Day Two Of Self Guided Tour

	8:30 am - Bureau of Engraving
	10:00 am - Holocaust Memorial Museum
	1:00pm - Capitol Building
	3:00pm - Supreme Court
	5:00 pm - Union Station

Remember to leave your car behind and bring some change because the Metro is the way to go. An all day pass for unlimited travel goes for $5 a person. You can use them after 9:30 a.m. during the week and anytime on the weekends. 

Bureau of Engraving:
From the Smithsonian station, head to the Washington Monument and make a left at 14th street.  Walk two blocks and the Bureau of Engraving and Printing is on the right. The guided tour takes about 40 minutes. In case you didn't know, much money is made here. Get there early since tickets are limited. 

Holocaust Memorial Museum:
Our second stop is the Holocaust Memorial Museum next door. Although tickets are free, they are also limited. I highly recommend obtaining them in advance through Protix at (800) 955-5566. It's worth the few bucks. Doors open at 10 a.m. Give yourself 2-3 hours here, it might get emotional. 

Capitol Building:
Now it's about 1p.m. and our next stop is the Capitol Building. Grab a quick bite from one of the ubiquitous street vendors before you reboard the Metro because food isn't allowed on the train. The Capitol South Metro station is our stop. Exit on 1st street and follow the signs to the Capitol. It's about a 3 block walk and the visitor entrance will be on that side. There are many restrooms in the Capitol Building that you can use before you start your tour. 

Admission is free and guided tours are available, just look for the folks in the fashionably tailored maroon blazers standing around. Personally I prefer to wander aimlessly.  An hour is about what it will take to see the interior chambers, a labyrinth of hallways and staircases. Try to see Statuary Hall which is littered with many important individuals in American history. When you are finished inside, step outside and make your way to the side facing the National Mall. This is where the Presidential Inauguration takes place. It's a Kodak moment here, just look around!   The marble steps, fountains, and balconies make a gorgeous subject. 

Supreme Court:
Ever wonder exactly what goes on in the Supreme Court? Return to the other side of the Capitol and cross East Capitol Street to the Supreme Court for the answer. At this time, you probably don't stand a chance of sitting in a session but you can get the bios on all the Justices. You'll be amazed at the extraordinary qualifications it takes to be considered for this court. If that doesn't interest you, the building's marble design will. The building closes at 4:30 p.m. If you need anything, there is a cafeteria and rest rooms.

Union Station:
That concludes another day of sightseeing. I suggest spending a much deserved break at Union Station. The huge remodeled train station is 4 blocks away and has many restaurants to satisfy any taste, both fast food and sit-down service can be found.  There is a Metro station within, as well as movie theaters and a food court. In addition, there are many shops and other services to keep you busy afterwards.  If you're not too worn out, stick around and take a night time bus tour of Washington, DC.  Busses leave from Union Station.  Click here to find out more. 

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