June 8, D.C. Day Two

We opted to see the D.C. Mall today on the Tourmobile Sightseeing tram. I is cooler inside the cars especially when it is in motion. We bought the pass which is good for a full day, and we can get off and back on when ever we want at any of the stops. This is a good way to cover a lot of ground, getting to the spots we want to see quickly. There is also a guide on board giving the history & specifics of each location and monument.

Combine this tram with the Metro train and the day goes very smoothly. Unfortunately the Bear was not allowed to ride the train.

This view is actually the front of the capital building. This is usually the side that TV reports and interviews take place. Just east of here is Grand Central Station, which we would have missed if we had not taken the tram.

The entrance to Grand Central Station. We never would have known this was here if we had not taken the Tourmobile.

Looking north in the main hall of Grand Central Station.

Dan is ready for a hair cut by the newest stylist in the salon.

Looking east in the food court on the lower level of the station. This is the largest food court we have ever seen.

Looking west in the food court.

A replica of the Liberty Bell located outside of Grand Central Station.

Monument honoring Christopher Columbus. On the left is a figure of a Native American, on the right is a figure representing a Greek Philosopher, in the front an guiding angel. Behind the monument is the Grand Central Station.

U.S. Postal Service Museum. We see the methods of mail delivery since post office was established. I wish I could get photos in these museums, but using the flash washed out the details and colors.

Benjamin Franklin's statue in the Postal Museum. The first Post Master of the United States.

Department of Commerce.

Just outside the Museum of Natural History.

Museum of Natural History.

The Hope Diamond on display in the Museum of Natural History. I held the lens against the glass, but since this gem is surrounded on all sides by glass I get a glare from the glass panel behind the necklace. The Hope Diamond is 42+ carats, about the size of the palm of my hand.

Smithsonian Castle from across the mall, directly across from the Museum of Natural History.

The Natinal Archives where the Declaration of Independence is on display. However, the security is very tight resulting in a long, long line of people waiting to get in. A 90 minute wait in 99 degrees and 70% humidity, and in direct sun, is more than we can tollerate, so we just move on.

Jefferson Memorial.

The Washington Monument. Look closely, do you see a change in the shade of the stone use to build the Monument? When it was 1/3 completed the builders ran our of money and Congress would not give them funds to finish. It was 10 year later when they were able to complete the monument and by then the quarry the stone came from had been mined to a much deeper level where the stone was darker in color.

Gift from Italy, symbol of war, one of these are on each side of the bridge from D.C. to Arlington Cemetery. There are also two symbols of peace, but I am unable to get a good photo from the tram.

Bridge over the river to Arlington Cemetery.

This is all we saw of Arlington Cemetery since it was so late in the day and not enough time to do the tour and catch the last tram back to D.C.

This was the residence of the Gate Keeper on the Bridge. His job was to protect the capital from attack from the river.

Looking at the Smithsonian Castle on the way back from Arlington Cemetery.