We hadn't visited Washington D.C. since 1976. Since I dearly love Washington, I convinced Bob to go - by bus for several reasons: it was very reasonable; we didn't have to deal with driving across the country or in Washington; and, we didn't have to worry about where we were going to park a car, which can be a definite problem in Washington.

We had arranged for lodging through the internet and stayed in an old brownstone within walking distance of The Mall. (At least according to the map it was within walking distance!) Blocks in Washington, however, are quite large, so although it was "possible" to walk to the Mall, it was a very long walk. After three days, we learned to use the subway or metro which is an excellent way to travel around the city. I also understand that taxis are an option.

We really enjoyed our visit and I could very easily go back again, especially since so many of the monuments and museums were closed or partially closed for restorations and renovations in preparation of July 4, 2000. One that I particularly missed seeing was the U.S. Botanic Garden.

Surprisingly, although it was only May, 2000, Washington D.C. had a real heat wave. Make sure that you have water along if you are doing a lot of walking.

About two months in advance of our departure, we contacted our State Senator for tickets for the White House Guided Tour, the Senate Chamber, and the FBI Tour. In addition to everything listed, we also toured the United States Holocaust Memorial Museum which is a museum you mustn't miss seeing. We also went to the National Archives to see our precious documents, the National Aquarium, saw the Vietnam Memorial, the National Gallery of Art, rode the bus through Georgetown and went to the Pentagon City Mall and the National Zoo. We also watched as the Star Spangled Banner which inspired our National Anthem was being meticulously repaired. Our stay in Washington lasted five days.

THE CAPITOL

The Capitol of the United States was having some repair work done during our visit but that did not prevent us from walking throughout the building looking at all of the famous statesmen and the beautiful artwork and visiting the House and Senate Chambers. We even ventured downstairs where, like the Congressmen, we took the tram which connects the House side and the Senate side of the Capitol building.

THE WHITE HOUSE

The White House where the President of the United States and his family live. The White House also contains the President's Oval Office and the offices of his entire staff. Pictures, of course, were not permitted.

MINIATURE WHITE HOUSE

The National Building Museum housed "A Tour of the Changing White House" - all in miniature which was created by John Zweifel. The exhibit was on display through September, 2000. This is an incredibly exact reproduction and gives the viewer a chance to see portions of the White House that are off limits to the touring public. The artwork and furnishings of our Nation's First Family were unbelievably reproduced in exacting detail.

THE SMITHSONIAN

The Smithsonian Castle is the main building of the Smithsonian Institution which consists of 16 museums and galleries and the National Zoo. The Smithsonian holds more than 140 million artifacts and specimens and is the world's largest museum complex.

NATIONAL AIR AND SPACE MUSEUM

Our first day in Washington D.C. happened to also be Space Day (5/4/00) at the National Air and Space Museum. We were thrilled that Senator and Astronaut John Glenn and Astronaut Sally Ride passed right in front of us on their way to the stage.

OLD POST OFFICE PAVILION

The Old Post Office Pavilion now houses a food court. We were lucky to catch the last ride to the tower which offered a view all around Washington similar to what we would have seen from the top of the Washington Monument which was regrettably closed for renovations.

KOREAN WAR VETERANS MEMORIAL

"Freedom Is Not Free" are the four words on the wall of the Korean War Veterans Memorial. These words reflect the feelings of the men and women who served not only in the Korean War but who fought to save our democratic way of live throughout our Nation's history.

U.S. MARINE CORPS WAR MEMORIAL

The U.S. Marine Corps War Memorial is based on a picture that was taken by Joe Rosenthal during the 1945 raising of the American Flag on Mount Suribachi on the Island of Iwo Jima during World War II in the Pacific.

IMPRESSION OF BUS TRAVEL: We left Lincoln, NE at 10a.m. and arrived in Washington late the next afternoon....literally late! After the trip, we can definitely advise that you NOT travel by bus. Of particular concern was changing buses in the middle of the night with long layovers. Bus travel has no reserved seating and, therefore, you have no guarantees that you will be able to board your next bus. Since it is first come, first served, you end up standing in line a long time in hopes that you get a seat. And, of course, the bus doesn?t arrive empty in most cases, so the continuing passengers get on first before you have any idea whether there is any available seating. Also, watch for the people who look like they are asleep across both seats. If you pass these seats up and continue toward the back, those seats that are not occupied just may be gone by the time you get back.

Another concern was the health of the other passengers on the buses. Many sounded like they were in the final stages of tuberculosis given their incessant coughing. We finally came to the conclusion that most were smokers' coughs because, not only couldn't the majority of people wait to get off at stops to smoke but many also caused us to be late because they didn't seem to be able to follow the bus driver's orders about re-boarding times. So much for bus travel.