I had a fantastic Day 1 in DC, as spring arrived. Walking in DC was splendid:
The weather forecast for Day 2 however, was least amazing, so I conveniently planned to stay indoors - visiting the Capitol.
The visitor center was really informative, with helpful and friendly staffs
There were many delightful tours - A full day wasn't sufficient
Chief Washakie (left) and Freedom, who stands on top of the Capitol (right)
I think it is important to acknowledge that the Red Indians (which is kind of wrongly named, as Columbus thought he found India) once occupied what is today's America. The crimes and brutality they faced was harrowing.
You can read more about Chief Washakie's Wiki:
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Washakie
When I was in Niagara Falls, I learned about the Seneca Nation, an autonomous government of Indians. They ran casinos, and are not subjected to taxation:
https://weesertan.blogspot.com/2019/06/travelling-america-niagara-falls.html
I don't know about you, but I saw some similarities with the Louvre in Paris
Maybe the main hall was located underground, and the glass ceiling was symmetrical.
The dome - Rotunda was as impressive as those you find in the churches in Europe - Of course, George Washington was the main character up above
The story of the new world
The Rotunda
I am currently reading Dan Brown's Digital Fortress, and this was where the action happened. Dan Brown's novels never fail to mesmerize.
I joined the 1pm "Freedom People Tour", where we were told stories and explained the struggles of Abolisionist (of slavery) and Suffragist (for women to vote). While everyone votes nowadays (taking for granted), it was only in 1920 when women were given full rights to vote in America and 1928 in the UK. This did not come easy.
We then visited the Old Senate Room, a very very important room once upon a time.
For half a century, this was the most important room
Guides and stories being told
I actually haven't entered the Parliament of Malaysia - Went outside the gates though
Other parliaments I entered were the Scottish (Edinburgh) and EU (Brussels). I think governments need to set an example for the people. The flaw about democracy, besides the gerrymandering, is that a populist/right wing regime would pop-up once awhile. Still, it's still better than an autocratic state.
From the Old Senate Room, I went to the 'current' Senate Room to attend a sitting
The subject of debate today was on Equal Pay Law for women. Suddenly, out from no where, another representative discussed about Free Trade Agreement with the UK. Interesting discussions though. Why would US sign a deal with UK and alienate the EU?
Today, US has slapped trade tariffs against almost everyone, including the EU, Canada and Mexico.
I would be one of the last to walk out of the Capitol at 4.30pm, as it close. I was exhausted.
On the way back, I passed by DC's Chinatown. I think you'll find a Chinatown in every major city that trades.
I suppose any Chinese (or descendants) would not like to admit, but behind every successful business/person, lies determination, hardship and discrimination
I suppose the more hardship you endure, the stronger you become
Had noodle soup for dinner - It was still winter, so nothing beats a hot meal
~~~
Day 3's weather turned out to be perfect. The first stop was Ford's Theater on 10th Street.
To learn more about Abraham Lincoln (12 Feb 1809 - 15 April 1865)
Pretty much a top attraction
Lincoln was the 1st Republican President (16th overall), abolished slavery, kept the Union intact, and just won his second term of office. On the fateful night on 14th April 1865, he was shot by John Booth, a Confederate-sympathizer.
The weapon - Thankfully, guns are banned around the world
It became a global tragedy
Ford Theater, which was reconstructed and preserved
Panic, distress and chaos reigned in. Lincoln was helped out the theater to the opposite Petersen House. By that time, Lincoln was already unconscious.
Walking inside the room, I could still feel the gloom and sadness
Across the street, books in the Lincoln Museum
Mexican food has got plenty of rice - I can't eat fast food everyday
Standing on Pennsylvania Avenue - A very very long road cutting through the Capitol
Another top destination is the National Archives Building. The jewel on the crown is the original copy of Declaration of Independence and the Constitution.
No photos were allowed, but both the Declaration of Independence and the Constitution were massive, treasure-like wallpapers. Article 1 of the Constitution was like 2 pages long.
From Wikipedia:
Article One of the United States Constitution establishes the legislative branch of the federal government, the United States Congress. Under Article One, Congress is a bicameral legislature consisting of the House of Representatives and the Senate. Article One grants Congress various enumerated powers and the ability to pass laws "necessary and proper" to carry out those powers. Article One also establishes the procedures for passing a bill and places various limits on the powers of Congress and the states.
It felt like 1776
I then somehow found myself inside the National Gallery of Art. I am first to admit to be hopeless at art. My handwriting only improved when I entered college. But throughout the years, I have learned to appreciate art, and to imagine and emulate the strokes of the painter or craftsman. Try visiting Taj Mahal, and you'll improve your artistic sense.
In fact, it was only in Amsterdam that I learned how to pronounce Van Gogh (Van Hogh)
You need to look at the painting in detail patiently - Every stroke of the brush had a role
Monet's Parliament in London
I left the Gallery at around 4.30pm, and went back for a rest. It was another tiring day for the legs. Galleries and museums require strong leg muscles and eyes that could concentrate.
I bought NBA tickets for the night - Washington Wizards vs Chicago Bulls at Capital One Arena, the indoor stadium. I grew up knowing NBA through Michael Jordan of Chicago Bulls, but I was aware that the team isn't what it was nowadays. Still, I looked forward to the game.
~~~
Up next, my final post on America:
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