It was a short trip (only three days), and not what I expected. The cherry blossoms were still there to be seen, but the full splendor had past (the report was that the season came earlier than normal).
For me the major fascination of Washington is two fold; first, the "people watching" is fantastic - the excitement of the people in and around the Washington Mall jogging, throwing footballs or Frisbees or softballs, flying kites with kids following excitedly behind; and second the architectural spectacle of the monuments, statues and the magnificent building that make up Washington D. C.
However, this year something seems to be missing; some of the excitement was still there, but the total spark was diminished. All of the afore mentioned items were present, but I saw no musicians playing clarinets, trumpets or saxophones; there were no street side magicians, jugglers or mimes; perhaps all of this just a quirk, an anomaly; but it was even more than this.
Sadly, this same administration that chooses to freely spend our tax dollars unrestrained, fails to tend to the grasses of our nations capital. Make no mistake, the Washington Mall is still a beautiful area, but gone are thick lush green grasses - replaced by splotches and vast areas bare ground. This Is the Capital Mall of Washington D.C., our Nations Capital, it is our image to the entire the world, and surely we can afford to uphold our image.
In addition, the spectacularly beautiful building of American Indian Museum (completed in 2005) is a "spectacular" disappointment on the inside. There are some strong points: the Mesoamerican and Inca statuary are truly impressive and the Inuit "Ice Sleds" share equally in that regard; even so, I left the building feeling that - "too much was missing when all is considered!"
On the other hand, the Hirshhorn Museum and Sculpture Garden was a real treat which have somehow missed in the past.
I have no regret for having made the visit, but something seems to be slipping away, slipping away, slipping....
And so you made it to DC. We stayed 5 days but it wasn't enough. Too much history and places to go and see. I agree with some of your insights - we should have visited that place during the inauguration for more excitement - not! haha. Over all, we had a good time if only to spend quality time together and be at the Nation's Capital at the same time.
ReplyDeleteApologies for not keeping up with your blog lately. (we loved your Canada/Alaska trip btw). But Kruger d 4-legged kid had surgery recently. All is good but it sure is some hard work with a few aggravations and frustrations here and there. Pffffft.
Enjoy your present and upcoming travels. Take care and be safe ... don't do anything we wouldn't do, haha.
E & G