We headed out via Metro today for fun in D.C. - one of several such trips over the last few weeks. Riding Metro itself is a blast for the kids, though “is this our stop?” becomes a bit monotonous when asked at each and every Metro stop.
The air was beautiful; crisp, cold, blue and not too windy - we bundled up as we walked towards the National History Museum. We always feel so blessed to enjoy the “free” museums that our Capital offers. Quinn had requested ” the Dinosaur Museum” so we spent the first part of the day enjoying the bones and massive reconstructions in that wing. Next we went on to a girl’s best friend, Naomi’s choice, DIAMONDS! We enjoyed seeing all the beautiful gems and minerals in the museum’s extensive collection. There was also a new Africa wing where we got to see Kenyan shillings displayed under glass instead of held in our hands and beautiful reams of kikoi and kitangi cloth like the ones worn by our friends at home. Watching videos there of African school children dancing, singing and playing with their improvised toys we felt the heart-pain of missing these dear people who have worked their way so deeply into our hearts. All the small mannerisms that are so typical to East African cultures took our breath away.
Next we headed off by foot to visit Chinatown, including a stop for lunch at a great little hole-in-the-wall restaurant where we enjoyed hot chinese tea, tempura vegetables and Naomi ate an entire heaped platter full of Lo Mein!! (the team is not even going to recognize this girl if she keeps eating and growing over the next month!)
Back we went to enjoy the mammals exhibit at the National History Museum. There we saw many African animals and settings, including “gasp” a termite mound! (pretty normal sight in our part of Uganda) Some of the termite predators shown were pangolins and anteaters, animals that don’t live in our area. I asked Naomi what natural predators our Bundibugyo termites might have and she replied instantly “humans!!” It’s true, they do make a tasty snack when roasted!