Day Three! The final day of the trip and although there were things I loved from every day, this was my favorite day of activities. During our second day, we went to a lot more museums than anticipated. So many that we looked for other activities to take part in, like a movie, because we were way ahead of our loose schedule.
We kicked off day three at the Capitol. When going in, visitors are invited to prepare to join tour groups. All tours take place with headsets on and group by group we walk through the Capitol with a guide to talk us through what we're seeing.
Through this post, I'm going to try to post the facts I learned on the tour. If anything is incorrect, please feel free to correct it in the comments. Everything is strategic and everything symbolizes something in the building, and I'm going to try to get everything right.
In the lobby, there are statues surrounding where the line is leading to the old Statue of Freedom which was starting to crumble when it stood on top of the Capitol, so it is now inside. I found this interesting PDF that explains the rest of the people in the Capitol Visitor Center.
One of our first stops was the Crypt. I believe this is the center of the building and was supposed to be Washington's resting place. However, Washington died before it was finished and he is buried at Mount Vernon.
We visited some original chambers that aren't currently used for sessions, but would have been around Jefferson's time.
These two are at the National Statuary Hall, which used to be the old Hall for the House of Representatives. One of them is writing everything in stone to keep the room to emphasize the weight of laws and I believe the other is representative of Justice, but don't quote me on that.
Finally, we reached the Rotunda and no photos can do it justice. The Rotunda is the dome of the building and below is the artwork on the ceiling. I've linked some information about the Rotunda because I cannot begin to cover it.
If there is ever a funeral for a President, they hold the casket in the center of the Rotunda, which is roped off in respect.
The Frieze is located at the bottom of the dome and depicts the history of America beginning in 1492 and ending in 1903 with the Wright Brothers.
All of the paintings in the Rotunda are hung to be facing specific directions. If you have the time to research or the opportunity to visit, it's amazing how purposeful everything is.
I ate this really cool dessert that I have been dreaming about since I have been home.
Not initially on our agenda, but used as a time-filler, we headed to the Museum of Natural History. Comparable to the Field Museum in Chicago, it focuses on history and science. I definitely thrive harder in the American History museum surrounded by pop culture, but it was cool to visit a place so renowned with so many cool things I've heard about, but didn't think I'd ever see.
Lucy was one of the exhibits I was most interested in. She's the first human skeleton that was found and, although she is mildly scary, she is also very cool.
I LOVE MUMMIES. Ever since I read The Egypt Game in elementary school, I've been fascinated with it. It was interesting to read up on some of the history that Egypt has to offer.
Personally, I think the coolest part as the Hooker Hall of Geology, Gems, and Minerals. This is the only clear photo I have of it, the Hope Diamond. The hall is broken up into all different stones and because my birthstone is Opal it was fascinating to see it in different light and all of the different types of Opal that exist.
I have been trying to keep track of the restaurants we ate at, but I honestly don't remember what we ate on the third day, but other than eating lunch at the cafeteria in the Capitol, I don't remember what else we had. I want to say after Bloc Party was a pizza delivery debacle, but if I can confirm that I will talk about it in the upcoming post about seeing Bloc Party live.
Going through these photos has been a relief in the time of quarantine and has me yearning to get out and see new things. I've been doing a lot of self evaluating and reflection while being stuck inside, which has been extremely beneficial for my mental health and well-being. It was really nice to reflect on the trip, everything we did, and all the fun that was had.
I hope you're all doing well and I will talk to you soon. <3
Comments
Post a Comment