When one door closes another opens! Little did we know that this saying will be true for us as well, when we had planned our USA tour in March 2016.
When we went to United States, we were too early for the Niagara rides. They were supposed to start in April and still it was March. So though we could see the falls, couldn't enjoy the famous rides on it.
But another spectacular natural event was waiting for us in Washington D.C. The officer at the information counter on the airport told us about it. It was Cherry Blossom festival. This was a pleasant surprise for us, as we were not knowing about these many Cherry Blossom trees in Washington D.C.
Washington D.C.
It is the capital of United States. Name of the city is given after first president of United States, Mr. George Washington. Though D.C. sounds like a time calculator like A.D. and B.C., it actually stands for district of Columbia.
For tourists like us, Washington is all about the National mall. All important memorials, museums, Tidal Basin(a manmade reservoir) lie in this area. This area is visited by millions of tourists every year.
Washington monument
This is this tapering tower like structure. When the design of the monument was being discussed in 1835, it was expected that the design of the monument should be unique and unparalleled. It should be the object of pride for the American people.
The structure stands true to all these expectations! Still it is the world's tallest obelisk. Over 500 ft height, the monument surely impresses the spectators.
The construction was going on for many years and you can see two types of stones used for the monument.
The topmost structure, the apex is made up of Aluminum. You will be surprised to know that Aluminum was as costly as silver at that time!
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| Washington Monument |
Lincoln Memorial
This memorial is visited by millions of people in an year. It is a well known site for some history making demonstrations and assemblies. It has appeared in many movies and web series as well as television shows.
It is built in Greek temple style architecture. Names of the states are inscribed inside the memorial. A huge statue of Lincoln is the prominent feature of the interior. In front of the memorial, a reflecting pool offers a beautiful view.
Abraham Lincoln was the 16th president of United States who held the office from 1861 -1865.
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| Lincoln Memorial |
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| Reflecting Pool - The step of 'I have a dream' speech. |
In this photo, you can see the words from the famous speech (1963) of Martin Luther King Jr. inscribed on the floor.
World War II Memorial
On the other side of reflecting pool is the World War II Memorial. In the memory of Americans who had served in the second world war, this memorial was erected. There are pillars representing all American states and two arches named as Pacific and Atlantic.
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| Pacific Arch, the pillars and the fountain |
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| Fountain with Lincoln memorial in the background. |
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| Pacific arch |
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| Second World War Memorial |
You can have a more clear idea of the memorial and see Lincoln Memorial on one side and Washington Monument on the other side, in this video. World War II memorial
The area of National mall has many important monuments, museums as I have said in the starting. The Capitol ground is also nearby. So you can surely see a convoy like this!
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| The convoy |
Martin Luther King Jr. Memorial
It is popularly known as MLK Memorial or King's memorial. This memorial is very special because a non president African American leader's memorial has been erected on or can say, near the national mall.
I need not have to tell who was MLK. Whole world knows him and honors him as a civil rights activist leader and was greatly influenced by Mahatma Gandhiji's non violence movement.
This monument is designed on a line from his famous speech, "I have a dream". The line was," out of the mountain of despair, a stone of hope."
The memorial is near to the tidal basin which is lined by Cherry blossom trees.
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| MLK Memorial |
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| Martin Luther king Jr. Memorial. |
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| Martin Luther king Jr. Memorial. |
Cherry blossoms were a gift given in 1910, from Tokyo City to Washington City. Though some individuals were importing Cherry blossom saplings from Japan since 19 the century, gift of 2000 saplings from Tokyo city, gave strength to the efforts of planting cherry blossoms in Washington.
Cherry blossoms were gifted as mark of growing friendship between Japan and United States. Though it could not avoid the enmity and hostility during second world war, the continuous planting of cherry blossoms has given a wonderful ambience to the Tidal Basin area in National mall.
Every year Cherry blossom festival is celebrated in Washington D.C., mostly at the end of March or in April. We were in this area from 24 to 26th March 2016 and could enjoy the blooming of Cherry blossoms.
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| FDR memorial |
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| Tidal Basin with Jefferson memorial in the background |
Thomas Jefferson Memorial
The beautiful white building which has provided a back drop for most of the cherry blossom photographs which you have seen above is the Thomas Jefferson Memorial.
He was the third president and principal author of the United States Declaration Of Independence.
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| Thomas Jefferson statue in the memorial |
FDR- Franklin Delano Roosevelt Memorial
Along the Cherry blossom walk near the Tidal Basin, this memorial is standing with stone, water, flowers and inscriptions in it.
The statue of Roosevelt, concealing his wheelchair under his robe is famous.
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| FDR Memorial |
The Capitol
One of the most important buildings in National mall is The Capitol. Located on the Capitol Hill, this is the meeting place of United states Congress. You can have the guided tour of the interior part of the building. This impressively remarkable building was originally built in 1800, though has been rebuilt a few times since then. The grand building is simple yet beautiful.
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White house
Now it's time to go to the White house. It is the official residence of President of United States since 1800. It has been renovated many times since then.
The building contains many wings. Part of the building, the West Wing is open for public tours. Of course you have to get the permission three months prior to your visit.
It's a short walk from the train stations. The road is beautiful with many murals and sculptures along it.
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| Lafayette Statue |
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| On the way to White House |
This is the demonstrator who is stationed in front of the White House since many years.
Not to miss in Washington is the Smithsonian institution area. This is largest museum complex in the world. If you like visiting museums, go for it. But even otherwise, I would surely recommend seeing at least 3-4 of the museums. National air and space museum, Natural history museum, National museum of African American art and culture, National gallery of art are the ones which you must see. There are many other wonderful museums in the area.
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| National Air and Space museum |
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| Space travel!! |
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| Smithsonian Institution Offices |
Travel in Washington D.C. is quite easy and cheap if you are ready to travel by public transport. You have to wear comfortable foot ware. The memorials and museums keep you on your feet all the time. If you are sightseeing in Washington for three or four days, it will make up for your monthly steps count!! But let me tell you, it's totally worth it! New york shows you the technological wonders but Washington D.C. steals your heart. Thousands of Cherry blossoms along the Tidal Basin, the open parks, huge memorials and tourists from all over the world is my impression of Washington. It's immemorable!
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