Washington DC

Washington DC is a capital of two things: the country and the museums. As a capital of the country it was risky to visit, since we were here right after election day when the votes were still being counted. The media was screaming and trying to make a fuss about protests all around the country. But here is the truth - it was quiet and peaceful, the White House was fenced, so you could not see it from any angle and all the windows on the streets were boarded up. But the stores were working in full (or pandemic level) capacity behind the boards.

I have decided to dedicate this post to the best museums we have visited during our journey and will begin with the International Spy Museum right here in the capital. It is dedicated to espionage, spies and international relations. Lots of interesting missions, biographical facts and artifacts are kept here for display. In addition to the amazing visual experience inside, right before you enter you get a mission which you have to accomplish during your visit. That added lots of fun and allowed me to apply the knowledge I got.

Another museum I still remember vividly was in Phoenix - the Musical Instrument Museum. Over 200 countries and territories are represented here through sound, dance and costumes. It was like visiting the world in one day and I think their gift store was the best museum gift store I have ever visited - they had handmade instruments from all over the world. The only sad thing - the Lithuanian exhibition was quite poor. I think we can do much better.

The third museum was not the most pleasant to visit but still worth mentioning - the National Museum of Funeral History in Houston. It displays funeral history through transportation and describes different funeral traditions around the world.

Also in Houston - the Space Center. While there are many space museums all across the country with more or less the same exhibits, this one is special because you can walk into a retired Space Shuttle and a full-size training mock-up of the Skylab - the first space station built in the United States. Interestingly, the interior of the Space Shuttle reminded me very much of our own aluminum house on wheels.

The last, but not least, is The Sixth Floor Museum in Dallas. The museum detailing the life and death of John Fitzgerald Kennedy might not teach you much, but it sure is a great and authentic detective story.

Which one would you like to visit the most?