Robert got up really early on our last day in DC to go and repark our minivan (it was still there!) to a parking spot that was free on holidays (the day offices are closed for Veterans Day). Then we quickly packed up, and left the hotel in the most dignified manner possible, loaded our minivan, grabbed some pastries for breakfast and drove towards the Capitol. Miraculously, after just a few minutes of circling the Capitol, we found an area with free parking again! Amazing! It was as close to the Capitol as you can see on the first picture.
By midday, we were finished with the main sightseeing of the city. We grabbed a bite to eat on the way out of the city and headed towards Arlington Cemetery. It was on the way home.
It was a very special thing to visit the cemetery on Veterans Day. All the official commemorations of the veterans had taken place the day before, so the cemetery was not extremely overcrowded with visitors the day after.
We hurried to get inside and were signed up for the next available tour, which was within minutes--score!
Do I remember anything from the tour? No! I am sure the kids remember a bunch of random facts.
It WAS amazing to see inside and hear the history behind the paintings, the roof, the statues.
Listening intently.
Mark's facial expressions are the best. He didn't close his eyes "accidentally".
Through the tunnel we walked to the Library of Congress.
Saw Thomas Jefferson's original book collection.
Next time we visit, I want a tour of the city. I love tours as through them I learn more about places than just seeing them.
It was a blessing that we visited off season, because it's not crowded, but next time I wonder if we should go when the city is alive and the cherry trees are blooming.
Robert said we must take pictures by the Supreme Court Building stairs.
And then he said it was incredible that no one else was on the stairs!
Mark always adds some flair to our pictures now;)
These could be our "Rocky Balboa" stairs.
Yep, still empty.
By midday, we were finished with the main sightseeing of the city. We grabbed a bite to eat on the way out of the city and headed towards Arlington Cemetery. It was on the way home.
It was a very special thing to visit the cemetery on Veterans Day. All the official commemorations of the veterans had taken place the day before, so the cemetery was not extremely overcrowded with visitors the day after.
We walked up the hill to the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier. We had to wait for a few minutes for the changeover ceremony to start.
A truly poignant sight to see. Rain or shine.
On the way out of the cemetery, we stopped by John F. and Jacquline Kennedy graves. He is one of only two presidents buried at Arlington National Cemetery (the other one is Taft).
And that was the end of our short trip. We drove home for four hours in drenching non-stopping rain! It was kind of scary at times as some parts of I-95 just don't have good road markings. I am sure we'll go back to Washington DC! And we better do it sooner than later--still lots to explore!
Lyana.
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