Sometimes when you're writing the best research is to hit the road and see things for yourself or maybe it's just an excuse to hit the road.

I tried to learn as much as I could about the Sioux indians, and the Indian culture in general.

Some interesting books I read include:

• The Lakota Way: Stories and Lessons for Living by Joseph M. Marshall III
• Lakota Belief and Ritual by James R. Walker
• The Expansion of Everyday Life, 1860-1876 by Daniel E. Sutherland
• Everyday Life in the 1800s: A Guide for Writers, Students & Historians by Marc McCutcheon
• Encyclopeddia of American Indian Culture by Josephine Paterek

Growing up, my sister and I belonged to a group called "Indian Lore" and we wore Indian dresses made out of leather, made jewelry and learned some dances. I guess this is something that has stayed with me as I truly enjoy the culture.

A few years ago I took a tour through the Southwest and one of the stops was to Monument Valley. Such a beautiful place but one of the best parts was the local guide who took us on the tour. He was warm, friendly but most importantly, proud of his heritage.

When I heard the National Museum of the American Indian was opening, I decided to visit a few months aftewards.

In Distant River, Sarah is visited by two Sioux Indians. I had done quite a bit of research on the Sioux (or Lakota) Indians but was curious how they would be depicted at the museum. I knew they were one of the tribes included in the museum so my visit was to serve as a checkpoint to ensure I had represented their culture correctly.

The museum is built of beautiful limestone with a natural landscape of pools. One side of the building had large stalks of corn growing. I'm currently searching for my pictures but you can see the museum at the web site address above. This museum differs from most D.C. museums in that it focuses on the present tribes as well as artifacts of the past. Upon entering the museum, you will see a lovely, large open area that extends up to the ceiling and serves as the focus point of the museum which is visible from all levels.

One of my favorite things about the museum was the small visitors hall where various tribes visit, give lectures and perform dances. The day I visited a family sang and danced and the father told his story of overcoming alcoholism by embracing his heritage.

While visiting DC, there are two off-the-path places I like to visit: The Einsten Memorial and the National Japanese American Memorial.

The Einstein Memorial
The Einstein Memorial is on the grounds of the National Academy of Sciences and is located at 2101 Constitution Ave, NW, not far from the Vietnam Memorial. The bronze statue is 21 feet high and weighs 7,000 pounds and depicts Einstein casually sitting on a bench. The statue captures the gentle, childlike qualities of Einstein and you will see many people sit in his lap to have their picture taken.

At the base of the statute is a circular sky map containing over 2,700 small metal studs representing the planets, sun, moon, stars and other celestial objects. What struck me most about the memorial was the quiet atmosphere that surrounds it. Although it is very close to the crowds you will normally find on The Mall, you can sit on a bench and admire the sculpture and enjoy the trees and foliage surrounding the statue.

National Japanese American Memorial
The National Japanese American Memorial is located just north of the Capitol on a triangular plot bounded by Louisiana Avenue, New Jersey Avenue and D Street NW. The closest landmark you will recognize is Union Station.

My pictures do not begin to do justice to the tranquil setting you will find at this memorial. It is surrounded on all sides by traffic yet resonates a very peaceful, calm atmosphere. A sculpture by Nina A. Akamu serves as the central point of the memorial. It features two bronze cranes representing the duality of the universe. They appear side by side with their free wings pressed against each other. Their other wings are bound by barbed wire. The birds have grasped the wire in their beaks trying to get free.

There is an inscription in granite that reads: "Japanese by Blood, Hearts and Minds American, With Honor Unbowed, Bore the Sting of Injustice, For Future Generations."

The monument tells the story of the 120 thousand brave men, women and children who, despite being imprisoned and stripped of their civil rights maintained their loyalty and supported their nation on the home front.

We did this to our fellow Americans. We allowed this to happen. Visit the memorial. It is a story not to be forgotten.