How to Ride the Metro

The Metro is one of my favorite things about DC. Maybe it's just because I have never had great public transportation where I live (suburban Minnesota and then Baltimore), but I find it super convenient and easy to use! Pretty much anywhere within DC proper, you'll be able to walk to at least one stop in 10 minutes or less. Here's a map:

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I won't go into detail about any of the stops, but comment or email me if you have any specific questions!

I stick to mostly the Red Line, which is the oldest line, and takes you through Bethesda (a really cute neighborhood in Maryland with great shopping), Woodley Park (where Bao Bao and I live), Chinatown (home to Shake Shack and the Spy Museum) Union Station (next to the Capitol and an Amtrak hub), and Silver Spring (another Maryland suburb where a lot of people choose to live). There are plenty of places to check out on the other lines, though: U Street (Yellow/Green), Foggy Bottom (Blue/Orange/Silver), Nationals Ballpark (Green), and more!

So, here are some tips for riding the Metro:

1. Get a SmarTrip card! You buy them at a SmarTrip kiosk, and they are definitely worth the $2. When you use a paper farecard, the Metro automatically charges you an extra $1 per trip (keep this mind if you're visiting and trying to buy a farecard for just a few trips - the prices listed on the kiosks are for the SmarTrip cards). Therefore, if you're planning on taking at least two trips, it's a better deal to get the plastic card! You can keep them in the front pocket of a wallet or something, and you'll never have to even take it out, since you just tap it.

This is a SmarTrip kiosk, from which you purchase the card. The card costs $10, $2 for the physical card itself and $8 of fare already loaded on! photo credit

2. Move efficiently through the turnstiles. If you're having trouble unearthing your SmarTrip or farecard, stand to the side. There is nothing worse than being late for a meeting and getting held up behind a huge group of people who can't find their tickets. If you have a paper farecard, you'll insert it into the slot in front of the turnstile (on your right as you walk through). If you have a plastic SmarTrip card, you'll tap it on the sensor on top of the turnstile. Some possible problems you may face:

• You don't have enough money on your farecard. If this happens, your card will pop up, but the turnstiles won't open. The screen on the top of the turnstile will say something about insufficient fare. If this happens, go buy a new card! 
• You accidentally entered/exited a station without exiting/entering on the other side. If this is the case, the screen will tell you to see a station manager. These are the people in or around the booth who are wearing yellow vests. They'll help you! 
• The turnstile isn't working. The station managers will tell you what to do. They're nice and they know what they're doing. Listen to them!

3. When you get a SmarTrip card, register it online. By doing this, you'll be able to save any balance you have on your card if you lose it. You can also add money online, or set your card up to auto-reload every time your balance dips below $10. This will allow you to travel without worrying about running out of money at an inopportune time! Check here to register your card and reload it.

4. On the escalators, walk on the left and stand on the right. This is not difficult. It is a system that fosters efficiency and makes everyone a happier person - seriously! It's so much better to smile and say "thank you" to someone who moves out of the way than it is to get irritated because someone is in your way.

5. When you get off of the train, move out of the way. No matter how lost or confused you are, it is common courtesy to give everyone behind you space to exit the train and head in the direction they are trying to go. You'll be able to find a map if you just walk a little bit - or feel free to ask someone for directions!

6. Make sure others have space to get on and off the train. If you like to stand near the doors while you're riding the train, be prepared to have many people jostle you as they exit the train. Especially at the more popular stops, you might even want to step off the train while everyone else gets off, and then get back on. The train won't leave without you, don't worry!

7. Sit down if there are seats. Not only does this save your legs for all the walking you'll be doing above ground, but it also keeps the aisles of the trains as clear as possible. You won't get any more steps on your FitBit by standing up, so just take one for the team and pop a squat.

Finally, here is a random trivia fact: Wheaton (Red Line) has the longest escalator, but is not the station that caused someone to have a heart attack when the escalators were out of commission. If you ever feel like you're not able to climb all the stairs, take the elevator!!!

