Last Day in DC:

I spent my final day wandering around two of the Smithsonian Museums: Natural History and American History. Both were fascinating. I took the train in because parking had been such a hassle, and got a nice 50% senior discount for the rides. I left without breakfast, but fortunately Natural History had a nice vegetarian option for me

Calabasitas (squash) con elote (kind of a creamed corn); red potatos broiled with parmesan cheese, and an amazing savory fruit salad, Narajanas con chiles (red hot finger chilies with oranges)

Thus fortified, I went wandering, first to see the animals. They weren't hard to find:

I already previewed this one for Okapi Day yesterday

I confess the whole concept of taxidermy disturbs me, but it is what it is, and the exhibits were pretty amazing

hoping you hit the National Museum of the Native American?

er American Indian. forgot the correct title of the museum. I am brilliant!

No foxes?

I did, AliD ! I plurked it a few days ago. It was wonderful, but sadly the Mitsitam Cafe was closed

I know what you mean about taxidermy...

I missed the plurk. I'll go look

Squeak =^..^= : They did, but I felt creepy after taking a few photos of stuffed animals, so I switched to gems and minerals, namely the Hope Diamond

After that I wandered around not taking pictures. It's less fun to see the exhibits through a camera view finder

I did take one more animal picture on my way to the Museum of American History:

I could have spent an entire day at the American History Museum. I'll share a few high points, for me

How many can you identify?

This one is less well-known. Clara Barton's medical wagon for Civil War wounded

I spent a half hour resting up in the National Mall, looking at Smithson's Castle and having a cup of coffee

Then went to the National Sculpture Garden

and looked at buildings I've only ever read about

I had an encounter at American History that tickled me. Two young girls were mesmerized by an odd-shaped guitar. I felt obliged to explain it to them

saw this on the walk back to the train. Good Night all

Cool!

Yummee meal!

What a busy day! Thank you for sharing your trip with us.

The science nerd who grew up during the space race, and was really into model rocketry for a while can't resist the allure of the air and space museum almost every time I go to DC. It is my happy place!

Those museums are fascinating! I always want to tell myself the taxidermy is done on animals who died of natural causes.

Did you go into the National Gallery?

Hilda : Sadly, no. I still entertain a faint hope of getting Mrs. Gingo! out of Humboldt County again someday, and that would be one lure that might work. I want to see DC next in the springtime