Cherry Blossoms and Burkas

Today marks 1 week in Washington, DC. I really enjoy where I work and my co-workers are very friendly and knowledgeable. I am getting used to my neighborhood and starting to recognize my neighbors and the local crazies.

I ventured out to the National Cherry Blossom Festival today. The metro stations were packed with people unfamiliar with the Metro etiquette. When I descended upon the Washington Monument, there were millions of people in the area. As part of the festival, today was the kite flying event. It was cute to watch families trying to fly kites and having picnics.

I walked to the Tidal Basin along with thousands of other people and listened to conversations in many different languages. The trees were in bloom and very pretty. I continued around to the Jefferson Memorial and got a great view of the White House and rest of the city. There are many other events happening between now and April 11, 2010 that I plan on attending.

I walked down the Mall to a different Metro stop and came back to my house. As I was coming up the escalator, I saw a woman in a burka. A smile crossed my face because I am realizing how international this city is and I love it!

I stopped at Julia's empanadas for lunch today.  I think I may have found a new vice!

As, I write this, I am listening to my neighbors music at a birthday party. I am enjoying a random selection of Spanish hip-hop to traditional mariachi bands. I guess that is life in the Heights.

A New Job

I started my new job today at a fantastic public health organization. Everyone is very nice and has a lot of knowledge to share. I am lucky enough to get to go to 2 conferences this spring and summer. There is even a public health book club in the office. They are reading, "Polio, An American Story."

Today, my kind coworkers took me out to lunch which led me to experience Washington, DC's version of a restaurant coupon. Get it here 50 cents off a meal when you buy a drink! Wow, look at all the savings!

When I stopped in CVS to buy my smart card for the metro, I saw a respectable looking man in a suit buying 5 or 6 bags of pork rinds. Bad day, I wonder? Once again, I watched the junior high kids loiter on the street near their school and soccer field and near the metro, I smelled the BBQ but I could not see where it was located.

A New Start

Well folks I have made the big move from Ohio to Washington, DC. I reside in the neighborhood of Columbia Heights. Coming from a suburban area to a city, I have been noticing a few things. I am comforted by the sounds of helicopters, Spanish, sirens, and church bells. I did not bring my little Prius with me to Washington, DC. I am very excited to rely only on public transportation.

So far the Columbia Heights Metro Station staff have been very helpful and friendly. I recommend the signature drink made with pineapple vodka and blood orange juice at the Heights restaurant. 

When I find time to explore, I plan to write about things seen and heard in and around my area.