White House Tour

We finally managed to get onto a tour of the White House on Saturday 15 December 2007. This was organised by an Australian living here who is married to an American. He normally arranges a tour once or twice a year for 60 - 70 Australians. Since 9/11, White House tours have to be arranged through your Member of Congress which makes it difficult otherwise for us 'non-resident aliens'. (Although I did just find that there is an online tour.)

Part of the tour arrangements are that you can't take virtually anything in with you. 'Prohibited items include, but are not limited to, the following: handbags, book bags, backpacks, purses, food and beverages of any kind, strollers, cameras, video recorders or any type of recording device, tobacco products, personal grooming items (make-up, hair brush or comb, lip or hand lotions, etc.), any pointed objects (pens, knitting needles, etc.), aerosol containers, guns, ammunition, fireworks, electric stun guns, mace, martial arts weapons/devices, or knives of any size. The U.S. Secret Service reserves the right to prohibit any other personal items. Umbrellas, wallets, cell phones and car keys are permitted.'

We headed off with just some food and drink for the kids which we could dispose of any left overs before heading in. In hindsight, we were deficient in hats, scarves and warm footwear etc! I picked up a hat at Macy's on the way over, having realised how cold the day actually was. We were still a bit early for the 10.15 meeting time, ready for our 11am tour. We didn't get into the warm security area until 11.30 by which time my hands weren't working from holding the (quite good) brochures we were given while Donna's feet were frozen through the thin soles of her shoes. The kids didn't feel a thing ...

The tour was self guided and involved following the crowds along the marked path through the various rooms. There was more to see than usual as the White House was decked up with Christmas decorations. Each year, the First Lady chooses a theme. This year the theme was 'holiday in the national parks'. The press release summarises the theme as:

This Christmas season we give thanks for our nation’s abundant blessings.
In the spirit of gratitude for our natural and historic treasures found from sea to shining sea, this year’s theme highlights America’s national parks. From breathtaking landscapes to important historical sites, generations have marveled at God’s magnificent creation and cherished memories of visits to these special places.
Our deep appreciation goes to the White House Executive Residence staff, artists from across the country, and many volunteers. Their creativity and tireless efforts have made possible this year’s holiday decorations representing our beloved parks.
We send our warm wishes for a happy holiday season full of the love of your family and friends.
George W. Bush Laura Bush

The tour book we were handed is also online and this outlines each room we visited and the Christmas decorations in each room. The paintings give a fair idea of each room. There's also some photos of the 2006 decorations available online.

The Christmas tree in the Blue Room was a highlight: 'The ornaments represent the 391 national parks, memorials, seashores, historic sites, and monuments across our country and were decorated by artists selected by the sites. Each ornament reflects the diversity of our national landscapes and the many wonderful and unique treasures found from sea to shining sea!' Although filing past meant that it wasn't possible to recognise any of the ornaments as they related to their sites.

The major highlight was the gingerbread house: 'The gingerbread house brings smiles to children’s faces every holiday season. Months of work, pounds of chocolate, countless sheets of gingerbread, and mountains of sugar went into the creation of this enchanting and edible masterpiece. This year, the south view of the White House is depicted with historical and architectural accuracy by White House Executive Pastry Chef Bill Yosses and White House Assistant Pastry Chef Chris Phillips. The Bush family pets - Barney, Miss Beazley, and Willie - celebrate the beauty of creation with moose, elk, raccoons and other friends from parks across the nation.'

As ardent West Wing fans, it was great to finally see inside the White House. Albeit through the East Wing rather than the bit we are more familiar with through the tv series! Probably because of this, the tour was a bit less than we were hoping for. Think that a guided tour may add some extra value. While the tour book did explain a bit about each room, I couldn't help wondering what some of the other paintings etc in the room etc were. They do recommend visiting the White House Visitors Centre first but I've always avoided it due to having the pain of security checks to go in. We did visit it later and found it a fairly depressing place. Basically a large barn-like space with what look like temporary exhibit screens put up as a quick response post 9/11 but which haven't been improved on since. But another one ticked off the 'must visit' list!

Malcolm