Mt. Vernon excursion

The task for today was to explore Mount Vernon, the estate of George and Martha Washington. For the hour drive from DC my suitemate Alison and I drifted in and out of consciousness as one of Sinbad's comedy shows played on the bus's mini screens. Once we woke up haha it was definitely a fun time! A little toasty outside (about 95), but nevertheless a good experience. Here are some photos of the day's wanderings:

Plaque for the Mount Vernon Memorial Highway to welcome us.


The group from TFAS waiting for our tickets - we filled 3 coach buses to get there!


In front of the Washingtons' mansion.



Long line to get into the mansion, but standing outside for almost an hour was worth it because the grounds were so beautiful!


Unfortunately we couldn't take photos inside, but in order to keep the lines moving the guide in each room had their spiel down pat and allowed us to marvel at the lovely decor while listening to some fun facts about each room. The mansion tour was really well organized - I was impressed.I'm actually a big fan of GW's style! As opposed to European mansions and palaces gleaming of jewels and precious metals, his home was characterized by quaint woodwork and bright blue and green painted walls!




Further wandering of the grounds led suitemate Alison and me down to the wharf on the Potomac where we had a little picnic of the lunches we had packed. What a beautiful view!




Washington's tomb:













Slave memorial - click on the photo to read the inscription.













Mount Vernon's cows and sheep took refuge in the shade too.











Just a few flowers from the lovely gardens. I'll put the rest in my Picasa album, especially for my momma!




Fun fact:
People back then thought bathing was scary. Ben Franklin, though, was rather fond of it.

Quote of the day:
"It's not polite to eat other aminals!"
- A little ringlet-curled 3 year old girl to her dad after seeing turkeys hanging upside down outside the mansion kitchen


It was definitely a fun little trip, and we enjoyed the few hours exploring and learning more about the people who played such a large part of our country's history. The tricky thing, though, is to try and remember the people we don't hear about so much that were just as vital to our history as the big names. Within this context, I have learned a ton here and especially from my roommate Rezina because she is so passionate about race issues. These cities were founded through the dehumanization and segregation of peoples that still exist today - and particularly in our nation's capital! Especially through the sentiments I discovered yesterday, we all just need a little more love as human beings.