The Washington National Cathedral was architecturally and theogically different to the Basilica of the Immaculate Conception. The Cathedral was built in the Gothic style, but in the 20th century. The architects decided to use the same building processes as they did 600 years ago in building the great Cathedrals in Europe. Stone was trucked into Washington and then stone masons carved and fitted each piece in situ. Buttresses, columns, gargoyles, wooden lacework...

The Basilica of the National Shrine of the Immaculate Conception is the largest Roman Catholic church in the United States and North America. Stunning art and architecture that rivals the great sanctuaries of Europe. Visited by over a million people annually it has become a place of pilgrimage. There are over 70 chapels and oratories. This Basilica is located within the picturesque grounds of the American Catholic University. We only had just over an hour at ...

Subways in Washington were a great way to get around. Efficient, reliable and safe we were able to criss cross the city today to see both the Basilica and the Cathedral, and make it back to the Mall. Costing $14 for a day ticket, we thought it was good value. Yesterday we gad caught a hop on hop off bus to reduce the number of kilometers we're walking each day, but still managed 15kms (I am wearing a pedometer). Today we thought training it woukd reduce the w...

The Museum of American History was fascinating - could have spent a day here but only a few hours were possible. This photo is of Dr H Nelson Jackson with his dog "Buds" who were the first to cross the USA in a car - it took them 63 days. Jackson picked up Buds in Idaho and because of the dust getting in Buds eyes, Jackson bought him some goggles! I thought this was a rather cute tale of a man and his faithful dog. Jackson donated to the museum his car and Bud...

Washington is spacious with wide well laid out streets that are flanked with impresive imperial statesman like buildings. The grandeur of Washington depicts its status as the capital city of USA where the President lives and government sits. We had decided to save our legs and be a tourist by hopping on and off a tourist bus to the various sites, but in the end we still managed to walk over 15kms (according to my pedometer). Quite exhausted at the end of the day...