The National Zoo: An Overview

Ask anyone who's met me since I moved to DC (or, probably, since I found my apartment), and they'll tell you that the Smithsonian National Zoo in Woodley Park is by far my favorite attraction in DC. Maybe it's because I miss my dog, Cazi, so much, or because I haven't quite given up on my dream of being a Disney princess to whom animals flock.

Cazi. You're welcome for restraining myself from posting all the pictures I have of her.

This is pretty much my dream. photo credit

Anyway, since I live so close to the zoo, I've gone there almost every weekend since I moved in. Doing so has helped me learn the tricks to making sure your zoo experience is fun and as stress-free as possible. My first Tip: go on a weekday if you can. The zoo is much less crowded when the children of the area are in school or summer camp, and their parents are at work. However, this doesn't work for most people's schedules, so here are my weekend tips:

1. Go to the zoo early. I'm talking pre-brunch early. The grounds open at 6:00 am, which is when you'll see the crazy people going on runs, and the buildings open at 10:00 am. I suggest going around 9:00 am and starting at Asia Trail (where you can hopefully see the pandas, who are more active in the morning, if they're outside).
   

   

   This is Mei Xiang, the mom. She's eating a popsicle!

   When you're almost at the pandas, you'll pass by a bridge to the Bird House. I absolutely love the Bird House, but recommend waiting to cross the bridge until after 10, when the building will open. There are some really cool birds outside, though, if you just want to make a quick trip while you're there!
   

   

   These flamingos are a small part of the enormous flock that lives outside the Bird House. 

   You'll exit the trail near the elephant house (its official name is Pachyderm Plaza) - if you can't see many elephants outside (there are seven), it's worth going inside the building to see if they're inside.
   

   

   This elephant is eating hay from the barrel on the right of the photograph. This was taken around 2 pm on a Sunday - the building was very crowded, but it was still easy to see and admire the elephants.

   Once you pass the elephants, your next stop should be American Trail, where you'll see otters, wolves, and seals/sea lions!
   

   

   The harbor seals always look relaxed and refreshed. This guy isn't at the zoo, but there are plenty like him! photo credit 

   The trail will take you right to Amazonia, which is a cool building set up to be like a field station in the Amazon, and which includes a section that is meant to be like the Amazon, with plants from the rainforest and with animals roaming free. They generally don't get very close to people, but it's really cool to look up and see a monkey just sitting in the tree above you! If it's not 10 yet, just keep walking - there's plenty more to see outside!
   

   

   This bird apparently wanted to pretend he was viewing, not a part of, the exhibit.

   After Amazonia, you'll be at the Kids' Farm. I'm not a huge fan of the farm - the animals are the same ones you can see at every county fair in the Midwest - but one of the cool parts about it is that you can pet the animals!
   

   

   The goats have a great setup and seem very happy on the farm!

   You'll get back to Olmstead Walk (the main path), and will see the prairie dogs, which are always fun to watch, and then the Great Cats. These guys are always so regal. In addition, there are two one-year-old tiger cubs who love to play (I've seen them spend over 10 minutes trying to open a watermelon), and four brand-new lion cubs! The lion cubs are only out from 11 am - 1 pm, according to the zoo's website, but their parents are usually outside throughout the day. The cubs are definitely worth a quick walk back, though, if you pass the Great Cats and don't see them!
   

   

   So cute! photo credit 

   Near the cats is Lemur Island, which is also home to a whole bunch of turtles. The lemurs are visible through the glass in the back. After Lemur Island, you'll get to the Think Tank, which is home to intellectual enrichment for the apes, and the Invertebrate House. I've actually never been inside here, but I'll report back in a future post. Surrounding the building, though, are the tortoises and the Komodo dragon, one of my favorite animals to watch.
   

   

   Look, he's not scary at all - so playful! photo credit 

   You might wonder why there are random telephone lines in this part of the zoo. That's called the O-Line! It's how the orangutans get from their place in the Great Apes House to the Think Tank, and you can see them swinging along if you're lucky!

