Wednesday, April 16, 2008

Itinerary
Arlington National Cemetery
Smithsonian Institute at Dulles Airport
Museum of Natural History
Toby’s Theatre for Dinner and a performance of Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dream Coat

There was not a cloud in the sky here for our adventures in Washington, day two.  Our first stop was Arlington National Cemetery, where we enjoyed a guided tour of several famous gravesites, including a stop at the eternal flame and final resting place of John F. Kennedy and his family.  A funeral complete with instruments and horses paraded through our tour at one point, as there are anywhere from twenty-five to thirty-five funerals there per day.  Cherry blossoms were blooming as we witnessed the changing of the guards at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier shortly thereafter.  Some students walked away discussing how dedicated the men must be to guard the tomb twenty-four hours per day. 

We zipped over to the Air and Space Museum at Dulles Airport after the changing of the guards to view some history on aviation.  Some students headed up the lookout tower; others hung around the gift shop and ate lunch.  The museum houses the Enola Gay, the plane responsible for dropping the atomic bomb, as well as the Enterprise space shuttle.  The sheer number and size of planes on display there was staggering.

When we arrived back in town, a long line at the National Archives prompted us to check out the Museum of Natural History.  Perhaps we will hit the Archives tomorrow.  This museum was beautiful.  Where else can you enter a room with three hundred fluttering tropical butterflies, shoot over to the gemstone room and see the Hope Diamond, and, on the way out, say hi to the giant squid?

The day was not over after leaving the museum.  After stopping by the hotel to change, we headed into heavy traffic that only the Pope can attract to arrive finally at Toby’s Theatre.  Students enjoyed a salad bar, buffet, and ice cream bar before witnessing an exciting performance of Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dream Coat.  The bus ride home was a nice chance to get a head start on a good night’s sleep.  Tomorrow we head to the White House, Capital, Holocaust Museum, and another try at the Archives.