The DC Traveler

The annual lighting of the National Menorah on the Ellipse in Washington, DC signifies, to those of Jewish faith, the starting of the eight days of Chanukah, or the Festival of Lights.
According to the Talmud, after a large-scale revolt and victory of the Jews over the Hellenistic empire (about 165 BC), the alter at the Temple in the old city of Jerusalem was rededicated. On that day, there was enough holy oil to keep the eternal flame burning for just one day. But the flame burned for eight days and nights, enough to produce a new batch of holy …read more

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Is there any bigger joy for a small child than riding a pony? Even if it’s a brightly painted horse on a carousel?
Located in front of the Smithsonian’s red brink Arts and Industries Building, the landmark Carousel on The National Mall in Washington, DC gives kids about 4 minutes of riding fun. Plus parents get tons of great photo ops, as the children ride round-and-round to classic carousel music.
The 50+ brightly painted horses, a few zebras, a highly sought after flying blue dragon are ready to take children on a memorable ride. And for the really small ones, …read more

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The Ulysses S. Grant Memorial at the base of Capitol Hill sits between the Capitol Building and the Capitol Reflecting pool.  The memorial consists of three major statutes and is the largest equestrian statue in the country.

The first statue depicts General Grant calmly sitting on horseback, which was typical of him demeanor during the excitement of battle. He is surrounded by four oversized lions.   Bronze panels on the statute’s base depict infantry maneuvers.
The other two major statues are teams of mounted Union cavalry and artillery troops in full charge.
The cavalry group, shows seven riders charging into …read more

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How can you not enjoy strolling the National Mall in Washington, DC DC, on a sunny day when the cherry blossoms are in full bloom?

Image – from personal collection – © 2008 – Jon Rochetti
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It’s again time for the annual Smithsonian Kite Festival on the grounds of the Washington Monument in Washington, DC.  
This year’s theme is Brushstrokes in the Sky, featuring the history and craftsmanship of Asian kites. 
The first kites were invented by the Chinese around 800 BC. Early kitemakers used them for all types of purposes, including measuring the wind, measuring distances, and communication.  The Chinese military started to effectively use them for communications and signaling soon thereafter.
Kites first appeared in Europe in the 1600s and was mostly limited to a children’s play activity.
In the U.S. colonies in June of 1750, …read more

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The fastest anyone has climbed the 897 steps to the top of the Washington Monument is 6 minutes, 42 seconds. But it’s probably best to just take the 70-second elevator ride up 550 feet to the top.
But if you have your heart set on walking it, walk-down tours are twice offered daily based on the availability of National Park Rangers, at 10:30 a.m. and Noon.
Built in honor of the first U.S. President and for his leadership in American independence, the Washington Monument opened in 1884.  But its history of construction was anything but smooth. The project took two 8-year phases of actual construction …read more

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Three years in the making, the Segway Personal Transporter is the world’s first two-wheeled, self-balancing, electric transport device.With no accelerator or brake, the Segway is propelled simply by the rider’s posture and motion. Leaning forward causes the Segway to roll forward, lean back and it stops or reverses. A single knob on the left hand grip controls the rider’s steering.  
Using battery-powered motors, dual computers, tilt sensors and five gyroscopes, the Segway automatically (and seemingly magically) maintains its upright position, even while standing motionless. The top of the line Segway (about $5,500) can cruise at speeds of up to 12½ …read more

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