Monday, March 27th

Washington, D.C.

First stop today - the Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts.  We had a great tour of all of the various auditoriums, concert halls, and theaters.  And from the roof terrace, we had an outstanding view of the city. 

From there we headed on our long hike to Washington National Cathedral.  We got there just in time for the Monday organ demonstration.  What a treat! The organist, after a short lecture, played three pieces of ear candy for us.  The final selection was Vierne's "Westminster Carillon" which is one of my favorites. 

Then we got a tour of the cathedral in all of it's splendor.  We saw President Wilson's, Admiral Perry's and Helen Keller and Annie Sullivan's graves.  Then we went to the top of the church for a spectacular view of the area.

From there it was on to the zoo.  Now a zoo is a zoo is a zoo, but this zoo has Panda's and they are fun.  The Metro station also has the second longest escalator in the world but that's only cool to certain people.  After a very long day of walking we had a very fine Northern Italian meal at a local restaurant and headed for the hotel.  Last full day for us tomorrow and much more to see.