W A S H I N G T O N   D . C .   -   D A Y   # 1

Monday, October 25, 2004

In front of the Smithsonian National Air and Space Museum I see this odd, chrome manifestation. Atop the pole is a prickly abomination that seems to attract the pigeons. It reminds me of Sputnik, the Russian satellite that spurred the United States into the space race.

Hey! I've made it to the Sun! Hmmm, how did I miss all the planets between Neptune and the Sun? Apparently I must be operating my tour today on warp speed 10!

Next stop, the Smithsonian National Museum of the American Indian. Opening its doors to the public for the first time just last month, this new museum is dedicated to providing both permanent and temporary exhibits which seek to share both the historical and present day aspects of Native American culture. The permanent exhibits include Our Universes, Our Peoples, and Our Lives, which strives to share the important aspects of American Indian life and history.

I step inside, curious about what the innards look like. Upon entry, I'm immediately greeted by a tall domed ceiling. I don't have time to tour the museum today, but I will stay long enough to grab me some grub!