Wednesday I left work a little early to meet Chris and visit the National Archives. The line was a bit long, but we ended up only waiting about 30 minutes. Inside the Archives, we headed straight for the Rotunda and the Charters of Freedom. First, there was a display housing the Magna Carta. Then, in the Rotunda itself, were the Declaration of Independence, the Constitution, and the Bill of Rights. It’s incredible that we have preserved documents over the past 200+ years. Looking at those charters, I could see the signatures of our founding fathers – to think that they stood over this very parchment, reviewing it, and signing it together – it really makes history come to life! I tried to take pictures of the documents, but the Rotunda is dimly it and you aren’t allowed to use flash photography (to help preserve the documents), so my photos did not turn out well.
Chris and the Declaration of Independence
After our trip to the Archives, we dashed into the Smithsonian Natural History Museum. Chris really wanted to see the Dinosaur exhibit and the Hope Diamond. We only had half an hour, so we dashed up the stairs and spent a few minutes with the dinosaurs, and then raced over to the Hope Diamond. It was totally worth the quick trip.
Chris vs. the T Rex
Next, we grabbed a bite to eat at the Gordon Biersch Brewery, which happened to be celebrating it’s 20th birthday with an 80’s party (our waitress was dressed up with giant plastic bangles and serious blue eyeshadow - at least I hope she was dressed up). After a delicious dinner (complete with garlic fries), we were set to head home, when we exited the restaurant to a complete downpour. We had an umbrella, but it was fairly small and didn’t keep either of us from getting soaked. After a half-block dash, we took cover under the awning of a steak house. I was certain the rain would lighten after a few minutes, but we waited, huddled by a window, with no let-up in sight. Chris suggested we get a drink at the bar of the steakhouse to help pass the time. We darted into the restaurant and relaxed for a few minutes. After our one round of drinks, the rain had slowed to a sprinkle, so we headed home.
On Thursday, Chris and I met up for lunch. I wanted to take Chris to Potbelly, a sandwich chain that toasts their sandwiches, and puts Quiznos to shame. Although they seem to be all over DC (and I saw some in Chicago and Boston), I don’t think they’ve made their way to the west coast, so I wanted to make sure that Chris got a chance to enjoy their delicious subs. As I expected, he loved his pizza sandwich!
After our lunch, we walked over to the Smithsonian National Air and Space Museum. I didn’t have enough time to stay, so I left Chris to enjoy the exhibits and I returned to work. After a few hours, Chris called to say that he was finished with the museum… and that he was bored. So he came to the office for a visit. After signing him in and getting him a Visitor’s badge, we did a quick tour of my office and the Visitor’s Center where some of the other interns work. I did a bit more work and then we headed out for a scheduled happy hour at a sports bar in Chinatown (The Greene Turtle). We were there about 20 minutes before anyone else showed up, so when they finally did arrive and took a seat out on the patio, we didn’t stick around for very long.
Leaving the Greene Turtle, we headed down the street for an early evening stroll down the National Mall. It was a nice night out, and it was a great way to enjoy the evening. We eventually got on the metro and came home, ordering pizza and watching TV for the rest of the evening.
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