So if you read my blog entry for UX Week – Day 3, then you would know today we had a field trip to the Smithsonian Institute National Air and Space Museum’s Paul E. Garber Facility for Preservation, Restoration, and Storage. Say that 10 times fast. We got there before the group and hung around looking at some of the stored aircraft until the rest of the group got there.

When they all arrived, we went on the tour. We got to see some of the old rare aircraft they have stored at the facility, how they refurbished the aircraft for the exhibits, how they build the exhibits, and we got to talk to some of the curators and those involved in the script-writing. It was an amazing experience for me, one in which I was just in awe being able to see something very few people get to see.

After the tour was all over, Steve dropped me off at the Metro Rail station just down the street and I took it into Downtown D.C. where I got off at Union Station. I got off the subway, walked upstairs and outside Union Station, and thus began my sightseeing adventure.

I started by walking across the street and ended up on the south side of the Capitol building. I talked to my mom for a bit while I was taking pictures and walking around. I walked up to the Supreme Court and unfortunately they were renovating the facade so the view of the front architecture was a bit obscured. From there I went around to the front of the Capitol and snapped more pictures, and just taking in the significance of just what I was standing in front of.

I tried to go to the National Air and Space Museum, but they have early hours and closed at 5:30PM (it was 5:50 by the time I got to it). I was a bit bummed, but moved on. I was getting pretty thirsty so I went across to the street to a refreshment stand. A word of advice for the rest of you: if you’re going to D.C., bring your own drinks. Just a lemonade and a bottled water cost me $5.10 which is ridiculous if you ask me. I went around the back of the refreshment stand and sat at the tables they have back there. There were a bunch of squirrels running around, and one was in the trash can digging around. He came back up to the top of the can and began chowing down on a french fry that was about as big as he was.

I continued down the National Mall, taking pictures of the Smithsonian Castle and the Washington Monument on my way. I ended up at the base of the George Washington Monument and snapped some more pictures. I continued west from there and went to the newly-built World War II Memorial. It was commemorated in 2004, which makes it the newest memorial. I spent some time there, taking in pictures and also taking in the historical significance of World War II. I also took some time to reflect on those who died and those who gladly served to defend our country. I have the utmost respect for those in the military, and this only amplified that sentiment.

After the World War II memorial, it was starting to get a little late and the sun was getting pretty low in the sky, so I decided to head over to the White House and make that my last stop. I walked up the street, through the Elipse, and to the White House.

I’ve seen it a ton of times in pictures but just being there in person really hit me and the sheer importance of the White House and those who work and live in there began to sink in. Being in Washington, D.C. and finally being able to see all the National Monuments and Federal Government buildings really put me in awe of what actually goes on here.

By the time I left the White House, my feet were really hurting after having walked and stood for 3 solid hours, so I headed to the Metro Station at the Smithsonian Castle. Man was that a longer walk than I was expecting, heh. Anyway, I got on the train and rode it back to Rosslyn where I met up with Steve at the hotel and we went to Red, Hot & Blue BBQ for a late dinner. Once I finally got back to my hotel room I was beat, but wanted to download my photos and get them online because I know a few people really wanted to see them.

In case you haven’t seen them yet, all of the pictures from this week (including today’s sightseeing adventure) are in my Washington, D.C. – UX Week 2006 Photo Album.