{Inside the Capitol Dome}

I’m about to enter my fifth year of living in DC and I cannot believe it. DC still continues to amaze me, particularly the Capitol dome. Any time I walk by or catch a glimpse walking down Pennsylvania Avenue, I practically have to pinch myself to remind me it’s not a movie set.

I’ve toured the Rotunda and if you haven’t done it, I highly suggest you go the next time you’re in DC. It’ll make any U.S. history nerd’s heart leap for joy.

Last Friday, I had the opportunity to actually go up inside the Capitol dome. There is a step for every day of the year and no elevators. Good thing I wore my {Sperrys} on Friday!

Our tour guide was very knowledgeable and entertaining. Trust me, when you’re herding a group up all those steps, you gotta be able to crack a joke or two.

For you, dear readers, I took my life in my hands and snapped pictures while climbing up the steep, narrow steps and occasionally ducking to prevent clocking my head on a low-lying beam.

But the view made all the climbing absolutely, completely worth it!

“Hello, tourists!”

The Frieze is painted in 2-D to appear 3-D and showcases significant events in American history, beginning with the discovery of America through the Wright brothers’ flight.

At the top of the Rotunda itself is the Apotheosis of George Washington. He is depicted at the very center but because of lighting, my picture of him didn’t show up. Included in the apotheosis are various paintings featuring Greek myths and symbols applied to American history. The above image is Freedom victorious over Tyranny.

And then for the grand finale…

As you can tell from my hair, it was pretty windy up there!

U.S. Supreme Court

Can you spot the American flag through the window?

For more images of my tour, please visit my page {here}.

Have you visited DC? What is your favorite monument? History nerds unite!