June 12, 1948

I had an opportunity to visit Washington. It is one of the most beautiful cities I have ever seen. It is quite modern and very well planned and at times reminded me of Paris. There are huge office buildings, palaces would be a better description, and green squares wherever you look. The Potomac is not much smaller than the Thames, but is a friendly, well organized river with big reservoirs through it. The National Art Gallery is the best laid out museum you can imagine. It has perfect light conditions and air conditioning to keep the temperature and moisture the same all year. I didn't know they had so many first class paintings here in America.
     The trains here are marvelous- except they don't run on Sundays. All the windows are closed all the time but there is air conditioning which creates cool air. No matter how stuffy and hot it is outside, you feel just right as soon as you enter your compartment. I did decide to shorten my name and took the official papers already.