Fun and Interesting Facts

Today was absolutely awesome. Our Capitol tour was scheduled for 10 am. Because of traffic, we were about 10 minutes late actually getting there. ( It takes us almost 2 hours to travel - 45 min by car then board metro into DC ). When we got to the Capitol, our name was not on the tour list, so we had to head to Terry Everett's office to see what was going on. Much to our surprise when we arrived, was one of Everett's staff waiting to take us on the tour. I didn't realize that by scheduling through their office, that they would actually take us. It was so neat ! We were able to take the underground tunnel that the Congress and staff use to access the Capitol ! Our guide was a very sweet Alabama girl. She told us all kinds of tidbits of info that was especially interesting. A couple of our favorites were:

• In the "Signing of the Declaration of Independence" painting on the rotunda wall, Thomas Jefferson is stepping on John Quincey Adam's foot. Jefferson paid the painter $50 to add that detail, because he and Adams had an ongoing friendly rivalry. (See photos)
• In the Statutory Hall of the Capitol, (formerly where congressman actually worked before the wings were added), there were markers where some of the desk actually sat. John Quincey Adam's desk is marked. It is known as the "Whispering Spot". Adams served in Congress (after his Presidential tour), he would put his head down on his desk. Many believe he was old and senile, but he learned that if he put his head down he could hear the conversations going on across the room by other Congress members. Our guide said we could try it out. We stood at Adam's spot and she went across the room, bent over and whispered "If you are from Alabama, raise your hand." We could hear it! It was so neat!

The Rotunda was absolutely beautiful! The paintings were breathtaking. We got to go to the House of Rep Chambers (cameras weren't allowed).I am so glad that we got the staff led tour. A Capitol Visitor Center is being consturcted, and our guide said that they may not allow any more staff led tours after it is open.

When we completed our tour, we ate lunch in the cafeteria in one of the House of Representatives buildings. We then went over to the Library of Congress building, where we looked around briefly and headed for the Supreme Court Building. We got to go in and sit in the Supreme Court and have a tour guide explain everything to us. That was very interesting! A fun fact we learned there:

• The Supreme Court is not the highest court as thought by most, because there is a full size basketball court directly above the Supreme Court ! (thus making it higher than the Supreme Court). The guide said that most people want to know if the Supreme Court Justices play basketball there. His answer was "No, they just sit on the bench" :) Had to find some humor I guess!

We finished off the day at the Smithsonian Air & Space Museum. Hayden enjoyed a flight simulator ride and an I-Max 3-D Movie.

We are exceptionally tired and my calves hurt worse than the day after my kickboxing class! However, it is worth every step! Well, better go rest up for tomorrow.

Check out our pictures!