Sarah and I both had Friday, June 26th, off from work, so we left that morning and made the 3&1/2 hour trip to Rockville, arriving in early afternoon.
Max and my grandfather, Marty, moved here ~15 or so years ago, and nearly every year during that time (or at least it seems that way) we came up for a visit during spring break or in the summer. I have so many memories of this place and every time I step in the door they really come flooding back. The sights, sounds, odors - everything - brings back so many memories. Family trips, 1st non-family road trips, conversations, movies, the artwork (most of which is Max's), great food - everything!
After arriving, we visited for a little while and then went down to the condo's pool to let Jackson swim. It was a bit cool and Jackson a bit tired, but he enjoyed it.
That evening Max's friend came over and had dinner with us. She's a very nice and interesting lady that lives nearby. We met her during our last visit here.
The next morning, we had breakfast, and Jackson explored the condo. He also played the drums with his Great Grandma Max.
Later that morning we drove downtown. We realized this morning that I'd never been to the National Aquarium. I thought I had done just about everything there is to do in Washington, at least once, since I've been so many times, but I had not been here. So, that's what we decided to do. So, we drove in and parked in the employee lot at the Smithsonian Natural History Museum, thanks to Max and her volunteer / docent work there. From there we walked just a couple of blocks down Constitution Ave toward the White House and arrived at the Dept. of Commerce building. No wonder I've never been! - this place is literally in the basement of this enormous building, and there isn't much outside to let you know what is here. Apparently this Aquarium has been here since 1939.
This place isn't too expensive to get in ($7 for adults), but I was a little surprised it cost anything since all of the Smithsonian museums are free. There are lots of aquariums in this museum, and even some alligators, but Sarah and I agreed we were a little disappointed by this place. Everything in Washington is so big, and grandiose, and fantastically amazing, and this place was so small. The aquariums themselves were well done, but most were pretty small - the largest aquarium was no bigger than big ones you may have seen at fancy restaurants, and the giant one at Cabela's is far more fantastic than anything here. Plus, the interpretive info with each aquarium is pretty bad - there are panels for fish that don't seem to be in the aquarium, and more frustrating, there are often fish with no text panel telling you what it is. Also, many of the text panels were high above the aquarium with small print, so they were hard to read. It was fairly disappointing, but I was very glad that we went. Jackson had a great time and loved standing on the ledge in front of the aquariums looking in at the fish. There definitely were some beautiful fish and other creatures in there.
After the aquarium we walked back to the Mall near the Washington Monument and found a bench in the shade and fed Jackson some lunch. Then we slowly made our way back towards the Natural History Museum along the Mall, slowly walking through the huge folk festival going on there. It looked like fun, but it was hot, Jackson was tired, and it would have been too much to try to drag him through that. So, we kept going, but made a detour into the NH Museum to
view their newly re-opened Oceans Hall. It was, of course, fantastic! It wasn't just about the modern oceans - it starts at the VERY beginning billions of years ago, and a big fossil section chronicles the history of the oceans and many of its fossil critters. It was really amazing. The only thing is that the place was so crowded - but that's exactly what I'd expect - it's always like that during the summer. I'd like to go back when there are a lot
fewer people there so I can take my time and read things and see the whole hall. I only saw about 2/3 of the exhibit.
After the short Museum visit we headed back to the car and then back toward
Rockville. I really love Washington so much! It is a wonderful city with so much of everything I love - history, intelligent & educated people from all over the world, lots of universities, beautiful parks and monuments, world-class museums, everything! The only thing wrong with it is that it is also infested with scum-sucking lawyers and politicians. If we could just get rid of those, it would be damn-near perfect. I've always said it is just about the only big city I'd ever
want to live in.
On the way home we stopped at a great Malaysian restaurant for a late lunch / early dinner. It was really great! I've never had Malaysian before, but now I'm going to have to look for some places here in Philly.
Once we got home we rested for a few minutes and then headed down to the pool again. Jackson had a great time again, and was definitely charming the old ladies around the pool.
Sarah's aunt and uncle came, as well as her cousins, mom and nephews who were here visiting, her friends from work, former neighbors, and one of my friends with her baby. It was fun, but I had the most fun watching Jackson eat his cake - his 1st cake ever.
As always, we had such a great time visiting Max. She's an amazing lady and we HAVE to work harder to visit more often. We miss her already. Thanks again, Max!
