Only three days ago, we were sitting at the airport awaiting our flight to return to Fort Worth. Where were we? You already know--Washington D.C. And we had such a fun, memorable time.
The trip occurred because Bryan attended a conference in the Georgetown area. We arrived Thursday evening to find our hotel--the Fairmont Washington. It was really lovely. After unpacking and checking out the room (I love going through all the drawers, cabinets, and paperwork on the desk), we ventured out M Street to Georgetown. The streets are so clean, the row house are shut-up cute, and the shopping/restaurants are heavenly. Sigh. We ate at this great pizza dive--Pizzeria Paradisio. If you ever go, eat there!
Friday morning ushered in the first day of workshops for Bryan. I had lunch with my good friend Jackie, who surprisingly worked next door to our hotel. Cue Twilight Zone music. All that aside, we had a great visit! It was great to see you, Jackie!
That afternoon Bryan and I tackled the subway, making our way to the National Archives. It was definitely surreal to view such important documents: the Magna Carta, Bill of Rights, Declaration of Independence, and the Constitution, among other weighty, almost mythical papers. Next, we jumped over a few blocks to the National Mall. Again, it was overwhelming to realize all this history and monuments and building of national importance are within view--360 degrees!
Back in Georgetown Friday evening, we enjoyed a very tasty meal at Benihana's with Bryan's good friends Mark and Jackie (yes, we know two Jackies in D.C.; however, none with the last name Onassis). I also shopped a bit--a little disappointed in the selection at H&M and Zara. I was so excited to go . . . and so disappointed not to find much. Boo.
While Bryan was in classes Saturday morning, I headed out on my own. Thanks to the Metro subway, I made it safe and sound to the (drum roll, heavenly angels singing, misty fog rising, and spotlight shining) Library of Congress. Mecca, at last. The building was GORGEOUS. I also sneaked back to the LOC building behind the main event to secure a library card from the LOC. I am totally getting it framed. Once leaving the LOC, I entertained my second love--flowers. The National Botanic Garden was only a few blocks away. Although smaller than I hoped, the plants, especially their orchid display, was breathtaking. I did track more of the National Mall, adding the Capitol and the Reflecting Pool to my conquered list. I briefly browsed the National Portrait Gallery before meeting Bryan at Clyde's for lunch. And what a yummy hamburger it was! I so needed the energy after all that walking!
Number one on Bryan's "to-see" list was the National Portrait Gallery, which we saw that Saturday after lunch. It was really amazing. I could have stayed for hours and hours.
Tired from all the walking and sight-seeing, we ended our Saturday evening at Hudson, a restaurant I do NOT recommend. The best way to explain the dislike? Hudson's tried to be trendy, formal, and a sports' bar all at the same time. It so didn't work. However, the dessert in our own hotel lobby was wonderful . . . chocolate cake with apricots . . . glory be.
Sunday Bryan finished up his meetings and we were soon on the Super Shuttle for the airport. All in all, it was a GREAT trip; one I want to take again. There is still so much to see in D.C.
P.S. We did spot someone of note in our hotel--Robert Reich, Clinton's Secretary of Labor!
No comments:
Post a Comment