Washington D.C. - The Perfect Vacation Destination

When an immigrant is granted U.S. citizenship, it is because they abided by the rules. They lived in the U.S. for at least seven years, they showed proficiency in the language, and they passed a very difficult American history examination. I, myself, have taken this exam, and you can too. The immigration exam is on the internet.

Many natural born citizens cannot get fifty percent of the text correct, let alone do well enough to pass. It's a shame that so many of us know so little about our nation's past, but the situation can be turned around. Most people feel that history is a boring waste of time. That's why a trip to Washington D.C. is a great way to make history interesting. It's full of history, both past and present. I've been twice, and I still haven't seen everything.

When you first ride through the city, you become dumbstruck with awe. You're in the very place where presidents like James Madison, Abraham Lincoln, and John F. Kennedy stood. The architecture is overwhelming, and the landscaping is so that you can see beauty in every place you go. It is impossible to see everything in one visit, but there are a few things that you shouldn't skip.

The Washington Monument is the tallest monument in the city. Made of limestone, and fashined after Cleopatra's needle, this obelisk is located in a central position on the National Mall. A quick elevator trip to the top reveals windows on every side. You can see the White House, Capital Building, Pentagon, Potomac river, and much more. As a warnign for those of you with a fear of heights, you can feel the monument wave.

While everyone wants to tour the White House, it is next to impossible to get in. Unless you're comfortable just walking around the perimeter taking pictures, you'll waste valuable site seeing time. If you do visit the Presidential home, take a walk in the small park across the street. Abraham Lincoln used to walk in this park when he needed to clear his head.

No trip is complete without a visit to the Lincoln Memorial. Inside is carved the words of Lincoln's Gettysburg Address. When looking across the Potomac from the top of the steps, you can see the Washington Monument in all its glory. Part of what makes this site a must is its close proximity to the war monuments. The Vietnam Memorial, the Korean War memorial, and warious statues are all within walking distance. That's a definite plus in a city where parking is hard to come by.

Another must is the Capital Building. Tour guides tell teh history of the building and the city. They tell about presidents, and they can even tell you specific contributions made by your native state (such as statues given for display). The Capital Building is located in the exact center of D.C., and it has a very good souvenir shop for those who like to shop. Plan at least three to four hours as the line can move slowly.

If you have a chance, take a ride to Arlington, VA. The changing of the Guad at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier occurs once every hour. It is a beautifully moving ceremony that reminds us of what it ultimately costs us to live in freedom. The cemetary is on land that once belonged to Robert E. Lee. Also there, is the eternal flame lit by Jackie Kennedy at her husband's funeral.

There is a lot of history in Washington D.C., and it's hard to find it boring when you're surrounded by it.