It was burning hot in the Capital of the United States of America: Washington D.C. - paying taxes without representation.
Amazingly all of the museums and sites at the National Mall were free to visit! We started our tour - of course - with the National Air and Space museum. After spending a couple of hours there - we were by far not finished yet - we realised we might want to have a look at all the other activities D.C. has to offer. We proceeded to the Capitol Hill, where maximum security measures were taken, no visit to the hill if you have bottled water or food in your back pack with absolutely no exceptions- we found out the hard way…

A little disappointed we walked all around Capitol Hill and made our way to the Constitution Avenue, the other side of the National Mall. We passed by the National Archives, National Gallery of Art - time was limited so sadly no visit here - and we took a welcome and refreshing break at the Garden of the National Gallery of Art, called the National Sculpture Garden. A little bit rested and cooled down, we went further to the National Museum of Natural History. This museum is BIG and has a lot of interesting themes to offer - from Mammals through the life in the ocean to diamonds and even Global Warming - we were hooked until closing time. Coming out of the museum, we caught a glimpse of the impressive Smithsonian Castle. We strolled along towards the Washington Monument, passing by the National Museum of American history and the National Museum of African American History and Culture.

Looking at the map of the National Mall we would have thought to be able to see the White House from here, but it is well hidden. We found our way all through the Ellips up to the fence in front of the White House, sadly there is not so much you can see from this side, and all of the fence is closely guarded. Part of me of me expected/hoped to see the President ‘chilling’ on his balcony, I guess I was dreaming a little bit here… On our way to the Lincoln Memorial, we enjoyed the Constitution Garden for a bit and visited the Vietnam Veterans Memorial, shrouded in a respectful silence.

We arrived just a little to late at the Lincoln Memorial to see the magnificent effect of the reflective pool in the sunset, but this did not prevent us from staring mesmerized at what was in front of us - next to dear old Lincoln in his chair, and I say this respectfully. Curiosity sent us around the back of the memorial where we had a beautiful view on the bridges crossing the Potomac River. One of the bridges led straight to the Arlington Cemetery. I have added some pictures of the sunset over Washington D.C. on our way to the metro station - it was without a doubt the most amazing view the city could give us that night.