Our trip to National Museum of Natural History

Dear all,

As we had a lengthy weekend (3 days), we planned to go again to the downtown area and enjoy. So, we planned to go to National Museum of Natural History (One among the famous Smithsonian Institution) and Old Post office (Clock tower-2nd tallest building in DC). We started from our apartment after having our breakfast and went to the nearest metro station, reached the National Mall within 20mins.
Walked to National Museum and after the security check, we entered the site. Huge African elephant was the first, before our eyes-Pillaiyar Darshanam madiri. We took some snaps of it and turned back, could see IMAX -counters serving tickets for the next 3D show on Dinosaurs-The Giants of Patagonia. We went and purchased our tickets. We were given special glasses and went inside the theatre. The screen was huge,the sound and visual effects are stunning. No words to explain !!! They have given a huge space for Dinosaurs called Dinosaur hall, where we could see the full skeleton of 3-4 Dinosaurs(Allosaurus dinosaur-ferocious, Stegosaurus-plant eater, Diplodocus-plant eater) and they have displayed the eggs (8 nos) too. We spent more than 30mins in this gallery.
Next, we went to Western cultures gallery. We could see the real mummies of a woman, bull, Eygptian scripts,oranaments, utensils. They have made a replica of the Egyptian bazaar, their house. From there, we went to the Ice-age gallery, there, we could see the torn clothes, about the survival. Also, they have given all the details with photos of the Ice-man, found in recent past.
A separate section for Mammals in which they have, Polar beer, caribou, cat, tiger, Lion, Panda, Giraffe, etc. The only difference : We saw all these animals with life in National Zoo, now seeing as a Non-living creature. Also they have an exhibit, which explores the processes and patterns of evolution, and provides us with an exciting new kind of experience : a walk-through living butterfly house. We did not go inside, as I don't like insects coming near me (Entomophobia).
From there, we went to Geology,Minerals & Gems section. We saw almost all the precious stones like Diamond(Blue,pink and trasparent) , Gold, Platinum, Silver, Copper,Ruby,Logan Sapphire, Jade... and crystals like Gypsum, Calcite, huge Quartz crystal, Zircon, Topaz, Garnet, shells and varities of ores. Could see a huge diamond (82.35 carats-Unknown ) and the world famous Hope diamond (45.52 carats from India-dark grayish-blue ), which is embossed in the necklace. It is very attractive and elegant. Very proud to see our country name (INDIA) on the details plate. Also, we saw the crown and other ornaments worn by the Great Emperor Nepolean I.Also, we saw the earrings were said to be a gift to Marie Antoinette, the queen of France - from her husband, King Louis XVI. The spectacular 23.1-carat Burmese ruby, set in a platinum ring with diamonds was also there. Good treat to the eyes !!
Having walked and enjoyed the glimpse of this Museum for more than 6 hours, we thought we will have some munch in the nearby Food court in the Old Post Office complex. The granite clock tower(built in 1890s) has an observation level 270 feet above the street. Also, it offers a 360 degree view of downtown Washington, DC. Took snaps from all the four directions. Came one floor down, we saw the Bells of the Congress too. From there, we had a munch in the food court and walked to the nearest metro and reached home happily.

Sharing some photos with you all.

Hi folks,

Attaching some more photos ....

Dear Gowri

It is so nice you could visit the Natural History museum during the labour day wkend and it was nice to see the photos. I have visited the museum a few years ago and it was good to see it again through your eyes.

It seems like you are covering one attraction per week. With the weather getting cooler, I am sure it must be a lot of fun.

Hi Gowri,
Your detailed travelouge is good. We were there 3 years back. But
it seems you spent a whole day there. But we spent only 2 hours I think.
Then we had to drive back to NJ. Let me post some pictures taken there.

Dear Usha,

As you have rightly said, we are planning to enjoy seeing these attractions before we leave for India. It was nice and we enjoyed the whole day.

Thanks for stepping in...dear.

Best wishes..

Dear Vidhyalakshmi,

Thanks for stepping in and you have added extra flavour to the thread.
Thanks a lot... for the posting the photos.

Yeah... We went inside by 11am and returned back by 430pm. Enjoyed a lot !!

Dear Gowri,

What a co-incidence!! We were there in W-DC, both in natural history museum and smithsonians during the weekend.

You have come up with a nice write up and the pictures are amazing!

Cheers!

Gowri
This is a nice write up. Enjoyed reading and seeing your photos too.. the additional photos also look good.. One of the nice things being a couple is these special moments we share. Do enjoy and make the most of it:)

Thanks to Vidyha for sharing more nice photos.

Hi (Pink-angel),

Arey yaar... I saw many indians there, but I was just kidding to my hubby, somebody from IndusLadies will be present, but did not know by their faces/places !! So you are one among them. It can be aptly said, we missed by a whisk !!!

Hope you enjoyed a lot like me !! Thanks a lot for stepping in, dear.

Dear AC,

Thanks a lot for your encouraging words and wishes... We are enjoying our stay in DC to the fullest.

You are very right.. Vidhya's photos gives extra flavour to mine.

Thanks a lot... with love.