[JWBear]

Day 2:

A visit to the front desk to complain further regarding the devil’s children. We were assured that they would not be staying in the hotel any further nights. We were also comped a free breakfast buffet in the restaurant (which was welcome, as the food there is wonderful but costly).

Off to the Smithsonian Castle. We didn’t spend much time, as we signed up for a members only tour taking place tomorrow morning. Then it was across the Mall to the Museum of Natural History. Bill was dying to see the “Orchids Through the Eyes of Darwin” exhibit, so we went here first. Very pretty, but boring to me after a couple of minutes. So I wandered around the Mammal Hall while Bill absorbed the exhibit. He also wanted to see the butterfly exhibit, but when we got up there, we found there was a $6 admission, so we passed on it. The next thing was something I wanted to see – the exhibit on forensics called “Written in Bone”. The facial reconstructions were very haunting. Lastly, we paid a call on the Hope Diamond. Not as impressive as I remember it. By that time, we were ready to eat. So we ate in the museum’s Atrium Café.

After lunch, we walked up to the Museum of American History. It was packed! We didn’t get to see any of the really good stuff - the Star Spangled Banner, the First Ladies’ Dresses, the Lincoln Exhibit, or the exhibit with all the famous movie and TV memorabilia - because they all had looooong lines. The worst one was for the Star Spangled Banner; it snaked all over the main lobby. We finally gave up and left. I am seriously bummed-out.

On the way back to the hotel, my ankle started to hurt. We decided to forgo our planned romantic Valentines Day dinner out, and ordered room service instead.

I’m hoping my ankle is better in the morning, because we have a busy day planned!