Alternate Ending

Well, we went to Washington D.C. today to join in the Cherry Blossom Festivities, but it has been cold here recently and they weren't really out yet. But we still had a good time.

I'm staying with my sophomore year collge roommate and her husband. They graciously drove us all the way from Baltimore to D.C. for the day. We were blessed with gorgeous weather today, mild temps that were easily braved with a trench coat and in and out of the sun. We took it easy, parking up by the Capitol Building (free parking on weekends! Yeah!) and walking done the mall. We stopped in first at the National Botanical Garden, where they were having a special orchid show. There are some beautiful ones, unusual pitcher type ones or spotted ones. It was so nice and warm in there, kept nice and humid for the good of the flowers. So beautiful!

Then we went to the Native American Museum and ate at the cafe, which I highly reccommend. They have it laid out in sections, with each one serving food from the Native American tribes of a region of the United States. I had some from the Southwest: a tamale and a piece of blue corn bread. It was actually blue, and tasted a little like gingerbread. Yummy.

Next we tried to see the souvineer postcard and stamp at the Bureau of Engraving and Printing, but it had closed at three! Three, I tell you!! I had forgotton to check the time on the net before hand, so it is all my own fault, but still. Who closes at three?! We got a good walk in though.

After that we walked down the entire mall to the Lincoln Memorial, taking pictures along the way and looking at the kites flying as part of the Kite Festival. Apparantly there was a marathon this morning too, but it was over by the time we got there. Lots happening today.

Finally we went to the FDR memorial, which was even more cool than I expected. Lots of waterfalls and engraved quotes on redish granite. As you walked through it you traveled through his four terms, around corners and by waterfalls. There was braille everywhere, and at one place lots of raised faces and scenes so the blind could experience some of the messages of the memorial. I hadn't really realized he was president for so long - 1933 to 1945. I knew he had worked on both the Depression and World War II, but I had never really thought about how that meant it was more than 10 years. The memorial flowed well, and not just because of the water. I liked it more than I expected even.

Ok, that's enough, I have bored you now I'm sure. Congrats for making it thus far! I'm off to bed.