d.c.: first day

(by the way, my b&b has free, secure wireless internet--how cool is that?)

I had the most wonderful day today. Last night I was sad because I had spent the past four days with lots of people and now I was suddenly alone. Yet I'm glad I didn't hide in my room and still went out for a full day. But before I get to that, let me share a few pics from the past few days.

snow on the roof

the southern bbq across the street (where they have the BEST sweet potato pie)

my childhood friend from PA, who now lives in Baltimore: Jen, baby Fiona, and her husband Barry (we met up for lunch); I hadn't seen her in five years

the beautiful homes across the street from our b&b

So, onto my fabulous day. On the way to my metro station, I saw a church and heard singing coming from inside. I had noticed it yesterday already, and thought about attending, so I went inside. It turned out to be a baptist church and all African-American; I was literally the only non-African-American person there. It was such a warm and lively church: there was lots of singing (jazz style!), the message was really good (on the Lord's Prayer), and people were very friendly. Overall, I was super encouraged and blessed to worship with brothers and sisters in Christ. After service, because it was a sunny day, I decided to walk all around the areas nearby my neighborhood. I walked all around Dupont Circle and Kalorama Heights, which are two posh neighborhoods with nice homes and embassies.

Next, I went to visit the Phillips Collection, which is the first modern art museum in the U.S. It is based in the home of a guy named Phillips (forgot his first name), and it has tons of masterpieces from impressionism to early modern art. There was also a special exhibit comparing early film with other art forms (paintings, illustrations, etc) that was marvelous. It was so interesting and stimulating; I was in total art museum bliss. I spent the most time here.

Renoir masterpiece from the permanent collection

Next, with the remaining hours of daylight, I taxied to Dumbarton Oaks, a historic home north of Georgetown with a lovely garden. I didn't have very much time and had to go through it briskly, but it was worth it. Even though the gardens hadn't bloomed yet, there was still a sparse kind of beauty in the trees' and shrubbery's bareness.

entrance to garden

you can see a few cherry blossoms somewhat blooming

I tried to copy Chris' ground perspective shot, but it turned out all crooked :)

After the Dumbarton Gardens, I walked down to Georgetown, which is a lively college town, filled with shops and restaurants. To top off an already perfect day, I found my favorite store on M Street, which had lots of sales. :) Then I took a bus back to Dupont Circle and finally made my way home, stopping at a Mediterranean bistro for dinner on the way. Unfortunately, my camera's battery died at the Gardens, so I don't have any pics of Georgetown or my dinner.

And then after being out on my feet for 10 hours straight, I finally got back. And now Byron's here!