The most beautiful room in the world

Now onto my second day, it was time to actually enter a few buildings. I already had a lot of outdoor time when it was nice and sunny on my first day. Today I decided to spend time in the US capitol and the library of congress. Being in the US capitol was like entering a US political museum. Most striking in this building were the statues of great men and women of this country. There are number of them all around the Capitol. Also, it is appropriate that they have been donated from each and every state in this country. I was just happy I was able to find the only one from illinois. The ceiling in the Rotunda in the center of the Capitol building receives a special mention. I think people actually tripped because their faces were stuck looking upwards. The cool part was the room just below the Rotunda which had a star marking the center of the DC city.

But, the day undoubtedly belonged to the Library of congress. The jefferson buling of the library in particular. This 100 year old structure has the most beautiful ceilings and walls decorated with phrases and painting in every nook and corner. When I joined the general tour, the guide started by saying that there were 3 jewels of this place. The bible of mainz and the gutenberg bible (among the set of the first ever printed manuscripts) and the main reading room. We were told that it was a federal crime to click pictures of these 3 items. It was a good thing then that I had already photographed the 2 bibles before joining the tour ;). The tour ended with the party heading to the main reading room overlook. I had just finished admiring the marble painting that stood outside the doors then BAMM!!!!!! I see THE ROOM. I mean the guides always say that you are going to see the most beautiful thing in the world but this time the dude was right. Magnificent, Stunning, Spectacular are some of the words I will use to describe it. Due to my proximity to the guide there was no way it waas going to be possible for me to click a picture over here. But I had to get into the room for sure so that could stare around as long as I wanted. I found out that you needed a researcher card to gain access and they were available in the next building. I walked across the street, as soon as my dead feet could carry and had my self a reader's card. So there I was, been in this country for 18 months and do not have a state ID, but am a registered member of the Library of congress ;) . Got to the reading room entrance and was faced with a library assistant who asked me what I was looking for. How could I tell her that I had no sodding clue? That I was just going to go in and stare open mouthed at the room. Eventually I put on a sage look and said I would like to have a look around before I decide. So there I was in this enormous reading room, with the most exquisite ceiling ever. I think more than anything what was most attractive about this singular room was that it was for pure joy of reading. You sit there with your laptop (another of your favourite items) and scores of books surround you, not to mention more than 100 million books, recording, paper, movies in the 17 storeys under you. There I was staring around like a fool. I had to order something. So many movies, songs and books that I know off. Anything, something would come to mind. But the stupid brain freezes at the most inopportune times. Too many possibilities, and as is the custom with my brain when faced with too many options it just cannot decide. Somehow, 'kid in a candy store' phrase did not do justice to my predicament.

As I made my way back to the assistant I decided I would ask for something that would signify what I was feeling right then. So I went ahead and asked for a simple children stories book. Suffice is to say that my fascination with this room is not over yet. Time permitting I will surely make my way back here with a decision in mind. I know that they have brilliant rare books collection.

Day 2 statistics:
pics - 82
federal crimes - 2
reciepts - 2
thankyou's  3
welcome's - 1
tickets/passes - 4
places of interest - 8
soveniers - 2
expense - $19
new acquaintances - 4