The White House

This morning we caught the Metro and walked down to the White House.  We forgot to take our invitations so could not go in for morning tea.  There was a heavy security presence.  We even spoke to a secret service agent (he was wearing a badge labeled "Secret Service" so it wasn't really a secret).

It is an iconic landmark that attracts locals as well as tourists.  In the park opposite, there were peace protesters and on the adjacent road were a variety of people giving President Obama advice from the Bible, economic advice etc.

Nearby we visited the Renwick Gallery with its most unusual quirky items including a mahogany grandfather clock which appeared to be covered with a soft cream cloth tied with a cord.  The guard /  guide on the room told us that for her first 2 months, she thought that indeed this was the case but it is actually made from one piece of timber and is meant to look just like that !

Later we spent 3 hours in the Museum of American History, had a follow up visit to the Natural History Museum to check up on the Hope Diamond and visited the Smithsonian Castle.

We also looked at the Sackler and Freer Galleries for their Asian Art and spent the last half hour before closing visiting the National Gallery of Art to check out the American Impressionists, the small French paintings and the costumes from the Ballet Russe.

Another very full on day followed by a delightful meal in Dupont Circle.

We fly to Boston in the morning.