   

   I always hope they'll climb down and hold my hand and walk around with me - so far, no luck.

   If you've made it this far, it's definitely past 10 am, so you can go into the Great Apes House and the Small Mammal House, both of which are excellent. If you're there at 2 pm, you can even meet a small mammal. 

   

   These are the naked mole rats I met in the Small Mammal House. I would be lying if I said I wasn't a little grossed out and a little disappointed they didn't look like Rufus from Kim Possible...

   Finally, you're heading back to the beginning. It's an uphill walk, so this is a great opportunity to take a break and grab some lunch or a snack (or unwrap the picnic you so wisely decided to bring), and just sit down. On your way out, see if the pandas are active (you'll be able to tell by the fact that there will be a long line of people). If they are, it's worth waiting in line to see them.
   

   

   Mei Xiang is very friendly when she's inside the exhibit. She walks up to the glass and sits there looking at people!

   You can also stop by the Savannah animals (cheetahs and zebras, for example), and then pop across the street to FroZenYo if you want something cold to eat! If you do all this, it will be a long and probably exhausting trip, but you'll have seen everything, and hopefully beaten the afternoon rush!
2. Check the events calendar. The zoo has lots of cool events going on throughout the day, where you can see the animals eat, hear from the zookeepers, or watch the animals learn. The daily schedule can be found here; plan your visit accordingly!
3. Don't be afraid to go by yourself. Being with other people at the zoo can be a hassle; people get tired or hungry at different times, they like certain animals more than others, and it's much harder to maneuver a group than your own person. It's obviously more fun to go with your friends, but it's also a great place to just go for a walk if you need some alone time or light exercise.
4. Follow the children. Obviously, don't be a creep, but this is a good strategy for a few reasons. First, they're adorable, especially if they've recently learned the name of an animal or the sound that it makes. They get so excited! More importantly, they (often with the help of their parents) are always able to spot the animals within the exhibits, which can be useful when you're trying to find that easily-camouflaged giant salamander (near the pandas). Try to switch up which families you follow around, please.
5. Talk to the volunteers. These people are always able to tell you which animals are inside, sleeping, or better-viewed from a different angle. They're also very knowledgeable and have great tidbits to share! Volunteers at the zoo actually have to apply for their positions, which are quite competitive, according to the website.
6. Wear comfortable clothing and shoes. The zoo is an outdoor, pretty expansive, crowded place. The last thing you want to do is have sore feet or be constantly adjusting your outfit all day. My favorite strategy is to wear workout clothes and pretend I'm coming from or going to the gym. 
7. Bring a water bottle. Drinks at the zoo are expensive! There are water fountains, but not everywhere, and you'll want to make sure you stay hydrated and happy throughout your whole visit. For reference, there are water fountains inside the Visitor Center, and at various points along the trails. They are marked on the map below.
8. Pack food. If you're planning on eating lunch/dinner at the zoo, it's healthiest and cheapest to bring your own food. The zoo does have plenty of great options (I'm partial to the paninis at Panda Overlook Cafe, and the tacos from the cart in Panda Plaza), but in case nothing on the menu strikes your fancy, bringing your own food is a safe bet.
9. Wear sunscreen and sunglasses or a hat. It's sunny in DC! You'll be outside for most of your visit, so plan accordingly. Bring sunscreen, too, so you can reapply!
10. Budget extra time to leave. The walk from the back of the zoo (Kids' Farm) to the entrance is uphill and always feels longer than the walk from the entrance, so just keep this in mind when planning your exit. You can exit the zoo from the back, but if you're trying to get to the Woodley Park or Cleveland Park metro stops, you'll want to go out the front entrance. 
11. Print a map. There are plenty of maps throughout the zoo, but I think it's always best to be prepared. Here's a link: http://nationalzoo.si.edu/Visit/zoomap.pdf  

And, in case you're short on time, here are some of my favorite places at the zoo, listed in order if you follow the route I described above:

1. Asian small-clawed otters: They're really cute, and Whole Foods named them all things like Rutabaga, Chowder, and Pork Chop. 
2. Pandas: Obviously.
3. Bird House: Just do a quick lap around the outside, and you'll see flamingos, cranes, cassowaries, emus, and kori bustards (which are pretty funny looking). 
4. Asian elephants: They're pretty active, and always look like they're smiling!
5. Seals & sea lions: They always seem to be having a good time.
6. Great cats
7. Komodo dragon
8. Great Apes building: They often interact with visitors through the glass, or with each other.

