D.C. Destinations: Expedition 10: The Northwest Navigations, Pt. IV

On the way to Tidal Basin!

Another 2016 expedition! Metro Journey 10 (I had a fever and couldn't join on the 9th one) was awesome, and all the more enjoyable with the nice weather. This blog is another narrative of my 8th excursion in D.C.. So once again let's start from chapter 1...

Chapter I: Blossoms and a Basin
Metro Journey 10 started as usual at Largo Metro Station. Trent and I rode down about 11 stops to Smithsonian. We met up and waited for the rest of the squad, then headed on foot for our first destination of the day: Tidal Basin. We were supposed to head down there to document the Cherry Blossom Trees.

The Basin facing the Jefferson Memorial

The basin itself is somewhat man-made, created in the 1880's as both an attraction and reservoir. The 106 acre pond is only about 10 feet deep at most and has a plethora of paddle boats for tourists. All around the edge of the basin are the beautiful Cherry Blossom Trees.

The pink Cherry Blossoms

The trees found in the U.S. were actually a gift from Japan to commemorate the then growing partnership between the countries. Japan gifted 3,020 of the trees to America, which were placed in several areas along the east coast. They looked amazing, with white and pink blossoms giving the trees their color. We circled the Basin and passed the Jefferson Memorial, stopped for a quick snack at a concession stand, and were on our way to our next destination of the day...

Chapter II: Adventures With Adam
The remainder of this expedition would take place in the Adams Morgan neighborhood in Northwest D.C.. We caught the train up to Woodley near the National Zoo. Adams Morgan is arguably the most ethnically diverse area in D.C., and that was confirmed when we arrived there.

The neighborhood itself gets its name and origin from two formerly segregated schools. We were assigned to find several foreign businesses in the area and interview the managers, and although we found plenty of them, sadly most of them were restaurants and too busy for interviews. The stores we did enter, however, had a plethora of fascinating items. We also had to visit a park and throw a frisbee around. While we found the park, we forgot the frisbee. After exploring around and looking through a few foreign shops, we decided to call it a day.
And that's about it! Again, sorry this blog is so short. Metro Journey #10 was fun and took us through a very exotic-looking neighborhood, and showed us the natural beauty of our nation's capital. As the class nears an end, I can look back and say I've really enjoyed this class and learned a TON from it. It's been a blessing to travel around, meet new people, and explore D.C.. So, until next time reader!