Hello again! As I read over the various happenings from my other blog-mates, I can't help but feel a tad bit dismayed at their more active internships, at least when compared to my own. If I had one major critique from working at Rock Creek, it would be the very slow nature of the work. I spend the majority of my day in front of a computer screen developing a presentation that will eventually be displayed in our exhibit area. The progress of my project is perpetually hampered by the fact we only have one computer that is capable of producing the type of product I wish to create. Nonetheless, the work is progressing, even if it isn't altogether as exciting as I would have liked.

That being said, I decided that for this post I would share with you some of the places I have visited across DC while on my weekend excursions. My roommates all have different schedules and interests than I do, so I tend to find myself going solo on these various excursions. My goal is to persuade my roommates, my readers, my fellow TWC housemates... whomever really, that DC is more than just a series of bars and happy hours. You'd be amazed at some of the more natural wonders you can find if only you take the time to look.

The White House is always a must-see.

Across the street in Lafayette Square, Andrew Jackson watches from horseback.

The albino alligator at the National Aquarium in the Commerce Building was a wonder to behold, albeit difficult to photograph.

Standing in the shadow of the Washington Monument. The structure was damaged in an earthquake, so they didn't allow visitors to climb it.

The monuments aren't the only wonders to behold. I spied this little sharp-shinned hawk in a cherry blossom tree near the WWII memorial.

Lincoln's stern visage looks out towards the Washington Monument. The two speeches engraved on either side of him are a stark reminder of the cost of freedom and the price of equality.

Take a stroll to over to Meridian Hill Park to see some early foliage in bloom.

Or, if you have a means of transportation, head over to Great Falls Park to see the frothy whitewater of the Potomac before it reaches the Tidal Basin.

I've always enjoyed zoos, and the National Zoo was no exception. They had several rare and endangered species on display, including this Red Panda.

Or take a gander at his larger, more famous cousin, the Giant Panda.

A lowland gorilla enjoys a snack despite the cold weather.

The zoo is also home to several native species, such as this male Mallard. He flew right past me and landed in a frog pond, begging to have his photograph taken.

A lioness keeps watch over her pride... and the park guests.

This tiny Azeurus frog was part of the Amazonia exhibit, a giant, free-roaming vivarium complete with birds, monkeys, and all manner of river fish. Easily my favorite exhibit.

For those of you with an adventurous spirit or a historical frame of mind, don't miss a chance to head to Fort McHenry in Baltimore. You can take a living history tour (as we did here with Ranger Paul) and learn firsthand the role that the fort played during the war of 1812.

The fort is best known for its inspiration in Francis Scott Key's "The Star Spangled Banner." On days with good weather, the fort will fly the historic 15-stars-and-bars, which can be seen from across the channel at the Key Bridge.

Another absolute favorite interest of mine is the topic of paleoanthropology. There is no place better to learn more about this topic than at the Smithsonian's Natural History Museum. Pictured here are various skulls from around the world representing various stages in human evolution.

And of course, it wouldn't be a proper museum trip without a few dinosaur bones as well.

The second of the three most famous buildings on the mall, the Capitol Building. Be sure to take a guided tour inside, and don't forget to leave the knife on your keychain at home (a lesson I learned the hard way).

And finally, the last of the three great buildings and representative of the judiciary branch: the Supreme Court.

I hope that my wanderings have provided you with some ideas for your own travels. I've only scratched the surface of what DC has to offer, so I'm still hoping to see much more.

Until next time.