Visiting DC's landmarks...

... with approximately another million tourist who seemed to have the same idea. Lucky enough there are plenty of landmarks in DC so you don't run into too many of them at a time ;-) On the right you can see the other side of the White House which isn't that impressive at all. What you can't see are the protesters behind me who have build two permanent tents on the opposite of the White House protesting for an end of the Iraq war. Accompanied by several policemen who seemed to be permanently there too.

Even though I didn't make it into the White House, I got the chance to see the Capitol from the inside. Like every govermental building or museum security is very tight with metal detectors everywhere. You are even not allowed to take water with you in the building which is quite strange I think. What do they think I am doing with a water bottle in there? Dissolving the marble? Oh well... better being safe then sorry I guess ;-)

The only 'skyscraper' in Washington DC is the Washington Monument. 555 feet (170 meter) tall it offers a very nice view over the national mall. Unfortunately you have to be very very early there just to get any ticket. The ticket booth is opening at 8.30 in the morning but according to one of the rangers there you have to arrive before 7.30 to make sure you are getting any ticket. Well... that is obviously the downside when everything is for free I guess ;-)