White House Tour

We were very lucky to take an unguided tour of the East Wing of the White House. This was an organised tour by Deb's work and does not occur very often. The East Wing is the social, dining, reception and library area of the house. It has loads of history, lots of photos, paintings and artefacts. The rooms are still used (I think) as the signs says 'is' rather than 'was' used for things. They must be used when tours are not in progress. There is a red room, blue room, green room and the colours are pretty much that in those rooms.

I love Lincoln

   

The White House is the oldest public building in DC. Every President except George Washington has conducted the government of the nation here. President Madison was the first President to move into the White House in 1814. I also realised today that the Irish Pub we like in the city, James Hoban's, was named after the Irish architect who designed the White House. 

Great JFK

Reception Room

State Dining Room - seats about 140

North Entrance (our exit)

Last night we went to the opening night of the DC International Film Festival where 'The Dressmaker' was playing. It doesn't show here until Sept. The movie was sponsored by the Embassy thus some free tix were handed around. The Ambassador also introduced the movie. This was the third time we've seen this movie. And while there were laughs from the audience at our Aussie humour, there were only a few quiet giggles from the Aussies when dunny-bum got mentioned and  the iced-vo-vo made an appearance. There was after-party too and lots of great socialising was done.

If you've not seen the movie, you must see it - fabulous !!!