Duncan's Favorite Things...in DC

When we lived in Bangkok in 2009, I came up with a list of my favorite things which you can find here, here and here. After passing the two year mark here in Washington DC, I thought it would be fun to share a few of my favorite things here in this town. And the timing of my list is interesting given that Forbes recently ranked Washington as the coolest city in the US (followed closely by Seattle.) I'm not sure that what I like in this city are the same things that appealed to others in the Forbes vote, but there's no denying that this town is very different than even its recent reputation (whatever that might be for you - dangerous, run down, gridlocked - well okay, that last one is still trure!) Who would have imagined a decade or so ago that people, especially young folks would be flocking to live here or that this general region would become a hi-tech, innovative, start-up friendly place - attracting so many new young workers. From what I gather, a significant driver in all this is actually 9/11 and the massive ramp up in overall security, surveillance and military operations and the subsequent explosion in use of contractors to run this industry. I'm sure there are other reasons too (read the Forbes article for more details.) And while this can also be a demanding, power-driven, walk all over you to get ahead kind of town, this post is purposely focused on the positive. So for now, in no specific order, here's my current list of favorite things in Washington DC.

Rock Creek Park

Under the category of green spaces, Rock Creek Park (which runs the length of DC and is reachable just a few blocks from our house) is an amazing park to hike, run, bike, picnic and explore. We love it and often spend time here. One of our favorite places in Rock Creek Park is the Rock Creek Park Horse Center, home to Andrew (featured in our Christmas card last year!) and many other horses. It's a place where anyone can get lessons, go on trail rides or board their horses.

Sticky rice and chicken picnic at Rock Creek Park

But, perhaps my most favorite place in the city (although I don't take advantage of it nearly as much as Rock Creek Park) is the US Botanic Garden. Although it is beautiful any time of year, there simply is no better place to escape to in the winter than the lush, humid, conservatory packed full of exquisite beautiful plants. I LOVE IT!  Pictures don't do it justice. The gardens and displays whether inside or out are always educational and restorative at the same time.

When it looks like this outside...

...there is no better place to be inside than the Botanic Garden

While there are many historical squares and parks that add a measure of beauty to this town, Rock Creek and the Botanic Garden are by far my favorites. The US National Arboretum is also great as is Kenilworth Park and Aquatic Gardens which was mentioned previously in this blog. On a more personal note, I also love the majestic trees outside our apartment. I just like looking out our windows at them. And I'm really really grateful to have a bank of windows in our tiny apartment - yes even our windows make the list (but probably not most visitors!)

Our bedroom windows and view

Our windows won't be the oddest thing you read here. Though this past summer was on the cool side (which I along with most DC folks did not complain about) I do love the heat and humidity of the East Coast. But that doesn't mean I don't appreciate a blast of cool air - and my favorite spot to get a blast of cool air are the air conditioning vents in the metro stations. Every morning during the summer, you will find me poised at just the right angle beneath a AC vent gulping in vast quantities of cold air. This would not be most people's favorite thing (although you won't find anyone complaining about the AC) but like most things whether it's walking by Rock Creek or seeing the orchids in the Botanic Garden or even the trees outside our windows, the air con takes me back to a place and time in Thailand (specifically the old OMF mission home on Pan Road where the only air conditioning was in the business office - and I can still remember the icy blast!)

I do love living in a city with so many free museums and monuments. All the national memorials in this town are profound and moving and worth repeat visits but I especially love the words of both FDR and MLK Jr. which are engraved at their respective memorials. While I am not a huge museum guy, when I do go, if I'm tired after ten minutes I can leave and know that I can come back another day and it won't cost me anything.

Words at the FDR Memorial

Words at the MLK Jr. Memorial

And my favorite museum is the one full of living creatures just a mile and a half down the road called...The National Zoo - home to Bao Bao who celebrated her first birthday on August 23 - Need I say more? (Well I will!) Earlier this summer, I walked down to the zoo and thought I would check on the lions. I had heard that some lion cubs had been born this past winter and spring but it was amazing to see SIX cubs and their moms and dad, Luke, all just hanging out together! (Here is a fun video of the cubs having their swim test). Insider tip...the best time to go to the zoo, especially if you live here is at 4 or 4:30 in the afternoon. All the tourists are leaving and the zoo can be almost empty AND you are almost guaranteed to see all the animals as they will be waiting by their doors to go in for the night. Creatures of habit for sure!

How many lions can you spot?

Like many cities, Washington has also become a foodie town and while we don't eat out that much there are many super popular restaurants that you could go to (if you can get in.) If you only had the chance to go to one restaurant and you didn't want to spend a fortune, the one we would recommend is Zatinya by Jose Andres. Sure there are other newer, higher rated ones (Roses Luxury etc) but you can't go wrong with the entire experience at Zatinya

And finally one of my favorite things are my co workers that I get to hang out with at the USAID Staff Care Center. They are such a seasoned group of mental health clinicians, coaches and humanitarian experts so I get to learn a great deal all the time, but we also have so much fun together. I am supported and well cared for there.

There you have it - my don't miss list for Washington DC! Do you have a favorite place?

Though not mentioned in this post, the National Cathedral is also worth visiting!