And you're done!

What to Bring
Bring a water bottle, picnic food or snacks, a camera, sunscreen, and sunglasses or a hat.

What You'll Spend
If you're planning on buying food there, plan to spend $10-15 for a meal. Otherwise, nothing, unless you visit the gift shop or make a donation!

How to Get There
The zoo does offer parking, but it costs $22 for non-members! I recommend taking the Metro; the zoo is equidistant from the Woodley Park-Zoo stop and the Cleveland Park stop. The walk from Woodley Park is slightly uphill, while the walk from Cleveland Park is flat. If you don't want to walk (about half a mile), you can catch a bus from either stop. From Woodley Park, cross Connecticut Avenue and catch an L2 or L4 bus, in the direction of Chevy Chase Circle. The third stop is the Zoo stop and is right at the Zoo entrance. From Cleveland Park, exit on the west side of the street (by the restaurant Indique) and catch an L1 or L2 bus, in the direction of Dupont Circle or McPherson Square. The third stop is the Zoo stop and is across the street from the Zoo entrance. Check here for more information!

When to Go

On weekends - I cannot stress this enough - go in the morning. It's cooler, the animals are more active, and it's less crowded. This also prevents your entire day from getting away from you; you want to be able to stay and watch if something interesting happens, not frantically rush to the exit and miss your favorite animal. If you don't want to wake up early, I suggest Sunday over Saturday.

What's Around
Right across Connecticut Avenue is a FroZenYo, which I've mentioned before as one of my favorite frozen yogurt places in the District. On the way to Cleveland Park, there is a movie theater and some various restaurants. There is also the Cleveland Park Neighborhood Library, which offers free Wi-Fi and, of course, books. Back at the Woodley Park Metro Stop, there's a Noodles and Company, Chipotle (where Barack Obama once broke a cardinal Chipotle rule), and some local restaurants. My favorite is Lebanese Taverna, where the pita and hummus is amazing!

The Crowd
The zoo is primarily filled with children and their parents, as well as plenty of tourists from other states or countries. There are also plenty of locals running through, but they don't stick around for long.

The National Building Museum

Today, I checked out the National Building Museum. It's located in the Judiciary Square (yes, I linked to Wikipedia - I'm a Millennial and it's an everyday part of my search for understanding, okay?) neighborhood, home to the FBI's Washington Bureau, the District Court for DC, the Department of Labor, the Government Accountability Office, and more. I had been excited about this visit for a while, after one of my intern friends mentioned that there is a giant maze inside the building all summer! As I have read the Maze Runner series, this is of course what I pictured:

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And, as a Harry Potter fan, this also crossed my mind:

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It turns out, surprisingly enough, that I was incorrect on both counts. This is what the maze looks like from above:

And this is what the outside looks like:

As you can probably tell, it's not enormous, deadly, or filled with anything but fellow visitors who are also trying to find their way to the center. It is, however, very cool, and the architecture that went into it is pretty impressive. From the website: "From outside, the maze's cube-like form hides the final reveal behind its 18-foot-tall walls. On the inside, the walls slowly descend towards the center which concludes with a grand reveal—a 360 degree understanding of your path in and how to get out." The maze will be in the atrium through September 1, 2014. Tip: When you buy your ticket to the maze, the receptionist will hand you a piece of cardstock with a colorful picture of a maze on one side and some text on the other. This is your ticket, so don't lose it if the maze isn't your first stop!

