The Washington Monument

This is an absolutely awesome obelisk dedicated to George Washington on the west end of the National Mall made of marble, granite and sandstone. It belies the fact that you can get inside, ride up to the top in an elevator and from the two tiny squares at the bottom of the pyramid, look out and see the world below you. We saw a crowd of people, as we waded through the canadian invasion of geese, up near the base of the monument. It turns out they are waiting for the ride up to see the view. We had to relinquish Marek's pen knife, it could not be "looked after" by the staff, but there was the suggestion that it could be tucked under the garbage bin "over there". Sure enough, when we got back it was still there, together with a whole load of others. Security is tight, no gum, no drinks, no food, "this place is sacred". No knives, no glass, no stuff that could threaten peace. When we got to the top, it was simply a delight to see Washington DC laid out below us.

The Washington Monument with fifty flags surrounding the base.