When I heard the National Communication Association annual conference would be in Washington, D.C., all I thought was: “I’M VISITING THE SMITHSONIAN!” And “Woo woo academic research,” of course. Ahem.
Although I did pull some long conference-filled days including a rockin’ day-long pre-conference session on qualitative methods, a fabulous applied organizational communication panel, and a short course on qualitative data analysis, most of my down time included visiting museums and memorials.
Sadly, I had a just a few hours to explore, but with my friend Chris, we covered a fair bit of ground. AND, I will have you know, I rode the Metro at least 15 times without getting lost once. That be a miracle, people. In lieu of expounding on the joys that comprise attending an academic conference, how about some photos of a day in Washington D.C.?
 |
The Washington Monument, the most phallic of monuments. We discovered that the construction was to repair damage from a small earth quake a few years ago. |
 |
Chris and I ventured out to the Smithsonian museums on a brisk November day. Very brisk. |
 |
Despite the dreary skies and frigid temps, I thoroughly enjoyed the Fall colors. |
 |
A really awesome building I couldn’t identify. |
 |
How I will likely organize our backyard redesign. Topiary for-eva! (This is a reading check for Mr. T) |
 |
An art installation outside of the Smithsonian castle. |
 |
The Smithsonian is comprised of a bunch of different museums. As a bad avgeek, I must confess we did not make it to the Air and Space Museum. |
 |
Smithsonian! |
 |
Inside the Smithsonian Natural History Museum. As ever, taxidermy freaks me out. |
 |
Love, love loved seeing small fries checking out art and science together. |
 |
Walruses are huge, FYI. |
 |
Hand blown glass germs. As in cholera, flu and bubonic plague. |
 |
I told Chris I’d give him money to scale the giant blue whale but he turned me down. Apparently a few bucks is not enough. |
 |
Chris treated me to a Butterfly Habitat visit. |
 |
SO. COOL. |
 |
I’ve seen a couple habitats like this before, but nothing with such an abundance of butterflies. |
 |
Of course, me being a bug-a-phobe, I had to keep my hands in my pockets and resist the urge to swat as they flew towards me. |
 |
Hot pink body! |
 |
If academia doesn’t pan out, Chris and I are starting a butterfly farm and photography business. |
 |
This sucker was at least 5-6 inches wide. |
 |
One of only 3-4 photos from the American History museum. Last time I visited, we enjoyed a bunch of pop culture exhibits and memorabilia. This go-round, half the museum was under construction and most exhibits featured wars from various eras. Cheery. |
 |
Aside from Harry’s robes, I enjoyed seeing a 30 x 40 foot flag constructed in 1815. |
 |
Cool historical buildings litter the D.C. landscape. |
 |
Proof of the nerd work. A could-be-candid-but-not photo from our qualitative data analysis short course. |
 |
When I was here 10 years ago, they were just getting started on the World War II Memorial. |
 |
I forgot how far apart the memorials/monuments are spaced. |
 |
The Dwight D. Eisenhower executive office building which is adjacent to the WEST WING of the White House. Having just started the series on Netflix, I kept looking for President Barlet and CJ. |
 |
Dropped in on the Obamas, like you do. |
 |
At the White House. Some day I’ll get the tour. 10 years ago, it was still closed post-9/11 and this visit, tours were still cancelled due to sequestration. Bah. |
 |
U.S. Treasury Department. Would’ve liked to see the money! |
 |
Hey. |
 |
Back side of the White House. Not pictured: The CHRISTMAS TREES across the lawn. |
 |
Chris and the Lincoln Memorial. |
 |
View from the steps of the Lincoln Memorial, looking across to the Washington Monument. |
 |
Me and my favoritist monument. |
 |
Monsieur Lincoln. |
 |
The Gettysburg Address. |
 |
Update: I’d originally marked this as the Emancipation Proclamation. Thanks to reader Amy for letting me know it’s actually Lincoln’s second inaugural address. Oopsies. |
 |
Korean War Memorial. |
 |
Haunting. |
 |
Lincoln Memorial at dusk. We saw school groups and a wedding party. |
 |
“Defacing” public art. Ahem. |
 |
The Capitol building!! |
 |
One of my regrets this visit: Not touring the Capitol. Last time, that was one of my favorite memories. |
xoxo,
shawna
Related Posts
-
-
A moment in travelComing or going, I couldn't tell you. But I noticed this family standing opposite the…
-