You can find out more about the trail by visiting http://dc.about.com/od/nationalparks/a/GWParkway.htm
Tues., June 22, 2010: I now have my very own library card here in Alexandria and paid a visit to the Sherwood Library. How is it that all libraries seem to have the same aroma? I felt like I was walking into the Coke Library in San Antonio.
I also paid a quick visit to the Masonic Temple in Alexandria. It sits on a magnificent hill off of Duke Street. I didn't make it inside, but it was beautiful to see at night.
My roommate, Heidi, is very talented! One of her many talents is that of scarf-making. And she gave me this beautiful scarf she hand-made. It's super warm and is made with some of my favorite colors: purple and green!
Wed., June 23, 2010: A dear friend of mine, Susan, lives here in DC (thanks to Facebook we learned that we're both here in DC)! I hadn't seen Susan in 5 years. When I got back from my mission in Chile, she was heading out on her mission to Germany. Since then, she married Dustin and the two are expecting their first little one on July 5th! I attended their baby shower. Susan and Dustin were both glowing! It was wonderful to see them so happy and surrounded by their family and friends. The venue was gorgeous: Meridian Hill Park. The park is located in the middle of the city; it's a welcomed oasis from the hustle and bustle. Even the knats congregate (in the thousands).
The other great moment of the evening was (a) finding parking and (b) SUCCESSFULLY parallel parking on the FIRST TRY! I was praying the whole time that I would be able to park my car in the (what seemed to me) little space along the street. Prayers are answered!! :) I get lots of practice parallel parking here. I'll be a pro by summer's end!
Thurs., June 24, 2010: Dinner with my aunt, uncle, Hanna, and Amy. I LOVE spending time with my extended family here in DC! It's always one of the highlights of my week!
Fri., June 25, 2010: Jazz in the Park! One of my friends, Amanda, got a group together to enjoy Jazz in the Park at the National Gallery of Arts' Sculpture Gardens. There are two gardens, one of which is across from the National Archives. In the center of the gardens is a very large reflection pool. The band was set up at one end of the pool and the garden and its surrounding areas were blanketed with people and picnic baskets. A great band performed. We just sat out for 2 1/2 hours soaking up the music and the last of the sun rays.
The family sitting next to us had a darling little kiddo who was a hoot to watch! He danced his little heart out, wooing everyone around him. Here he is with a dance partner he recruited.
The family sitting next to us had a darling little kiddo who was a hoot to watch! He danced his little heart out, wooing everyone around him. Here he is with a dance partner he recruited.
From there, I passed by the National Archives and then headed over to the Navy Memorial. At every turn in DC you'll find a memorial, stuate, or plaque that reminds passers-by that freedom comes at a price that has been paid by many who have gone before us. I am grateful to the many men and women of the armed services who have given their lives to protect our freedoms.
Here is a bronze sculpture by Robert Summers, a tribute to the Coast Guard (at the Navy Memorial). Semper Paratus--"Always Ready." Thank you, Dad, for your service in the Coast Guard!
Sat., June 26, 2010: A trip to Eastern Market! This place is a MUST SEE if you're in DC! It was first built in 1873 and was renovated in 2009. It's basically an indoor/outdoor farmers market with fresh produce, meats, cheeses, flowers, and artisan masterpieces! I was delighted to walk by an artist's booth and see his rendition of the flag of Texas framed and ready for purchase!! It just warmed my heart! For jewelry lovers, you would be in heaven.
Check out Eastern Market's official website: http://www.easternmarket-dc.org/
The best part about the adventure was that two friends and I began the trip to the market in my car. After getting very lost, we made our way to the Crystal City Metro stop. We parked there and then took the metro in. Here's a picture of one of the many mosaics that appear under the bridge we passed to get to the metro. Why haven't I bit the bullet yet and bought a GPS??...
My grandma called me to see if I might help her figure out how to scan a picture, save it, and email it to a friend. Combining my less than stellar technology skills with trying to trouble shoot the problem over the phone, I was pretty confident that I wasn't going to be much help. But, together we successfully completed the task!! Go Grandma, Go! It was a moment of great victory and satisfaction for both of us. I love my grandma!
Sun., June 27, 2010: I attended the LDS Potomac Ward's Patriotic Musical Fireside tonight. An ensemble and choir performed several patriotic hymns. The congregation stood to sing the National Anthem and The Battle Hymns of the Republic. I love that we stood to sing those hymns as that's the only way they should be sung! A woman also performed two solos. Her voice was radiant! I could have listened to her all night. She sang "Give me your tired, your poor." The words come from The New Colossus, a poem by Emma Lazarus that is found in the Statue of Liberty. Irving Berlin put the latter part of the poem to music. Here's a link to the poem and a bit about it: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_New_Colossus.
If you'd like to listen to the song, visit http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3g-Wm7ZJhfs.
I ended the evening by catching the last of the sunset along the Potomac that passes right in front of the church. I ran into a guy who had also been at the musical fireside. Turns out he speaks 4 languages, is an ESL teacher, and has taught EFL overseas. He had a lot of questions about deafness and signed language. It was AWESOME to share some insights and help debunk some of the myths about deafness and signed language. He had really great, well thought out questions. It seems there is an over-representation of ESL/EFL teachers in the area--which is AWESOME!
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