Slept poorly due to the bed being so soft and a major thunder and lightening storm. Michael’s back is hurting him. Good thing soft beds don’t happen often. Anyway, we got up and went and had a quick bite in the lobby of the Day’s Inn and then headed to Alice and Arnold’s home (again). Their daughter, Cynthia, had flown in last night and we wanted to get a visit in with her before we headed out to Columbus.
Cynthia on the bacon, Galen supervising from the counter and Alice is the waffle queen.Alice, my sister in law.Arnold, my brother in law.Cynthia Ann, my niece in law and a wonderful young woman.
Such a good visit and we got to catch up. Too much time has passed too quickly. So good seeing them all again and getting a quick, but good, visit in. They also cooked a delicious waffle breakfast.
We left and headed the almost 100 miles into Columbus, Ohio. Clarece (GPS) must have been mad at us again because she mostly took us on back roads until she had to put us on a highway because there was no other option. Good thing we like the back roads because we see so much more of the real countryside. The weather was cooler today as the storm last night seemed to clean the air.
We got to the State Capitol and found parking in a parking lot below the building (something like $5.00 for several hours). We were able to get a tour at 2:00 PM.
We were making our way out of the garage, taking pictures so we could find our car later. A couple of women, struggling to find which level they parked on and where their car was looked at what we were doing and gushed that they never thought to do that, what a good idea that was and resolved they were going to do that from now on.Parking underneath, you enter from underground.The stone foundations are on display.This plaque could be the basis of a movie.
The tour guide, Don, was probably one of our least favorite as he was quite slow and wanted to explain everything in great (and very lengthy) detail. Also, we had to stand around and listen while he went into his stories and Michael’s back was hurting. He was so nice, though, that we didn’t want to run away while he was talking. It was interesting at times with some of the stories he told, but mostly not.
Our tour guide Don. He works in a non partisan analysis section and they call on him when they don’t have a volunteer docent.
We got to see the Senate, the House, the rotunda, and the crypt and map room.
Every county in Ohio, this area is called the map room.The basement, called; “The Crypt” was remodeled into an education area for school age kid tours. I really liked all the information and philosophy.
I really loved this graphic.
Salmon Chase (Think Chase Banking)
The Liberty Bell and a placard explaining the bond drive.I am impressed that they have kept this display.A small museum.Beautiful state seal that was found in a very big closet during a remodel. It used to hang in the top of the dome.
We finally left the crypt and went up a floor. Â We arrived at an elevator shaft in a stair well.One of two skylights on the side buildings.Fossil.Looking at the reflection on the building across shows the drum shaped cupola of the capitol building.I liked the art in the stone and steal work on these stairs.Lovely patterns on the rotunda floor.One also hangs in the US Capitol building.Thomas Edison.Treaty signing.Orville and Wilbur Wright.Large brass light fixtures on the walls.Lee’s surrender to Grant.Top of dome.Dome.Top of dome and state seal in the center.House floor from the gallery.Custom chandeliers.Excellent detail.The floor twist depending on your point of view.
Senate floor. High school kids are having a mock session.
It’s a very nice Capitol and has some beautiful areas but didn’t have any murals or any real Ohio personality (to us). We did enjoy walking the grounds of the State Capitol. Beautiful. The Ohio State Capitol has a cupola instead of a dome.
Capitol selfie.Grumpy hitting the stairs.Selfie that catches the cupola.Columbus, in Columbus, Ohio.Holocaust Memorial.Star of David is part of it.Lovely church near the Capitol.They describe the cupola as a drum shaped top.The Capitol building fills the block.
Peace“These are our Jewels”. Seven statues: Gen Ulysses S Grant, Gen William T Sherman, Gen Phillip Sheridan, Edwin M. Stanton, James A. Garfield, Rutherford B Hayes, Salmon Chase.
We left and got into a little traffic so it took us about half an hour to get to our hotel (Ramada Inn-go fast points plus about $50.00). The room is quite spacious and nice.
Comfortable bed.We didn’t much use the couch.I worked at the desk.Stand alone vanity area just inside the door.Standard tub and toilet.
We rested up a little bit and then headed out to the Cheesecake Factory nearby, Polaris Mall, to see a great nephew we haven’t seen in many years. He graduated from college, lives and works in Columbus now. So good seeing him and catching up. Hope to see more of him in the future.
Here we go again!Great nephew Alex, a great guy, lots of fun.
We are tired after a full day of visiting with loved ones. That was our day. Hope yours was great!
