Lunch and the White House

Everyone walked quickly back to where the car was parked. And only a short distance from it was the Mayflower Hotel. The hotel's front door caused them all to stop and stare at it. The doorman noticed them.

"Yes, that door really is made from gold and inside you will see more things made from gold and also the paint used is a gold color."

He held the door open for them to enter. They were all too astounded to speak; the lobby was gorgeous. Georg knew where he was going. He took Maria's hand as he said. "Everyone follow me."

He led them through the lobby to a restaurant with the name Garden Terrance. Upon entering Stefan spoke.

"I never expected a room inside a hotel to have flowers beds and some small trees. And do I hear birds chirping?"

"You do. They're from that aviary which is on the other side of the screen. It has many species of native birds."

The head waiter was surprised to see this large group of people. He spoke immediately. "Give me a few minutes to have tables arranged so you can sit together."

"We're in no hurry."

Georg heard Kurt as he spoke to Friedrich. "I hope this food is good. I'm really hungry."

Georg smirked but didn't speak. The head waiter did. "Follow me please."

The tables had been arranged in an arrangement which resembled a large dining room table. They quickly took their seats. Waiters gave everyone a menu.

Immediately Georg heard. "Dad, this menu is almost identical to the menu at All-American restaurant on the ship."

"Yes it is, Brigitta. And I'm sure everyone already knows what they would like to order."

Most everyone ordered the same meal they had on the ship, Katia and Isabel decided to try something new. They had what the waiter told them was an Egg-Salad sandwich. All of them selected the drink with the name, Coca-Cola.

After taking their first sip of this beverage, they commented on how the bubbles from it tickled their nose. There was little talking while they ate. All of them were all looking forward to seeing the White House.

After using the hotel's facilities, they hurriedly exited the hotel. They could see the White House in the distance. Maria remarked.

"It's very large, Georg."

"I was told, it's not only a home but it's also where the president has his office. It also has offices for his staff. The wife of the president also has an office there; her assistant has a separate office."

Georg noticed a young man was standing beside a sign which read. White House Tours Begin here. He immediately noticed this large group and asked.

"Are all of you taking the tour?"

"Yes."

"My name is John. Welcome to the People's House. It is most often called the White House. Later in the tour I'll explain how it got that name. The corner stone was put in place on October 13, 1792. It wasn't opened until November 1,1800.

Since the people who founded America were from Europe, they built homes which were like those in Europe. The architecture of the house has its roots in the buildings the Romans built, massive structures with extra-large and even circular porticos.

"The first president to live here was John Adams. His term ended in a few months and Thomas Jefferson became our president. He immediately added two wings; now known as the East and West wings. We will walk through a sunny hall or Colonnade, its official name.

"There are several small rooms on the first floor. The first room is a library which contains an assortment of books for all ages, including children's books. The furnishings are legitimate pieces from the early1800's."

"Is it really used?" Brigitta asked.

"Yes, mostly by the children of the president. He has books in his office too."

"The next room is appropriately named, The China Room. It is a display of the china used by each First Lady for formal dinners. First Ladies use this room for teas, meetings, and smaller receptions.

"I'll give you a few minutes to look around."

The ladies oohed and ahaed over them. Georg noticed the boys weren't interested in the displays.

"Boys, be patient. I'm sure there will be rooms which interest you."

It wasn't the next one. It was a sitting room for ladies: a bathroom was also there.

The next room brought this comment from several of them. "I don't think I've ever seen a red room!"

"Yes, it is rather bold. The room's chandelier is its most spectacular feature. The 36-light French Empire chandelier was fashioned from carved and gilded wood in the early 1800s. The next room is really interesting; let me show you.

"You will see large panoramic landscape paintings of interesting sights in America; Natural Bridge of Virginia, Niagara Falls, New York Bay, West Point, a military school and the Boston Harbor, which is noteworthy as the start of our revolutionary war with the British, the Boston Tea Party."

"Dad, mom told us about the Boston Tea Party and how it started the Revolutionary War which the Americans eventually won."

"And then these same Americans then formed a new nation built on the premise all men are created equal. Every person can live the life they were meant to live."

"Mom told us that too."

"I see John is leading us to the next room; let's follow him."

As soon as Friedrich saw a large map on the wall in front of them, he asked. "Why would the president have a big map of Europe?"

"Do you remember why we left Austria?"

"I do. That new leader in Germany wanted you for his navy. And that man Herr Zeller attempted to help him. I still can't believe the Baroness was helping him."

"Is there going to be another big war?"

"I'm afraid there is. But I doubt the United States government would ever send men into battle. It may find other ways to help."

All of them heard Maria. "Boys, did you enjoy your time with your dad?"

"We did, mom. What did you and the others learn?"

"John told us all about the role of a First Lady, the wife of the president. And Stefan and Phillip learned about the horses the presidents rode and the garden flowers, including the Cherry Trees. He also told us about the second war with the British when they set fire to the White House. All the soot stains on the outside were visible, so they painted it white and ever since it has been known as the White House."

John had waited for their conversation to end. "The exit you will use takes you through the Entrance Hall and Cross Hall which distinguished guests use. You'll also see the large staircase to the family living quarters. Can I answer any questions before you depart?"

Georg answered him. "You gave us a fine tour. It's time for us to return home."