Washington, DC: World Cup Group Final and Soondobu

When visiting a new place, one ought to take advantage of such opportunity and do things that one can't do at home - like visit the museums, eat at restaurants, walk around. Generally, it involves being outside. Today, however, was the exception to the rule. For one, it has now been a full week of 100 degree weather with unrelenting humidity. Two, the World Cup was on! Today's USA vs Algeria match was even more important as it could potentially determine wheter USA continues on in the World Cup or goes home.

DID YOU SEE DONOVAN in the 91st MINUTE?! GOOOOAAAALLLLL!!!!

Ok, I understand, I'm in DC, one of the most interesting places in the world. BUT, I wouldn't have given up seeing that moment live for anything.

Then, of course, Germany played Ghana and I had to root for my German boys and see who won as the loser would play the USA team this weekend. All is right in the world - England will play Germany, we will play Ghana.


SOONDOBU
After soccer fever, I had dinner with Irene and some of her friends. She is a proud member of Zipcar. Pretty spiffy.

Yummy kalbi and little appetizer plates

Seafood soondobu and all the girls

Oh, and I took two naps today. I'm loving life right now.

Washington, DC: Buddha Buddies and Couch Surfing

I visited the Sackler and Freer Galleries today. Both had Asian themed exhibitions and I really wanted to see this one with a lot of Buddhas.

Buddhas everywhere - awesome. Well, and Ganesh too.

COUCH SURFING

Tonight, I'm staying with a person (now, friend) I met on CouchSurfing.org. I realized that I met all kinds of people from all over the world when traveling alone in Europe. Isn't it strange that 1) everyone is freaking out that I'm traveling solo here at home (especially when AAA is one phone call away) and 2) I had only set up stays with friends or family so that 3) it would be impossible to met anyone new. I'm zigzagging across the country and I won't meet anyone?! That just sounded absurd so I decided to give couch surfing a try. I'm meeting someone new and it's pretty cool. My host drove me around town for a night tour of DC. It's pretty awesome with all the buildings lit up.

Arlington, VA: From Mykonos to DC

When I was in Greece just less than two months ago, I was looking for other single travelers to hang out with since there weren't many hostels where you could meet people. I googled "travel buddy" and found a website where people posted their travel plans. Amazingly, through this website I found Karl who was totally normal :) and lived in DC. We had a fun time together in Mykonos and since I'm in DC, I had to look him up and try his cafe's FANTASTIC Friday falafel.

This is the inside of Pound, Karl's cafe in the northeast part of town.

Karl roasting marshmallows and his friends at a BBQ

Oh the #9, how excited I am that you are finally available in CA.

Some serious s'more action - gooey perfection

Karl's dog Max. He loves blueberries. Who knew? We became buds.

Can't get enough pho. I walked through 100 degree heat and serious humidity to get to this place. Worth every MSG drop.

It's so weird seeing Safeway here. I almost get tricked into thinking I'm home...nope, not there yet.

Couldn't go through DC without putting up a picture of Kate and me...in front of the refrigerator, scouring for food. We had dinner with Ms. Lindsey Snow White last week but forgot to take a picture together. We're not kidding about that Paris reunion. Who's setting it up?!

Alexandria, VA: A Day in Old Town

"Waterfront in Alexandria

"Old Town" Alexandria and shops along King Street.

Lunch - Fish and chips and beer at Eamonn's (thanks for the recommendation Dan!). Homemade curry dip...mmmmm....

I stopped at Balducci's (great market!) to pick up some wine and beer for a BBQ this afternoon and look what I found! Nigl wine! (left) Here's another pic of Nigl wine I enjoyed in Austria with the Nigls. (right) Hi Chrysoula! Hi Franz!

Washington, DC: Random Signs

Bathroom wall at Farmers & Fishers in Georgetown

Not exactly sure what these mean but it was mildly amusing...

Washington, DC: Old Friends

Today Irene and I met up with an old, old friend of ours - Daniel Li and his wife Michelle and new born son Ethan. It's probably been 15 years since we last saw each other! I don't know what it is but I love reconnecting with old friends.

Afterward, Irene and I went to have some ramen. Mmmmm....ramen.

Washington, DC: All the famous buildings

First morning in DC - I had lunch in Georgetown at a little cafe called Leopold's and caught a bit of World Cup mania (left). Then I headed to a cafe to work on the blog and noticed that the time was stuck at 4:20 (right). It felt a little bit like home. I miss SF.

The White House...and me talking on the phone with Annie while taking a picture of myself and the White House!

Bald eagle sculpture and the Washington Monument

Treasury Department (left) and Environmental Protection Agency (right) - both who, hopefully, will protect the future of this great nation

American History Museum aka America's Attic (left) and a display on Route 66 (right). I used to live right off of Route 66 (Foothill Blvd) in LA.

Michelle Obama's inauguration gown, shoes and jewelry

So many museums in this town...this is going to take awhile.