Washington - Being tourists and a performance at St Alban's Church - Visit to National Cathedral

One of the joys of being on a tour is that you often get the chance to visit the interesting parts of the cities that you are in, often learning about things that you may have wondered about, but never really experienced in reality.

Yesterday was more about sight seeing, with us walking the mall and visiting the Smithsonian Institute (for flight) where many Barker students and staff tried their hand on simulators with little success (yesterday). We also visited the exquisite Arlington Military Cemetery, the home of Robert E Lee, the Shrine of remembrance for John F Kennedy and saw the changing of the guards.

Today was one of those days where we took in some serious history of the USA. We were lucky enough to visit the Capitol building and receive a guided tour through the connections of one of the parents from the St Alban's School, and also visit the House of Representatives.

Walking through the various buildings (the old senate, where past Presidents argued the toss) and the House of Representatives (with the famous whispering room) , the dome and other prolific sights made us all a little more aware of those landmark decisions that had gone before in the history of American politics.

After that we visited St Albans Church and did a performance for the students for the school and once again, our strings and voices were in fine form.

To complete the day we visited the National Cathedral and then the choir sang a number in the 6th largest Gothic Cathedral in the world.

Tonight, we are all packing (trying to squeeze the shopping into the bags) as we head to San Francisco in the morning. The 5.15 am depart time will certainly challenge us all! Next blog will be from the West Coast, until then.... Brad M