Tuesday, November 9, 2010

Tuesday 11/9







Wow! Okay, listen to this...one of our moms has been wearing a pedometer, and can you believe since we arrived in DC yesterday at noon, we've walked 16 miles? For as fast as the pace has been on this trip, we've had a remarkably "relaxing" time! Today we started off the morning bright and early at 7:00 a.m. We went to the White House for a really picturesque photo op. We then headed to the Supreme Court building. Court was in session so unfortunately, we couldn't go in; however, merely sitting out front and learning about the building from our tour guides, was fascinating. We then headed to the Capitol Building where we learned NUMEROUS things about Congress. (Did you know, for example, that each of the fifty states is allowed two bronze or marble statues of figures of their choosing that represent the state? Texas selected General Sam Houstin and Stephen F. Austin.) After an incredibly interesting tour, we walked over to the Library of Congress where we saw the Gutenberg Bible among many other neat exhibits. After a relaxing lunch, we visited the National Archives where students were mesmerized to see the Declaration of Independence and the U.S. Constitution. The GORGEOUS autumn weather tempted many to want to play on the lawn on the mall; however, the Smithsonian Air and Space and Natural History museums tempted us more. Did you know that Chuck Yeager refused compensation for flying the Bell X-1? Another test pilot employed by the company explained he would do it but wanted monetary compensation. Yeager said that as a military pilot who served his country, it was his duty and refused to be paid. As a result, we know Yeager's name as the first to break the speed of sound; the other pilot...what was his name? :) Being humble is most definitely a rewarding virtue. The evening concluded with a relaxing, homestyle meal and then tours of the FDR and Jeffersoun memorials. Tomorrow we head south to Virginia where we'll see Michie's Tavern, Monticello, and St. John's Church. We'll put up for the evening in Williamsburg. Please continue to pray for our group and feel free to leave comments on any of the posts -- until tomorrow!

1 comment:

  1. Hola to all of my past, present, and future estudiantes! It sounds like y'all are having a great time while LEARNING! :-D I can't wait to hear all the details from all my present students on Monday. I'm praying for y'all! Enjoy the last half of the trip!

    Adios!
    Srta Jacobs

    ReplyDelete