Having left the Metro at Union Station we did not expect getting underground so soon again. We learned that the corridors are sometimes not only extremely long and deep but also as mazy as a piece of swiss cheese. The sub-level tunnel system of the Senate buildings brought us to Mr. Donald R. Ritchie, past some 70's James Bond underground electric cable car. The interior of the Senate building again showed us the art of the Washingtonian decoration of public spaces. Mr. Donald R. Ritchie briefly summarized the outstanding history of the Senate as an institution.
Next up, we found ourselves on the numerous steps of the mighty Capitol building, just before we entered into the halls the Library of Congress. There, we met David Morris, who is not just a random guide who showed us around. As the person responsible for purchasing books and materials for the German division of the LoC, David told us about his tasks and library. We couldn't have gotten a better tour since he's an insider. For example, he showed us the map of "Waldseemüller" giving us the background information of how this item was acquired by the LoC. We also took a look at the exhibition "Creating America" where the founding of the new nation is pictured with the most important documents in the history of the United States. David also joined us for lunch at the "Hawks & Doves".
So we took a short foot walk thru DC to get to see "Meighs Red Barn". To be serious, we were to participate a symposium about the future of the Mall. Roger K. Lewis took us thru the book presentation and discussion about The National Mall: Rethinking Washington's Monumental Core" by Marcel Acosta, Judy Scott Feldman and Cynthia Field. History and its relation to the present planning, intertwined with peoples perception of the Nations Capitol.
