The United States Capitol Subway System

The basement of the United States capitol is a mysterious place. Most of what is located down there is not known to the public. One thing that is known though, and is absolutely fascinating, is the metro system. For lawmakers, it is a quick and easy way for transport between nearby buildings, and avoid security and the harsh weather.

The original subway opened in the early 1900s, and looked like this.

Gradually, the system modernized to three lines.

For journalists, the subway is wonderful as it allows them to meet up and interview lawmakers.

In addition, since the subway is open to the public, people can come down to meet lawmakers once passed security.

Perticone, J. (2019, January 19). Step aboard the Little-known subway line below Capitol hill that lawmakers use to get around. Business Insider. Retrieved from https://www.businessinsider.com/subway-line-connecting-congress-capitol-hill-buildings-2019-1#one-side-of-the-subway-system-is-open-to-the-public-meaning-anyone-who-enters-the-capitol-hill-office-buildings-can-see-who-comes-and-goes-including-protesters-looking-to-heckle-lawmakers-during-tense-times-8.

A Floating Hotel in North Korea

In the late 1980s, off the coast of the Great Barrier Reef, the world’s first floating hotel was constructed. It was a seven story structure that comprised a nightclub, a tennis court and a helipad. When it first opened, the hotel faced a litney of problems immediately, such as cyclones. Business fell and the hotel was then sold and relocated to Vietnam. When the hotel later struggled in Vietnam as well, it was then sold and moved again to North Korea at a time of peace when North and South Korea had better relations.

In North Korea, the hotel accomodated mainly South Korean tourists for many years, serving as a symbol of improved relations. The mood changed in 2008 though when a North Korean guard shot and killed a South Korean tourist. Eventually, with the pandemic, the hoted shuttered and closed its operations. The future of the hotel remains in doubt ever since.

Butler, G., & Kwon, J. (2020, March 11). How a floating hotel on the Great Barrier Reef became a North Korean ghost ship. VICE. Retrieved from https://www.vice.com/en/article/g5bbdy/how-a-floating-hotel-on-the-great-barrier-reef-became-a-north-korean-ghost-ship.