Washington, DC

A place of grand museums and mesmerizing war memorials, the city that houses the US government is remarkably easy to navigate; most of the major sightseeing spots are located short distances from the metro stops that link the District of Columbia with Maryland and Virginia. Spring is the best time to visit, when blankets of colorful flowers complement the city's unique architecture.

---------------------------------------

The US Capitol, home of the United States Congress.

---------------------------------------

The Capitol Rotunda is a striking vision of the DC skyline at night.

---------------------------------------

Inside the Capitol, looking straight up at the inside of the rotunda from the floor beneath.

---------------------------------------

The White House, official residence of the US President.

---------------------------------------

A gift from Japan in 1912, cherry trees quickly became one of Washington's most prized natural attractions.

---------------------------------------

One of Washington's most visited sites, the Lincoln Memorial.
Revered as one of the greatest of all US presidents, he is credited with ending slavery and leading the country through its greatest trial, the Civil War. The 36 columns represent the states in the Union at the time of Lincoln's death in 1865.

---------------------------------------

Made of 28 separate blocks of white Georgia marble, a giant statue of the former President seems to enjoy the view of the reflecting pool and the Washington Monument beyond.

---------------------------------------

The Lincoln Memorial is also a breathtaking vision in the evenings.

---------------------------------------

The circular colonnaded structure of the Thomas Jefferson Memorial is an adaptation of the classical style
that he introduced into the US.

---------------------------------------

A snapshot from inside the Smithsonian National Museum of Natural History.
Comprised of 16 museums and galleries, the Smithsonian Institution is the world's largest museum
and research complex. Best of all for visitors, admission to all of the museums is free!

---------------------------------------

On the left, a rose stands in tribute to the Vietnam War dead.
On the right, the Washington Monument towers over a field of tulips.

---------------------------------------

Below left, steel soldier statues cautiously advance through the grounds of the Korean War memorial, reminding onlookers that "freedom is not free". Opposite, perhaps the most inspiring image of the US military, the raising of the American flag on Iwo Jima in the waning days of World War II.