The White House Tour

One of the best things about having a bit more free time lately has been the opportunity to indulge.  And, since I love my city immensely, I can find dozens of things to enjoy about it.  The most recent, The White House.  Thanks to a lovely young lady (networking matters), I was offered the opportunity to join a group tour of this landmark and now wish to share it with you.

First, some logistics.  While tours are free, they must be scheduled through your Congressman.  Due to security precautions, quite a few items are not allowed; there is a website devoted to this information as well as a telephone number.  Pictures are not allowed, so my memory and use of vocabulary is going to paint your picture.   You cannot use the executive washroom, view the Oval Office or Lincoln Bedroom, or visit any of the private living quarters.

The most disturbing feature of the entire experience actually occurred on the grounds prior to entering the house.  I spotted an armed guard, rifle at the ready, between the trees.  While understanding the need for his presence, it was disheartening nonetheless.  My sense of security lay in the fact that there were more that I could NOT see who were just as armed and just as ready.  Thus begins our tour.

In the Main Visitor's entrance are large collections of photos of the different first families enjoying weddings and pets, entertaining foreign diplomats and signing legislature, making speeches and living their everyday lives.  You're allowed to peak into the library which has a beautiful chandelier as well as the Vermeil and China rooms which seemed a bit sparse on furniture but housed portraits of first ladies and sparkling chandeliers as well.

The next stop is the East Room which has a variety of purposes including press conferences, receptions, etc.  Then begins the trio of colored rooms, my favorite being the Blue Room due to its view of the Washington Monument.  The Green and Red Rooms were equally impressive, though a bit ornate for ordinary use.  Quite a bit of history lies in these rooms like clocks and furniture chosen by former Presidents.  Most of the furniture is old, early 19th century but looks barely used.  On to the State Dining Room.

It doesn't look like it but it can seat between 130 and 140 guests and is the home of the fireplace with the John Adams quotation carved into the mantel - "I Pray Heaven to Bestow the Best of Blessings on THIS HOUSE and All that shall hereafter inhabit it.  May none but Honest and Wise Men ever rule under this Roof."

Prior to exiting, you stroll through the Entrance Hall and view more artifacts and portraits, the construction and renovation dates (carved into the floor) and the impressive Presidential seal which resides above the Blue Room entrance.  Exiting into the sunshine, I feel a sense of pride.  I love this house; it represents me, us, America.  I encourage every citizen to visit this historic home at least once in your lifetime.  It's an experience you will never forget.