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Having lived in the area for more than a year now, I developed a habit of associating neighborhoods by their respective Metro stations. Chinatown was here, Smithsonian was there and Metro Center was, say, two stops away. This was really helpful in learning the city, but I've since discovered that many of these locations are right next to - like within a couple blocks - one another.

So I'm challenging myself to walk and explore the connections between each neighborhood. Today I left my office on Vermont Ave and 14th street and heading toward (and past) my closest Metro, McPherson Square. What I found beyond the Metro was the White House, right there. Who knew I was literally a stones throw from the president (not that I would throw a stone!) each day I came to work.

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The Riethmaier family finally had a chance to visit us in DC a few weeks ago. There's a write up at Darlene's blog and the photos can be seen here.

 

Our first Cherry Blossom Festival . . . we wanted to take full advantage of our proximity to D.C. and the National Mall, so Darlene and I invited several friends over for drinks, food and a walking tour of activities around the Mall and Tidal Basin.

Our guests, including Thomas, Kim, Megan, Greg, Gina and Lauren, arrived shortly after noon at our apartment. As we geared up for the fist day of the National Cherry Blossom Festival, we fueled our bodies with cupcakes, Sweetwater and lemonade.

 

A quick walk and Metro ride over and we found ourselves at the Washington Monument, site of the Smithsonian Kite Festival. Although most were children, some adult enthusiasts were also sailing a variety of colorful kites into the sky. Due to poor planning on my part I wasn't able to participate.


And on to the Cherry Blossoms! We walked from the Washington Monument over to the Tidal Basin and the Jefferson Memorial, which was quite a hike but well worth it. Even though it was the first day of the festival many of the trees had begun to bloom and the tidal basin was lined in pink and white Cherry Blossoms.

Sadly, we don't have more pictures, but a few of us made it out afterward for drinks, sushi and more drinks at Cafe Asia in Rosslyn, and Galaxy Hut in Clarendon. Shout out to Thomas and Kim for lasting the entire day and making the long haul from Charlottesville, Va. We'll return the trip soon, I promise!