Photographs are framed memories and the photographer in me has made me travel to different parts of the world. I had the trip of my life, when I got to visit Washington D.C. This was back in 2016, during my graduation days in the US, that I decided to explore the country in whatever way I could. So I decided for a one day trip to D.C. Washington D.C. is one of the most visited cities in the world and an important world capital. Named after George Washington, the first President of the US, the city is located on the Potomac River.
So, I stared off from Indiana, a place in Western Pennsylvania on a very cold morning. Boarding the bus at 5 am, I had to travel for almost 6 hours by bus, travelling through the states of Maryland and West Virginia to reach Washington D.C. It was a great ride, as the fall was setting in and the beauty of leaves during the fall was a sight to witness and absolutely a visual treat to the eyes. After hours of journey, I reached my first destination, the Lincoln Memorial. Being a great admirer of Abraham Lincoln, it was indeed a great moment in my life having got to visit this place. “Nearly all men can stand adversity, but if you want to test a man’s character, give him power” is one of my favourite quotes of Abraham Lincoln
The memorial has been the site of many famous speeches, including Martin Luther King Jr.’s “I Have a Dream” speech, delivered on August 28, 1963, during the rally at the end of the March on Washington. The Memorial is considered a sacred and symbolic venue especially for the American Civil Rights Movement, were they marched for their freedom and jobs.
Right in front of the Lincoln Memorial is the Washington monument, which is an obelisk that stands at the National Mall in Washington D.C., built in memory of George Washington. It is located to the east of the Reflecting Pool and the Washington Monument. The monument is world’s tallest obelisk.
The next important spot close to it is the World War II Memorial, It consists of 56 pillars that surrounds a fountain and is surrounded at the eastern end of the Reflecting pool and sits on the National Mall in Washington D.C.
As we head towards the eastern end of the National Mall, we come across the United States Capitol or the Capitol Court Building which has seat of legislative branch of the U.S. Federal Government.
You will come across an addition to the Capitol, i.e. the Capitol Visitor Center, an additional space for U.S. Congress which also serves up to 4000 visitors at a time. Everyone gets a guided tour of the Capitol Visitor Center. This includes visiting the Crypt, the Rotunda and the National Statuary Hall. Advance reservations are highly recommended, as you would be accompanied by the guide as per your reservation time. To visit the Senate and House Gallery, one needs a separate pass. As we enter the building, we first reach the Emancipation Hall, which is the main hall of the building. It displays the Statue of Freedom, including the 24 statues of the National Statuary Hall Collection.
After the visit of the Capitol, there were two other major places I wanted to visit; it was The White House and the Martin Luther King Jr. Memorial. I just turned on the Maps and started walking towards these historical places. On the way, I came across a lot of other historical places that belong to American history.
Finally, I reached 1600 Pennsylvania Avenue NW. That’s where the President of The United States lived. Unfortunately, there was a sudden lockdown in that area and due to security reasons the Secret Service didn’t let the tourists near the fence of The White House, where normally people are allowed to stand and click snaps. We had to stand a little away, keeping a safe distance; else we would invite trouble for sure.
Then I headed towards my final destination i.e. Martin Luther King Jr. Memorial. He was one of my favourites as he was somebody who fought for the rights of the Black Community.
Just when I thought my trip was getting over, I figured out that President Roosevelt’s memorial was right opposite of MLK Jr. Memorial. I didn’t wait a second and headed towards it and was obviously the last destination for the day.
Travelling is my passion and will always be. I have been fortunate enough to have checked many places on my bucket list. Travelling has certainly taught me to see life from a different perspective and also look at the endless possibilities our life has to offer. Well, if you are going through a lot in your life, take a break and travel and experience life changing experiences. So, watcha waiting for? Pack your rucksacks and explore!!!!!!!
