A diamond named hope

While we were at the Smithsonian we saw the famous hope diamond. I dare say I was a little underwhelmed by the whole thing. It was lovely, but I am just more of a fan of yellow, pink, and clear diamonds. For being a diamond it just wasn't that sparkly. But it was cool to see because it is a big historical artifact and history I am into.

Anyways here are some facts about the diamond I did not know. . .

1. The diamond is now 45.52 carats but at one time at its biggest it was a whopping 112 carats.
2. A curse is associated with the diamond and all who touch it.
3. It came from India where it was mined at the Kollar mine in the 1500s.
4. Famous owners are Louis XVI, Marie Antoinette, Harry Winston, and Cartier among many other royals.
5. The most odd use for the diamond was at one time it was placed inside a setting inside a dogs collar!
6. To avoid it being stolen, the exhibit sinks down into the basement and sits in a safe all night.
7. Legend has it that it was stolen from a Indian god and that is why it is cursed.
8. The hope diamond was featured in Titanic the movie.

Fit for a queen

I have always loved sparkle and this Smithsonian exhibit was one of my favorites. I could not get over the masses of diamonds, jewels and prettily made things.












Most of these have come from royal dowry's and have been donated over the years. If I had to pick just one I know I couldn't. Luckily for me though, they didn't ask :)

Lincoln and Ford's Theatre

This was an especially emotional stop for me on our tour around D.C. President Lincoln was my favorite president and I love learning about him.

I didn't even know that Ford's theatre was a stop on our bus tour so it was a pleasant surprise when I heard it.

I was surprised that this old historical theater was on a busy street and right next to a tavern and a strip mall. I guess I always kind of pictured it in a really old fashioned area, and might be kind of isolated.

Inside they had remodeled it so it looked completely different than it did in Lincolns day, and across the street was the house where he was taken after he was shot, and later passed away.

I tried to imagine what it would be like during that time. To see everyone in commotion and his family rushing him across the street to that old house to care for.

It was pretty hard to do with all the cars passing and noise from the bar, and I thought how amazing it was that this place had changed so much in 150 years. If they could only see it today they would hardly recognize it I bet.

Out and about

Taken: November 26th 2010
Time: 12:10 a.m.
Location: Capitol Hill, Washington D.C.
Reaction: Nice Brian. Real nice.

Tomb of the unknown soldier

At Arlington cemetery there is a monument dedicated to the unknown soldiers buried there. It is guarded 24 hours a day, every day of the year, rain or shine. Every hour on the hour a ceremony is performed calling the changing of the guard. I had only heard of this and seeing it in person was something I cannot describe with words. It was incredible and only magnified the feelings I already felt while visiting the cemetery. I am pretty sure there wasn't a dry eye there. They had veterans involved and seeing the young and the old salute together, unified in their cause was something I will never forget.

Arlington National Cemetery

The view from the top of the cemetery of Washington D.C.

Huge amphitheater in the cemetery used for funerals. All white marble and stunning to look at and walk around.



Since I had never been here before I was not sure what to expect. I knew it was the final resting place for those that served our country but I did not know I would feel so many different emotions.


What was so hard for me, was seeing endless graves and white headstones in every direction as far as the eye can see. I didn't know there were so many. SO many.


I think for the first time in my life it really hit me how many have died for our freedom and to protect our country and the rights we enjoy. I cried so many times walking through the different paths, seeing names and families surrounding memorials dedicated to lost loved one.

I also unfortunately felt anger towards those who have ideas contrary to the foundation of our country. It makes me thankful to be an American and to have life, liberty, freedom and the ability to pursue happiness because of these men.

I also told Brian I felt like anyone who wanted to change the founding morals of this country should take a walk through this special place and see how they felt after looking at all those who died to keep it this way. I bet they would feel differently. How could you not?