So Much Smithsonian

Today we went to finally the famous Smithsonian museums. It was a must being in D.C. I first went to the American History Museum. It was really interesting and I think my favorite part was seeing the First Ladies dresses they wore on the day their husbands became presidents. Michelle Obama's was there already and it was interesting to see how fashion has shifted throughout the ages. I also really liked seeing the American flag that was used during the Revolutionary War and how it inspired our Star Spangle Banner. I went as soon as it opened so there wouldn't be so many people. I got to wonder at my own pace and browse where I wanted. Then I went to the Natural History Museum. This is the one with the huge dinosaur bones. It was so super packed! I couldn't barely see anything. I first saw the jelly fish display. It has been my favorite animal since I lived in Coos Bay. I used to walk the beaches there and see these little clear looking objects that resembled a clear rock from a fish tank all over the sand. I found out that they were washed up jelly fish. I was so fascinated and since then have really thought they were cool. So, it was the first to catch my eye. I actually bought a jellyfish preserved in glass like a paper weight that glows in the dark from the museum. Only of the very few souvenirs I have bought.



After, I walked down to meet my friend by the river where there was a fish market. It was definitely an authentic fish market. Full of guys throwing fish back and forth and selling live crabs by the dozen. We ate (of course I didn't eat there since I hate seafood) but then we came back up to the museums. I decided to hit up the American Indian museum since I have a passion for the Natives. I watched an amazing film in a circular theater, with the whole ceiling showing the movie and four screens in front of me and screens on the floor. The first thing talked about in the film was the Indians in the Black Hills. I was proud to know that I have grown up there and have worked with the Lakota people for a while. I really enjoyed that. I also found the Lakota exhibit and enjoyed reading about them. However, this place doesn't hold a candle (as far as authentic artifacts) like Crazy Horse does. But, they had info on ALL tribes.



I really liked working with the Lakotas but am excited to begin working with the Arapahoes shortly. They are so different in values, demeanor, and attitudes. It will be interesting to see the difference first hand.

The picture below is of a sign that I saw on a huge display at the Natural History museum. I read it and had to keep rereading it. It seems like just as much of a fairy tale to me as the story of creation. However, there are no displays at the museum to support this theory. But, everywhere I turned there were signs supporting evolution. This one struck me as I can't see how this is any more factual then the story of creation. Really? Am I supposed to be convinced?