For weeks, Ben Miller has been claiming that the party is in Washington. Skeptical, but up for an adventure, I decided to see for myself. With the help of my trusty sidekick, Dillon Kelly, I stuffed some clothes in my backpack, rolled up my sleeping bag, and set off. It was like homecoming.
We arrived in the illustrious NW D.C. just before noon. Aside from the gps sending us past the apartment, there were no problems. Getting to the party was a breeze.
We parked the car at the Berkshire but had to get a parking pass first. To get into the building, Ben suggested tapping on the glass. Sure enough, a guy in a suit opens the door and we quickly get our pass for "visiting our friends". Such security.
After everything was settled in, we started off with a tour around the campus of American University. Unfortunately, we just missed Obama speaking at the brand new School of International Service building about immigration policy. I think my invitation was lost in the mail. Dillon was impressed with the pretty trees and flowers and big buildings. Otherwise, not much is going on around campus besides orientation for the incoming freshman (more on that later...). Still, I miss my school.
We took the shuttle to the Tenleytown Metro stop and bought Dillon his very first Metro day pass. For... $9 effing dollars. This rate hike sucks. We were going to Dupont so Ben could pick up his new bike and one way now costs $2.10. Maybe with all this money, they can maybe fix all the broken escalators. Pretty please?
Dupont was as pretty as ever, but we skipped the park (we're saving it for tomorrow) and went straight to the shop. The staff was extremely professional, or as Dillon put it "they're like doctors for bikes". Washing Tin Can sure get you where you need to go. He bought a Raleigh Detour 3.5 with all the trimmings, what a beauty.
Like a kid on Christmas. I love when this kid smiles.
Quickly jumping into NW D.C. life, we headed off to Old Georgetown, down M street, starting from 23rd or so. Ya know, where the very wealthy go to shop. Man, this is the place to be if you've got a little money to burn. The restaurants are variably good to excellent. Some are bar/grills, other offer unique menus full of vegan or organic dishes. Whatever your taste is, M street's got it. A favorite of mine is Papa Razzi. Best french toast I've ever tasted, hands down. Go for the brunch, plan a date for dinner. The one thing to do, no matter what your interests, is head to Georgetown Cupcakes. It is much like a typical famous local bakery: long lines, insane prices (around $33 for a dozen), and so much cuteness My Little Ponies prance about in glee when you order, singing choruses of "RED VELVET IS DELICIOUS, THIS DAY IS SO AMAAAAZING". Bee tee dub, they recently opened their new storefront a block away from the original.
"All the cupcakes. Now."
Some of my faith in GTCupcakes was shaken when Dillon analyzed his bottle of water.
Oh, what the...? Sodium in my water? It's more likely than you think. Or is it:
HEY! You liars! We're dumb enough to buy bottled water but we can read, dammit. Also, some accidentally artsy pictures while messing around with panaromas:
Ben's ad hoc tour through D.C. lead us toward the water for a lovely stroll, but Dillon was distracted by the Frances Scott Key memorial. Can't keep that history buff away from anything exciting and thrilling. He told us the trivia bits about the Star Bangled Banner for a couple minutes. Still working on showing how Washington can party, not sleep.
Past the memorial, down a slope and across a bridge, we came upon... (drumroll) the Rock Creek Park Labyrinth.
This little kid was tearing it up. A winner's stride.
It was a gorgeous day indeed, especially to walk along the Potomac. The rowers were out, the kayakers were testing their luck in the dangerous waters, and the hotties were sunbathing on their husband's (or new boy-toy's) boat. The loop took us past the Kennedy center (Dillon: "So that's where they launch the rockets, right?") and up to the backside of the Lincoln Memorial. The trip was wearing on at this point and our feet were crying for mercy. At the Lincoln, we were far from any Metro stop and still determined to see more. Ben promised a free concert at the Faragut North park. So off we headed, but not without a quick stop at Einstein for some good luck:
Another adoring fan.
And then of course, we were right at 17th and Pennsylvania, so Dillon needed the obligatory trip to the White house. And of course, the obligatory thumbs-up vacation picture:
One day, Dillon.
Feeling that the trip was wearing a little thin, we scurried from the White House hordes and followed the sounds of live music to the concert. It was some unknown band called Cazhmiere (like "cashmere"). Basically, they sucked except when the awkward white D.C. folk started dancing, but Cazhmiere can't always count on that sort of awesomeness. There are live acts at this park every Thursday and Ben claims that the other bands were better. We left the show to go back to the apartment hungry, tired, but feeling like a lot had been accomplished over several hours.
Dinner was well deserved: a DiGiorno frozen pizza and Dr. Pepper. As the evening wore on, the prospect of being a part of the freshman orientation loomed closer. The chance to be Clawed Z Eagle pawed at me, images of grandeur and glory before my eyes. I heard the chant of thousands, "Clawed, Clawed, Clawed..." The job was simple, dance around in the suit for an hour, pose for pictures with incoming freshman, and get people excited about AU Athletics.
Send me into battle; I ain't no Hobbit
And let me tell you, it sucked. Dancing around like a fool, baking in an oven, for a bunch of freshman too cool and awkward and who do not want to be entertained, is not an easy task. But I got be Clawed, and I am very very sorry for the next person to wear the suit. I sweat through the jersey. I wrung out liquid from my undershirt.
Today was pretty awesome. I saw some neat stuff live and made sure Dillon got to see a taste of D.C. And my skepticism was washed away. I knew Washington could party, but I just needed to check up on it.
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