The US Capitol Building

Me and my husband with the Capitol bldg. at the background

Every time you are in the DC area, one of the most recognizable historic building you can see is the US Capitol building, which is situated on the opposite end of the National Mall from the Washington Monument. It is considered a prominent landmark that shows a 19th-century neoclassical architecture.

You can also see its view on top of Capitol Hill at the eastern end of the National Mall. The US Capitol has a total of 540 rooms, - a very huge building!

The US Capitol building is where the House of Representatives and the Senate meet.

Congressional offices are located on the ground floor, while the 2nd floor is where the House of Representatives hold its chambers in the south wing. The Senate is in the north wing. The 3rd floor is where visitors can actually watch the Congress proceedings while they are in session, while the 4th floor and the basement consist of additional offices and some machine rooms.

At the center of the building is where the dome is and below it  is the Rotunda, a circle-shaped area where you can see a gallery of paintings and sculpture of various American historical figures and events.

Don't miss looking up beneath the top of the dome once you're inside, and you will see the very beautiful masterpiece of painting called "The Apostheosis of Washington", and the famous "Frieze of United States History", - done by Constantino Brumidi in the year 1865.

Also try to notice the 8 large paintings within the Rotunda. Four paintings are on the east side while the other four are located on the west side.

Guided tours inside the building are free, but require tickets that are available on a first come, first served basis. I and my husband were both lucky to join the tour way back in 2006.

Tours are available from Monday-Saturday at 8:45am-3:30pm.

If you are scheduled for a tour, there is now a Capitol Visitor Center which was recently opened in 2008 where you can see galleries and can watch live streaming videos from the House and Senate. There is also a 13-minute film showing that tells about the history of the Congress and the Capitol. The film is being shown in the orientation theaters.

At the former Crypt, the original tomb prepared for George Washington

Also, take some time to visit the Crypt, just below Rotunda. This was actually build to support the Rotunda as well as purposely done to give entrance to Washington's tomb. It is a large round-shaped room built with 40 columns. But since Washington's last will that he be buried at Mt. Vernon, the area became open to visitors and now currently a museum.

There are a lot more things to discover about the US Capitol. Be sure you get a tour inside the building when you get the chance...it's worth it!

The Franklin D. Roosevelt (FDR) Memorial

If there is one thing worth visiting in Washington D.C., it would be the FDR Memorial, in honor of the 32nd US president, Franklin D. Roosevelt.

The memorial consists of four outdoor rooms patterned in sequential order, each one which reflects FDR's term of office, the sculptures that are photographed-inspired and those sculptures reflecting the scenes during the Great Depression. The entire property is situated on a 7.5 acres wide lot.

One interesting point to note in the memorial is its' conceptual design of the 4 outdoor rooms and gardens which is animated by sculpture, stone and water.

Waterfalls in the memorial are considered to be an essential aspect as well which act as physical and metaphoric components.

Just a note: the waterfalls are turned off during winter, so if you want to visit, it would be ideal to go either before or after winter time.

FDR Memorial is rich in history, so if you need to update or upgrade your historical knowledge, it is much more challenging to visit it yourself and experience the history enriching adventure! 

I DID! :)

The US National WWII Memorial

The WWII Memorial began opening its doors to the public on April 29, 2004 and was dedicated 2 days before Memorial Day on May 29, 2004 by former president George W. Bush. It is an ideal place to visit and pay respects to our WWII veterans. They also call it a place for America's World War II Heroes!

The memorial is dedicated to those Americans who served in the armed forces as well as civilians during the WWII.

The beautiful place is adorned with an oval-shape design, with 2 arches that represent the war's Atlantic and Pacific theaters.

There are 56 pillars which represent the states, territories and District of Columbia during the war. There are two sculpted bronze wreaths that are attached to each pillar and small fountains can be seen at the bases of these 2 arches.

There is a Freedom Wall that is also captivating located on the west side of the memorial. The wall has 4,048 gold stars each representing 100 Americans who died in the war. In front of it reflects a message that says "Here we mark the price of freedom."

The memorial is located on the National Mall of Washington D.C. where you can see the Lincoln Memorial to the west, and the Washington Monument to the east.

The White House

That's me! :))

Every tourist visiting the DC area would surely doesn't want to miss visiting the oldest public building in Washington DC - The White House!

