There were a few groans as stiff and tired bodies got out of bus seats for the last time tonight. But the common statement was, "Thanks for a great day." We certainly had a busy one!
By 8:30 this morning we were at the Basilica of the Shrine of Immaculate Conception, the largest Roman Catholic church in the US. After a look at some of the chapels in the lower level and the beautiful crypt church, the upper church, which seats 6,000, was still more impressive. There were mosaics in several round domes above us, mosaics in side chapels on either side of us, the organ was full and strong and the whole experience was very worthwhile.
On the way to our next stop, we found a cluster of cherry trees so beautiful in full bloom that we had to stop and take pictures.
The Smithsonian occupied the next few hours. The Museum of American History had highlights of the recently restored flag that flew over Fort McHenry, First Ladies' gowns, Julia Child's kitchen, Dorothy's ruby slippers, and a special display on Abraham Lincoln. The Museum of Natural History had the impressive Hope diamond, fossils and the new ocean gallery. There was some frustration because we just couldn't see it all - the mind went on overload and the body got weary.
When we came out of the Smithsonian, the weather had changed from misty and foggy to warm, bright sun. That was appreciated because our next stop was Arlington National Cemetery where we saw the Kennedy grave sites and the changing of the guard ceremony including three wreath layings. Our guide as we drove through the cemetery grounds was a highlight. She was dressed in red/white/blue from her socks to the crown on her head, with a big bow and ribbons on her microphone. Plus every once in awhile she would grab a flag and wave that as she got excited about some aspect of her commentary. She was unforgettable! We continued to Iwo Jima, largest bronze statue in the world.
Then it was down to the Potomac shore for a seafood buffet where almost everyone tried new foods from choices of mussels, crawfish, crab soup, jambalaya, crab legs and steamed shrimp. Besides that there were salads, other entrees, vegetables and desserts. It was so good.
Our final activity was a lighted drive through the city, looking at some of the memorials, the Capitol and White House after dark. - Laurel Johnson, Tour Director
By 8:30 this morning we were at the Basilica of the Shrine of Immaculate Conception, the largest Roman Catholic church in the US. After a look at some of the chapels in the lower level and the beautiful crypt church, the upper church, which seats 6,000, was still more impressive. There were mosaics in several round domes above us, mosaics in side chapels on either side of us, the organ was full and strong and the whole experience was very worthwhile.
On the way to our next stop, we found a cluster of cherry trees so beautiful in full bloom that we had to stop and take pictures.
The Smithsonian occupied the next few hours. The Museum of American History had highlights of the recently restored flag that flew over Fort McHenry, First Ladies' gowns, Julia Child's kitchen, Dorothy's ruby slippers, and a special display on Abraham Lincoln. The Museum of Natural History had the impressive Hope diamond, fossils and the new ocean gallery. There was some frustration because we just couldn't see it all - the mind went on overload and the body got weary.
When we came out of the Smithsonian, the weather had changed from misty and foggy to warm, bright sun. That was appreciated because our next stop was Arlington National Cemetery where we saw the Kennedy grave sites and the changing of the guard ceremony including three wreath layings. Our guide as we drove through the cemetery grounds was a highlight. She was dressed in red/white/blue from her socks to the crown on her head, with a big bow and ribbons on her microphone. Plus every once in awhile she would grab a flag and wave that as she got excited about some aspect of her commentary. She was unforgettable! We continued to Iwo Jima, largest bronze statue in the world.
Then it was down to the Potomac shore for a seafood buffet where almost everyone tried new foods from choices of mussels, crawfish, crab soup, jambalaya, crab legs and steamed shrimp. Besides that there were salads, other entrees, vegetables and desserts. It was so good.
Our final activity was a lighted drive through the city, looking at some of the memorials, the Capitol and White House after dark. - Laurel Johnson, Tour Director
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