Around Brookland-CUA Stn

Trinity Washington University

On our way to Basilica of the National Shrine of the Immaculate Conception, we passed by quite a few educational institutions.   There are The Catholic University of America, Columbus School of Law,  Archbishop Carroll High School and Trinity Washington University.

Basilica of the National Shrine of the Immaculate Conception

The Neo-Byzantine shrine is the largest Catholic church in the United States, and the tallest habitable building in Washington, D.C.  The basilica is designated both as the national and patronal Catholic Church of the United States, honoring the Virgin Mary, under the title Immaculate Conception, by which Pope Pius XI donated a mosaic of the same image in 1923.

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The colourful, glittering artworks on the walls and ceilings are mosaic, made up of 2.5 million pieces of glass in more than 1,000 colors.  Real hard work.

 "Through visual scenes, people contemplate what's going on, and hopefully that will lead them to reflection and prayer. We're a people who need to see things." ~Monsignor Walter R. Rossi, the rector of the shrine.

Accommodation

My first experience with airbnb.  Heard about it, but not so sure about it.

Both turned out satisfactory.

Stayed here for 5 nights. Private room with attached bathroom for USD70++ per night. Erica, the host was very accommodating.  A set of towels was provided.  Could use the kitchen, laundry, TV @ living room. Mineral waters and simple breakfast such as breads, peanut butter, jams were there.  The room was comfy and spacious.  The Internet was fast and reliable.

Leo, the cat is adorable.

 As I have decided to extend our stay in Washington DC for another few days, I looked up another room from airbnb.  This one is whole apartment with living room and kitchen for USD85++ per night. Yes. No kidding. A bit of the road, still within waking distance to the Metro. It is a quite neighbourhood with nice cottage houses.  This round,  the TV is inside the bedroom.

Around Washington DC II

This cool chap was idling under the tree near the White House

Lincoln Memorial

Constitution Gardens

Constitution Gardens

Washington Memorial

Around Washington DC

Capitol Visitor Center

Capitol Visitor Center

Supreme Court

Supreme Court

Supreme Court - Spiral Stairs

Supreme Court - Spiral Stairs

National Gallery of Arts

This Glittering underpass between East and West Exhibition Halls
are fantastic.

Library of Congress : One of The Most Beautiful Libraries Around The World

The Library of Congress is the research library of the United States Congress, de facto national library of the United States, and the oldest federal cultural institution in the United States (1800). Located in three buildings in Washington, D.C., it is the largest library in the world by shelf space and number of books (22.19 million).

The Library of Congress Reading Room has been described as the most beautiful room in Washington, DC (The Lost Symbol by Dan Brown), but unless you have a researcher card you’re not allowed inside. It’s not difficult to get a researcher card but they discourage people from getting them just to check out the room because they are nice, plastic-printed, photo IDs. With that said, most people don’t get a chance to see this beautiful room except for a small overlook - a glass encased room at 3rd floor.

Simply breathtaking !!!