A Capitol Tour in Des Moines

After we got our new drivers licenses, Phil and I rejoined the WINs in Des Moines, IA. Of course, the first thing on the agenda was to go see the capitol.

We were unable to sign up for a tour ahead of time, but were pleasantly surprised that we had no trouble getting one when we got there.

On the staircase, six mosaics in arched panels sit above a mural painting, "Westward," an idealized representation of the coming of the people who made Iowa.

The mosaics were made in Venice from small pieces of colored stone.

If you look closely at the right side of the painting, "Westward," you can see images of the settlers among the foliage.

One of the most unique things about the capitol is that the interior features 29 different types of imported and domestic marble.

A straight-up view of the inside of the rotunda. Lots of 23-karat gold leaf both inside and out. Completed in 1886, the building has been under a major renovation for a LONG time.

Some of us climbed up to the rotunda. Here's the view from there of the 3 lower floors.

And a closer view of the flag at the top. It isn't painted on there, it hangs by strings.

After that, it was time for lunch. We went to B&B Grocery, highly recommended, and most of us ordered their special, a pork tenderloin. Remember, we're in the Midwest...

The owner was a very nice guy, and really funny. He was kind of intrigued with us, and took a picture to put on their Facebook page.