Inside the Smithsonian Castle

We walk by it a lot, and have been in it a few times. The last visit was walking home from viewing the cherry blossoms on the tidal basin. We stopped in for a soda and put our feet up! The Smithsonian castle is located on the center of the mall, surrounded by beautiful gardens. This time we went in to use the facilities - something that must happen quite often because the security guard just told us to turn right for the restrooms without us even asking! So while we were there, we decided to check the place out and see what was new or exciting. I don't remember the Gibson guitar or the transatlantic cable, but the stuffed animals looked familiar from their imposing presence above us. The pandacam was new and at this time mom panda was cuddling baby, with several folks looking on. The vaulted ceilings reminded me of the mosques in Iran towering overhead. It wasn't very busy or congested, and that's the way I like it. My husband, on the other hand, loves the crowds and the mess. In fact, he doesn't really care for the contents in any museum. He calls the national mall and Washington DC his museum, and the people in it are the contents of the very best museum. He's going to have a tough time leaving this neighborhood. But I know he won't miss the stuffed bear on display in this very old place.