Washington D.C.

This is coming to you from the nation's Capital. There is so much to see here but the best spent time is in some of the 15 Smithsonian Institution Museums and Galleries. We particularly commend the American History (First Lady gowns exhibit was stunning, plus Julia Child's Kitchen), the Natural History (butterfly enclosure a delight plus the real Hope Diamond) and the Air and Space Museum. Today we toured the Capitol Building and Library of Congress - that has just the most beautiful ornate interior and holds the world's largest repository of knowledge and creativity. We viewed the White House albeit from a distance. Security here is so intense particularly leading up to 4th July celebrations, at every venue enduring airport style checks of bags and self complete with sniffer dogs. Weather has been in mid 30's somewhat exhausting at times. Also climbed the steps to Lincoln Memorial which looks down across the Reflecting Pool to Washington Monument, captured brilliantly (if we do say so ourselves) in attached photo. This scene is memorable from the 'Forrest Gump' movie.