Washington DC

Washington D.C., a city etched with the narratives of American history and politics, promised a journey of discovery and inspiration. In our tryst with US, I wanted to visit the city as early as possible to have the feeling sink in. We reached DC from Philadelphia.

Our exploration of this iconic city began with an invigorating walk from our hotel to one of the most recognizable residences in the world - the **White House**.

As we approached the White House, the anticipation and excitement were palpable. The front view of this illustrious building, with its grandiose columns and pristine façade, was a sight to behold. It stood as a symbol of American presidency and political history, evoking a sense of awe and respect. We walk along the its perimeter to backside admiring other buildings.

From there, our journey continued towards the **Washington Monument**. As we walked, passing the adjoining buildings, each step took us deeper into the heart of American history. The majestic structures around us were not just buildings but repositories of stories, decisions, and events that shaped the nation.

Reaching the Washington Monument at dusk was a moment of sheer beauty. The towering obelisk, dedicated to the nation's first president, George Washington, stood against the evening sky, its reflection shimmering on the surrounding waters. The monument's grandeur and symbolism were even more pronounced in the soft glow of the evening light. We spent time admiring its architectural brilliance and the profound significance it holds in American history. The ground in front had people resting from the sheer heat of July afternoon.

From there we walk along the other buildings back to our hotel. Washington is home to several museums many from Smithsonian stable which are free but we did not have enough time in this trip so it was kept for later.

The day concluded with a delightful dinner at a local Indian restaurant. The rich flavors and spices of the Indian cuisine provided a warm, comforting end to our day full of exploration and awe.

Our next day in Washington D.C. was dedicated to visiting the **U.S. Capitol**, the seat of the United States Congress. The Capitol, with its imposing dome and expansive structure, evoked a deep sense of grandeur and reverence. Standing before it, we were overwhelmed by the emotions it stirred - a mix of pride, respect, and a sense of belonging to a larger narrative. The statue of freedom at the top of US capitol symbolizes the values of freedom and liberty.

The Capitol's grand architecture, with its intricate details and historical significance, was a testament to the American democratic system. The ease of access for visitors added to the sense of inclusion and transparency that the building symbolizes.

Our visit to Washington D.C. was a journey through the corridors of power, history, and democracy. From the iconic White House to the towering Washington Monument, and the awe-inspiring U.S. Capitol, each landmark we visited left an indelible mark on our hearts and minds. The city, with its monumental buildings and rich history, offered us not just a touristic experience, but a deeper understanding and appreciation of the American spirit.

Exploring the Heart of History: A Day in Philadelphia

Philadelphia, the city where America's heart beats with stories of liberty, innovation, and art, beckoned us for a weekend of exploration and discovery. Our journey through this historic city was a walk through the pages of American history, interspersed with modern charm.

Our day began at the majestic **Philadelphia City Hall**, an architectural masterpiece and the world's tallest masonry building. Standing beneath the towering statue of William Penn, we were awestruck by the intricate carvings and the grandeur of this 19th-century landmark. City Hall not only symbolizes Philadelphia's rich history but also serves as a beacon of its thriving present. Beside the City hall is LOVE park which has LOVE statue a favorite for couples and families to get clicked with water dancing fountains for kids.

From City Hall, we strolled down **Market Street**, a vibrant artery of the city that leads to the heart of American history. The bustling street, lined with shops and cafes, provided a lively contrast to our next destination, **Independence Hall**. Here, in this unassuming red-brick building, the Declaration of Independence and the U.S. Constitution were debated and adopted, birthing a new nation. The visit inside is sold out well in advance, so we could not visit it. Instead we visited the visitor center. The queue to Liberty bell too was huge so did not visit it, instead had its glimpse from outside through glass. Having read some American history and how continental congresses happened, was trying to imagine the commotion which might be happening at that time.

We walked behind the independence hall to Washington Square which was a leafy park to sit & relax and had statue of George Washington. Here we are in the midst of Philadelphia downtown skyline with imposing buildings of different designs.

Our walk continued through the historic district, each step on the cobblestone streets a reminder of the centuries-old stories embedded in this city. We passed few museums and old bank buildings which could be considered historical district.

We reached **Penn's Landing**, a scenic waterfront area along the Delaware River. The view of the river, juxtaposed with the city skyline, created a beautiful amalgamation of nature and urbanity. It was a place where history met the horizon, and we lingered, soaking in the tranquility. The river was clean, serene occassionally distrurbed by passing boats with backdrop of imposing Benjamin Franklin bridge. The other side across the river is state of New Jersey with waterfront buildings.

We had our lunch at Malooga, a yemeni restaurant. After lunch we walked back to City hall the same way we came.  

From City Hall we walked along the **Benjamin Franklin Parkway**, a grand boulevard inspired by the Champs-Élysées. This cultural corridor, adorned with flags from around the world, led us to the iconic **Philadelphia Museum of Art**. Even before climbing its famous steps, immortalized by the movie 'Rocky,' we were captivated by the museum's grand façade and the expansive collection of art it houses. There is a Rocky statue in the precinct and again there was a queue to get shot with the statue. We went behind the Museum of Art and admired the beauty of Schyukill river from top.

The following morning, we took a serene walk alongside the **Schuykill River** promenade, watching the runners and cyclists. The tranquility of the riverbank on a bright sunny morning was a refreshing start to the day. 

From there we came to City hall and fortunately got parking in a lane. The parking is free on Sunday. We too pictures at **LOVE Park**, officially known as John F. Kennedy Plaza. The famous LOVE sculpture was a bright, pop-art centerpiece amidst the bustling cityscape, offering a moment of whimsy and countless photo opportunities. 

We went to Reading Terminal Market, famous indoor farmer's market offering diverse fare, housewares & area specialties since 1893. It was tempting to see so much food presented in such a delightful manner.

As night fell, we drove over the **Benjamin Franklin Bridge**, an iconic suspension bridge that connects Philadelphia with New Jersey. The bridge, lit up against the night sky, offered a breathtaking view of the cityscape as we crossed the Delaware River. Our hotel on the other side provided a unique vantage point to view the Philadelphia skyline. The gentle breeze provided that reason to take a walk along the river promenade. The city lights twinkling against the dark canvas of the night sky created a mesmerizing view, encapsulating the essence of Philadelphia—a city that seamlessly blends its historical roots with modern vibrancy.

Next morning we woke up to cloudy sky but before checkout from hotel, there was enough time for a walk along the promenade to admire last night's skyline now in the daylight.

Our weekend in Philadelphia was more than just sightseeing; it was an experience of walking through history, of understanding the birth of a nation, and of appreciating the cultural and artistic richness that defines this city. Philadelphia, with its historical landmarks, bustling streets, and scenic vistas, offered us a journey not just through its streets, but through time itself.