In Philadelphia, the birthplace of America, it is necessary to visit the Independence Hall and Liberty Bell. (Remember National Treasure?) This was the place where the US Declaration of Indepencence was signed in 1776. Too bad the tour guide did not bring us to see the actual copy of the Declaration of Indepence that is on display somewhere in Philadephia or some other place.
-Independence Hall-
-The original Liberty Bell-
The current Liberty Bell that is hanging in the Independence Hall is a replicate cos the original one has 2 cracks on it due to the sounding of the bell for 3 hours in honour of George Washington's birthday. So to preserve the original bell they took it down.
-The Liberty Bell together with the Independence Hall-
During the short visit to Independence Hall and Liberty Bell, i met up with Kenny :)
But could only talk for a while cause shortly after, the tour group left for Washington D.C. But it was nice meeting up with him :):)
-The skyline of Philadelphia-
During the drive from Philadephia to Washington D.C, we stopover at a resting place to have lunch. Ate steak and cheese in a bun from Roy Rogers for lunch. :p again i forgot to take photos of the food i ate :p keep forgetting when there is delicious food in front of me..but this is what i ate.. plus vegetables that you would have to add yourself and you can add as much vege as you want.
After dunno how many hours of bus ride, we finally reached Washington D.C!
At Washington D.C, the capital of U.S.A, we visited the Lincoln Memorial, Jefferson Memorial, the White House, Washington Memorial and Capital Hill.
-Lincoln Memorial-
Built to honor Abraham Lincoln, the 16th President of the United States.
There are 36 columns, represent the 25 U.S States at the time of Lincoln's death, as well as the 11 seceded States, and their names were inscribed above each column. The names of the 48 states of the Union when the memorial was completed are carved on the exterior attic walls, and a later plaque commemorates the admission of Alaska and Hawaii in 1959.
-Jefferson Memorial-
This memorial was dedicated to Thomas Jefferson, the 3rd President of the United States.
He was the principal author of the Declaration of Independence and one of the influential founding fathers of USA.
-Capitol Hill-
-Washington Monument-
Constructed to commemorate George Washington, 1st President of the United States.
50 flags surround the base of the monument to represent the 50 states of United States.
Interesting point is that the base of the monument and its top is made from the same shade of stone but the middle part is of a darker colour of stone. (as in the first picture below) It is like that because after building the base of the monument, they ran out of funds and by the time they resume construction, they could not find back the same stone. They could only find back something darker. But, almost at the end of the construction of the monument, they found back the same shade of stone so they decided to use it for the top.
And the monument itself becomes darker or lighter with the reflection of the sun. (pictures below) Nice!
-The White House-
First picture taken from Jefferson Memorial
It is interesting to note that all the above attractions are actually in the following formation:
The Lincoln Memorial, Washington Memorial and Capitol Hill forms one straight line.
And the Jefferson Memorial and the White House forms one straight line.
-The Korean War Memorial-
-The Vietnam War Memorial-
The memorial was a V-shaped to symbolise 'Vietnam', and one side of the wall was facing Washington Monument and another wall facing Lincoln Memorial.
After visiting these sites, we proceeded to the National Air and Science Museum by the Smithsonian Institution. Saw Exhibits related to Apollo 11, and the Wright Brothers.
After that, we headed for dinner at this Chinese restaurant and then to hotel, Marriott Hunt Valley Inn.
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