Library of Congress and the Capitol (9/20)

Library of Congress and the Capitol (9/20)
What do you mean I owe $2405.50 in overdue book fines?

LOC

 Hope Room

Friday morning we were up early and off to the Library of Congress then on to the Capitol.  It began with a tour of the Library of Congress.  Most amazing architecture and a Library with more books than any other.  How anyone in Congress can get facts wrong is beyond me with this source.  A pleasant surprise was the room dedicated to Bob Hope and some of the comedians he encountered during his career.  A special section includes a tribute to Mort Sahl who loves the food and people of Vasco in Mill Valley.  When he arrives he greets Annie with "Hello kid"

Mort Sahl tribute

Capitol Building Hall of Statues

A short walk underground and we were in the Capitol.  The numerous statues, all over the building are impressive (each state picks two famous citizens of that state to honor).  The original room where government business was carried out has an acoustical oddity that allowed Congressmen to eavesdrop on the opposition across the room.  By the end of the day we had walked 6 miles. We did receive Gallery passes for the Senate and House from Congressman Huffman but due to conflicts we missed the chance to see Senator Paul speak about the "Good Old Days")

Quick! I think Ted Cruz is reading children's story

California's contribution: Father Junipero Serra

Lunch at the White House and the Supreme Court (9/19)

Badges? Badges? I guess we do have to show you our stink'n' badges!! (9/19)
Our most exciting day of the trip to D.C. began around noon when we visited the offices of Dave Mineta, former Board Member of JUHSD.  Dave is now Deputy Director in the Office of National Drug Control Policy. We went through a security check and were given our badges.  This cleared us to move to the upper floors to Dave's office.  We then walked over to the White House and went through much more security, getting a new badge.  Knowing the lunch would be in the Navy Mess I thought, as an Army cook, that this would be a cafeteria.  Instead it was a beautiful room with white-linen tablecloths.  Our server was in dress blues. After a delicious lunch, Dave took us on a tour around the White House grounds.  As we left the dining room he pointed out that the room we passed by was the Situation Room (as in the room where the President, Vice President, Secretary of State, Secretary of Defense, et. al. watched as our Navy seals attacked Bin Ladin's compound.  We took a short cab ride to the Supreme Court.  Amazing how every red light is timed to pause for about a minute as the meter ticked. 

Original Supreme Court chambers

We sat in the Supreme Court chambers and the tour guide, a law intern, gave us a brief but enlightening history of the Court. Our tour of the Court included the original court chambers that did allow cameras.

Supreme Court today-No Cameras

Planes, Trains and Automobiles: Arriving in D.C (9/18).

Our adventure on the East Coast almost didn't start. Mary and I were quietly reading and waiting for our call to board.  Little did we know they changed gates after we checked in. They also moved the take off time up 15 minutes.  The Bresnahans were aboard and enjoyed a great flight.  We upgraded and took a town car, driven by Mr "Z" who took us for a short trip by the White house then to the Dupont Circle hotel.  This area of DC is a cross between Berkeley and Las Vegas and apparently never sleeps.  The evening ended with a quick dinner at "5 Guys Burgers" where the President sometimes stops. Our first landing at the airport brought us back to Earth considering recent events.

Tomorrow we begin our real sightseeing.