When you hear the words “White House”, what comes to your mind- The President’s house or just an important historical building in the nation’s capital? Read on to find out what it really is……

It took 6 months for us to get tickets to visit the White House. When I visited the White House Visitor Center in Washington D.C in April earlier in the year, I learnt that we could actually tour the building. As soon as we returned home, my family tried for tour tickets through our Congressman. We finally got them for November!

As we were waiting in the cold on this November morning, in the White House South Lawns, I was filled with excitement. The first thing that struck me was the colorful flowers and well maintained lawns. Everything – inside and outside, had a place and was well kept. We went through many security checks before entering the building. In the East Wing hallway on the Ground floor, I saw the portraits of past Presidents and events during their presidency framed on the walls. The library had over 2700 books. The Vermeil room and China Room displayed collections of silverware and China.

We walked up a stairway to the State Floor. The East Room - the largest in the White House, was the most impressive because of its size and decor. This is the room where the President usually meets the press. The Green, Blue and Red Rooms on the same floor get their name because of the colors of the furniture and walls. These rooms are used for entertaining state guests.

I saw the State Dining room next. It was enormous! We exited our tour through the Cross Hall. This serves as a White House Reception area. I felt important walking through the hall. The Entrance Halls - an extension of the Cross Hall, took us to the front entrance of the White House or the North Lawn. The grand Steinway piano and the steps leading to the President’s residence caught my eye at the Entrance Hall. The President and his family live on the second and third floors of the White House. Once outside, we took pictures. Photography is not allowed inside the White House.

My only regret of the trip was that I couldn’t visit the Oval Office- the office of the US President - located in the West Wing. Imagine working in the building where you live!

The White House is a magnificent building and very important to our nation. It houses the US President - one of the most powerful leaders in the World. I believe it is very important due to the many historical events that have occurred in it. I learnt that the White House is not just the President’s house, but his office and a monument for the nation to share and celebrate.

If you enjoy history, I would recommend a visit to the White House.