Of course, one of the most common way to see it is thru the Lafayette Park, just across the White House where you can get a good view of it and to take photos at good angles.

There are two most common options to see the building only on the outside. You can either choose to see it from the south side of its ground which you can see it a bit further away, or you can choose to see it on its north side which is much closer.

The White House is not only considered as the home of the US president but also the museum of American history. It has 132 rooms on 6 levels.

It was constructed as early as 1792, then after it caught fire in 1814, continous partial reconstructions were done of the same year to a few more years. Major constructions were done under the Truman administration, and underwent restoration under the Kennedy administration.

Public tours inside the White House are only alowed for 10 people or more at a time, but you must ask request through your Representative and Senators. Tours are also on a first come, first served basis every Tuesday - Saturday from 7:30am - 12:30pm, and is scheduled approximately one month in advance or even longer (up to 3 months). So, it definitely means NO walk-in tours are allowed anytime inside!

You can also choose to book a White House Garden Tours but you have to get your tickets for this. This is open for the public and visitors can get the chance to visit its gardens such as the Jacqueline Kennedy Garden, Rose Garden, Children's Garden and the South Lawn.

Inside tours sounds a bit of a hassle, but a visit on either the north or south wing is always the most convenient, hassle-free tour you can have on the outside. ;)

Weekender Trip at Washington DC

I have been to DC several times, but honestly, there are still many places that I haven't been to. I must agree to the fact that the nation's capital is really worthy of a full-out stay-there vacation!

In northwest of DC, try visiting Kreeger Museum that offers a wide selection of art from various artists including Pablo Picasso, Claude Monet, etc...

Another lesser known attraction is the Wolly Mammoth Theater Company, a playhouse known for developing new works.

You can also extend your stay and try getting a true presidential feel and set up shop at the Hay-Adams Hotel, just located across the street from the White House! This luxurious hotel has been noted Most Excellent Hotel in the U.S. and Canada by Conde' Nast.

Washington National Cathedral (Part 4)

 (continuation)

Washington D.C.

Lower Level (the Crypt): - The crypt is located down the stairs close to the Holy Spirit Chapel. The level is full of crypt chapels with the iconography dealing with the New Testament imagery and the promise of eternal life - Jesus birth, his death and entombment, and His resurrection.

29. Good Shepherd Chapel - this is the altar sculpture showing a shepherd holding a lamb, interpreting the role of God as protector especially to those who are injured or suffering.

30. Bethlehem Chapel - contains symbols and depictions of the genealogy and birth of Jesus.

31. Chapel of St. Joseph of Arimathea - this is located directly beneath the crossing. It depicts the story of Jesus' entombent following the crucifixion. The architectural style of this chapel together with the Resurrection Chapel are built in Romanesque style that features rounded arches.

32. Resurrection Chapel - this is the one decorated with colorful mosaics, reflecting the appearances of Jesus after His resurrection.

33. Cathedral Center for Prayer and Pilgrimage - meditation area to visitors.

34. Visitor's Lounge - visitors can take rests here and may sign state books as well.

35. Museum Store - visitors can shop for books, religious arts, etc.

The Cathedral Close

The grounds of the cathedral is called the "Close" and is 57 acres, including the cathedral, 3 schools, the offices of the Episcopal Diocese of Washington, and St. Alban's church.

There is a Bishop Garden that is medieval inspired garden that opens daily until dusk. Tours are offered at 10:30am from April-October every Wednesday.

At the base of the stone pilgrim steps is an equestrian statue of George Washington.

Information about guided and audio tours are available at the cathedral.

Washington National Cathedral (Part 3)

Washington D.C.

21. Kellogg Bay - the memorial for Frank B. Kellogg reflecting his ardent desire for universal peace. On the east wall is a Martin Luther King Jr's. carving preaching his last Sunday sermon from the cathedral's pulpit in March 31, 1968.

22. Humanitarian Bay - also known as the Boardman Bay.

23. White Bay - the window is themed with peace and universal unity, containing symbols of the League of Nations, the United Nations, people of the world in prayer, and peaceful uses of atomic energy.

24. Bettelheim Bay - the window symbolizes "America the Beautiful" with a brilliant color and abstract design.

25. The National Cathedral Association Bay - the windows reflect women's roles as Christian life givers, healers, purifiers and teachers. These were built by members of the NCA from all over the nation.

