May 4, 2018 - Day 9
5/17/2018 - I've edited the photos of this post at least three different times. I've taken the photos and placed them all into a Google Photos shared album, so they should be viewable...but I thought I did that already. I blame this day specifically on allergies...
We spent today in DC. Due to our ride arrangement, we didn't have a lot of time there in the city (how can seven hours not be enough, some may ask...). We'd learned that to do it right, you really need about three or four days to see a much bigger piece of the district.
Since he works around the corner from the Bureau of Engraving and Printing, thought that'd be a quick stop to see the Money Machine in action.
No photos allowed, sadly...but was impressed that there's not been a significant amount of change to basic processes in 100+ years. There *has* been those technological changes made to the equipment, but it's remarkably similar. The 'feel' of American currency comes from that process.
Two quick factoids - 95% of what they make is to replace worn currency. They have a 5% error rate in printing.
Anyway, a few pictures:
 |
| Good point of reference, as it can be seen in many areas of the city. |
Luckily, we figured out get the tickets to get in first, then get in line at the door - on the opposite side of the facility.
 |
| In the staging area for the tour, this was a biggie! Samples were NOT provided! |
Done with BEP, now on to a walk around. Grace wanted to look at the Reflecting Pool; the World War II monument is adjacent.
 |
| World War II Memorial, Washington D.C. |
 |
| Mile Zero of the Lincoln Highway |
Details about the milestone here:
Zero Milestone
From here, we were kinda aimlessly wandering around. I'd originally thought about the two or three blocks from here to Ford's Theatre. I was being mindful of time, another quick look at the map showed we're only a few blocks from the Smithsonian Institute Museum of American History.
A quick hot dog and drink from a street vendor, then we were off on quite a tour!
Wow.
A
small selection of photos...
 |
| Hard to believe things you have grown up with are in a museum!! |
 |
| Early railroad locomotive John Bull (1831) - First in America |
There were many, many exhibits in the transportation section.
Moving onto technology, this was fascinating:
 |
| The workshop of Ralph Baer - who?? Screen on the left may give a clue... |
 |
| Prototype for the video game PONG |
The video game PONG - first commercially viable videogame. The genius invented a lot of other toys and games in his lifetime.
 |
| Original Apple Macintosh |
 |
| Radar Range by Raytheon - microwave oven |
 |
| George Washington statue |
Truly, a person could spend four or five hours in these places. Today, we didn't have that kind of time, so we needed to begin to head back in the direction of the office.
We wandered across the National Mall, saw the Capitol, and headed for a castle - the Smithsonian Castle.
A quick pause from the heat (it was a bit warmish...) here in the castle, then we needed to head back to the office.
The view from the street side of the Castle:
Time for a snack - and a bit of humor...
 |
| Today, the USDA sponsored a Farmer's Market...not bad for the space they had. The popcorn was great! |
We got out of town a bit late, due to traffic issues along our route. Delaying our departure simply meant we had more time to visit...
Sad to go, but it's time to move along to our next stop on this trip.
Comments
Post a Comment
Comments welcomed. Thanks!