Two weeks long Cherry Blossom Festival started yesterday. It was the first time I went to the National Mall (Washington DC downtown area) to see the eventful opening ceremony. When I get off the metro rail, I was immediately pushed into a sea of people. Never had I felt so misplaced when I was in the downtown. The metro station was crowded by families (imagine all the kids are crying, running and yelling) and visitors. It was too late to recall it was the Spring break weekend. Once I got out from the metro station, the Castle emerged in front of me. And, I was in between the Washington Monument and the US Capitol. It was such a breathtaking sight. My first destination was the Tidal Basin, where 3000 cherry trees planted. It was only about 10 minutes walk before I started to see cherry trees along the Tidal Basin. I can clearly see the cherry trees that are full of florets. This is usually an indication of Cherry peak blooming will occur in two weeks time. Walking along the Tidal Basin, I can see the Jefferson Memorial on the other side. That was the strangest place to be because while I enjoying the beautiful scenery, the low flying airplane/helicopter, everywhere police officers, and limousines with tinted window constantly reminded me “This is the NATIONAL CAPITAL”!!! After I briefly walked through the Jefferson Memorial, I went back to National Mall. This place probably is the only visitor destination where you can find the most museums/art galleries within one mile stretch. I was also overwhelmed by the architecture surrounding the Mall; Monument Park oriented buildings, the Castle, I.M Pei designed building (east wing of National Gallery of Art), Native American inspired design (National Museum of the American Indian), sculpture garden and even a carousel next to the Castle. The only museum I went into was Hirshhorn Museum, simply because they are exhibiting Isamu Naguchi’s work. I didn’t have time to go to other museums/art galleries because I was running out of time. I spent another 30 minutes walking around the Mall and quickly went back to metro station as it got colder (about 45°F). I was pleasant surprised by this spectacular sight of the National Mall and all the museums in this area (I have been here for 6 months, shame on me). I plan to come back next weekend to keep track on the Cherry blossom and also spend some time in the National Gallery of Art.
Cherry trees along Tidal Basin.
Jefferson Memorial and low-flying airplane.
Cherry florets. It will bloom in two weeks.
A rare white squirrel around the National Mall.
Smithsonian Institute Building, the Castle. There is a carousel next to it.
The US Capitol.
