Back on track.

I'm feeling much better now and have out and about in Washington admiring the sites. The weather has been cracking, shorts and vesties have been the order of the day which means I've been trying to do outdoor things. It has been great being able to top up on the tan, something that I really wasn't expecting for this time of the year, however my feet are complaining a bit because I have been walking for miles!

My first trip out after being stuck in the hostel for a few days was down to the National Mall, host to all the key sites of Washington and many museums. I didn't do too much, getting oriented really and checking out the Smithsonian Institute. An English guy (James Smithson) left his estate to Washington to found an institute for the 'increase and diffusion of knowledge' so the Smithsonian Institute was established. Now there are 19 museums, 9 research centers and a zoo, all of which are free.

In the evening I went on a walking tour of Georgetown, the trendy side of Washington, which ended up in a bar for a few beers which was good. Friday I headed out into the sunshine and walked up and down the National Mall visiting the Washington Monument, Lincoln Memorial, World War II Memorial, Vietnam Veterans Memorial, The White House, finishing the day at the National Museum of African Art. They had an exhibit on North African jewellery which was really interesting since most of it was from Morocco, areas and tribes that I've just visited. I covered a fair few miles today!

Saturday was nearly as good weather wise so I thought a trip to the zoo was in order. As zoos go, this one was pretty good, with much time and investment into breeding programs to help endangered species. It was another 10+ miles on the feet and a full day out so I was knackered by the time I got back to the hostel.

Today I've been back down the National Mall visiting more of the sites. Optimistic for another warm day I headed out in shorts and t-shirt but it wasn't quite as warm. I think the weather is finally turning so after making the most of the sun in the morning, I escaped into the National Museum of Air and Space this afternoon. I was freezing by the time I got back to the hostel so I think the shorts will have to be packed up now until I reach Cancun.

I have 4 days left which I intend to fill with more museum visits. I plan to tick off the Natural History Museum, Newseum (news museum), Holocaust museum and Museum of the American Indian. I also still want to see the National Archives, US Capitol and Union Station so I'm definitely going to be busy.

Catch up again once I've settled into Nebraska!