I got to go inside the White House! I've been joking that if you show up enough times they finally let you in the building. When the email went out asking for volunteers during the holidays, I tried to be as flexible as possible with my schedule so that I could increase my chances of being selected. This time of year is the most popular with volunteers, and they only pick people who have already volunteered for other events previously. So, since I already did the Easter Egg Roll and Spring Garden Tour, I was hopeful.
My job was to greet tour visitors at the East Wing Entrance, hand out visitor booklets, and point them in the direction of the post card station where people could write letters of thanks to troops overseas. It was by far the easiest gig I've worked yet. After my shift was over, I was allowed to join the self-guided tour.
Along the way I met some really nice fellow volunteers and Secret Service Agents.
One of the perks is that this is the only time of year when White House visitors are allowed to take pictures. However, since I didn't know how much work I'd be doing, I only took the mini camera so I apologize for the graininess of the photos. I was selected to do a second shift next Saturday, so check back for more and better pictures since I'll be taking the big camera!
The rest of this post is pretty picture-concentrated. If you want to get an idea of which where the different rooms are, there's a great virtual map at http://www.whitehousemuseum.org/ if you want to follow along.
We were allowed to store our belongings in the First Lady's reception room, which is to the immediate right of the East Wing Lobby, where I was working. The Secret Service Desk can be seen on left.
(Side Note: There was a beautiful floral arrangement on the Secret Service Desk. It was a little wilted, but I made a comment about its beauty to the Agent and he replied that it was awful because it was three days old and it is a rule that all the fresh flowers be replaced every two days since you never know who might be dropping by for a visit)
The greenery snowflakes were made with real boxwood and had lights.
Me at the entrance, ready to greet visitors.
My co-volunteer snapped this picture with her phone as I held the door open for Bo!
It was a very exciting moment.
East Colonnade, and a giant puff-ball statue of Bo in the Visitors Foyer
The Center Hall, and Vermeil Room
The China Room, and the East Room
Decoration details in the East Room
The Cross Hall
The Green Room
Blue Room, Red Room
State Dining Room, with the 300-pound gingerbread White House
Detail on one of the First Lady Tribute Trees, me standing under the seal over the Blue Room entrance
Exiting through the North Portico, choir performance in the Entrance Hall
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