Friday

Yesterday, a fortuitous event occurred.

While visiting a store on Pennsylvania Avenue, we noticed what we thought might be a demonstration--a group of people carrying signs.  

After taking a closer look and speaking with one of the participants, we learned that the group was commemorating the Way of the Cross on Good Friday, with a focus on economic and ecologic challenges and signs of hope harm in the world today.  The participants carried crosses, including one large cross, and prayed and sang while standing in front of the Embassy of Mexico, their 14th station on the Way of the Cross.  

 

One of the participants (possibly a nun out of habit) spoke with Greg and shared information about the group's walk.  The walk included stops at the Trump International Hotel, The World Bank and the Embassy of Mexico.  The visit to the Mexican Embassy focused on immigration from Central America to Mexico and the United States and the need for humane and holistic immigration policies for those fleeing violence and misery.

 

Thanks for observing this fortuitous event with us.  

Museums: National Portrait Gallery #2

Recently, we made a return visit to the National Portrait Gallery, with a friend visiting from Florence.

We enjoyed a wonderful, leisurely lunch at nearby Zaytinya and viewed the new Barack Obama portrait in the gallery.

Below is a photo of the new portrait, along with a description.

While viewing the portrait, we discovered something interesting about.  No matter where you stood, the eyes were looking right at you.  Below are photos taken while standing to the far left and far right of the portrait.  Despite the change in position, the eyes were looking straight us.  Very cool.    

From the far left.

From the far right..

While visiting the gallery, we also spotted two other interesting portraits.

One work might be familiar.  Below is a video self-portrait of artist Bill Viola.  You might remember him from a Year 2 blog post when the Palazzo Strozzi in Florence hosted an exhibition of his work.  

To see a video of the artwork, click below.    

(You can see the earlier post here).

Another image that caught our attention was the portrait below.  If Norman Rockwell could help Richard Nixon seem warm and friendly, then he must have been a very talented artist.  

Thanks for again visiting the National Portrait Gallery with us. 

Strolling in D.C. #1

Shortly after our year here began--during the holiday season--we took a stroll through nearby Georgetown. 

The day was especially cold, but we still enjoyed some sights.  

We stumbled across a one-day pop-up store in the center of Georgetown.

We passed by the Brooks Brothers store and admired their window display.  Susan coveted the Golden Fleece ornaments and thought one would look good on our Christmas tree.  Susan ventured inside and learned the ornaments weren't for sale.  In fact, the window display is safeguarded and has to be returned to Brooks Brothers' main warehouse at the end of the season, where each ornament is counted.  Sadly, our Christmas tree was fleece free. 

(Good news, we recently found a Golden Fleece ornament online.  You can check it out here.  Perhaps, if you are good, one will find its way into your stocking.)

Our strolled continued.  Because it was so cold, we sought shelter in the Four Seasons Hotel.  There, we discovered something that warmed our hearts.  Local artists had collaborated to create exotic Christmas trees.  The trees were for sale and the money went to a worthwhile cause, the children's hospital.  You can see a couple of the trees below.

The Golden Fleece ornament would have been a great addition to either tree.

Thanks for strolling with us. 

Where do you live in DC? #5

Where do we live in D.C.?

Near the Four Seasons Hotel.

The photo below was taken from our rooftop looking west toward Georgetown.  The large building on the far left of the photo is the Four Seasons Hotel Washington, D.C.

The strange coincidence is that we lived near a Four Seasons Hotel in NYC during Year 1 and also in Florence during Year 2.  The NYC Four Seasons was about 5 blocks from our apartment.  The Florence Four Seasons was two blocks away and was visible from our apartment window.  You might remember posts about the Florence Four Seasons, including fireworks and visiting the beautiful garden there.    

Living near a Four Seasons Hotel was never part of the plan.  So, the coincidence is weird.

Of course, you know what this means.  During Year 4, when asking the question "Where do you live in Paris?", you will already know the answer.  The Four Seasons Paris.  Check it out.

Ooh la la.

Marion Barry

A bronze statue of Marion Barry, pictured below, was recently unveiled in Washington, D.C.  The statue is located on Pennsylvania Avenue next to the District Building, not far from the White House.  

If you remember Marion Barry, you know he was an outspoken political leader with some flaws.  Barry was influential in national politics and in D.C. politics, where he served as a D.C. Council member and twice as D.C.'s Mayor.  What was amazing about Mayor Barry is that most voters in D.C., especially those in the 8th Ward, adored him, reelecting him time and again.

