Tourist Day

I spent the day as a tourist yesterday. I think I'm going to try to do that once every week or so while we're still in this area. There are so many things I still want to see, and while I have time, I'd better do it. I don't really mind doing stuff like that on my own. In fact, sometimes it's better that way. But some parts are better with someone else - I don't really like eating out by myself, so that would be more fun with someone.

Anyway, yesterday I went to the National Gallery to see just a few paintings. The funniest part was before I got there. I walked down the street in front of the Museum of Natural History - it must be a big destination for school groups because I think every school in the area, plus from each of the 50 states, was represented! There were kids everywhere, and chaperone moms yelling at them. Aaah, it really took me back! It reminded me of the time I lost Daniel Lacourrege at the state fair in Louisiana. Granted, the state fair down there is not the big deal it is in the Midwest, but still, it freaked me out. I think they were in fifth grade that year. I was ready to ring his neck when we found him - he said he had to go to the bathroom, so he just went without telling anyone...

So, the National Gallery was cool. I tend to have a limited attention span when it comes to art galleries, but I did go see the Vermeers, which were amazing. That whole gallery was great - there was one painting of a night time scene on the water. The moon was literally glowing - it almost looked like light was shining out from it. How do they do that! It was something. The gift shop was great too, as promised. But I didn't buy anything. I may go back for some gift shopping before we leave, but this time I didn't want to carry a bunch of stuff around.

Next stop was Georgetown. I rode the Metro as far as I could, but you can't get real close to that part of town, which I think is a little weird. One of the neighborhoods was having a "French Market" fundraiser. The actual event is today, but they had stuff out yesterday. I got to talk to the people that own one of my favorite stores - French Connections. I first saw them in Paducah KY, at the quilt show a few years ago. Their store is in North Carolina, and they travel to different locations. They carry French and African fabrics, as well as other cool stuff - baskets, and other textiles. So it was fun to get to met the owners.

Georgetown has a park on the riverfront, so I went down there. There's a labyrinth there that I'd been wanting to see. It was pretty cool - I walked it a few times.

The most distracting thing of the day was the traffic. Georgetown was so congested. I think I like Old Town Alexandria better. And when I was at the park, the traffic noise was so loud - there is an elevated highway right by the park that sort of ruined the whole peaceful vibe you'd like to have when you're in a park.

I love certain aspects of city life, but traffic is one I won't miss at all. And I know we may still be living in the city, but next time I think we'll be more removed from the traffic - and really, DC traffic is in a league of it's own!