Tuesday, May 31, 2005
Day 5: Washington DC
May 31: I must say that although today is only my fifth day of travel, it feels like ages, but yet not long enough... as soon I will have to say goodbye to my good friend Beth. Still, I am enjoying my time here.
Today I caught the metro into DC and was a real tourist. First, I walked around The Capitol (the building where the US hold their Parliament), then passed the reflecting pool, gardens and down to National Mall to see various museums which make up the Smithsonian Institute. Did a tour of the new Museum of the American Indian and found the information there fascinating - especially seeing Navaho and Santa Clara objects which reminded me of my holiday to the west coast of the US in 1987. I also revisited the National Air and Space Museum (which I went to in 2002) and touched a piece of the moon!
The Natural History museum was also very interesting, especially the an exhibition with a range of gems, including the Hope Diamond; as well as exhibitions on mammals (yes, there was an entire Australian section), Sikhs, and native birds to DC. Bought some gems stones too, as my good luck charm to keep me safe in my travels.
I then took a long walk down to the Washington Monument, passed the World War II Memorial (fountain), along the reflecting pool and down to the Lincoln Memorial. There, I eavesdropped on a school tour group's lecture so I could hear all about the Memorial and its significance - eg. on the steps is where Martin Luther King gave his "I have a dream" speech, and inside on the wall is the Gettysburg Address.
There were lots of school kids around, both here and in the museums - even at 8pm!
Walked passed the Vietnam War Memorial wall, with wreaths there from Memorial Day, the Korean War Memorial and also the World War I Memorial, before heading in the sunset back up Constitution Avenue to the White House. Saw it from the front and the back... beautiful site.
Did a lot of walking today and only got back to Beth's near 10pm, but a very interesting day.
Wish I could send photos - may try to work out how here, or by email - otherwise, may have to wait...
Today I caught the metro into DC and was a real tourist. First, I walked around The Capitol (the building where the US hold their Parliament), then passed the reflecting pool, gardens and down to National Mall to see various museums which make up the Smithsonian Institute. Did a tour of the new Museum of the American Indian and found the information there fascinating - especially seeing Navaho and Santa Clara objects which reminded me of my holiday to the west coast of the US in 1987. I also revisited the National Air and Space Museum (which I went to in 2002) and touched a piece of the moon!
The Natural History museum was also very interesting, especially the an exhibition with a range of gems, including the Hope Diamond; as well as exhibitions on mammals (yes, there was an entire Australian section), Sikhs, and native birds to DC. Bought some gems stones too, as my good luck charm to keep me safe in my travels.
I then took a long walk down to the Washington Monument, passed the World War II Memorial (fountain), along the reflecting pool and down to the Lincoln Memorial. There, I eavesdropped on a school tour group's lecture so I could hear all about the Memorial and its significance - eg. on the steps is where Martin Luther King gave his "I have a dream" speech, and inside on the wall is the Gettysburg Address.
There were lots of school kids around, both here and in the museums - even at 8pm!
Walked passed the Vietnam War Memorial wall, with wreaths there from Memorial Day, the Korean War Memorial and also the World War I Memorial, before heading in the sunset back up Constitution Avenue to the White House. Saw it from the front and the back... beautiful site.
Did a lot of walking today and only got back to Beth's near 10pm, but a very interesting day.
Wish I could send photos - may try to work out how here, or by email - otherwise, may have to wait...
# posted by mishij @ 7:50 PM 