26. Dulin Bay - the windows are depicted with the 23rd psalm in vivid colors.

27. Frohman Bay - the memorial of Philip Hubert Frohman, the Cathedral's architect for more than 50 years. The window is dramatic, with abstract design utilizing an imaginative design of leading and small pieces of glass.

28. Abraham Lincoln Bay - the heroic bronze statue stands before words from Lincoln's farewell address at Springfield, Illinois. The floor is inset with Lincoln-head pennies; the window depicts in abstract form "the Agony of Civil War."

Washington National Cathedral (Part 2)

(continuation)

11. South Transept - notice the 3 rose windows that are linked by 3 sacred events connecting humanity with divine: - the Creation, the Last Judgement, and Life Everlasting. The rose window in the south transept is themed the "Church Triumphant", with imagery from the Biblical book of Revelation.

12. The Crossing - this is teh center of the two transept "arms" and the "body" of the long nave, forming a shape of the cross. The Canterbury pulpit has a sculpture depicting people and scenes relating to the translation of the Bible to English. The stones came from Canterbury Cathedral in England.
A crucifixion scene is high overhead on the road beam. "Road" is an old word which means cross or crucifix.

13. War Memorial Chapel - this site depicts stories of sacrifice and the struggle for freedom. This is a tribute to those who served the armed forces.

14. Children's Chapel - the site is where you can see a statue of the Christ Child that was built to the scale of a 6-yr. old child.


15. St. Johns' Chapel - the carvings reflect the Last Supper and the Crucifixion; the windows tell of the miracles of Jesus.

16. High Altar - is located at the last end of the cathedral nave. Surrounding the central figure of Christ in Majesty are 110 figures of men and women that exemplifies the highest ideals of Chrisitianity which completes the icnonographic story with the redemption of mankind through Jesus Christ. On the left is the bishop's chair, - the Glastonbury Cathedra.

17. St. Mary's Chapel - shows scenes from Mary's life, mother of Jesus. On the windows are the parables of Jesus. The story of David and Goliath is told on a 16th-century tapestries.

18. Holy Spirit Chapel - its altar panels were painted by N.C. Wyeth. In the iron gate and on the altar painting is the dove, - the symbol for the Holy Spirit. The chapel is reserved for quiet prayer.

19. North Transept - notice the oldest rose window titled "Last Judgement", - where Jesus Christ as judge is at the center. The window is a medieval stained glass done by Lawrence Saint, - a stained glass artist.

20. West Rose Window - from the mid-nave crossing on the west is the view of west rose window known as the "Creation Rose" that brings the creation story inside the cathedral with an abstract interpretation casting light throughout the nave.
This window including all of the Nave Clerestory are admired for their sparkle, clarity and brilliant color. The 18 clerestory windows reflects the progress of the Hebrew people as God prepared them for the coming of the Messiah.
The windows are meant to be viewed in pairs, so the south windows are linked to the facing north windows.

Washington National Cathedral (Part 1)

Washington D.C.

The cathedral has two main levels; - the Main Level (the Nave) and the Lower Level (the Crypt).
The Main Level consists of 28 spots and landmarks you should check out while the Lower Level consists of 7 sites worth seeing at.

Main Level (the Nave):

1. West Facade - the cathedral's iconographic story; - the mankind's creation to redemption starts here. All the arts here depicts themes of creation. If you notice the carved tympana above the 3 massive portals reflects the creation of day, the creation of mankind, and the creation of night. The 3 statues are Peter, Adam and Paul and the bronze gates shows scenes from the lines of Peter at the north portal, Abraham and Moses at the center portal and Paul at the south portal.
2. George Washington Bay - the heroic marble statue of the first president is a huge reflection in here. The windows abstract design reflects the search for freedom that led to the founding of our nation.
3. Maryland Bay - carved in its stone and in its stained glass, it shows the rich symbols of the state and its diverse religious heritage. The land of D.C. (District of Columbia) was once part of Maryland.
4. Folger Bay - the colorful windows depict the richness of the lands explored in the 1803 Lewis and Clark expedition to the American northwest.
5. Glover Bay - on the windows reflect the event which commemorated the promotion of plans for building the cathedral in1891, led by a group of men.
6. Warren Bay - this contains the symbols of law in memory of Charles Warren, lawyer and historian of the Supreme Court. Just above this is the Space Window that reflects the Apollo XI mission and holding a piece of moon rock brought back by its crew.
7. Woodrow Wilson Bay - the colorful window is titled "War and Peace". The stone and glass enriched with myriad images symbolizes events in the life of the 28th president of the USA who is buried here.
8. Lee-Jackson Bay - it contains the scenes from the lives of two civil war generals.
9. Mellon Bay- is behind its wrought iron gate that may be used for private prayer. On the column capitals are carvings relating to Andrew W. Mellon.
10. Baptistry - reflects symbols of artworks that represents baptism.

