Sorry this isn't a complete picture update, even though it has pictures (6). Sadly, my garden has died, since it is the middle of fall: October 24, 2014.
I got a string bean plant named Marigold a month ago, and she was very healthy and very green up until a week ago when she caught a disease that makes her leaves turn white and die. I left her to leave on this trip, and I hope she fares well while I am gone.
What this post is about is a essay I wrote about my trip to the National Museum of Natural History, in Washington D.C. I am writing this while at Washington International Horse Show. Horse riders from all over the world come to compete here--but I'm going off on a tangent. Anyway, here is my essay.
On October 21, 2014, I went to the Smithsonian National Museum of Natural History in Washington D.C. Like it's name suggests; it's about the natural history of our world, such as dinosaurs, plants and animals, and more. The museum is a part of a series of Smithsonian museum's, and the one I went to is the most popular and most visited, and this is my account of my visit.
When I first approached the Smithsonian National Museum of Natural History, I must say that my initial reaction was amazement: the massive, white pillars that hold up the top floors stand out and display the magnificence of the massive structure itself. The inside was no less amazing; for the high, windowless walls go up to a point where the ceiling should be, yet instead of a ceiling there is naught but a rim that serves as a balcony for the higher levels. Thus, each of the three levels may be viewed from the bottom, there is an excellent view of the lower levels from the top floor.
Of course, there is much more then looks to the Smithsonian National Museum of Natural History, namely information. Unlike a book or movie, visiting the museum provides the bountiful information in text, images, video clips, and models. Specific sections of the museum are dedicated to certain display's. There was a room for butterflies and plants room for mammals, a section for insects, a place to learn about mummies, and even a gallery of mounted birds! And there are many more sections too, far too many to include in this report.
My favorite attraction featured there was the Butterfly Room: a room that appears to be a metal dome from outside, located in the Butterflies and Plants room. Upon entrance, where a pass is required, you will be in a small waiting room. After a short wait, you will be allowed entry into the dome, which from inside is a beautiful, living enclosure, with a stone pathway leading through. The walls are nearly invisible behind a thick wall of greenery that is blooming with vibrant flowers. On those flowers, or flying through the air, are colorful butterflies of all shapes or sizes, with stunning, breath-taking wings that shimmer and shine in the light above. The leaves from the many plants shimmer with moisture that floods into the room as a mist from vents in the back wall.
Overall, I think my visit to the Smithsonian National Museum of Natural History was a truly exciting one. I am proud to say that I have learned many things that I never knew before, such as ecosystems existing without sunlight, or the evolution of whales. If you are in Washington D.C., and need a place to go for entertainment or information, I recommend this museum to people of all ages, for it is an interactive, informative wonder for everyone to enjoy!
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| From the butterfly room |
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| Butterfly room still. |
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| YES, Butterfly Picture. Again. |
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A backwards-pointing fanged deer. Ever knew
there was such thing? |
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Well what do you know?
Another butterfly pic! |
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A bird. I don't know what kind of bird,
but it looks like a female sparrow,
or maybe a female cowbird... but I suspect it's a warbler. |
So that's about it, sadly. I'd love to elaborate on my visit, but my essay is long enough as it is. Bye!
