Washington D.C, the Capital

Arriving at the capital in the evening, I noticed that something was different. Washington D.C's buildings were not tall at all. There were no skyscrapers in sight! Later I would find out that there used to be a law that stated that no building could be taller than the dome of the Capitol on Capitol Hill. This obviously seemed to have an effect on Washington D.C's skyline.

The next morning, the heat was unbearable. Walking down the National Mall, I saw many well-known Smithsonian Museums.

I took shelter by going to the National Air and Space Museum.

This museum had the real Apollo 11 command module (the one that carried Neil Armstrong to the moon) and the real Wright flyer (the first flight by the Wright Brothers), among many other interesting displays. This was the most visited museum in the world!

I met Min later that day and we started exploring in the outdoor sauna.

We saw the Capitol,

with its gleaming white dome, and also the US Supreme Court.

then proceeded down Pennsylvania Ave...

to arguably the most famous address in the world, the White House. Around this area, while taking nosy peeks here and there, I could see glimpses of the nation's very important people - all suited up despite such a steaming hot day.

Ford's Theatre is where President Abraham Lincoln was assassinated.

The Washington Monument is the white obelisk iconic of Washington D.C, made predominantly of stone. What was interesting about this monument was the observation that it had on it, a tan line. This was because of a halt in its construction. I had never seen so many American flags in one location before!

The World War II Memorial was meaningful, too.

While walking around Tidal Basin in order to get to the Thomas Jefferson Memorial, we literally went off the path and through the sprinklers instead. Soaked socks were the way to go on a day like this, since a lot of the body's heat is lost through the feet.

The Franklin Roosevelt Memorial was next,

followed by the Korean War Memorial,

and then the Lincoln Memorial.

The Lincoln Memorial, with great views of the reflecting pool and the Washington Monument, is the famous location of Martin Luther King's "I have a dream" speech.

After seeing the Vietnam War Memorial as well,

we headed over to see the famous Watergate Complex (site of burglary that led to President Nixon's Watergate Scandal).

We met up with Rachel (American) and Patrick (Hong Kong) later on that night to have dinner and to see the illuminated Washington D.C at night.

The next morning, I took the subway to the Pentagon, where all I did was see one of the five huge walls. No photos were allowed here. I felt like I didn't belong here, as people with army uniforms roamed the vicinity. I then went on to visit Arlington National Cemetery, which is the best known cemetery in the United States. John F Kennedy's grave here is lit by an eternal flame.

I then reached Dulles International Airport in order to catch a flight that was scheduled to leave Washington D.C for Miami in the early afternoon. Scheduled is the key word here.

Overall, I enjoyed Washington D.C. The capital was clean and pleasant, with patriotism displayed as expected with numerous memorials commemorating history-defining wars and important presidents of America! I didn't first-hand experience or observe the incredible rich-poor contrast that is supposed to plague this city, mainly because I didn't get the chance to visit the more ghetto areas of D.C.