Day 2 updates from 2024 SeaPerch team at Internationals

To start off the day our team headed off to the Natural History Museum. On the way there google maps was being quite obstinate, specifically Amanda’s google maps. However mine worked perfectly well, so I had to lead the group to the museum but luckily we did make it. The museum was covered with plenty of beautiful pieces of the history of our world. There were statues, fossils, and gems everywhere you looked; It was impossible to rip my eyes from any of the gorgeous sights. As we wandered the museum, it was quickly noticeable there were around 5 sections: Animals, fossils, human history, earth functions, space, and gemstones/minerals. Personally only one of these really stole my attention, of course it was Space, I wanted to burrow into the walls and create my new home there. Next, we got to see many gorgeous gemstones, including the hope diamond. Obviously the exhibits at the museum were lovely, but our team found a way to have quite a bit of fun in the gift shops.
After making our way outside we decided to have lunch, Pb&J’s. Many birds flew quite close, clearly desensitized and unafraid of the human population. Gary, Sage, and Dalton fed the birds parts of their lunches. This attracted numerous birds, all trying to eat the food.
The group began making the way to the National Portrait Gallery, this time it was quite the easy journey, making it there without a hitch. The architecture of the building was absolutely stunning. We began to travel down the halls, observing the meaningful art plastered on the walls. The most Significant part of the museum was the portraits of the United States Presidents, a tribute to the history of our country. It was quite a beautiful sight to see, lengthy but worth every second.
Sadly in our attempt to occupy time, we got a little bit turned around. Once again google maps was acting up; leading us on a lengthy exhausting walk. However, it was quite delightful, filled with absolutely enchanting sights of both the city and nature. The blending of two things quite opposite showed the way humanity can work with nature.
A storm was brewing, the sky was painted with dark clouds, a deluge of rain poured down. Thunder and lightning began, a normal sight for the residence of D.C, but not to us in Cathlamet. The weather was alarming yet oddly beautiful, I am extremely glad we got to view the short storm before its dispersal.
Despite how lovely the storm was, the ending meant one thing; we could see the national monuments. We got to see the Washington monument, a colossal symbol of our country and its history. It was enormous to the point of being disorienting. Subsequently, we saw the WWII memorial, a tribute to the brave soldiers that fought in the disastrous war. The reflection pool leads us from the memorial to the Lincoln Memorial, the symbolization of all America stands for. It was breathtaking, almost causing tears to its beauty. This was something so magnificent I cannot put into words, to understand it must be experienced. Nothing can truly capture the experience of seeing the Lincoln Memorial in person; not photos nor even the most descriptive words. I am so grateful to have the pleasure of seeing Washington D.C
I am extremely apologetic for the late description. Thank you everyone for supporting this team, none of us will ever forget this experience. Once again thank you all so very much!