After a cup of Starbucks coffee in the hotel lobby I ventured out for my first day of solo adventure. I thought I'd take in some culture first. Well it was by chance really as the Portrait Gallery was by the tour bus stop, so it made sense to take in some culture, viewing some portrait art and American art.

My friend Sandy texted this morning asking if it was cold here in DC. I replied 'no, it's ok'. Mind you I was in the hotel. Boy was I wrong it's freezing today! After the Smithsonian - American Art Gallery, I caught the Big Bus. Pure tourist mode with camera in-hand. I rode top deck for 2 hours in the freezing breeze! Dedicated tourist!

Wonder if same architect designed this gallery's centre piece as The British Museum in London?