Post article on "How do you find our area compares?"

So many people in the DC area are from somewhere else, it creates a unique population, sort of transient in nature. Recently the Washington Post had a brief piece listing comments of a few "man on the street" type people. This was pretty interesting. I liked the person from Wyoming who said under "What I miss most from my home state:" He missed the stars in the vast night sky.
That is one of my most missed things from the Sierras.

I think he was also the person who mentioned that he likes that people here actually do attempt outdoor activities, such as hiking, walking, and sometimes even fishing. Given the resources we have here, they do the best they can. (I loved this!)

A few folks mentioned my primary observation, that people here are stressed, rushed, and urgent all the time. It can be difficult to survive here if your nature is a bit more laid back, or in any way less aggressive. There are very few kind, gentle edges showing in the DC persona.

For all its population, it is a lonely harsh place.

November getting to know the DC area

For today's adventure in urban living, we drove less than an hour from Bethesda to Broadlands, Virginia. We ate Sunday Brunch at the Clydes there in Broadlands (Willow Creek Farm). That was a neat building and very interesting to look at. Virginia seems to be the home of large houses from what we could see. Food just so-so though.
We stopped at the Dulles part of the National Air and Space Museum on the way home. What a real delight that museum is! Great place to visit - huge space, lots of aircraft. Loved the satellites especially, they are almost like art pieces. We were dismayed to be charged $12.00 to park the car. We are used to no admission at the Smithsonian and other museums in the DC area, so we're spoiled I guess. (Although technically, the $12.00 is for parking, not admission.) That seems excessive though. imho.

Getting to know the DC area

In a real effort to become more comfortable living here, I've been making time to see fun and interesting places and things. One recent weekend afternoon, we went to the Phillips Collection here in the DuPont Circle area. They are currently having an excellent show, Impressionists at the Sea, which I really enjoyed. They also have one of my favorite paintings, Luncheon of the Boating Party. Walking distance from Metro - had dinner at Lauriol Place, Mexican food. Yumm.

Another afternoon, H & I went to see Arlington Cemetery. We need to go back and spend more time there, I underestimated the amount of time it would take. It is huge! I walked to see both Kennedy's grave sites, but didn't have enough time for the changing of the guard ceremonies. Will take the tram next time, although the walking gave me a neat perspective. On the Metro line, no car needed.

I also recently spent one afternoon at the National Portrait Gallery. Beautiful place and lots of fun.
(Near the International Spy Museum and Zola's restaurant.) Right on Metro also.

Next on my mental "to do" list is the Hopper exhibit at the National Gallery of Art.