Washington DC
Got back from my trip to Washington DC a couple days ago. Spent the weekend resting.
One thing that bugged me about the place is how outdated information is on pamphlets. The signs posted around the city didn't always match to the exhibit...either change in hours of operation or closed. That was frustrating. Even the little trolley tour thingy we took had some inaccuracies. Also, I couldn't figure out why drivers honked their horns. In CA where I hear plenty of honking, I am usually able to tell WHY they honked. But in DC, it seemed to be for no good reason at least 90% of the time.
Visited a few of the Smithsonians...Natural History, African Art, Asian Art, another one that housed (lame) modern/contemporary sculptures, and 'American Indian'. I felt they could have done more with the 'American Indian' one and the subject of genocide was partly mentioned, but then mostly glossed over. Also, most of the exhibits were based on Canadian and the South American natives. The big wall showing guns from the 1800s to today was bizarre to see in that museum also. No real reason to have it there other than to say how it was used to kill them (?). The cafeteria was pretty amazing though. There were 4-5 different sections that offered meals based on a specific region. I had the blue corn nachos with duck meat and cortija cheese. Yummy.
I think I got spoiled by visiting London and Paris first. I know I shouldn't compare it, but it's hard not to after visiting the Louvre and British Museum. The Natural History museum boasted the Hope Diamond. After seeing the crown jewels at the Tower of London last year with their sceptres and crowns from past kings and queens decorated with multiple gems and a 24k gold punch bowl that could quench the thirst of 500 people, I looked at the Hope Diamond and said, "That's it?" I know it's a bit unfair, but I couldn't help it.
The museum that did amaze me was the US Holocaust Museum and Memorial although I wanted to swallow a handful of antidepressants and valium after walking out of there. I initially wasn't planning on going, but I felt a sense of obligation and I am glad I went in the end. I think it is something everyone should see if they are ever in DC.
I don't think I'd go again, but I did enjoy the trip.
One thing that bugged me about the place is how outdated information is on pamphlets. The signs posted around the city didn't always match to the exhibit...either change in hours of operation or closed. That was frustrating. Even the little trolley tour thingy we took had some inaccuracies. Also, I couldn't figure out why drivers honked their horns. In CA where I hear plenty of honking, I am usually able to tell WHY they honked. But in DC, it seemed to be for no good reason at least 90% of the time.
Visited a few of the Smithsonians...Natural History, African Art, Asian Art, another one that housed (lame) modern/contemporary sculptures, and 'American Indian'. I felt they could have done more with the 'American Indian' one and the subject of genocide was partly mentioned, but then mostly glossed over. Also, most of the exhibits were based on Canadian and the South American natives. The big wall showing guns from the 1800s to today was bizarre to see in that museum also. No real reason to have it there other than to say how it was used to kill them (?). The cafeteria was pretty amazing though. There were 4-5 different sections that offered meals based on a specific region. I had the blue corn nachos with duck meat and cortija cheese. Yummy.
I think I got spoiled by visiting London and Paris first. I know I shouldn't compare it, but it's hard not to after visiting the Louvre and British Museum. The Natural History museum boasted the Hope Diamond. After seeing the crown jewels at the Tower of London last year with their sceptres and crowns from past kings and queens decorated with multiple gems and a 24k gold punch bowl that could quench the thirst of 500 people, I looked at the Hope Diamond and said, "That's it?" I know it's a bit unfair, but I couldn't help it.
The museum that did amaze me was the US Holocaust Museum and Memorial although I wanted to swallow a handful of antidepressants and valium after walking out of there. I initially wasn't planning on going, but I felt a sense of obligation and I am glad I went in the end. I think it is something everyone should see if they are ever in DC.
I don't think I'd go again, but I did enjoy the trip.