(to be continued on the next post)

Washington National Cathedral (The Visit)

Washington D.C.

This cathedral is famous due to its Gothic architectural style, built of Indiana limestone and considered to be the 6th largest church in the world. Its architecture has boss stones, ribbed vaulting, large windows with flying buttresses and uses pointed arches.
The architectural design is said to be unique because it is not copied from any other buildings. The building is cross-shaped with a long nave-a tenth of a mile-and two shorter transepts.

The art and architecture of the cathedral instruct and inspire through works in stained glass windows, stone, wrought iron, wood and fabrics. Those images and symbols of art reflections are designed to teach Christian beliefs, reveal the presence of God and pay tribute to our country's history and values.

From west to east of the cathedral is the story of redemption through faith.
The story of creation is reflected beginning at the west facade and west rose window, and this theme continues through clerestory windows, and ends with the sculpture of "Christ in Majesty" at the high altar.

The Pilgrim Observation Gallery can be accessible through elevators up for views over the city. Stairs lead down to the Cathedral store at the lower level. You can avail some food service at the store but limited.

Washington National Cathedral - (The Visit)

May 21, 2010

It was a good thought after all to plan for this itinerary visit after I was done with my paper works submission at the Philippine embassy in Washington D.C.

The cathedral is just 5 minutes away from where I was, so it wasn't bad.

This church opens its doors to thousands of visitors and worshippers every year, mainly because of the cathedral's awesome architecture and arts. It's a church for national purposes that welcomes people of all faiths.

I was captivated by its huge architectural design both in and out. The audio tour was great!

If you don't want to miss every detail of information about the cathedral, - the audio tour is the best option. You'll learn every aspect about the cathedral :).
The audio tour is self-paced and costs $5.00 per person. It's only available when there are no special events or services that are taking place inside the main area.

Oh, and one more thing to be aware of...DON'T take photos when mass or worship service is being held. Otherwise, you can take photos on everywhere around the church. Just be sure you have a fully-charged camera.

I will be sharing a separate post on the cathedral which might be of two parts, so I can actually discuss the vast areas including its famous inspirational arts and architecture ;).

Sarah Geronimo's Concert @ Lisner Auditorium,Washington DC

November 11, 2006 - The George Washington University, Lisner Auditorium, Washington DC

This was one of my early birthday gift from hubby. He knew I admire Sarah's voice so much and had watched her TV soap movies almost every day. So,he bought tickets for us to watch her concert show this day. This was my first time to watch a local singer from the Philippines like really seeing her in person :).

Anyway, we were late in locating the place using our map quest but wasn't too bad.

Anyway, here are some photos of Sarah's concert. Most photos are dark due to the dim lighting but better than nothing at all,LOL!

Me, watching...

Me with Sarah at the background

                                               hanging out with a hippo on the loose LOL!

Me and hubby

Washington DC Trip and Tours

October 28, 2006
Our trip going to our exact destination was at least 1 hour and 10 minutes. It was a 45-minute drive from home to Wheaton Station. From there, we boarded the Metro train going to DC for 25 minutes. Smart idea coz hubby didn't need to drive longer. We got off at Union Station.

We got tickets for DC trolley tour, so the place for their pick up zone was in front of Union Station. Supposedly, this should be our full tour to see the entire DC tourist destinations, but we decided to get a tour inside the Capitol building and we got a 2:30pm batch,so we couldn't leave further.

There were some photos of a bunch of squirrels which I took in front of the US Capitol. They look cute,so I took photos.

National Botanical Garden was close by, so we did a quick visit there as well.