Washington DC

We had an early start this morning as there is just so much to see. First stop was the serene and beautiful Arlington Cemetery. We wandered through the manicured gardens passed rows and rows of identical white headstones to the eternal flame that marks the grave of JFK, Jacquie and their two babies, one that was stillborn and another that died two days after birth. Arlington House which was the home of Robert E. Lee looks out over the cemetery. More info about the mansion can be found here.

Next stop was what is known as 'the big three' which includes the Lincoln, Korean War and Vietnam War memorials. The Korean War Memorial is simply stunning. It is hard to describe just how impressive it is. The way that the 19 soldiers are reflected in the granite wall that has thousands of faces etched into it is beautiful.

The Lincoln Memorial is imposing and sits at one end of the National Mall. Sixty steps lead you up to where Abraham Lincoln (POTUS No.16) sits watching over all before him. The words of his famous Gettysburg address adorn one of the walls. Lincoln was the president during the Civil War but unfortunately he was not able to enjoy his victory and the uniting of the states as he was assassinated a very short while after by a confederate sympathiser.

Next stop was the Vietnam War Memorial. The thing that really struck us was the number of veterans walking the wall, running their fingers over the names of fallen friends, all appearing quite emotional.

We climbed back onto the bus for a short ride to the White House and then onto the Capital Building which is at the opposite end of the National Mall to the Lincoln Memorial. Washington is a beautiful and very interesting city with just so much to see that you probably need to stay here for a week in order to see it all.