Let’s start by saying “Happy New Year!!” and this post actually isn’t just another day at the White House but a part two tour — of the West Wing.

Disclaimer:  There are actually no pictures of the interior of the West Wing of the White House that were taken during the tour in this post. They are not allowed.

Our Christmas Eve tour started out at what I always affectionately call “DC’s Haunted House” but is actually the Eisenhower Executive Office Building,* also known as the “Old” Executive Office Building or EEOB or EOB for short. There are “newer” townhouses that are also a part of the EOB that were built across the street. There was a two-tier, tight security process to enter the well-guarded grounds, as only someone who works in The White House can register visitors for this type of tour.

*(Click the link above to scroll to see interesting facts about this building at the bottom.)

Obama’s White House tour site has great archived photos all around, so check back here for a thorough visual synopsis of this post and then some.

Our friend is one of the Chiefs of Staff for one of the commissions that advises the President. This was a great present and opportunity for us to see where she works and where the President, Vice President and other high-ranking government officials work in the West Wing of the White House, along with offices in the EOB. We were happy that our son and his wife decided to join us.

The following pictures have their descriptions below each photo.

Since we couldn’t take any pictures inside the West Wing, it is worth describing that everyone in our group noticed how small the halls and how low the ceilings were. My guess is that they are barely seven feet tall, only because I could almost touch them with my hand. I’m short too but they were definitely shorter than eight feet tall, the ceiling height in my house. I wonder if the President and the First Lady have to bend down when they enter?!

The halls were decorated as if you were in a traditional home or hotel with antique furniture and collector’s paintings — in a more “comfortable but stately” way than you see depicted in almost every film about The White House.

Regrettably, I coudn’t find a really relatable “Hollywood” image to visually describe this disparity, except this one from the West Wing TV show. However, I did find this one to show the actual low ceilings.

Atlas Obscura’s blog has fun facts about how Hollywood “glamorizes” the White House.

The White House “Mess” is more like a small fancy, four-star restaurant. Most all White House staff and members eat here. It is surprisingly “cozy” and stately with its Navy tribute theme. You can take another “virtual” tour of inside the White House via the link above.

The Oval Office was, however, characteristically “huge” with the tallest ceilings and the most light. It was unexpectedly understated but beautifully designed with President Reagan’s rug while President Trump’s is being made. Each President designs their individual rug. I like the stylish peach and gold colors and the fact that Trump has pictures of his parents on his desk. Otherwise, this and all the rooms were reflective of the People’s offices.

This image of the current Oval Office gives you a good broad visual of the room.

The last time we did a similar tour was in 2005, when another friend was working in The White House under President George W. Bush. It was after 9-11 and security was understandably tight but we were still able to take this picture outside of the West Wing along the corridor made famous by other Presidents as they are shown walking during reflective moments during perhaps tumultuous times of their leadership.

This image of Reagan walking the same West Wing corridor in the same direction is from The White House Museum, where you can see other Presidents walking the same path.

We were able to take a family picture outside of the White House as you exit, under the Presidential Seal.

From here, we walked to the Press Office. Even though it has been renovated (in 2014) since we were last there, its exceptionally small footprint has not changed.

We walked back to the EOB to collect any bags we had. When inside, I should mention, don’t forget to look up at the beautiful stain glass ceilings. They bring in light and ornate decoration.

After a great tour and cold day with family and friends, we each went home to enjoy our Christmas Eve separately. Ours was at Grace Church.

Click here, if you’d like to review another day at the White House — part one tour.