Julie was at her convention sessions today so Allison and I were up early to get to the National Zoo to see the pandas. We were told there can be a long line if you don't get there early enough but we didn't have any problem seeing them. Once the pandas came outside they started chewing on bamboo. I suppose that was their breakfast. We also saw lions, monkeys, sand cats that reminded me of Muffles, elephants and prairie dogs.
After a quick lunch at McDonald's we took the train downtown to the National Portrait Gallery. This is the Death of Tecumseh statue.
The Michelle Obama portrait. Doesn't really look like her but I'm not an art aficionado.
The Presidents Gallery was so interesting. So many famous portraits. We were told there's usually a line to see Obama's portrait but the museum wasn't busy. I think everyone was out on the mall watching the Memorial Day Parade. (There was no portrait of Trump).
I liked this portrait of Clinton even though it was a bit abstract.
Reagan, the president throughout my high school and college years.
Carter. I remember having a mock election for him in fifth grade.
and Bush No. 2. He looks so relaxed.
Being from Illinois, it was exciting to see all the famous Lincoln portraits.
Washington had his own room for his portraits.
We saw a lot of cool paintings. It would be nice to explore the museum more some day. I sent a picture of the Bill and Melinda Gates portrait to E, saying her boss is in the Smithsonian. She replied that he's her boss at least eight times removed. Yeah, but still. I also saw portraits of Miss Manners and Ann Landers.
Not sure what this is called but it's interesting.
Taking some time to relax in the museum's courtyard. The blue hydrangeas were so vibrant.
Then it was time to visit the museum's gift shop. This mug is pretty funny (and sad) - our disappearing civil liberties.
Hmmm.
When we left the museum we watched part of the Memorial Day Parade. It was really hot outside.
We briefly walked through the Museum of Natural History and thought, since we're there, let's go see the hope diamond. Wow.
We went back to the hotel and all three of us went to dinner at a nearby Irish pub, Across the Pond.
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