Washington, DC 1990 (3)

Washington, DC 1990 (2)

Washington, DC 1990 (1)

Here's the first of a handful of photos from Washington, DC back in 1990 when I lived in the area. I remember taking these photos - a group of coworkers and I went down to the cherry blossoms during lunch hour.

Uncle Sam!

I don't remember the details behind this photo, but I took it in 1990 when I lived in the Washington DC area. I discovered it when going through some old scans. It wasn't in good shape but I cleaned it up the best I could.

DC - National Cathedral

In Washington DC is the National Cathedral, an impressive cathedral that could have come out of the old world. I had to use a very wide-angle lens to get most of these outside shots.

 Here are a couple of inside shots.

This famous stained glass window includes a piece of genuine moon rock.

It's definitely worth the effort to see for those who enjoy this sort of thing.

DC - Vietnam Memorial

The Vietnam Veterans Memorial is one of the more famous memorials in Washington DC. It includes a statue of three soldiers, who are looking towards the wall.

The famous wall contains the names of those missing and killed in the war. The sheer number of names is overpowering, and it's very sobering to remember that each of these names was a real person, with family, and hopes and dreams like all of us. These aren't statistics, and I can't think of a memorial that more powerfully brings home the impact of war.

Immediately after this last picture, the skies opened up with a heavy DC storm and we got out of the rain as quickly as we could.

Again, it's impossible to properly thank all those who have served their country, and especially those who gave the ultimate sacrifice.

DC - Natural History Museum

The Natural History Museum in Washington DC is spectacular for those interested in these things, with plenty of dinosaurs.

There are also displays from other countries, such as this one.

Here is the Hope Diamond.

And they even have meteorites.

This is one of the must-visit museums in DC.

DC - Lincoln Memorial

Here are some pictures of the Lincoln Memorial in Washington DC, from our summer vacation.

This one is taken between the two rows of columns that form the entrance.

A couple of nighttime shots give the memorial a different feel.

There had been a re-dedication that day so there was still some fencing around, visible in this picture.

DC - Korean War Memorial

The Korean War Memorial consists of a wall with etched faces that appear to be looking out at the viewer.

Opposite the wall (and reflected in it) are statues of soldiers.

And there's a peaceful reflecting pool.

Many thanks to those who served in Korea.

DC - FDR Memorial

I've still got some pictures left from the DC trip earlier this year and I'll try to get them posted in the next few weeks. The Franklin Delano Roosevelt Memorial is a large, walk-around memorial with numerous fountains and themed areas representing different areas of his life. It's a little off the central area of the Mall but it's worth the small detour as it's a unique and memorable monument to a remarkable man.

DC - Jefferson Memorial

After visiting the Washington Monument, we walked around to many of the other memorials on or near the National Mall. The Jefferson Memorial feels very substantial, an appropriate memorial for a remarkable man.

Inside is a huge statue under a domed roof.

And four famous quotations are inscribed on the walls - here's one that any American should recognize.

DC - Washington Monument

Back to our Washington DC trip, one of the highlights was the Washington Monument, in the middle of the mall. It's 555 feet tall, and offers the best views in the city.

Here's a view of the Monument from the Lincoln Memorial.

We were lucky enough to go to the top during the daytime - you need to get tickets (which are free but normally get taken very early in the day), and there were some available when we got there shortly before noon. At the top are several small windows, which are not completely clear, explaining why the next few shots are a little blurred.

Here's a view of the Ellipse and the White House from the top of the Monument.

Here's the Capitol building.

Here's a view looking towards the Lincoln Memorial, with the World War II Memorial in the foreground.

Here's a view inside the top of the Monument - as you can see, there's not a lot of space. The central area (on the left in this picture) is taken up by the elevator.

In the elevator on the way down, you get a chance to see through the glass walls into the interior, where there are several stones gifted by various states and cities. Here's the one from the City of New York.

This is one of the must-do things in DC, and it's well worth the effort to get the tickets and come back at your appointed time.

DC - National Aquarium

One morning we spent a few minutes at the National Aquarium, just off the National Mall. This isn't to be confused with the much better aquarium in Baltimore - the one in DC is small, and is one of the few attractions near the Mall to charge money. Considering the quality of all the other attractions, we thought it was a disappointment. But nevertheless, here are a few pictures.

A crocodile (or alligator, I don't remember which).

A couple of fish.

And a turtle.

DC - National Gallery of Art

The National Gallery of Art has many classic statues and paintings. I don't pretend to be knowledgeable about artwork but I still find it very impressive in real life. Here's Auguste Rodin's The Thinker, something that may be familiar to viewers of a certain recent movie.

I don't recall the name of this painting but I think it was by Rembrandt.

Here's the famous painting by Claude Monet, The Houses of Parliament, Sunset.

And another Monet, The Banks of the Seine, Vétheuil.

Vincent van Gogh, The Orchard.

I find paintings like these far more impressive in person than any picture can ever express.