It took us about 10 minutes to get through the maze - it was definitely fun, but I wouldn't say it was worth $13. We had to pay for admission to the exhibits, which was $5 with a valid student ID ($8 otherwise), plus the $8 maze admission fee. The exhibits were cool, but not as impressive as I would have hoped. We saw the Cool & Collected: Recent Acquisitions exhibit (through May 25, 2015), which featured some cool artifacts from the planning and construction of the World War II Memorial, as well as some other random stuff, and the House & Home exhibit (long-term), which showed a progression of architectural styles in scale models, as well as a collection of items that have, over time, been used to turn houses into homes. There was also a section about different types of neighborhoods (community housing, affordable housing, planned neighborhoods), which was pretty cool! I really liked those two exhibits, and would happily pay $5 to see them again. We also visited the museum store, which had a lot of books, Lego sets, and a surprising amount of cookware. It was a pretty typical museum store: very cool, very pricey. 

We didn't see the Play Work Build exhibit (long-term), which is described in the museum's brochure as a place where "children and adults alike are encouraged to let their imaginations run wild with blocks - small, big, and virtual," or the Building Zone (long-term), which  is meant for ages 2-6. According to the brochure, it "introduces children to the building arts through play," which includes dress-up, picture books, building blocks, and a life-size play house. We also didn't see Designing for Disaster, which is described as a showcase of "how regional, community, and individual preparedness are the best antidotes to disaster." 

The building that houses all of these exhibits is extremely impressive. Built from 1882-1887, the building was originally used as the Pension Building. Its interior contains some of the tallest interior columns (Corinthian, for any architecture enthusiasts) in the world, each of which is built of 70,000 bricks. There are also 72 ground floor Doric columns, and 72 ground floor Ionic columns. As far as I know, that's every type of column! The building has seen 18 inaugural balls, from Grover Cleveland's in 1885 to President Obama's in 2009. 

photo credit

This museum is actually not a Smithsonian; instead, the National Building Museum was chartered by the US Congress in 1980 as a private, nonprofit institution dedicated to educating the public about the impact of the built environment on people's lives.

It's free to enter the building or take a docent-led tour, so I highly recommend at least stopping by! It's beautiful and there is free wi-fi, so check it out!

What to Bring
Nothing special; there are water fountains, bathrooms, and the Firehook Cafe inside the museum. No food or drinks are allowed inside the exhibits, and there are security guards who check your bag when you enter the building, so I would be cautious about bringing snacks or juice boxes.

What You'll Spend
If you're a student, senior, or under 18: $5
If you're over 18 without a valid student ID: $8
If you're just going into the building, cafe, or store: FREE

If you're going into the maze: $13 or $16, depending on your age (parents, any kids under 12 will need supervision, so you'll have to go, too)

If you're going into the Building Zone and NOT the other exhibits: $3 (adult supervision required)

If you arrive after 4 pm: FREE

How to Get There
Without question, take the Metro to get to the Building Museum. The Judiciary Square stop is literally across the street from the entrance - when you get off the train, go to the F Street exit, and you will be looking at the museum.

This photo is actually taken from behind the Metro stop, but gives a good idea of what you'll see when you emerge from the escalator. photo credit

When to Go
The museum is open from 10 am - 5 pm Monday through Saturday, and 11 am - 5 pm Sunday. The Building Zone is only open until 4 pm, and tickets for the maze are only sold until 4 pm.

What's Around
The Judiciary Square plaza is beautiful, and home to the National Law Enforcement Officers' Memorial (the fountain in the picture above, plus some statues of lions and tigers that aren't in the photo but are very impressive). Chinatown is about half a mile Northwest of the museum, and is home to some good shopping and restaurants, as well as the Spy Museum and the National Portrait Gallery.

The Capitol Building is about 1.3 miles to the Southeast, and is located on the East end of the National Mall (pretty far from the monuments, but the grass is pretty).

To the Southwest lie the National Gallery of Art Sculpture Garden (0.6 miles), Museum of Natural History (0.8 miles), and the Museum of American History (1.1 miles).

Finally, about half a mile to the West are the National Archives.

The Crowd
The Building Museum is pretty catered to small children, and likely will not be too crowded.