Thursday, July 6, 2017

THE STEVEN F. UDVAR-HAZY CENTER - SMITHSONIAN AIR AND SPACE MUSEUM


Today it rained a lot.  We thought about it for a while, and asked Bill if he would like to go to the air and space museum, about 20 minutes away from home.  He said yes and around 10.30 a.m. we headed out that way.  Gregg and I have been several times, sometimes on our own but always when we have company staying.  It is usually a big hit.



The place was hopping and for the first time in all the times we have been going there, we had to stand in a long line that reached far outside the entrance.  Fortunately it had stopped raining by then.  We really lucked out as earlier we might have gotten drenched.  I am happy to say the line went very quickly.  


I remembered not to take a purse with me as I knew there would be a hold up waiting for it to be searched.  We almost had to wait as Bill had a small camera case, but a security guard on the other side shouted for us to go over.  He checked the camera case and was so good natured to both of us, I was really impressed.  Most of the people in line were 'younger folks' and I think the fellow was being very considerate of our age.  


We bumped into him a few other times in other areas, and he always greeted us with a big smile.  He was outstandingly charming.  I wish I had thought to get his name as he would be the kind of person I would write to the management about, and congratulate them on hiring such a genuinely nice person on their detail.
















This is the section where the Space Shuttle Discovery is exhibited.






We took a whole lot of photos which I will share another time, but I wanted to get this post out tonight before I call it a day.  


38 comments:

  1. I have heard a lot about this place. Wow, your pictures are super! So you must live in Northern Virginia. The shots from above really show the enormity of the place, the people look so tiny next to the aircraft. One of my favorites is the last one. It almost looks like a blimp!

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    1. Thanks Ginny and yes we live in Northern Virginia. It is a huge place and I am always in awe of those flying machines :)

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  2. What a fascinating place - and how nice to learn that you too write letters of commendation. It was a decision I made some years ago, and I haven't regretted it. If I am ready to complain (and I do if the circumstances warrant it) I should also be ready to compliment.

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    1. Thank you EC :) I often let managers know when I come across one of their staff who has gone out of their way to help. Those who deal with the general public need that positive feedback as they hear these demoralizing complaints but rarely the praise.

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  3. WOW! Thamuseumis huge and I can see why it is abig hot with your visitors

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    1. Thank you Margaret, it is a great place and I always enjoy.

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  4. How exciting to visit the air and space museum! You all had a wonderful time together in there. I enjoyed your all of photos, especially seeing the space shuttle is thrilling.
    Thank you for sharing.

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    1. Thank you Tomoko and you are very welcome. So happy you enjoyed :)

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  5. I was there last year and was amazed at how many planes there were. So awesome!!! I'm so glad you had such a great time.

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    1. Thank you Kay and it makes me happy you enjoyed it also.

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  6. I am not surprised it was a big hit. So much of interest to see and do - my Joe would have loved it there. Me too, of course.

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    1. Wish I could show it to you first hand Valerie :)

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  7. Hi Denise and what a super place to visit, the Blackbird is a real beast and very large when you see it. You all must have had a fascinating visit. Great post, John

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    1. It was fascinating John and thank you so much :)

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  8. My late uncle, my father's brother, worked for many years at Bombardier (formerly called Canadair). He worked inside, in the office. Your amazing photos remind me of him, Denise. Thank you so much for sharing, I thoroughly enjoyed this tour!

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    1. How very interesting Linda. So glad my post evoked these memories.

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  9. The Air & Space Museum is a great place to take visitors as we well recall the time we visited with you and Bill, Denise. Glad yiu escaped the rains and what great pics too.

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    1. I remember our get togethers fondly Dorothy and hope we can repeat it again.

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  10. Hello, wonderful photos from your visit to the museum. I have been to the old location but not this new exhibit and museum. I hope you, Gregg and Bill enjoyed the visit. Great collection of photos. Happy Friday, enjoy your weekend!

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    1. Thank you Eileen and happy Friday to you too. I have enjoyed the air and space museum in DC, but love this one too as it is so close to us. Hope your weekend is a great one.

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  11. this looks wonderful denise. we have visited the air and space museum in washington, d.c. it was very nice, but this looks so much better!!!

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    1. Glad you liked the look of the place Debbie, there are good things about both places but I do love this one.

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  12. that is an amazing place to visit, bob would love all those planes, and it is good to hear stories of kind people.. we all need to share them when we find them.

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    1. Maybe you will come up one day. We would love to show you around :) Glad you enjoyed my story of that very polite guard. He really was lovely!

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  13. I love to visit this place. Very interesting. Have a beautiful day!

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  14. Thanks so much for sharing this. We went to the Air and Space museum in Washington and loved every minute of the visit. Fascinating. Hope you all have a good weekend together. Diane

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    1. You are very welcome Diane and how lovely that you went to the one in DC. The two of them are worth repeating many times. Thank you and hope you have a good weekend also.

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  15. What an amazing place to visit! Terrific shots!

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  16. That is definitely on my bucket list!!

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  17. An excellent place to take out of town guests, I'd like to see this myself.

    As for the employee who took care of you by searching Bill's case and being respectful throughout the day is really good to hear, we need more people like this in our society today.

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    1. You would enjoy it Jimmy and I like to share those good experiences with the people I meet. We hear too many negatives, always love those news items with a feel good story. This was one of our own.

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  18. I love seeing those things (and Greg). Thanks, D!

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    1. Thanks Cloudia, you are always welcome friend :)

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  19. Oh we've been many times! My husband loves it, as he was a pilot, also. Looks like Bill is having a great time. Awesome shots of some special planes!

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    1. That's great Marie, and we are having a great time with Bill. You wouldn't think that we had just met only a few days ago.

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