The U.S. Capitol

Tuesday of our trip (May 8) continued with perfect weather as we spent a full day along the Capitol Hill area of the beautiful National Mall.

Our day started with a visit to the rotunda area of the Library of Congress.

There we ran into former U.S. Senator Phil Gramm of Texas. Senator Gramm grew up in Georgia and attended UGA, so we had a nice chat. He also graciously posed for pictures in what he called "the most beautiful room in America." He was a really nice man.

After leaving the LOC, we strolled up 1st Street (and this really is "1st Street") for a picture at the Supreme Court, then walked over to the Russell Senate Building and got our U.S. Capitol tour passes from Senator Johnny Isakson's office (they were very helpful and friendly). At the Capitol, we visited both the Senate and House galleries (no pictures allowed) and heard Sen. Lamar Alexander (TN) and Charles Grassley (IA) speak. The House was not meeting that afternoon.

We finished the day with a stop at the new Native American museum and a walk through the U.S. Botanical Gardens.

Another memorable day in Washington D.C. ... hope you like the pictures (click on any to enlarge).

Coming next ... a drive to George Washington's home - Mount Vernon.








Pictures of the "most beautiful room in America" accordin to the distinguished gentleman from Texas (pictured below)


The honorable Senator Phil Gramm (he's the one in the suit!)



U.S. Supreme Court building (above)
The U.S. Capitol is massive with impressive ceilings, statues, etc ... busy but open ... it was a lot of fun to tour.










The two gardeners above really enjoyed the Botanical Gardens ... I did too.





Next time ... Mount Vernon!