Marion Barry, Jr.

1936-2014

"Mayor for Life"

His fervor for justice, fairness, and equality led him to become a champion of the people.

You can learn more Marion Barry's colorful life by clicking here.  

P.S.  More than 25 years ago, when Marion Barry was at the height of his notoriety, Greg visited a client in British Columbia.  At a local restaurant known for its pies, Greg noticed a Marionberry pie on the dessert menu.  Greg assumed the pie was named for D.C.'s infamous mayor.  

You know what happens when you assume.  Many years later, Greg figured it out.  The pie was made with a special kind of blackberry called the Marionberry, originally from Marion County, Oregon.   Who knew?  

Interested in making a Marionberry pie?  Martha Stewart has a recipe that looks delicious (click here).   Please save a slice for Greg.

March for Our Lives

On Saturday, March 24, we joined the March for Our Lives in D.C.  

The March was located on Pennsylvania Avenue between 3rd and 13th Streets, NW.  The speakers and performers appeared on a stage near 3rd Street.  Loudspeakers and huge video screens broadcast their images and words to the entire crowd.  We heard singers, including Jennifer Hudson, and  speakers, including Parkland student Emma Gonzalez.  Her speech was compelling (click here to listen).  

The crowd was extremely large, the day was warm and sunny, and security was everywhere.  

Below are some photos of the march.

Some of the participants in the march were very creative.

P.S.  Following the march, many protesters piled their signs n front of the building pictured below, the building on the right with the tower, which is the Trump International Hotel in D.C.

Springtime in D.C. #2

Another hint of Spring:  Bradford Pear trees blossoming near the White House.

Pennsylvania Avenue and Jackson Place, NW (3/24/2018) 

It looks like there will be a healthy crop this year.

While strolling in Georgetown, we spotted a beautiful flowering tree and a colorful bed of pansies.

Spring is knocking on the door and we are happy to welcome it.

Porcelain Protocol in D.C.

It's been a while since the last post involving porcelain.  Thanks for your patience, which is rewarded below.

While dining at a nearby restaurant, we noticed an out of the ordinary sign.  The sign, pictured below, pointed the way to the restrooms.  

After arriving in D.C., we went shopping for some household items, including towels, glassware and the like.  While shopping, Susan spotted the greatest invention of all time.  You guessed it--the Squatty Potty.  

Susan was SOOOOO happy.  

Museums: National Gallery of Art #5

If you like abstract art (Greg loves Abstract Expressionism), then visiting National of Gallery of Art's East Building is a must.  

The National Gallery has a large collection abstract paintings by some of the very best American artists, including Jackson Pollock, Joan Mitchell, Janet Sobel and Barnett Newman.  Here is a sample from the collection.  Enjoy!

By Jackson Pollock

A recently added room in the East Building is dedicated to Barnett Newman's series of 15 abstract paintings titled The Stations of the Cross.    (The first and last are pictured below.)

Barnett Newman, First Station (1958)

Barnett Newman, Be II (1961/19640

Thanks for viewing with us some of the National Gallery's abstract art.   

Cars in D.C. #1

In our travels around D.C., we have spotted some intriguing cars.

One exotic vehicle was a Maserati SUV, the Levante.

We spotted another exotic vehicle in a nearby parking garage.  Pictured below is a vintage Citroen 2CV in excellent condition.   

The Citroen 2CV, the deux chevaux.

Susan covets the Maserati.  Greg likes the Citroen.

Cherry Blossoms in D.C. #1

Each Spring, the Cherry trees around the Tidal Basin in D.C. bloom and the sight is beautiful.  

We recently caught an early peek of the Cherry blossoms.  Not on the actual trees, but on a coffee mug.

While shopping, Susan noticed the coffee mug pictured below.

When hot coffee is poured into the mug, the bare tree branches become covered with pink blossoms.  Very cool.

Please stay tuned for some photos of the actual Cherry trees in full bloom.

Museums: National Gallery of Art #4 (Alexander Calder)

The National Gallery of Art has an extensive collection of American modern art.  

The gallery exhibits a wide range of Alexander Calder's work.  The exhibition is located in a special  room ("the tower") that was recently added to the East Building.  

We have visited the exhibition a couple of times.  Let's tour the Calder works together.  

Below are two photos.  The first photo shows the model for the very large mobile in the atrium of the East Building.  The second photo shows the actual mobile.

P.S. This dude is about to escape from the exhibits of modern art. He was captured in the illuminated tunnel between the East and West Buildings of the National Gallery.