Day 23: My Hometown – Washington Monument

I’ve been trying all day to decide on how to approach this piece of My Hometown. So, I decided to go with a few FAQs

Without a doubt one of the most recognized symbols in Washington, DC and perhaps the United States is the Washington Monument.

1. Who designed the Washington Monument?
   Robert Mills was the architect. His original design called for the monument to be 600 feet, but Thomas Casey who finished the monument was persuaded to widen the base thereby making the monument its current height
2. How tall is the Monument?
   The Washington Monument is the tallest obelisk in the world. It stands at 555 feet 5 1/8 inches tall and 55 feet wide at the base.
3. Why does the color change on the outside of the monument?
   There were two phases to building the monument. The first phase was done by a private organization, The Washington National Monument Society from 1848-1854.

Day 20: T is for Tourists

Spring Break in the DC area is officially over, but it also marks the onslaught of tourists to the area. Today’s Blogging A to Z Challenge letter is . . . yep you guessed it ‘T’.

10 Simple rules for tourists when visiting Washington, DC

1. Do not under any circumstances travel on Metro between the hours of 7:00 am & 9:30 am or 4:30 pm & 6:30 pm. Why? It’s Rush Hour.
   

   This is Rush Hour. This is why Rule #1 is so important.

2. If you so chose to violate Rule #1 don’t get mad at us when we don’t answer or snap at you when you’re on the Metro prior to 9:30 am. We are more than likely trying to prepare ourselves for the daily deluge of crap from our rat bastard co-workers.
3. Oh how we all love to stroll. If you and your brood are strolling, taking up the entire sidewalk while violating Rule #1, please don’t look surprised when someone barrels through you and yells, “excuse me, I have to get to work!” I have heard people yell, “Get the fuck out the way!”

Day 11: My Hometown – Kreeger Museum

Today’s Blogging A to Z Challenge letter is “K” and the topic is the Kreeger Museum. There is so much to say about this museum and the Kreegers’ that I really don’t know where to begin.

Photo Credit: kreegermuseum.org

I did a tour this morning and the docent was fantastic and it was even better that I was the only one in the tour. If you’ve never been or haven’t been in a while than a tour is the best thing you can do and afterwards take some time to wander around and really soak it in.

Kreeger said, “I never bought art as an investment. I bought it for love and I was lucky. Art that embodies the creative spirit of men transcends the value of money.”

Photo Credit: kreegermuseum.org

David Kreeger in the garden of his home with bronze sculpture,
Interpenetration, 1969, by Luxembourg artist Lucien Wercollier.
Photograph taken in 1975 by Fred J. Maroon.

The Kreeger Museum, a private, non-profit art museum and the former residence of David and Carmen Kreeger, rests on five acres of sculpture-filled gardens and is surrounded by tranquil woods. Designed by renowned architect Philip Johnson, it is among the few examples of his work in DC. The Kreeger’s focus on 19th and 20th century paintings is evidenced by works of Monet, Picasso, Renoir, Cezanne, Chagall, Miro, and Stella. Also included in the permanent collection are works of prominent Washington artists and outstanding examples of traditional African and Asian art. (from the kreegermuseum.org)

Actually, I don’t know what to name this post

When I saw the Daily Post for today, I knew what I was going to write about; but then a friend of mine made the following comment on Facebook and a little conversation took place.

Why I Love DC

Having been born and raised and still live in the DC metro area, I harbor a love hate relationship with this place. I thought I’d share 8 reasons why I love this town and in the coming weeks I’ll share what I don’t care for.

1. Festivals
   • My goodness. DC has more festivals than I can count. I’m surprised there’s not one for green poo. Perhaps my favorite is the National Cherry Blossom Festival or maybe it’s the Smithsonian Folklife Festival. 
     
2. The National Mall
   • The National Mall is spectacular. At one end you’ve got the tallest stone obelisk in the world — The National Monument and at the other the U.S. Capital. Pack yourself a picnic lunch and grab a spot at the Reflecting Pool or in one of the many grassy areas and relax.
     

     (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

3. The Smithsonian
   • Folks born and raised in the DC metro area often take the Smithsonian for granted. Probably because as children we were shuttled there once or twice a year for an annual trip to the Air and Space Museum or the Museum of Natural History. Now that I’m older I’ve had the pleasure of visiting them and rediscovery their grandeur and of course they’re FREE.
     

     The Smithsonian Castle (Photo credit: Wikipedia)