The Air and Space Museum never disappoints and today was no different. Having just been to the Kitty Hawk area, we wanted to make sure we saw the Wright Flyer. We even learned a few things we hadn't heard in North Carolina. For example, it only flew 4 times because as the brothers were discussed the 4th flight, a gust of wind came along flipping the plane over and completely damaging it. The hanging planes and rockets fascinated the kids as did being able to walk into a 1970s 747, a simulator where you try to land a plane on an aircraft carrier, and the exhibit on the different planets. The food court has been redone too as the Smithsonian has smartly brought in McDonald's, Boston Market, and a pizza place. This is MUCH better than it used to be.
Our next adventure took us to the Smithsonian Museum of Natural History. I remember that as a kid, I really didn't like this museum, but I must admit that it has grown on me over the years. Their newer mammals and ocean life exhibit are top notch, use current fonts and layouts, have interactive features, and have LED lighting. I still don't go through the mineral and gem area much anymore. Once you've seen the Hope Diamond, you don't really have to see it again.
All this museuming caused us to need an afternoon pick me up. Fortunately there is a line of food trucks from one side of the Mall to the other near the Natural History Museum. Half of us stopped a great ice cream truck that was blaring 50s music and serving up classic soda shoppe favorites. We found a patch of lawn to sit on and enjoyed our break. The group separated after this as Lena and I ventured to the American History Museum while the others went to ride the Metro and see the outside of the Nationals Stadium. The Amer. Hist. Museum recently opened a renovated west wing on the 2nd floor entitled, "The Nation We Build Together." One gallery in particular, "Many Voices, One Nation," was particularly good as it presented the historical challenges faced by so many in this country, but in the end, we've come together (mostly) to create our current America. It's always good to see old favorites too: the Greensboro Lunch Counter where the sit-in of 1960 occurred, the Star-Spangled Banner, Abraham Lincoln's hat from his visit to Ford's Theatre, and the tiny personal desk on which Jefferson wrote the first draft of the Declaration.
Lena and I finished before the others, so I decided we would search out the Hamilton-related statues nearby, plus take a look at the White House on the way to meet the rest of the group at our traditional picture-taking spot: the Albert Einstein Memorial on the corner of the National Academy of Sciences property. The last time we had our photo taken here, it was 2 weeks before Christmas in 2009 and it was FRIGID! Today was MUCH more enjoyable.
Now that the gang was back together, we trekked across Constitution Avenue to the Lincoln Memorial. I LOVE this memorial; it's truly my favorite, especially at night. As we approached, we could hear a loud voices either shouting or singing and we soon discovered there was a Latin religious group performing a concert/revival on the steps of the Memorial. While it did limit the great photos we could have gotten, I also recognize that the Lincoln Memorial has served as the backdrop for concerts, protests, speeches, and many more over the years, so while today's event was quite loud, it was very fitting. President Lincoln has not moved from his seat, I'm pleased to report, and he was gleaming ever so bright as ever.
We finally raised the white flag and decided we were too tired to get to a Metro stop, take the train back to Arlington, and then walk 2 blocks to the hotel, so after we got through the WWII Memorial and up to the Washington Monument, we called an Uber. Within 5 minutes we were being whisked away and arrived at our hotel with sore feet, backs, and sleepiness crashing upon us. What a long, fantastic day. Tomorrow is a travel day, but we'll still see lots of cool things along the way. One week until we return home!
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