The Eastern market is a giant "flea" (antique & second hand) and fresh produce market. The original structure is nineteenth century, although a lot of the market was devastated in 2007, due to a massive fire. It's been re-built and is bustling on the weekends here. It sells everything from fruit and vegetables to textiles, prints and jewellery. Me and my friends were extremely taken with the vintage postcards!
The market really is the centre of life in this part of town, and despite competition from bigger and more famous shops and department stores in the centre of D.C, it has its own character that draws tourists and regulars alike in from all corners of the district. I've really like discovering interesting things on my "doorstep" as well as going to some of the really famous sights.
Later, me, some other interns and their roomates headed to the National Zoo, which was a bit of a walk from the nearest Metro station, but we were told that it was definitely worth it! A woman sitting in Starbucks whilst we made arrangements for the day said that the zoo was one of the best attractions in D.C, and also usefully pointed out some slightly obscure local shops. It's amazing how much interest you get just by sitting somewhere public and speaking with a different accent.
The Smithsonians are incredible, as well as the museums and art gallery the national zoo is also part of the same institution, and therefore it's completely free! I'd never seen a red panda before, so getting to see Rusty, the red panda at the national zoo, was a highlight. Apparently he recently escaped and managed to get quite far away from the zoo until he was re-captured!
I have to admit, I find it weird that the National zoo is free, yet healthcare isn't.
Interesting note - using the Metro I've noticed that people naturally flock to the escalator that already has people on it, despite the fact that right next to it there will be an empty escalator, going in the same direction. Must be instinct, but it's extremely illogical!
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