Money, Money, Money

September 18

Toured the Heurich mansion in the morning.  He was a German immigrant who got rich making beer.  His Victorian mansion is 11,000 sf.  Similar to others we have seen.  Lots of ornate woodwork and plaster.  Opposite of minimalist design.

Then we saw them making money at the Bureau of Engraving and Printing.  The make over $8 million per day, although most of it is replacing old worn out money.  No pictures allowed.

The Japanese WWII Memorial recognizes the 442 Japanese America unit that was highly decorated and the mistake of the internment.

It was quite moving seeing members of our group standing in front of their camp name for pictures.

Then we went to the Holucast Museum.  It starts with the persecution of Jews from biblical times, the Nazi's, and finishes with an exhibit on neighbors that turned in their a Jewish neighbors.

The Holucast Museum, African Museum, and the Japanese WWII Memorial show how cruel people can be to people that they think they are better than.

We had dinner at the Saudi Arabia Embassy.  Mom volunteered to be in a fashion show of Saudi dress.  Only the guide could bring in her phone for pictures, so we'll have to wait to get them.  They are one of the richest countries.  They get free education and health care.  There is no income tax.  However it can get up to 150 degrees in the desert.  Women can't drive and they have to be totally covered in black in public.  (After we got back they started allowing women to drive)

The WWII memorial is the newest.  Bob Dole and Tom Hanks helped get funding.

Each state is represented to signify that everyone was part of the war effort.  Over 400,000 died.