Due to issues with my blog during my trip this entry is for Friday, March 16.
Today is my first and only full day in Washington, DC. I planned for an incredibly full day, hopping to take in the entire mall and several Smithsonian Museums. Even when I found out it would rain, I was still optimistic for the day. After eating some breakfast at Burger King I went across the street to Metro station to get into DC. As I was buying a MetroRail Pass, a person asked me how to buy a fare card as I probably looked like I knew what I was doing and maybe that I lived in the area. Comeon, I had shorts on in 38 degree weather. Anyways, the Metro ride was quite uneventful and I got off at Federal Center SW.
It was still raining, so I took cover in the first building I saw, which was the National Museum of the American Indian. I had never seen it nor had I really heard of it, so I went in. Then I realized why it looked incredibly new, like within the last six years new. Anyways, there were some interesting exhibits about all the different tribes in not just only North America, but some in Central and South America as well. However, it just seems like they could put so much more in the Museum, which I have a feeling they will .or I just missed some of the stuff.
Next door is the National Museum of Air and Space. On my short walk a man and his daughter were walking when a man shouted at them “What are you F#$%ing looking at? Get your eyes off of me!” The guy didnt say anything, and we all entered the museum shortly. This is probably one of my favorite museums in DC. All the aircraft, both new and old and the spacecraft is just so fascinating to me. I noticed Space Ship One was now hanging up. Also, the civil aircraft section was closed. Now, I cant remember if that was there last six years ago. At that time I was there shortly before closing and didnt see much. I wanted to go into the front section of the Northwest 747, but oh well. Also the Jet Engine hall was closed, which was unfortunate.
At this point I went out on the mall, snapped a few photographs and then went directly across to the National Gallery. I didnt spend as long as I had previously, but went through galleries of Italian Renaissance, portraits, photography, and some of the sculpture/tapestry/non-paintings on the ground floor.
It was nearing lunch time, but as I walked, I managed to make it to the National Archives. After clearing security, I was worked my way up to the main floor. As soon as I reached it, I noticed the line for the Constitution/Bill of Rights/Declaration of Independence. Since I have already seen those, I moved on and made it to the rest of the Archives, which I have never seen. There was a copy of the Magna Carta, and the Public Vault. The “vault” was a completely hands on experience through computers, audio, video, etc.
Afterwards I went to find food, and wound up behind the Archives on the 800 block of Pennsylvania Ave. I went in to a deli, which I realized as I ate I had ate here back in 1998. Strange I remember these things. I made the long walk towards the White House, but stopped at the White House Visitors Center on the way to dry off a bit. I headed back out a bit later, and made it to the White House, but it was on lockdown after a 66-year old man jumped the fence. After hearing this, I headed towards the Washington Monument, but they were out of tickets for today. At this point I was actually soaked now with my shirt now being wet. I made it to the Smithsonian Metro station, and headed back to Rosslyn.
I went back to my hotel, and got in around 3PM. I ran my wet clothes down into the dryer, and then myself took one hot shower to try and warm up. After getting my act back together, I headed back into DC. I decided I would try the Museum of Natural History. Went through the Mammals and Gems/Minerals Exhibits and left since they were about to close (I think) at 5:30. After this, I went to the White House, but I could only get to the north side. I took pictures then headed north to the McPhearson Square Metro station to head back to the hotel again. I got back around 6:30-6:45 and started to think about dinner. When I finally headed out sometime around 9PM to pick up food at Ruby Tuesdays, I noticed something. It was SNOWING! My first snow in many years. After bringing my food back and eating it, I headed back out side to play. I made some snowballs (I still have the skill) and made a mini-snowman. I am sure the locals thought I was crazy, but I was going to enjoy the only snow I will probably see for some time.