Washington D.C.

DC Hides Its Children at the National Zoo

Victor Lazlo — Sat, 07 Jul 2007 05:44:56 -0600

On our last day we decided to walk around Woodley Park and visit the zoo. We had to make it a quick trip because we needed to get on the Metro around mid day to schlep ourselves back to the airport. Woodley Park is beautiful, quite large, and equipped with a fitness trail that connects to Georgetown. I noted that DC seemed void of children and pets, but then we would arrive at a certain place and it would be jam-packed with them. Naturally you would expect to find them at a zoo, but it was almost as if they weren't allowed to be anywhere else!

You Can't Shop at the National Mall

Victor Lazlo — Fri, 06 Jul 2007 05:39:58 -0600

On our second day in DC, Mel and I went to the National Mall to enjoy the Smithsonian Institute exhibits. One of the most glorious things about DC is that all museums are free to the public! The Smithsonian is huge, and it is entirely impossible to see it all in a day. In fact, I would say that if you went every day for a week, you still might not finish it. Mel wanted to see Julia Child's kitchen, but the American Heritage museum was under renovation. We realistically chose two museums - the National Air and Space Museum and the Hirschhorn Museum of Sculpture.

Shuffling Through Georgetown

Victor Lazlo — Thu, 05 Jul 2007 23:36:27 -0600

I came to DC for a memorial service, but stuck around for a couple of days to take in the city. The small amount of time I spent trying to navigate in a car was enough for me to forsake driving there ever again. The Metro, however, was a breeze - exactly like BART in the Bay Area, and so easy to get around the city in!

Lieutenant Colonel James Carberry

Victor Lazlo — Thu, 05 Jul 2007 22:40:27 -0600

Most of my life, I hadn't known Uncle Jim. Though he was the brother of my Grandfather, their relationship was tumultuous and therefore his presence in our family was somewhat shrouded. My father did not abide by his father, and maintained a strong bond with Jim over the years. I remember meeting him and his wife, Kiki, when I was about 11 or 12. I'd never formed a bond with him and wasn't in touch for many years of my life. I wasn't there for him when Kiki passed away, in fact I didn't even know when or how she died.

Traveling on the 4th of July

Victor Lazlo — Wed, 04 Jul 2007 15:41:04 -0600

I awoke before the dawn of the 4th of July to prepare myself for a flight to DC. Usually, I choose not to travel on holidays if it can be helped, but this was a journey of personal necessity - to attend the funeral of my Great Uncle, Jim Carberry. He passed away in April, and his final request was that he be laid to rest in Arlington National Cemetery. Under these circumstances, it was rather difficult to consider festivities.