The next morning we had to wake up super early, around 7:00 pm. My group quickly got ready and headed out to eat breakfast. Our first stop of the day was the White House and the Capitol. We headed over to the White House and took many pictures. Sadly we weren’t able to go inside, but it was still really cool! Then, we went to the Supreme Court, I never knew these buildings were this huge, and then again we took lots and lots of pictures. After all the photo-ops we finally went to the Capitol. The building is made out of marble with a dome as the centerpiece. The dome has an incredible painting inspired by Greek Art. The building is divided into two parts – the House of Representatives and the Senate. Each of these chambers has its own set of galleries for visitors to view.
One of the most popular places inside the Capitol is the Rotunda. It’s filled with paintings and sculptures honoring important figures in American History. There is also the National Statuary Hall and the Crypt. The National Statuary Hall features statues of famous Americans, while the Crypt is located beneath the Rotunda and is the final resting place of George Washington. Throughout our tour of the Capitol, we had a tour guide who accompanied us and taught us all the details. We wore headphones that were connected to her mic so we could hear better, it was a very memorable encounter.
Our next stop was The Holocaust Museum. This was one of the most heartbreaking places I have ever been to, but it truly opened my eyes about how evil the world can be, and how we have to evolve as a better world. This museum had a profound impact on me and helped me learn about the history of the Holocaust and the devastating impact it had on millions of people. It was very powerful, as the museum had videos, pictures, and even the wall of shoes. All of this was an insight into how the Holocaust truly was. The museum is in chronological order reiterating the evil and masterful plan of Hitler. It takes visitors through the events that led to the Holocaust, including the liberation of the concentration camps. The exhibit utilizes a range of tools to realistically depict the atrocity with a range of multimedia tools, including photographs, videos, and personal accounts from survivors and witnesses of the Holocaust. One of the most impactful exhibits was the Hall of Remembrance. It is a somber and solemn space that is dedicated to honoring the victims of the Holocaust. There are candles available for visitors to light, and reflect on such dark times. The museum was a very emotional experience that served as an essential reminder of how such brutality can stem when hatred, intolerance, and prejudice happen and are not resolved.
Our next was the National Museum of Natural History an institution that shows the fascinating diversity of our earth. The museum displays a wide range of exhibits that cover geology, ecology, biodiversity, and anthropology. One of the most seen exhibits is the Hall of Mammals. They feature a showcase of over 200 mammals from around the world, They have an incredible variety of all species types. The exhibition is organized by habitats. Another exhibit is the Hall of Human Origins, which explores the evolution of the human species, they feature a multitude of artifacts that give more insight into the different stages of human development. One of my favorites was the Butterfly Pavillion, it was a live exhibit where I was able to observe hundreds of butterflies from around the world in a tropical environment. It was a very immersive and must-see destination.
After this, we went to a nearby mall to eat dinner. We also had the chance to shop. I went to an Italian restaurant where I ate some mac and cheese. Me and my friends also later went to Forever 21 where I got a cropped hoodie and some comfy sweatpants.
The last stop was the Lincoln Memorial, Martin Luther King Jr. Memorial, and World War II Memorial. The Lincoln Memorial is a stunning monument in remembrance of our 16th president. The memorial is a larger-than-life statue of Lincoln seated thinking, there were also inscriptions of his many famous speeches. Martin Luther King Jr. is one of the newer additions to the National Mall. The monument is in commemoration of our honorable civil rights leader. They feature a 30-foot-tall statue of Dr. King, including inscriptions of his most popular quotes. This monument reminds us of the ongoing struggle against racism and prejudice. Next, the World War II memorial is a moving tribute to all the men and women who served and lost their lives in the time of the Second World War. The monument features 56 pillars, each representing a state and territory that contributed to the war effort. There is also a fountain and a plaza that includes bronze sculptures and inscriptions honoring the various branches of the military.
Sadly, we didn’t have enough time to see the Thomas Jefferson statue up close. Maybe next time!
After that exciting time, we returned to our hotel to rest for our final day in Washington D.C.
Read about Day-3 Washington DC Trip
