The forecast was a bit grim and by all accounts appeared on track for some rain. I do a lot of research for these trips . Pubs just don’t pop up on street corners in front of me ya know .As such I knew that DC metro on weekends was horrendous with track work so allowed myself over 2 hrs to make the 30 min 2 subway trip to U street for today’s Walking Foodie Tour. I like walking tours because it thins the herd and you don’t get the geriatrics coming along. Nothing ruins a fun day quicker than some whinny old 55 yr old tagging along and slowing down the parade . So stopped in for a very pleasant coffee at Eastern Market on way and was quickly on first subway heading to the central L’enfant Plaza . Yeah we sat at a station for 5 minutes but “sat” was the important word here . As opposed to standing with great unwashed. Hopped off at LE and had to go up escalators to catch a green or yellow train to U. Now due to single tracks in use all trains in both directions left from same platform. What could go wrong? If I see any train drivers in pub after going to ask him what Line he drives on! Approaching said platform a yellow train was there with doors open. Why not ? 50:50 chance , plenty of time. We headed off and then realised I was in wrong direction as Pentagon was next stop. Perhaps the Abrahams tank in the second carriage should have been the clue. So got off at Pentagon, inspected the troops, and hopped back on next train going back. Back at LE and waiting patiently, if a little ticked off when sure enough some Sheila came up to me and asked ” What train do I catch to Arlington?” ” A slow moving one Sweetheart! Do you see an MTA cap on my head ??” Seriously at this rate I may have to pull out my gay Aussie cap but then will likely get mistaken for Hugh Jackman and don’t need that hassle . Again
So duly arrived in plenty of time and checked out some street art ( note research done again) The Paul Robeson one was particularly impressive because if you download a free app every time you point phone at a circle on wall it plays a video and music . Our tour kicked off in a bunch of 6 including guide who was 7 months pregnant . More alcohol for me ! Started at Bens famous Chilli Bowl for a fat laden treat and then onto a brunch at Matchbox and some great empanadas at Fast Gourmet. The place was in a garage and looked a dive but this why u go on booked tours . Then a long walk filled with interesting historical facts (apparently) along the way until we arrived at Ethete for our Ehtiopian lunch. No wonder they are skinny bastards . Then an ordinary coffee followed by a very sweet tea ended the trip which only meant one thing. I needed a beer . Luckily there was a German beer garden a closed face 8 iron away and as luck would have it there was a stunning Liz Taylor mural on the wall adjacent . It was a great day
Then we had the Metro trip home . First leg was ok but at LE was ridiculous. Once again only one platform in action and the overhead display only showed times for trains normally using this platform. Not the trains heading in the other direction. So if it’s blue or orange and turns up at a non displayed time jump on. 20 mins wait and it finally arrived. And here is a tip MTA . Check the on board speakers for dead squirrels because there is no way can understand what is being said with that static and it is kinda important given the lack of info at the actual bloody station!
Tomorrow is off to Baltimore if weather is ok
flashman181 