Now Around the Town

Arlington Disclaimer.
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We started at the Arlington Cemetery, where we saw the sights. We decided not to take the tram but walk instead, braving the sun and heat. It was an interesting and not too crowded outing. We were just in time for the chaning of the guard at the Tomb of the Unknowns, as it is now known. Just before getting back on the subway we stopped into the Women's Memorial and their air conditioned gift shop. We sure found some deals there; where else can you get a 10cent postcard?

Robert E. Lee's house at Arlington.
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Back to Lisa's apartment for lunch. Tasty.

Looking for Gift-Shops

After I finished my homework Brittany and I were out again to the National Mall, this time without Lisa. After strolling through the grand Smithsonian Castle (check pictures), we visited the Museum of American History--a tad more theatrical than I remembered. The place was a bit like a theme park: children and families everywhere; a not-so-good gift shop. Nevermind. We saw some interesting things, like the informative and comprehensive gallery of military history. They actually had a mock-up of the Berlin Wall along with a few real pieces; that was exciting for me. But war is remembered so gloriously by our nation's consciousness that you have to concentrate to maintain some skepticism.

Some wildlife at Arlington. There's life there too.
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Back into the sun and over to the Hirshhorn Modern Art Gallery.

I expected a great giftshop but was again unfulfilled. They had some nice books but otherwise just gimmicky, apparently offbeat toys. We strolled through the galleries and were excited to stumble upon some works by Wayne Thiebaud, who always pictures sweets and desserts. But soon we began swimming against fatigue and headaches.

Back on the subway to Foggybottom, Lisa's neighborhood. Scrounged for some tea and rested up for dinner tonight.

Arlington amphitheater just behind the "Tomb of the Unknowns."
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DINNER

Lisa took us out to Lauriol Plaza, a very hip and popular Mexican restaurant. We only waited about 20 minutes for a table despite a much higher estimate. Really a great place and Brittany and I got to know two of Lisa's good friends who came along, although it was a very loud place.

We taxied there but enjoyed a relaxed walk back. We of course stopped for ice cream in DuPont Circle and walked as we ate. Finally home and just in time for SNL.