Our shuttle ride was about 10 minutes, about 10 minutes to get our tickets and get to the loading platform, an 8 minute wait for the subway, and 15 minutes on the subway. When we emerged from the subway station we were in the heart of Washington DC near the Capital Mall.
We first went to the Washington Monument. Were not able to go to the top as they are doing elevator repairs. Walked from there to the beginning of the reflecting pool. There we found the WW II Memorial which we explored. Walked along the reflecting pool to the Lincoln Memorial - very inspiring. The Korean War Memorial was on one side. It was a nice memorial. So thankful we looked at our map or we would have missed the Vietnam Memorial. So different but so moving and personal.
Next we walked by the Constitution Gardens and as close as we could to the White House and took some pictures. No doubt there are closer points to view the White House, but since we had not received an invitation for coffee we didn't investigate further.
Next was the Holocaust Museum. I don't believe there could be a better presentation of what the holocaust was, the history of anti Semitism, and the rise of Nazism. The reality that it was more than just Jews that were involved was presented. The displays showed: 1) how life was before Nazism, 2) how life and people changed, 3) ghettos, 4) those that helped smuggled people out, 5) the resistance forces, 6) the death camps and their operation, 7) the brutality, and finally, 8) the liberation.
Actually after liberation there was the dealing with the trauma. There was an area where stories of survivors were told. Oh, what they had to do and endure. It is hard to imagine that anyone could say that this did not happen. We both saw some similarities between the time around 1939 Germany and 2016 America . It is scary. If you're not sure why let us know and we can talk.
It was early afternoon and we were hungry so decided to go to a little cafe next to the museum. The cafe was no different than any building we entered; guards wanded each of us after emptying our pockets and our fanny pack and purse run through an X-ray machine.
Now that we were refreshed we walked to the Jefferson Memorial which was very inspiring. After seeing it we had to wonder how anyone would think that America was not founded on biblical principles.
Walked to the National Mall, took pictures of the Capitol and explored the Museum of American History. The way the Smithsonian put this museum together made it easy to comprehend and enjoy. There wasn’t information overload.
By now our legs are tired and our brains full from so much stimulus. Walked the short distance to the Metro station. Our train arrived just 4 minutes later. When we arrived at our station we had a nice dinner and debriefed from the day. Had to wait about 20 minutes for our shuttle but it was warm with little wind.
There was so much that we didn't see that we don't even want to think about it. Going into this adventure we knew that there was no way we going to be able to see every thing, so rather than trying to see everything, we are focusing on that which we did see and do.
Very full, pleasant day.
Washington Monument
Reflection Pool and Lincoln Memorial