|
In the summer John and I visited Washington, D.C. and saw many of the city's
famous landmarks including the National Mall, where we
walked to the White House, passed the
Washington Monument and up the hill to the
Capitol building. We also visited several
memorials and the Smithsonian
museums and one morning we enjoyed a stroll around
Georgetown. As a fun experiment I've compiled a
short video clip of my impressions of Washington and I've also listed a few restaurants which we particularly
enjoyed.
National Mall
In the middle of the city is the National Mall, a tree lined park surrounded
by museums and popular landmarks.
The US. Capitol
Standing at the east end of the Mall is the US Capitol, which houses both the Senate and the House of Representatives.
Situated at the top of Capitol Hill the building looks very grand and elegant.
We walked through the gardens past the sweeping lawns
to the back of the south wing, where the House of Representatives convenes.
At dusk with lanterns glowing in the dome it looks just as imposing as it
does during the daytime.
Washington Monument
is in the centre of the Mall.
Completed in 1884 is rises up in a straight line between the Capitol and the
Lincoln Memorial. White House
North of the Monument at 1600 Pennsylvania Avenue is one of the most famous houses in the world
Flowers bloom around the fountain on the south lawn of the White House
Memorials
The World War II Memorial
Opened in 2004 this memorial lies in the
middle of the Mall.
In between two huge arches representing the Atlantic and the Pacific is a
large pool containing a variety of fountains.
Korean War Veterans Memorials
This evocative memorial depicts 19 battleclad seven foot tall soldiers
trudging through a field.
Lincoln Memorial
At the western boundary of the Mall is the Lincoln Memorial.
The 19 foot high marble statue of Abraham Lincoln peers out over the
Reflecting Pool towards the Monument.
Franklin Delano Roosevelt Memorial
Situated in the West
Potomac Park this memorial honours the President who led America through the Great Depression and World
War II.
The galleries combine waterfalls, sculptures and giant walls engraved with
quotations.
Across the Tidal Basin from the FDR Memorial is the circular
Thomas Jefferson Memorial
which commemorates the third US President.
Smithsonian
Founded by the wealthy Englishman, James Smithson, the Smithsonian Institute
comprises of an extensive collection of museums, libraries and archives.
After spending several hours in the Air and Space Museum we relaxed in the
Smithsonian Castle gardens.
Georgetown
is a genteel suburb west of the city.
Washington Harbour on the Potomac River
The gentle breeze off the river made for a nice stroll along the promenade.
My impressions of Washington, D.C.
Watch this digital story of this stately capital rather than party city. It
last 4 minutes with musical accompaniment. (You'll need Windows Media
Player to watch it.)
Watch now 5.5 MB
Favourite restaurants in Washington
- I Ricchi
Wonderful Italian restaurant in the lively Dupont Circle. We appreciated
the European style of service i.e. - not a fast food place.
- McCormick
& Schmick's Seafood Restaurant
We first discovered this restaurant chain in Chicago and really enjoyed the
wide selection on the menu. The Washington restaurant was just as good and
they do a great fish and chips.
- Ruth's Chris Steak
House
Upmarket chain specialising in steaks and large portions.
Check out my recommendations for other restaurants
I have enjoyed visiting whilst on holiday around the world.
See more holiday photos.
|