Sackler Cats, Bells, Buddhas and Persian Lux

We visit the Sackler Museum at least every year. The Smithsonian Freer and Sackler recently reopened after a long renovation. We saw the Freer galleries last week, so we decided to stop in the Sackler this week. We usually visit Smithsonian museums and other places when we are on our daily morning walkabouts on the National Mall. Tuesdays and Wednesdays are best if you want to avoid the crowds, but it really depends on the time of year. On entering the Sackler, one passes through the "terminal" made from brass containers connected with threads. We then ventured to the cats of Egypt which included a coffin for a special feline. I much preferred the dogs. There was a section for ancient Chinese bells. If you like Buddha, you won't be disappointed with this variety, including a temple filled with them. The last section we visited was luxury Iranian pieces. I wouldn't mind having a few of those! It was an interesting experience and there is a lot more to see if you are so inclined. The museums connect to each other underground so it makes for easy navigation. Usually we stay above ground and love the fountains and gardens - especially as the seasons change. There is something about natural beauty, but it doesn't hurt to see the other stuff every once in awhile. 

A Visit to Thailand

Right before my birthday a couple of weeks ago, our friend left on a trip to Thailand that would last through the Christmas holiday. Good for her because she would certainly have an enchanting vacation with a friend of hers from California, sad for us because she would not be here for Christmas. We have taken a few trips together... Overseas to Iran and England, along with several local day trips around the DC area like Monticello and Montpelier. So she promised to keep us updated on her whereabouts and she did, faithfully sending several photos of the adventure throughout the duration. Her take on the scenery and overall cultural aspects is always filled with humor and eloquence, including a personal shopper experience. I'm not a big overseas travel person, and prefer going to a place that we know someone - and luckily we have relatives and friends in places like Iran, England, Denmark, Sweden, and perhaps even Australia in the near future. So for all those other places out there, she's a good person to know, and this is just one entertaining reason.