Photoessay #1219 - Museums at the U

In our current campaign to hit museums with Melina, we hung out at the U (University of Washington this afternoon. We went to the Burke (Museum of Natural History and Culture). We used to go there a lot when the kids were little. It was less 'developed' then, mostly had some square rooms with lots of native and plant and animal stuff. Plus nobody was really there and it only cost a buck to get in so it was great for preschool Susanna (among others) on a Sunday morning when she just HAD to run and make a racket. Now, it's fancier (plus costs $9.50 admission). They had a Pacific Voices exhibit downstairs that showcased cultures from around the Pacific Rim. As uaual, we looked for Cambodian things. Melina declared that this was the best museum yet. She particularly liked the "Vietnam Ancestor Worship" display (shown). Many of the objects were similar to things used in her own Cambodian home. Also very fond of the giant mastodon skeleton upstairs.

We drove around the campus (Melina hadn't seen it) and made an attempt to have lunch at one of the dorm dining rooms we had gone to with Ilana. But we were foiled by parking and proceeded on to the Henry Gallery (one of my favorites with Ilana where we enjoy ourselves mightily all the while softly muttering 'I don't get it'. For an extra dollar you can go to the Henry for an additional dollar if you've paid for the Burke. Dennis and I particularly enjoyed the "Seattle Camera Club" exhibit which was a club of Japanese members in the 1920s and 1930s.

Most food places at the UW are closed Sunday but the cafe at the Henry was open. However, there was only one thing available, a spied squash soup with bread and fresh pressed apple cider. Which I would have chosen anyway! Mmmmmm, it was good!

We then headed across Red Square (in the wind and rain) to Suzallo Library which merits a visit always. Love that beautiful reading room. Senator Magnuson willed his desk and chair to the UW which is at one end of the huge room. Any student is encouraged to study there. I'm pleased to report that somebody was using it.

Just for fun, we asked the reference librarian for books about Cambodia. She gave us several call numbers and we searched throughout the stacks at Suzallo and Allen libraries. An adventure! We found one great book of photos (also shown) plus several children's books set in Cambodia. I also found that I could check the book out based on my status as a staff member/extension student. Sent the book home with Melina with strict instructions to give it back to me next time we see her.

She came back to our house and threw the ball for Teddy. We ate some stir-fry cooked by me and she fooled with our dry-erase boards. Dennis is taking her back to Redomond right now.