Day #5 - Washington, the Congressman and Capital Hill.

When was the last time a TSS group had the opportunity to ever meet with the US congressmen (apart from the group last year :) ). Today visit to Washington was a moment that I don't think the boys fully appreciated at the time but certainly in reflection will understand that this meeting for only 15 - 20 minutes, was one of certain significance in their lives.

Congressmen Andy Barr is a Republican representative of Kentucky (Lexington Div.) and has been in office for his electorate now since 2011. Meeting with the TSS boys and staff in Washington, near Capital Hill, is a moment for all involved to savoir. He spoke briefly to the boys about his role in office and what committees he is involved in. He also spoke to the boys and answered questions about things that related to the current state of US politics and also the US/Australia alliance. At the end of his discussion there was a photo opportunity with our boys in front of his offices (unfortunately due to rain, and heavy rain in that, we had to look at an alternative place for this shot).

Prior to meeting the Congressmen, his staff (Interns) split the group into to 2 and we got to see one of the world most iconic buildings from the inside. Capitol Hill is magnificent, outside and even more so inside. Inside there are close to 4000 rooms, many with stunning roof and wall decorations. For me significantly and for many of the others today, the Dome area was the high point literally. The height, on the scale, and the colour, and the history with in that room was amazing (please watch the video on the Flickr page). There are 6 to 8 large historic paintings that depict significant moments in time. inc the American revolution, Americas discovery, British rule, and one in particular that I questioned was the painting that represented a scene from Pocahontas baptism in Spain (yes in Spain). A very interesting story behind that, as she actually died in Spain, after being 'taken' from US.

We were guided through many other rooms, inc the old Senate, and Rep rooms, that have a huge significant part in the American political landscape. Then the tour took a detour and we were given the opportunity, not many people do get to do, and actually go and sit in the spectator gallery within the House of Representatives, watching and listening whilst there were a number opf speakers on the floor. Representatives from both Republic and Democratic parties present. Unfortunately, we caught the tail end of a congressman's speak, before they all went off to recess (morning tea), but just being in the same room as where the President does his address call "the State of the Nation", something to remember for the future.

After walking around within the Capitol Hill building we were lead underneath through tunnels and across the road to Congressmen Barr's office. The Tunnels, all underneath these buildings are the subway/walk ways system where people within all of the buildings are connected. This then enables them to not walk outside in the elements, which like today was very hot but potentially very cold in the winter. After thanking the Congressmen and his staff for all this help and assistance we then proceeded across the mall to the Library of Congress. 

Caught in a wild rain storm, this trip was not a pleasant one into the Library. Although once inside this building, again some historic monuments as well as the Benjamin Franklin library, Congress Library, exhibitions, and depictions of other significant events. The mosaic paintings on the walls and ceiling is make this building quite a visually vibrant experience for all to see. Again have a look at the Flickr page....

After an hour or so in the Library of Congress, we then walked around Capitol Hill to our bus. With the weather at this stage still raining in patches, and most of the boys wet, it was decided we'd see the other memorials from the window of the bus. Driving down the Mall to the (George) Washington monument, which stands in the middle of the mall at a height of over a few hundred metres high. It's a significant piece to look stand with many visitors walking around the edges amongst the 52 flags that Circle surrounds its base. It is one of those moments the boys were intrigued to know more about.

From here we walk down near Pennsylvania Avenue West towards the home of the US president, Mr Trump in the White House. Thankfully we weren't on foot, as there was an unusually large presence of protesters (protesting Immigration and the incarceration of the Mexican children).

Driving on we passed the Lincoln and Jefferson Memorials, and then headed to the Pentagon Mall for lunch.

Once finished, we where dropped close by to the Pentagon itself, and visited the 911 Memorial for the victims of the plane crash that hit the Pentagon. A lovely tribute garden for all the victims and one the boys were very interested to see. As we walk out of the Park lands, a military officer was kind enough to give us some stats on the building itself. Its the largest office building in the world, house 35,000 people every day. Its four stories up, and in places 2 stories deep as well. It house mainly Military and some clerical staff, inc the Head of Defense and leaders of each division, Army, Navy and Air force. 

From here we hopped back onto the bus and went to the Marine Corps own monument which again is a historic statue that represents the involvement in the Crimean War by the US Marines, and all battles since the US joined the different wars.

We returned to the hotel for a bit of washing, a kip, and then later in the afternoon walked over across the Potomac River Bridge into Georgetown University. A large residential University for many students from many countries. It is an one of the Top Universities in the USA, and the grounds are spectacular. We had a group dinner there in a beautiful Mexican cantina and enjoyed each others company once again. We also celebrated Tylan's 15th Birthday as well with some cupcakes from world renown Georgetown Cupcakes. As our second city, tomorrow we will go and see a few more of the sites before departing on our plane off to Seattle tomorrow evening...

PS. 14km today, and mid 70kms this Tour so far.... :)