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Theophila: The Smithsonian museums are a must see if you are ever in Washington. There are several museums each specializing in different areas of history and culture. Most of the museums are located at the National Mall, which is also where you will find the White House and the Capitol. Unfortunately, as I was informed by a fellow traveler, you cannot visit the White House unless you have a letter from a Member of Congress. Tours of the Capitol are still possible and free tickets are available on a first come first served basis from the Capitol Guide Service kiosk.
The more popular National Museum of Natural History and National Air and Space Museum are often crowded in summer. Their popularity with Washington natives is also helped by the fact that entry into the museums is free. It is very easy to spend a whole day just wandering through one museum as there are just so many things to see. I was only able to visit the National Museum of Natural History while I was in Washington. The often pictured African elephant can be found in the Rotunda and the T-Rex skeleton is but one in a fascinating collection in the dinosaur section. The museum also houses giant squid specimens, a very life like mammal collection and the 45.52 carat Hope diamond.
Washington is America’s political seat and has a lot of historical monuments and buildings. Before I went, I was told not to take the subway for safety reasons. However, the subways in Washington are actually very safe as the city is home to many military personnel whom you often see on public transport or walking on the streets. I visited Washington at a rather eventful time in American history. Former president Ronald Reagan had passed away a few days before I arrived and the whole country was still in mourning. I was actually on the street when an entourage (some bystanders said they saw Jimmy Carter in the limo) passed on the way to the funeral service.
I attended mass in the same church John F Kennedy’s funeral service was held. There are no signs outside the building that publicise this and it was really convenience (it was the closest to our hotel) that led us to the church. The only sign of that bit of history was this plaque on the floor near the altar. One can understand why this church was chosen for the late president’s funeral service. The place is an example of a traditional Catholic church and features beautiful mosaics on the floor, walls and ceiling as well as murals and sculptures.
