is, hands-down, the best!
With our week rapidly winding down, we celebrated our journey with a special treat of fine dining. A cultural experience all on it's own, the kids were so much fun to take to Fogo de Chao. An all-you-can-eat Brazilian steakhouse, Fogo de Chao serves 15 different cuts of meat with continuous tableside service. Each of us had a card (similar to a coaster), red on one side, green on the other. When you are ready for fresh cuts of meat, turn you card green-side up; when you need a break, flip it to red. The girls were a bit afraid to "go-green" because of the immediate, abrupt service you receive; while Jack simply smiled, and left his card green-side-up most of the night. Good times!
Tomorrow is our last day. We will be spending the whole day at Arlington National Cemetery.
Semper Fi!
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