TOUR OF THE WHITE HOUSE

Shannon in Lafayette Square
 near the White House

No pictures on the inside for this one because cameras are forbidden on the White House tour. Security is very strict with Secret Service agents all over the place, multiple ID checks, and screenings for contraband. I wish I could have snapped a few shots to share but I understand why cameras are forbidden.

The north side of the White House

The White House is a grand mansion with a vast collection of art, furniture, and  presidential relics. The rooms we saw were beautifully decorated. Of course, we couldn't go to the upper level where the president and his family live. Still, we enjoyed seeing the parts that are open to the public. The gardens and lawns surrounding the White House were also quite beautiful.

The Washington Monument

The only thing we didn't enjoy was the walk to and from the Metro station in temperatures that continue to top 100 degrees. The weather forecasts show the temperatures will finally drop down to 84 degrees on Monday -- the day we leave here. Wonderful.

While walking around the "Federal Triangle" area of Washington DC, we caught a few glimpses of the Washington Monument, the U.S. Treasury Building (with its statues honoring Alexander Hamilton and Albert Gallatin), and the Wilson Building (formerly known as the District Building) which houses the offices of the Mayor and Council of the District of Columbia.

Taking a break from the heat on
the steps of the Wilson Building

Tonight we have a minor league baseball game in Bowie, Maryland. We're relaxing in our air conditioned hotel room for a spell after nearly melting in the streets of Washington.