Out and about in the wilderness of Life » 2005/05/17 – DC Walkabout

Ducks

Administrator — Tue, 17 May 2005 20:05:02 +0000

Okay, this city aparently has a fasination with ducks. I don’t know if you saw the local news reports about the mama duck and her eggs at the state dept…but she ended up with a Secret Service detail with the babys were hatched.
And here I sit at the fountain in the national sculpture garden and they have placed a ramp for the ducks to get into the water. Now last I heard, ducks could fly….perhaps I missed a memo.

Natural history museum

Administrator — Tue, 17 May 2005 19:55:03 +0000

The Natural History Smithsonian may be a little spooky to some people. For me it’s great…lots of ancient history and plenty of fossils to learn from. But I do know people that get a little freaked out when dealing with bones and stuffed animals.
The museum has recently added a Mammals wing which has animals from all over the world. These encompass not only modern day city dwelling squirels, but go back tp extinct saber toothed deer (no joke).

American history museum

Administrator — Tue, 17 May 2005 19:30:04 +0000

The American History Smithsonian is a great place to check out historical items as well as pop cultural pieces.
The statue is of George Washington, not sure how George would take being remembered as the "naked guy with a sword" (as overheard from one of the school kids), nice statue though.
One of the problems with a week day visit is dealing with the teaming kids in the area. But when it comes to the museums, some how they all seem to congregate in the gift shops.

Protestors

Administrator — Tue, 17 May 2005 18:45:04 +0000

Well something is going on at the White House today. The south lawn, which you can normally walk up to the fence for, is closed down. I spotted this veteran protestor around there but he didn’t look all that dangerous.

White House

Administrator — Tue, 17 May 2005 18:40:03 +0000

Here sits one of the most powerful men in the world. Hard to image someone growing up in a log cabin and supporting homself through law school could make it to the presidency. From such humble beginnings come…oh wait…we have who in the White House? You say he bought the presidency with checks fpr $300??? Well at least he won’t get a second term. Huh?!?
And here is the media contingent on the west wing lawn keeping an eye on the big W.

Ahhh…spring in DC

Administrator — Tue, 17 May 2005 18:05:02 +0000

There is nothing like DC in the springtime. I mean Paris has its lovers, London has its rain and DC has its tourists and interns.
Now that college is out for most, DC becomes a becon for every poli sci student wanting "White House" on their resume. They are pretty easy to spot here, just look for the teen/twentysomething in nice dress clothes walking around like a tourist.