DAY FOUR - Sunday, 10/20

Our final day in DC offered perfect weather and an excellent opportunity to get outside and take in the sights.

Inspired by Dr. Milakovic's political candor, these students took their opinions to the streets.

Moving exhibit at the Newseum about college students' role in the civil rights movement. A must-see for our class.

One of Prof. Winter's favorite spots is Villareal's LED tunnel at the National Gallery of Art.

Human bone exhibit at the Museum of Natural History.

Students had open travel time after the Newseum. What did you choose to see?

DAY THREE - Saturday, 10/19

Another day on our feet, exploring sites on the Virginia side of the river.

Militaristic precision even in death.

The view from General Lee's estate. Location. Location. Location.

WW II veterans at the tomb of the unknown soldier. We made sure to stay put for the changing of the guard.

Watching a video on army nurses at the Women in Military Service to America Memorial.

Journaling at the Pentagon 9/11 memorial.

The original White House protestor was in attendance for our night bus tour.

The majesty of Lincoln at night.

Eerie ghostlike soldiers on patrol at the Korean War Memorial.

Quiet reverence in black granite at the Vietnam Wall.

MLK Jr. stands stern, reminding onlookers of the civil rights work that still needs to be done.

DAY TWO - Friday, 10/18

Today found us on our feet and moving about the Mall. On our way there though, we stopped by the White House and snapped another group shot. The weather was perfect, crowds were minimal, and we had a great day.

Not quite the White House view we're used to on TV, but it will work.

"Silence is a War Crime" 24/7 protest since 1981

The reflecting pool is FINALLY back!

Facade still under repair after the 2011 earthquake.

Vietnam War Memorial, always a somber experience.

Two nursing students view the Vietnam nurses memorial.

Tour of the mall was followed up by a powerful visit to the Holocaust Museum.

It's surprisingly rare to see protests in DC. This roving rant is an exception.

Confidence and stability? Hmmm...

Another hmmm...moment. Statues outside of the Washington Post building. Democrats = tree-hugging panda lovers. Republicans = DC establishment.

DAY ONE - Thursday, 10/17

Thankfully D.C. was open for business today! We jumped right into the trip with tours of the Capitol building and Library of Congress. Pleasantly surprised by the lack of tourists. No crowds = more engaging experience.

The excited group shot.

Students diligently journaling and reflecting on the experience.

In this tumultuous political climate, Dr. Milakovic was brave enough to let her opinion be known. 

Tour of Capitol interior.

All directions in the city originate at this central point in the Capitol crypt.

Prepping students before Library of Congress.

Is it a flag? Is it a book? Awesome logo design 101 folks!

Hmmm...

Open for business?

As the class prepares for our Washington D.C. trip, the question remains: Will D.C. be open for business? A day before the trip, it was announced that an agreement had been reached. Here's to hoping that doors will be open upon our arrival!

Day 4 - Open Itinerary

On the final day of our stay students were given the opportunity to self-select where to go and what to see. Many chose to go back to the mall to view additional war memorials while others visited another Smithsonian or two. Professors Milakovic and Winter chose to investigate possible locations for future D.C. trips including the Washington National Cathedral and Old Town Alexandria.

The National cathedral, beautiful in its design but bizarre in its content. Was it designed in reverence to God or to our military?

Unknown Civil War soldier at the Alexandria National Cemetery.

Day 3 - Holocaust Memorial Museum and Smithsonians

After the National Mall, students transitioned to museum visits including the Holocaust Memorial and a Smithsonian(s) of their choosing.

Outside of the Holocaust Memorial Museum.

President Lincoln's top hat at the National Museum of American History.

Day 3 - The National Mall

Today started off with the mall in the morning. Students chose which memorials/monuments to explore. Many chose to revisit the places seen the night before. The weather was great and the mall was abustle with Cherry Blossom Festival activities including the parade and a group yoga session (don't see that everyday); all under the watchful eye of the Washington Monument.

The National Mall truly is a public space. It's common to see people running, playing soccer or flying kites. Now yoga...that was a surprise. In the foreground is Lexie, a student from class, taking part in some "downward dog."

The Korean War Memorial is a favorite of many visitors. It is designed to make the viewer feel a part of the group of soldiers.

The White House is often tough to get close to, but every once and awhile you get lucky enough to snap a good photo.

The reflecting pool is finally back in business!

A gift from Japan, the 3000 + cherry trees are almost as celebrated as the national monuments.

While visiting the WWII memorial, a group of students had a discussion with this father/son pair of veterans, one from WWII and the other from Vietnam.

Day 2 - DC at night

We ended the day with a bus tour of the monuments at night. It was a great opportunity to see things in such a sharp contrast to how they are during the day. Most students agreed that the monuments were more majestic and impressive all lit up.

Marine Corp War Memorial modeled after the iconic Raising the Flag on Iwo Jima photo by Joe Rosenthal in 1945.

Vietnam Veterans Memorial

President Lincoln on a grand scale.

Thomas Jefferson Memorial located on the tidal basin.

FDR listening to the radio in solitude.