Duncan

April, May, June and July - Part 4

Last month we wanted to celebrate and mark the past two years since moving here to DC. We ended up finding cheap tickets to...Bermuda. And we discovered that there is a direct flight from Reagan/DCA that only takes an hour and a half to get there! Sometimes it takes us an hour and a half to get to Fredricksburg VA (40 miles from here) on our way to North Carolina! So for the price, ease, and convenience and what awaited us, Bermuda could not be beat!

Coming in to land...

Bermuda reminded me of many places...

Flame of the Forest

It's a tropical paradise most of the year with huge never ending banks of hibiscus, flame of the forest, plumeria/frangipani trees, and many other familiar tropical plants. However because it does cool down in the winter there are some consequences - though there are plenty of coconut trees, the coconuts don't mature completely. But it is also a very well kept, manicured tropical paradise - and just gorgeous! Some places reminded me of anywhere tropical I have been.

In some ways it is similar to Hawaii - island, great beaches and snorkeling but without the surfer 'hang-loose bro' attitude. It also seemed that swimming was safer on all the beaches than in Hawaii due to less dangerous currents. There were a couple places that reminded us of the Cameron Highlands in Malaysia with pines and windy roads.

Though still very proper and genteel (you ALWAYS greet people with a Good Morning or Good Afternoon) it was less British than I thought it would be, especially when it came to the grocery stores which were much more American and American influenced as most food comes from the US. But it is a little like England with British road signs, crosswalks and narrow village lanes - and you drive on the left. And of course accents are somewhat British, but not quite. Wikipedia says that Americans think a Bermudian accent sounds British and British think it sounds more American!

 Most houses and buildings are painted in bright pastels conjuring up a bit of a Caribbean vibe. All roofs are white and used to collect rain water in underground water tanks - the only source of water on the island

And finally some of the rocky inner harbor shorelines and  inlets with their majestic homes reminded me of some of Italy's famous lakes. 

All of this beauty does not come cheap. Although our flight to Bermuda costs half of what it might cost to go to Belize or a Caribbean island, this island comes with a price: An apple is is $1.49 (and up) each - not a pound! Bananas were $1.69 a lb. Local bananas - $1.89 a pound. Some of the cheapest food of course were those items that had come a long way - New Zealand cheddar! And houses...are really really expensive! This also is true with many hotels on the island. Thankfully we found Greenbank Guest House where the prices though still high were much more affordable than the $700 cost per room at the Fairmont Princess across the bay from us. Greebank was a lovely spot - just our style! For full review on Trip Advisor, go here. I loved being able to swim off their dock and saw some great fish right there - and a definite highlight was seeing a very large hogfish swim by me!

Greenbank Guest House

Sea turtle swimming by

Some of you might have seen my facebook post about a fish biting me on the elbow while swimming at Elbow Beach...here it is again. Of course this happened right after I had told Andrea that the fish were all harmless!

The storm swept over us, but we kept swimming

We spent our five days resting, swimming and snorkeling at several beaches and exploring the island from end to end - including UNESCO World Heritage site St George's settled in 1612 where St Peter's Church (oldest Anglican church outside of the UK) is also located. Seeing the Queen's box, where she and any royalty sit when visiting was interesting but what really was moving was visiting a lesser known church that is becoming famous in its own right but still is not on the tourist maps. 

St. Peter's Church

Inside St. Peter's

Andrea had read about the Ethiopian Orthodox Church on Bermuda and how its priest had spent years painting scenes  from the Bible and elsewhere, turning it into his Sistine Chapel. We were really fortunate to find Habte, a member and caretaker of the church, repairing a window, otherwise we never would have had the experience of seeing the beauty that has been created. It was a real treat and privilege to spend time with Habte as he told us the history of the church and about the priest, Abba Gebre Hiwot Wold Samuel who returned to Ethiopia last year but might return to continue painting as there are still stories to be illustrated and space on the walls. Habte also demonstrated the traditional drums they use in their services. We learned a lot and was a definite highlight of the day! 

Ethiopian Orthodox Church

Habte demonstrating the traditional drums

Abba Gebre Hiwot Wold Samuel in the yellow

Following this we had a yummy lunch at the kind of place we appreciate so much, where no tourist darkens the door! We also explored Tom Moore's jungle and tried in vain to find the caves that the locals try to keep hidden - and for another day the locals were successful! So in addition to all the other things we enjoyed about Bermuda, we have a real reason to return!

Swimming in a couple holes at Tom Moore's jungle

Until next time...

Duncan

April, May, June and July - Part 3

June took me unexpectedly back to Seattle as my dad had sudden surgery to remove a sarcoma tumor. The surgery went well and he continues to heal nicely. He will be undergoing some radiation also in the days to come. It was good to just be with family for the week and also catch up with friends in Seattle. In recent months we have been able to catch up with different friends here in DC as well as say goodbye to others as they departed this transient city. All of this makes me aware of how time can fly by - and thus Amy's video above and the title of these 3 most recent posts...(watch the video!)

Mom's home cooking - always good!

Dad - deep in thought (or watching TV) post surgery

Tammy and I met in 8th grade and went all the way through high school together in the Philippines.

Tammy and her husband Steve

Another Easter table shot - with friend Mark

A farewell dinner with Church friends for Michael (the only other guy in the picture) before he left for Medical School

A meal with friends Lauren and Stefan who have left DC for the West Coast.

We also said good bye to Mark, Shalyn and Alisha who returned to Malaysia.

Duncan