The Archives building holds many of the most important documents in US history, including The Constitution, The Bill of Rights, and many of the amendments. My favorite was the Magna Carta (which is not actually an American Document, but had the most influence over the Constitution).
To kill some time before our ticket time at the Spy Museum, we did a quick (like 2 minutes) walk through the place across from Ford Theater, where Lincoln died. It was nice to see, but I feel the real energy and gravity of the event has been lost due to the high tourist traffic through the area.
My parents also killed alot of time with looking over the map...
The International Spy Museum was a little overrated, but it may have been because my feet were aching at the time. It was alot of walking and reading, but if you can bear to read it all, there is quite a lot to learn.
The White House was...well... the White house. The best part about seeing the white house from behind the wrought iron gates was the sole protester walking peacefully back and forth....
"Mr. President. Please rescue me from the vastly pervasive, lawless satellites operating spy agencies That have been subjecting me to their perpetual criminal acts, intensely inhumane tortures and mind control experiments practices."
Is this a good thing??
The Museum of Natural History, much like the one in New York, is a taxidermist's heaven, with the addition of the hope diamond. Always very fun to say you've seen that!
We went to the Air and Space Museum ... only it seems to be a different one that everyone talks about. This one had many airplanes, a space shuttle, and an observation tower. It was cool to see the area from so high up. The most moving thing for me however, was seeing the plane the dropped the first atomic bomb - my stomach sank instantly, and I must have stared at it for 5 minutes, not moving at all. All the people lost..
All was good until we went to the Kennilworth Aquatic Gardens. At that point, all became absolutely magical.
It wasn't as though the heat didn't burn the nape of my neck
Or that the sweat didn't drip from my nose - but the water lilies called, and the lotus blossoms sang it all away.
The dragonflies littered scene with dashing colors, knowing full well of the show they put on.
All was in harmony, and I was home.
On Friday night, there was an event in the sculpture garden. It seemed that every blade of grass as hidden beneath a picnic blanket. Glasses of wine were to be seen at every turn, and a fountain served as a huge centerpiece for the occasion. I tried desperately to find a spot to plunge my feet into it but I had no such luck. This wasn't my event anyway - I felt I was there only to observe.
And once again..
The second time I felt at home (since the water gardens) was in the Museum of The American Indian.
It completely confirmed my past life as a native american, because I have never felt such a familiarity with any culture before (specifically the tribes of the South West). I admire their sacred connection with the earth, and the relationship they had with their own souls.
Leaving the Museum, we stumbled upon a Native American protest. It was so powerful to see 3 gorgeous women standing strongly in from of the Capitol building, singing to the masses of their sorrows.
World War II Monument - a refreshing place to soak your feet.
Washington Monument... notice the storm coming?
Lincoln Monument - just like all of the photos you've seen. Its BIG!
Vietnam Monument - you feel this one in your gut. The area is drenched in such a sad energy.
Korean Monument - ironic that it began to downpour on us as we came across this site.
On the way back to the train I was running across the street and fell into a huge puddle. It must have been half a foot deep. It was more funny than anything though.
i couldn't resist the shot....
On one day we visited Arlington National Cemetery, which was immense. a third of a million people are laid to rest there - i couldn't believe my eyes, and the photos don't do it justice.
this outdoor amphitheater was like heaven...
Also..Mount Vernon (home of george washington) was so much larger and involved than any of us had expected. The entire estate was set up as it was back then. Along with the main building and the burial site, there were gardens, slave quarters, stables.. the list goes on... id have to say the highlight was taking a fresh cayenne pepper from one of the gardens...
The trip was well worth the time and effort, and foot cramps. And even though we couldn't squeeze in the time for an art gallery, the city itself is laced with art. You see it in the architecture, sculpture, graffiti, design, and landscaping.
