Wednesday's main tourism objective was the North Carolina
state capitol building. Dorothy and Bob drove us to downtown
Raleigh in mid-morning. First item of business was to get
tickets for the afternoon tour of the Governor's mansion.
Then we walked around the capitol complex, headed for the
historic buildings. Weather cooperated nicely with
temperatures in the 70's. Skies were cloudy.
In the rotunda area of the capitol building we were greeted by
TV cameras and photographers setting up for a ceremony of some
sort, but we and a groups of school children were permitted to
wander throughout the main floor and second. Soon we
learned of the intended object of the press and TV
preparations. Governor Hunt and an entourage arrived, the
silver-haired Governor pausing to shake many hands and smile
for every camera in the room.
Finally the nature of the ceremonies was revealed. The ambassador from Kuwait was visiting to present a North Carolina veteran's group with a donation toward construction of a Desert Storm monument to honor participants of the Gulf War. Speakers included Governor Hunt, Senator Jesse Helms, the Kuwait ambassador and the leader of a veteran's group organizing the monument's development. Such a gathering of dignitaries to greet our tour of the capitol. My my.
At mid-day we were touring the very impressive legislative building when a visitor's guide or receptionist suggested that we should have lunch in the government cafeteria. We thought that would be nice and found our way to the basement facility. Lunch was very reasonably priced. Salads, sandwiches, beverages and desserts all around came to but $17.00 for four of us. And the food was quite good too.
After lunch we toured a nearby museum which featured an
exhibit of women in North Carolina history. The display was
very well done and we are glad to have seen it.