D.C

I am so sorry that it has taken me so long to write, I just haven't had time.
But here is my trip in a very condensed version.

We left on Tuesday morning and flew direct to the Reagan Ntl. Airport. We settled into our hotel, and then went to the Iwo Jima memorial. That was way cool, especially at night. You could see the Washington Monument and the Capitol building from there too. We then went to China town for dinner and Fuddruckers. It was so good! But I think because I didn't eat all day and then ate a ton, I got sick. But I felt better after eating a granola bar the next morning. Then Wednesday morning we went to Arlington National Cemetery. It was pouring and that is where I got to put a wreath on the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier. That was one of the coolest experiences ever. It was such an honor to go onto the plaza and pay tribute to those who have died protecting me. After that we went to lunch and then to the Smithsonian. We went to the American History museum and to the Natural History museum. In the American museum they have the original flag that Francis Scott Key wrote the 'Star-Spangled Banner' for.  And in the Natural History we saw the Hope diamond. My poor friend got sick and was not able to go to the Natural history museum. We then went to chinese food for dinner and then back to the hotel.

Thursday we went to the Library of Congress and took a tour of the Capitol building. That was probably one of my favorites. We then went to lunch at Union Station and then to the Holocaust Museum. That was one interesting place. I have never felt so sad, interested and amazed all at the same time in my life! After that we ate pizza at the hotel. We then asked our teacher, Mr. Miner, some questions and a bunch of us talked with him for about 2 hours. It was very informative, and fun.

Friday we headed up to Gettysburg, Pennsylvania. On the way we stopped at the FDR memorial and then drove to the Udvar-Hazy Air and Space Museum. Those were pretty cool. Gettysburg was fascinating. We had a tour guide come on the bus with us and explain to us about what happened there. We spent the rest of the day there. On the way home we made a quick stop to the Jefferson Monument, and it was super pretty at night.

Saturday was the day at the mall. Not a shopping mall, but the Lincoln memorial, WWII Monument, Korean and Vietnam memorials and the Washington Monument. That was way cool. Saturday morning before we did all of that, we went to Ford's theatre where Abraham Lincoln was shot, and then to the Newseum. The Newseum is a large building with information on media and how the press has evolved. That was another favorite of mine. Then we went to lunch and then to the mall.

Sunday was our last day there. We started it off by going to the National Police monument. Mr. Miner's brother-in-law had been a police officer and had been killed. He got pretty emotional and it was a very special place for him. We then went to Mt. Vernon. This is George Washington's estate. That was amazing. After that, we came home.

I forgot to mention. If you have ever seen the t.v show, DC Cupcakes, we went there! haha

Anyways, I know that this is a long post, but it was so much fun, and I am going to live there one day! I hope you all enjoyed your Thanksgiving, and are starting to get ready for the Holidays.
love you all,

Rach