Firstly, Dave works at our hotel, absolute legend. He's so friendly, well most people are here as they want a tip, but he is really out there and made us laugh. He organised our hop on - hop off bus tour and then walked us down to the pick up stop just a few blocks away. He's a DJ and was telling us about the great places he's played at, Australia is not yet one of them, but he is keen to get there as brazil freaks him out?! Before he headed back to the hotel and told us to call the, if we got stuck and they'd come and get us...legend!
We then got on our bus, yellow loop, and met a very charismatic (Ryan gosling look-a-like) tour guide by the name of Tommy G. We loved his sense of humour, not sure about the others on the tour, but we gave him heaps.
Lincoln Memorial
Wow! Words can't describe how this place made me feel. I was in complete awe of the the architectural design of the building, then once inside I was overwhelmed with the history and beauty of it all. To stand where Martin Luther King Jr once stood when he delivered his famous 'I have a dream' speech at the Washington March was an experience ill never forget.
World War II Memorial
This was a beautiful and very peaceful memorial where we could have sat for hours. It was stunning. We also visited the Vietnam War Memorial which was quite overwhelming.
National History Museum
Loved this place! Wade, being the massive geek that he is, nearly had an aneurysm due to the sheer magnitude of historical content in one place. Everything was great, I learnt so much about American history, so much to take in. Highlights we both enjoyed would have to be the exhibit on Edison, the Civil War and the Washington March exhibit.
Natural History Museum
Another great museum. I kept thinking about my kids and how much they would love it. I know, I have to stop thinking about school, but its tough when soaking up so much history. Our favourite part would have to have been the dinosaur exhibit - amazing!
National Portrait Museum
This place seemed less strict going in as there was no bag search or scanner, however security guards were everywhere and watched the visitors like hawks...pretty full on, hard to relax when someone is watching your every move. I so wanted to take photos but was way too scared. Loved the portraits, so life-like. Our favourite part was the presidents section, which included a portraits of all presidents up until George Bush.
Art Gallery
Some amazing pieces, some we loved and some we hated. Wade couldn't get over some of the 'pointless' pieces.
Madame Wax Museum
We received free entry from our bus tour and enjoyed walking around. Took some silly photos and continued on our way. These things freaked me out a bit, way too life-like.
The White House
After a much needed rest stop at Starbucks, we wandered through a Turkish Festival taking place in the streets, then checked out the Treasury Building, a cool statue (forgot the name....it was a big day!) and the White House - want to visit the north side today to see it a little more close up.
After a big day exploring we were ready to head back to the hotel. We caught the bus, and were one stop from our destination when the bus broke down. All good, as it stopped outside the coolest little book/cafe/bar place. We wandered around and purchased some lovely books. We then walked up to a little Italian restaurant for dinner. I loved it! I fell in love with our little old Italian waiter. Wade wasn't impressed as he had to ask for his second beer after his glass had been empty for 10 mins, needless to say they got the standard tip from us. He has high standards, the kid.
We walked the rest of the way home to burn off our carb overload and planned our adventures for day two.
Xo
Wow! Great post Rhi.....fantastic pics and it took me back to my visit last year and made me want to get on a plane and go back!
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