I really enjoyed getting to tour the White House this past weekend. The West Wing had misled me to believe a pompous snob would meet us and take us around the mansion.  In actuality, the tours are self-guided, but there are secret service agents guarding each room who you could also answer any questions.

The rooms in the White House tour

We got to see 8 rooms – the Library, Vermeil Room, East Room, Green Room, Blue Room, Red Room, State Dining Room and Entrance Hall. (We were not able to see the Diplomatic Reception Room, Map Room and South Portico).

In many ways it was like touring Versailles or Biltmore or any great mansion decorated for the time period, but then you saw something unusual. No, not a giant balloon dog, but a small stage set up in the East Room from an event earlier in the week, or a butterfly decal on a window that I assume is part of the décor of one of the first daughter’s rooms.  This place is alive, still used. When you get past all the historical polish, this is a real home to a real family.  (We heard the real livable space is the residency on the top floor, that’s where the plush couches and big screen TVs are).

My favorite moment was in the Blue Room looking out the window at the Washington Monument and Jefferson Memorial beyond that.  So many times, do you look from any point in DC towards the White House, this was the only time I’ve had the viewpoint from the White House looking out.