Washington DC weekend (part 1)

Had fun in DC-part 1
So I mentioned DC briefly but not really. I went with a good friend MK and he was great hanging out with him and having a grand time touring the museums, eating at various places and having afternoon tea plus attending my friend's wedding.

We got in at different times (the week after Labor Day) I got in on Wednesday night. This time on JETBLUE, I got in on time whereas back in July I got in about 2 hours later. This time I got to eat home made kalbi (Korean style grilled short ribs), kimchee (the radish kind) and some beef and American broccoli stir fry. For dessert we noshed on very sweet and juicy watermelon. I was so hungry, I had tons of wonderful kalbi! YUMMY! Thanks to Dai Lo and Dai So (my big bro and his wife) who are like my family in the DC area. Dai Lo's actual Gah Jeh (big sis) is mine as well. Dai Lo and Gah Jeh have adopted me and I am one of their own. I am blessed by their open hearts, home and love. After eating, Gah Jeh had to get home. I wanted to catch "Full House" the Korean drama currently on AZN TV. But alas Gah Jeh doesn't have that station but Dai Lo does. Unfortunately for me, I was unable to watch it. I had withdrawal. Gah Jeh and I did chit chat and caught up until 1am.

THURS SEPT 7--My sister's bday (I already got her some presents) and I made sure to call her as well. Bdays in our family are not a big deal. I remember when I was in my teens turning 16, my parents totally forgot my bday. We might get a cake but presents and other things were not included. Just not something special, nowadays, I might get a gathering to eat out. This year I got a purse. Sometimes (which is most of the time) I get nothing which is fine. Time with loved ones friends and family are important (though they can drive me crazy at times).
I got up early and headed into DC from Franconia/Springfield on the metro. Thanks to the reloadable METRO card I put in $20 (you can use your credit card too). Awesome! MK arrived into Dulles and we met up at Woodley Park Metro stop. I wanted to see the baby panda Tai Shan at the Zoo. (Of course the cub is over 50 pounds and over a year old). The photo below is of Tai Shan at three weeks old.

Unfortunately for MK and I, I always seem to have bad luck when seeing Pandas. I always seem to catch them napping and their bums are sticking up. This time was no exception though there was massive construction around the panda exhibition area. We stayed briefly and then grabbed lunch nearby.

Mk and I were enticed because we both love Japanese but it looked like a cool place. The decorations were great and the rear area was cool. There was a lounge type vibe and very chic atmosphere. We paid a bit much for lunch. We got two appetizers---ceviche (which was small portions in a martini glass for almost $9) and a unagi salad which was $9 as well). Then we got the lunch portions the sashimi special and grilled hamachi kama (yellow tail fish collar grilled) with rice, salad and miso soup. The fish was fresh and the service friendly. Definitely on the pricier end but convenient for us to visit as we were across the street from the Woodley Park Metro.

Phillips Collection
2635 Connecticut Ave NW
Washington DC 20008 T 202-332-2711

Then we decided to go on to the Phillips Collection which was only one train stop away. The last time I was there was with Ev and we saw some highlights of the Smith College Impressionist collection there. I did catch the Ghandi statue there. I have to say, I will always think Ben Kingsley is an amazing actor in that particular and moving epic bio film on him back in the 1980's.

The Phillips Collection1600 21st Street, NWWashington, DC 20009
There was a special KLEE exhibit when we visited that was ending that weekend. I liked the perspective and various opinions and write ups on his pieces. I cannot say I love Klee but he gives an interesting perspective.

From there, we take the metro to the Smithsonians and I am aiming to visit the Freer Sackler Museum. One of my faves, but is is much smaller and great to check out the Asian Art that passes through. This was a cool small exhibit


Freer Gallery of Art til September 17--Pretty Woman-Freer and the Ideal Idea of the Feminine Women

(http://www.asia.si.edu/exhibitions/current/prettyWomen.htm)
I loved the paintings by Whistler and Dewing in particular. I thought them well done and Whistler's Peacock Room is a sight to be behold.

Then from there, my friend MK had to meet up with his brother. I went off to the National Archives.

Later on, I get to see two good friends I haven't seen in a while. One got married in Israel and the other is expecting any moment (she looked radiant!).