After departing Arlington Cemetery, my original thought was to head back to the Metro and ride it to the Mall. However, upon noticing that the Washington Monument wasn't too far in the distance and that I always like to do a little running when I go places, I took off over a bridge over the Potomac to take in the sights from a runner's perspective.
I vaguely remembered the Lincoln/Washington/Reflecting Pool from a high school trip, but it packed so much more of a punch as an adult. I walked to the end of the reflecting pool to catch the Vietnam Memorial and WWII Memorial. I was struck by how similar the area appeared to Chicago's Lincoln Park. But... so few people! I thought very much of Grampy as I took a picture of the Massachusetts pillar at the WWII Memorial.
From there, the Smithsonian museums were so close that I hit them in the order I happened upon them. First was American History. From my weeks of research, I knew exactly what I wanted to see and where it was. There was no way I could see everything, so I zeroed in on my "must-see" microcosm. Stuff like the ruby slippers from the Wizard of Oz, Archie Bunker's chair and the first ladies' inaugural gowns. Washington's army uniform left me breathless. Seany would love this.
Next was National History. Here, the focus was on the Hope Diamond, butterfly garden and bug zoo (ever thinking about my painting series) and of course the mummies because I'm in love with Egyptology.
Backtracked a bit to see the Holocaust Museum. There was a lot of reading that I confess I pushed through because I had such a tight agenda. I was struck by the horror of it all-- who couldn't be? Especially the bunks from Auschwitz and the shoes they collected from the interred.
Next, Air and Space. Again-- following my stringent "to-do" list-- Apollo and all the space stuff, then the Wright Brothers.
Last but not least was the American Gallery of Art and the Portrait Gallery. Flat-out blew me away. I wanted to spend more time there but was slightly concerned about navigating the Metro after dark. A very sweet older man-- a docent-- helped me find the best route-- even chasing me down in a gallery when he found an even better route. Once again, I was heartened by the kindness of people here. They really go out of their way to help.
The U.S. presidents' portraits were amazing-- especially JFK's-- as was the courtyard-- spendid and magnificent. Finally, the gift shop. Even though it weighs a ton, I was compelled to buy the catalog of the permanent collection as well as some very quirky-- and cheap-- jewelry.
After successfully navigating the Metro, I emerged at Pentagon City Maill. It was a zoo so I didn't stay long. Went to Lush and bought some bath bombs for a relaxing tub-time and had a glam meal at the Golden Arches. The hotel shuttle situation (or lack thereof) pissed me off and I really don't like to wait, so I took a cab. Spent the evening drinking overpriced wine and making plans for seeing two college friends the next day.
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