Friday, June 11, 2010

Washington DC or BUST

I'm starting to plan my Washington DC trip (July 1-5) and I'm finding it hard to limit my time at The Smithsonian to one day. 
I mean, come on--you need about a week to get through that sucker.

First stop:
The Hope Diamond



Yeah, you saw this coming....what woman in her right mind wouldn't want to see the diamond she'll never have?

Facts:
WEIGHT: 45.52 carats
CLARITY: VS1. Whitish graining is present.
COLOR: Natural fancy deep grayish-blue
CUT: Cushion antique brilliant with a faceted girdle and extra facets on the pavilion.
DIMENSIONS:
Length: 25.60 mm
Width: 21.78 mm
Depth: 12.00 mm

In other words, it's big.



Next Stop:
Barbie!


Between Barbie and The Hope Diamond, The Smithsonian is a Girl's Best Friend.


Next stop:
"Milestones of Flight" Gallery: 1903 Wright Flyer


Planes fascinate me.  And to be able to see the original Wright Bros plane, in person, is priceless.


Next Stop:
Lunch and another coffee before someone gets hurt.



Next Stop:
The First Lady's Gowns


I'm particularly interested in anything Jackie Kennedy ever wore.


Next stop:
The Giant Squid
                                                                        


Gross but necessary.



Next stop:
Julia Child's Kitchen
                                 

There's just something about Julia....


Next Stop:
Civil War Exhibit


                           

Humans can be real assholes.  This fascinates me....


Next Stop:
Dorothy's Ruby Slippers


                           

Admit it; you would love to try these on, wouldn't you?
                        
Next Stop:
Kermit the Frog!!!
    
                   

That's right, Kermit.  In the flesh.



Next (last?) Stop:
Portable Bathtubs: Tub Bathing from the Early 19th and 20th Centuries


               

Every time I watch a romantic movie set in a century before bathing was a daily ritual, I often wondered if people back then were really that romantic. 
How can anyone feel sexy when they stink?


If anyone has been to The Smithsonian, would love to know what you think should be on my 'Must See' List.


All photos courtesy of  http://www.si.edu/



3 comments:

Jai Joshi said...

I love the smithsonian and you're so right! A person needs at least a week to get through the whole place. I had a couple of days and I still felt like I saw so much. My favourite was the rastofori exhibition. I loved the hope diamond too.

Jai

Anonymous said...

Ooh, I like the giant squid.

And the plane.

But I think I could give Kermit and Barbie a miss. Sorry guys.

The Uneasy Writer said...

It's all about the giant squid.
So weird and disgusting.

Jai:
what's the absolute 'can't miss' monuments? Did you see them all?