Walking on the mall one day…
Just thought I’d share this image from our day at the Air and Space Museum. I’m not sure what it is supposed to represent, but I really liked it. I have always loved wrought iron and curves and I like how it was raised on a pedestal type platform, making it soar above you.
I think I am very fortunate to be in the DC area with so many wonderful things to see and do within easy reach. It’s wonderful that most of the museums are free here. I have lived here for over 15 years, and have been to the mall area dozens of times, and still have not come close to seeing all that there is to see. Even just strolling around and enjoying the many monuments and sculptures can easily pass the hours of the day with great interest.
My favorite museum by far is the American History Museum. I find all of the Americana that they have there just amazing. One of the last times I visited, I got drawn into the Julia Child exhibit. I’m a big foodie, and I had recently seen Julie & Julia, which made it all the more fun to match up some of the things I recalled about her from the movie with the things that they had displayed. Of particular interest was her role as a spy–how intriguing that the woman who was cooking for us on TV, was also snooping for our country. Even though I’ve seen it several times, the first ladies’ exhibit always brings smiles to my face as well. It amazes me to see the change in fashion that made such a mark in our country’s history.
Although I’ve enjoyed seeing most of them, I particularly like the Korean war memorial. There’s something about standing among them that makes you feel as though you are right there in the trenches with the soldiers. The soldiers themselves are larger than real life, so they tower above you as they are walking through the rice paddy fields. The details from the laces on their boots to the knobs and switches on the walkie talkies just make you feel a part of the scene. It definitely makes you think about our soldiers and the sacrifices they’ve made for our freedoms. Although I’ve never seen it, I hear it is truly amazing when it is lit up at night.
I also love how clean–coming from a Philadelphian where it didn’t seem clean at all–and inviting the downtown area is as well. Although most times when we visit now we drive, I have lived in Fall Church, and the metro is a fun and convenient alternative for getting around, especially with kids in tow. It is always so beautifully landscaped as well, and there are many opportunities to view some lovely flowers in your travels. The Cherry Blossom viewing as also been a part of our annual repertoire of things to do, and I’m always disappointed if we are unable to make it to see peak bloom.
So get out there, and enjoy some of the many awesome things there are to do on the mall. It’s so easy to stay local when involved in sports and all the varied activities that living brings, but don’t forget all the wonderful things that are within easy reach just a short drive or train ride away…