Statues, Lincoln, First Ladies Oh My!

Today was D.C. day. The City of the Vast Republic was pretty interesting and I viewed it quite differently than I did when my family visited during a Volkswalking convention back in the aughts. Here are a few observations and sightings I had:

Madame President for real!

1. During the two meetings, one with Senator Wyden's staff and one with Senator Merkley's staff, we got to check out some pretty sweet Oregon art. The offices were both decorated very tastefully but still with some Northwest personality. Merkley's was even sporting a medium-sized Duck cutout. 

The stained glass was made by one of Senator Wyden's former staffers. 

2. Going to the Capitol Building was an excellent excursion prior to being a youth ambassador for America. From the intensely patriotic, melodramatically scored 15-minute video to the impressive history, it definitely made me both prouder and more educated about my government. I could've walked around the building for a good few hours just looking at all the artwork and details. Too bad the tour was about 45 minutes long (including the video). 

A painting in the rotunda featuring Pocahontas, aka Rebecca, getting baptized.

3. I got to see the First Ladies' outfits while in the National Museum of American History! I especially enjoyed Michelle Obama's Inaugural Ball gown and Grace Coolidge's flapper dress. Also at the museum we got to check out the original star-spangled banner that inspired the National Anthem. I definitely was missing my German class buddies when I saw it and got the urge to start singing...

Now where's the First Gent when you need him?

4. There are a million statues in the Capitol City. On the street, in parks, in restaurants, museums, the bathroom-- you simply can't escape the marble, iron, and whatever else cast figures. It's fitting of the city, but it gave me a sort of Disneyland feel. The aesthetic of the Capitol Mall area is almost too polished. It feels a bit fake in a way. It might also be because of the large pedestrian areas, which are nice, and the overflow of tourists. Oh, and of course, hundreds of American flags are waving all over the place.

Good ol' Abey looks a little drowsy.

D.C. was a great experience, but tomorrow is like the day before Christmas. We leave at 5:15pm on a red-eye landing in Frankfurt in the morning. Then I travel via train to Aachen and will meet my host family!! Wie spannend! But for now, nighty night Washington.