Washington, DC, USA: National Mall

As mentioned, the photos are going to be a bit of a blur. But some of these are landmarks that you can recognize even if they are blur. The National Mall is a strip of monuments, memorials and museums. Most, if not all, are free - so no excuse not to visit!

It's huge, just to get around to the monuments, it might be more time efficient to drive to different parts of the Mall. And allocate time for the museums. 

I took, on-and-off, about 2-3 days to visit everything to my satisfaction. I made appointments to visit the Capitol but they were so strict with what you bring in, I never managed to visit - till next time!

 

   







































































Some souvenir shopping



A memory card packed with photos - idea!

Here are some museums, most of which are under the Smithsonian umbrella (think Night at the Museum). Given we had limited time, here are my top picks:

1. United States Holocaust Memorial Museum

 

 

2. National Museum of Natural History

 





























3. Hirshhorn Museum of Modern Art
Especially appreciate the free lockers - it fits all my luggage! Allowing for a comfortable visit of all the museum has to offer.

4. Smithsonian National Air and Space Museum

Touch a piece of the MOON!

It is difficult to say what is impossible, for the dream of yesterday is the hope of today and the reality of tomorrow. 

- Robbert Goddard

Common sight on the National Mall

5. United States Botanic Garden
Must visit for corpse flowers blooms! However I didn't have the good fortune - a giant christmas tree and tropical plants will have to do.













Off the National Mall:
6. The Library of Congress
It's a pretty long walk and not much that you have access to. But it's so National Treasure-isque! 

Union Station - not an attraction but a way to get to other cities, touted as one of the most beautiful train stations in the world (european ones win hands down in my opinion).





Quick meal before ride to Boston



We also had a quick visit to Georgetown University, and had something off the line of food trucks!







For completeness, here are some insights at and around our conference (at National Harbour, which is really in Maryland).

 

























I haven't had such a long hotel stay since forever! #goodtimes #goodmemories #goodcompany