LXXII. This week:

LXXI. Virginia History Pt. 4/5: Good Eats, DC

Chrissie and Susan celebrating Susan's certification!

Food stops:

Potbelly's, Fairfax

Fish Market, Alexandria

Ben's Chili Bowl, DC

Ray's Hell Burger, Arlington

Johnny Rocket's, Georgetown (the mocha shake)

mom's kitchen, my house

**Guapo's in Manassas and El Pollo Rico in Arlington were on the list,

but I assumed those types of things would be better in California.

Day 4: Sleep in, Ray's Hell Burger, & shakes and shopping in Georgetown.

Day 5: Tour monuments and then the most incredible meal (돈까스)

by my mother, Mrs. Puckett.

I hadn't ridden a double-decker since London

and quickly remembered how great it was.

I had toured the DC monuments and museums by foot tonsss of times, but I must say that the Hop-on, Hop-off double-decker bus is amazing. A bit pricey (we paid ~$30), but if you are visiting for two days, it's really great (and only a few dollars more). There are three routes with a ton of stops that cover pretty much all of DC and parts of Arlington, VA. The next time someone visits, I'm saving my feet and doing this again. But watch your head and don't get decapitated..

LXX. Virginia History Pt. 3: National Museums

Favorite quotes:

"We're like two peas in a pod,

two corns on a cob."

"Your car's been revvin at you."

"She's got tourettes."

"Why don't you git er done?"

"I ain't payin no more child support!"

"Let's just play it by.. numbers?"

"I think you meant by ear."

Day 3: Tour the Air&Space Museum, National Gallery of Art,

& the Natural History Museum

Today was a ridiculous day, but it was so fun and we learned a lot. I'm so tired that I refuse to write anymore for this post. Enjoy the random photographs..

Eat at Ben's Chili Bowl with some Jubilee alumni :}

Can't believe I get to hang with Shawn and Adam

outside of Korea- this is amazing. Jessica, you're next!

LXIX. Virginia History Pt.2: Thomas Jefferson

Facts I liked:

Thomas Jefferson could read, write and speak 7 languages.

His next endeavors were supposedly Gaelic, Arabic, and Greek.

Monticello was inspired by designs and inventions from around the world

(not just France) and put together by Jefferson himself, a self-taught architect.

What a babe...

Day 2: Tour Jefferson's home, Monticello in Charlottesville, VA

It's amazing how a person's home can really reflect the individual. Washington came from a Puritan background, with a heavy appreciation for nature and had plain, yet of high value, taste. You can see that pretty clearly just from pictures. But, around the time Jefferson came along, the Enlightenment was having its effect. His design and decor were more extravagant, based on foreign art and inventions. I mean, hello Grecian columns...

Besides that, Washington embraced the art of boarding visitors and therefore created a house that accommodated for them. It was open and inviting with lots of spare rooms. Jefferson was not as welcome and often saw a guest out minutes after they had just arrived. The rooms in the Monticello were made to spark conversation and inspire the visitor at first glance.

Both were great men with great ideals but totally different. Sorry TJ, but I made myself at home.

If and when I have a home, I want it to inspire AND comfort.

But that'll be a while...

LXVIII. Virginia History Pt.1: George Washington

Myth Busters:

George Washington did not have teeth made of wood.

They were made of hippo tusk and human teeth.

Washington did not live a private life.

His household had boarded 600+ guest during his presidency,

most of them complete strangers.. I could have been one of them...

Last night I picked up a dear friend, Susan, from California, whom I met while teaching in Korea. For 3 months we've been excited about her stay in VA/DC and now it's finally coming together! We've created an itinerary for her week long stay and.. sheesh.. it's packed. I should start a tour guiding business considering that I've done this 3 times now this summer alone. I do love DC and it's history though. I learn something new and incredible every time.

Day 1: Tour Washington's home, Mount Vernon

Walk around Old Town Alexandria, the Torpedo Factory and Christ Church

Surf 'n Turf dinner at Fish Market in Old Town

yummm...

Jealous? You should be.