Washington, DC - Day 2: Things made of Stone

Day Two's goal was to see as much of DC as humanly possible on foot, and Aaron and I did pretty well at it. However, if you had spied in on us as we arose and left, you would have thought the day was a bust from the get-go. Why? Because we were running late. Late for our appointment with the Washington Monument. Neither of us had been up in the monument to see DC from its perch, and we were equally excited about the prospect. However, someone (that'd be me!) just had to eat breakfast, which tightened an already tight morning schedule. So, with about 15 minutes worth of walking to get to the Washington Monument and about 10 minutes to do it in, we were off. Now, it is good to note here that while the saying "Always wait 30 minutes after you eat before swimming" is not quite true, it should be true of walking at a high rate in an ever-increasing heat. Breakfast was phenomenal, but I had no intentions or desires to see it again. We ended up getting there with plenty of time to spare since there is still a line to wait in even with tickets. Was the rushed morning worth it? Absolutely the best thing all day. If you go to DC and do nothing else, do this.












Not only were there fantastic views of the entire mall and surrounding area, a floor below the observation area was a beautifully assembled gallery of the history of the Washington Monument. On the way down in the elevator, the park rangers slow the elevator down to show you some of the commemorative stones donated to the Washington Monument from many states and cities, as well as places like Alexandria and China. It was one of the coolest things I have ever seen in a museum-type location.

After seeing the Mall from above, we set out to see it on foot. First up was the World War II Memorial, which had been built since the last time I was there. All in all, I am still not sure if I like it or not; it does not seem to convey the war like the Vietnam or Korean Memorials do. It is evenly spaced and well-placed, two things I doubt describes any war. Of course, if I were the designer, I would not have come up with anything better, I suppose.The memorial did not ask me to remember that time - those who fought, battles lost, lives changed - as much as asked me to walk around and try to find where the Texas pillar was. It lacked a bit of humanity, I suppose.One thing at the World War II Memorial that was very much human and an unexpected sighting was......Bob Dole! Yes, as we were leaving the area, there was a small crowd congregating in the path. As we passed by, I noticed pictures being taken enthusiastically next to this man in a suit. Upon closer inspection (more curious as to who would wear a suit in July at the Memorial) I saw that it was Bob Dole. That is him getting his picture taken with a sweaty bicyclist. The things politicians do to be among the people...

After my political star-struck moment was over, Aaron and I continued our journey on to the Vietnam, Lincoln, and Korean Memorials. I had seen all of these previously, but it is moving to be at, nonetheless. As we were walking to see the Lincoln Memorial, there was a small crowd listening to a gentleman in front of the Vietnam Memorial who was speaking about the creation, meaning behind, and people who visit that particular location. Again, phenomenal - surpassing the memorial itself, I think. He spoke with conviction, heart, humility, and great regard for those who fought and had loved ones in Vietnam. Lincoln Memorial was awesome as always - but hot. Being enclosed on three sides by rocks does not lend itself to a great breeze.

After lunch, we headed indoors to the Smithsonian Natural History Museum and the Air and Space Museum. Natural History was okay. The most amusing part was being crushed trying to see the Hope Diamond. To some people, the phrase "wait your turn" has no meaning. The diamond is not going anywhere; it is not he elusive Loch Ness Monster. And yes, that was my foot.

But the Air and Space Museum, oh, how I love that place. While at times I had little to no idea what I was looking at, knowing that they were in the air or outer space at some point fascinates me. How do these rather heavy hunks of metal fly? There were rockets and planes and satellites, spacesuits and moon rocks. I think I could spend all day there. I would get a crick in my neck from looking up so much, but it would be well worth it.

Yes, that is Aaron's reflection. Now, if only I could remember what it is that he is making his reflection in. I believe it is a disc that has been sent up with unmanned space missions that has various languages and such on it. Aaron will probably remember better than me and thus, you can look to the comments for his correction of my bad information. (Update: It is called the Golden Record and is way cooler than how I described it above - thanks Aaron!)

All in all, a wonderful day in DC. We hung out with some of Aaron's friends, I almost died from cat dander suffocation, and everyone slept quite nicely. Which, as I later found out, was due since Aaron and I had walked approximately 6 miles on Saturday, and that is not including our roams around Smithsonians. Yup, we were tuckered out. Perfect weekend trip; can't wait to ride the rails again for another excursion. Savannah, anyone?