Day 1- Where I didn't get lost, but did try to break my toe....several times...

Well.....I woke up to the dulcet sounds of traffic as Eve the Artist eschews air conditioning in favor of open windows...I will be very happy for anonymous renter (AKA Corey the Grad Student from Texas) to take his leave and I can inhabit the sun room which comes with a window unit that he keeps at a blessedly cool 65 degrees....I find myself sitting outside of the Japanese screen to steal any slight breezes that slip out of that area and it is oh so fine after walking the streets in humid 80's.....

After waking, checking all digital devices, emails, and websites, I showered once again using the two hand towels Eve the Artist provided......she only owns two towels....and anonymous renter has one.....So my first order of business was to locate a purveyor of towels.....lo and behold a 15 min. walk and less than a mile away, i found a TARGET!!!! In DOWNTOWN D.C.- TWO STORIES!!! Even has escalators for your red cart!! Anonymous renter had already informed me the evening before that bags cost extra here!! 5 cents per bag!! So I had carried my wonderful new tote bag given to me by a fab room parent. Realizing I had to schlep back whatever I bought, limited my purchases.....So....two new white towels, one white washcloth, detergent, all important coffee and creamer for my coffee....i was on my out the door..... Realizing it was after noon and I had not eaten NOR had ANY coffee yet...i decided to explore while trying not to get lost....I found a cool pub called Commonwealth that was serving brunch still. After ordering my omelet and coffee, I was THRILLED to learn that all brunches came with a mimosa...that OF COURSE i did not turn down... :-).....a trencher of delicious bread and one omelet later...i was full and on my way...

Eve the Artist had invited me to the National Gallery, but by now I was too late to meet her.....I trekked "home" with my goodies and realized upon arrival that I was T-I-R-E-D!! The adrenaline from yesterday finally wore off and I ran into a wall. Two hours later I awoke hot but refreshed. I spent the afternoon reading The Lost Symbol by Dan Brown and am now EXTREMELY eager to go see EVERYTHING he referenced in the book!! i realized where my apartment is, I am VERY close to several places he mentioned and felt quite cosmopolitan as I recognized the street names and where they were in reference to me....

After spending the afternoon reading and stealing air from anonymous renter's sun room, I realized around 8 that i was hungry....I found a take out menu on Eve the Artist's refrigerator for a place called Shawarma Spot and they had BABA GHANOUJ!! My FAVORITE!! So after a lovely conversation with anonymous renter about ordering take out in the city, I asked if it was a safe walk. He assured me yes, that Eve the Artist eats there all the time and walks....So I grabbed keys and bag and headed out.....Taking the other direction from my Target walk, I strolled through the most BEAUTIFUL townhomes.....I now want one.....badly......especially as this desire was heightened after turning onto 18th street for my food destination....HOLY COW!!! It was like the EMBASSY ROW of food!!! Middle Eastern, Ethiopian, Asian, Mexican, Spanish, Italian.....EVEN A RUSSIAN TEA ROOM!!! I have now found heaven on earth.....with all kinds of crazy shops thrown in and around...used books, spas, something with Pirate flags that I must explore more for Wayne....it was sensory overload!! I found my place and ate a decent meal of chicken shawarma and baba ghanouj....with a little piece of baklava thrown in for good measure....I had enough b.g to bring home for lunch tomorrow and the majority of the baklava left to enjoy with coffee for breakfast....

I am now back "home", stealing air from anonymous renter, and going to try to finish The Lost Symbol.

Oh yes....the almost broken toe.....on all of my walks I tripped on raised sidewalk in the SAME place THREE TIMES!!! The 3rd time was the worst as I cut the tip of my big toe, bruised it, and almost fell in front of the total strangers i was trying to pass b/c they were walking too SLOW!! That's what I get for being impatient...Wonder if the street authorities (i'm sure they have a more official name) will let me put little red warning flags up??? Hmmmmmmm....might be another trip to Target in my future!!!