Fun with Sara and Alex

My week of visitors began with high school buddy Alex coming to town for Drupalcon. I have subsequently become an expert novice on all things CMS- and Drupal- related. While they geeked out at the nighttime social events, I smiled and nodded (at one point being dubbed Sarah Palin) until I could steer conversation to something more user-friendly, in the meantime getting a peek into the world of Drupal. In turn I gave them a peek into DC, with a requisite post-party stop at Ben's Chili Bowl for a half smoke.

Then one of my favorite people in the whole world came to visit. Confidant of my inner crazies; co-orchestrator of many-a-Stetson instruments of change, pranks, and wildly irresponsible decisions; and overall cool person: ladies and gentlemen, Sara ::cue applause in Abbey::

It was a beautiful Saturday morning when I eventually unlosted myself to find Sara at the airport, so of course Eastern Market was first on the agenda. We strolled around the first tolerable open-air market since the sub-tshirt-weather temperatures rolled in 5 months ago. Grabbed a cup of coffee and treat at Espresso Peregine and gabbed about the things that girlfriends gab about. The catch-up continued over our traditional trip to the spa for a pedicure, and then an adventure through Columbia Heights, Galleryplace/Chinatown, and Dupont Circle with Alex. Of course we had to play a game of darts at Rocket Bar, where I showcased my impeccable skills (not really, except for this ONE round in which I channeled Phil Taylor)

Then we got to play tourists on Sunday. We fueled up with a delicious brunch at Busboys and Poets and then made our way down to the Mall.

I hadn't walked around behind the Capitol building since the Visitors' Center was opened and you could finally traverse that area again, so we did that.

We checked out the Trevi Fountain wanna-be outside the Jefferson building of the Library of Congress and eventually meandered over to the grassy part of the mall.

And stopped to take more touristy pictures.

Then headed over to the Botanical gardens. It's such a beautiful and peaceful space in there; definitely one of my favorite spots along the mall.
Eventually we met up with Alex and made our way to the Kennedy Center for the Hoda Hoda Spirit: Hayha Music performance. Sadly we arrived to the closed doors of a full show. But we still got to check out the beautiful terrace.

As well as the exhibition of Arab brides.
In typical Sara versus Heidi fashion, Sara walked around and read all of the signage, learning about the culture and history of the outfits.

Whereas I took pictures of the pretty textiles.
We went back for the car on the Hill, stopping at Tunnicliff's Tavern for some of their amazing pizza (Mediterranean subtract olives, add pepperoni) and then for an abridged night-time driving tour of the monuments and memorials.

There's a monument behind us somewhere, I swear.

We got out at the Jefferson and hung out there for a little bit. That's Alex and Sara making a run for the bathroom.

Sara noticed an architectural detail that begged for a statue, so she offered up her suggestion of what should go there.

Eventually it was time to make it back to the airport and bid Sara goodbye :(