Left Tomball at daybreak for a lovely adventure in Houston traffic, aka God reminding me why I don’t live in a metropolitan area anymore. Luckily I only got turned around at the airport once and I was there early enough it didn’t even blip on my normal travel anxiety radar. Now if I had been cutting it closer, I would have had a fit.
I am still amazed at how “people-less” travel is now, and I still don’t like it (which is a whole story in itself). Continental, I like having a person on the other end of a machine telling me to have a nice day. If you have a carryon bag, you will not see a human from your airline until you reach the gate. And I am sure they will find a way to phase that out also. We need to keep the personal touch in business.
The day was perfect for flying and we made it almost 40 minutes early. Landing at Reagan Airport was a great site -- you can see DC from the air. It’s like landing in Paris and seeing the Eiffel Tower but more moving because this is OUR capital city -- you can see Congress, the Washington Memorial, the Pentagon etc.
I keep remembering this is where my tax dollars go. And no matter what my personal feelings are about how they are spent, it is the best money I spend -- to live in the US and have the freedom and protections granted to me and defended by our armed services. And if no where else, at least here, our servicemen have memorials and reminders they are appreciated. My Mammaw, the consummate historian and battle ax teacher, always said every school child should see their own state capitol and DC. She was correct.
Though I could have fought the Metro, as I was alone I decided that was not a good option. I grabbed my Super Shuttle ticket and found my first angel of the trip -- Mr. Chicago shuttle driver. A more positive person you wouldn’t have encountered. He had a smile on his face that wouldn’t quit. I got a running dialogue of the city from a man who loved this area and who was happy with his job. We came down the GW Parkway and over the 14th St. Bridge. The bridge was so close to the water, no boat could have gotten underneath it.
You could see all the Washington skyline as you rode in. We passed by some of the major buildings -- the US Treasury and their storage facility, the Holocaust Museum, etc.
At my hotel, my next travel angel took care of me -- at the Hamilton Crowne Plaza, I got a sweet king room overlooking the park (which was not occupied). This hotel is an older hotel that has been refurbished and renovated. The lobby has beautiful fan windows (is that what they are called?) and an inviting waiting area. There is a restaurant/bar attached that looks nice.
After unpacking a little, I set out on a brisk walk of the area -- honestly, I was headed to the National Art Museum, but it was so far away -- I ended up in Filene’s basement (nothing but I did try on a couple of things), and Macy’s (score -- I did need the lipstick).
These guys must be from the North - I was wearing long pants and a wool coat.
yes, I am going to grab one of these and ride in DC traffic .... not
dangerous combination -- libations and cigars...
I was meeting an old childhood/family friend for dinner so I had to get dressed up. He always likes nice restaurants. He collected me at 7 and we walked up a street to where the Occupying Forces were (I will come back with a camera during the daylight). Siroc Restaurant is near 15th and K in McPherson’s Square. My history professor escort reminded me that was the Union General who served with Sherman and was killed in Georgia. -- He is probably rolling over in his grave with the “occupying” protestors all squatted out in his square.
The restaurant was small and had outside seating for a pretty day. There were probably about 20 tables max. As with any city in a cold climate, they had a coat check and umbrella stand.
The salad of field greens kept tickling my throat and I had to drink lots of water. It was quite amusing, I had never had that happen before. Note to self -- cut it up really really good before eating it so it won’t tickle as much.
Per my New Year’s Resolution, I am trying different things. Instead of getting my normal bolognese dish, I ordered the shrimp ravioli and gnocchi. The sweet waitress let us do a half order of each -- a combo plate -- shockingly enough in a “fine” dining restaurant. Someone is a good restauranteur. My dinner companion got the bolognese fettuccine and the agnolotti. We got to sample four of the main dishes from the menu.
I have been to many an Italian restaurant -- all over the world -- and I have to say this is the freshest pasta I have ever tasted. This even includes the homemade ravioli I made in my Italian cooking class -- sorry Valerio. This pasta melted in my mouth, it was so light and fresh. Then for dessert -- I had walked over 2 miles today --- we had a chocolate tart that took 20 minutes to cook and prepare - yummy.
Great meal, great company equalled a great first night in DC. But all that traveling and walking wore me out. I collapsed in the bed as soon as I hit the door.
No comments:
Post a Comment