flashman181

I am taking a sickie

Ok I did do some things but really did sit in the sun for a couple of hours I middle of day just trying to get healthy. Boston is a great place but I am sick as a dog still so let’s pretend I am still a worker and actually just want to relax on this simply glorious ,if ball challenging , day . CLP would be impressed

Why break a perfect routine when you still have one lung left . Then usual breakfast before the walk to Union Station for Amtrak to Boston. Shock, horror we finally had a glorious day

I use the red caps when train is originating from point so got on nice and easy and had pick of seats which doesn’t mean a lot really . This was a fairly crowded train and 6.5 hrs of mingling to go while gagging and sniffling with the best of them . Not a pleasant feeling in confined spaces . What could one do ?

Good wifi on board so was at least able to catchup on some games and do a bit of research on Boston . I have a feeling it may be more fun than Washington or maybe it’s

Trains tend to run on time so arrived at South Station just after 15:30 and caught a taxi to apartment in Beacon Street. Seems like a great location near Boston Common and as a glorious, though very cold, afternoon headed out after a quick check of roof top. Had the obligatory beer at the real ” Cheers” and a quick squiz for the Good Will Hunting bench in Public Garden with no luck. By now the cool weather was taking its impact on my weary body so thought best to head home and rug up. On third floor so may be some traffic noise at night, only time will tell. If this cold ever pisses off could see myself enjoying the next few days especially if the ability to actually taste beer ever returns 😦

No, not what some of you rude people are thinking but rather that magical time of hope and excitement that was JFKs presidency . But first , cough up a lung and then my usual breakfast across the road at Jimmy T’s. Early morning and the day showed some promise weather wise

It was spitting when I left …..

Today’s plan was to visit Arlington Cemetery and Georgetown. Arlington is an impressive place indeed and can’t help but make one take pause. As with many memorials in USA there is an understated simplicity to most and while JFKs grave site is suitably restrained you can’t beat the simple white cross of RFK to grab your eye and make you stop and ponder . The Yanks do these things well

Adjacent to the cemetery is the equally impressive Iwo Jima memorial . Against the magnificent backdrop of the more recognisable Washington monuments it is best viewed as the flag raised against leaden skies

Then it was back on metro to Georgetown to track down the famous Martins Tavern where a young JFK proposed to Jackie most notably although a favourite haunt of many Presidents apparently. Booths are suitably marked and being there right on opening time enabled me to snag the cherished Booth 3 even if had to put up with the pitiful look from waiter when informed of ” party for 1″ . Hey it’s a romantic place , some hot chick might turn up. At this stage I would settle for a plain looking Respiratory Physician! The beer was cold and the food simple but filling. It was all about the atmosphere and cheesy photo opportunity so ordered the cheesy main course

It was a cool pleasant day for walking around as all showers passed and was a productive morning. Caught the slowest DC circulator bus ever home to Union Station and then wandered home for last afternoon in town .Will head out for a coffee soon and pick up some dinner and then time to pack as relatively early train in morning. Still sick as a dog which has coloured the last few days and fair to say that initial concerns about a whole week in Washington were probably right. Everything needed to go right to make most of week. Baltimore was great and there were certainly some highlights but once the White House tour fell through the alarm bells were ringing . Still it is a great town for folk fascinated in US politics as I am and I know who I will be voting for in 2016

Off to Boston tomorrow but first will catch up on Season 2 of Better Call Saul tonight . I could grow to like this On Demand gig. Wish weather worked the same way .

So , must have pissed off Old Whiskers along the way somehow. Nasty cold has returned and weather is miserable. I could take one or the other but both ? And remember already had the disappointment of missing out on my White House tour today . Insiders finally admitted that Obama had used an Executive Order to block me so that Michelle wouldn’t be tempted. The problems of an IBF/International Stud Muffin eh. So if you don’t mind for the next 5 mins…..

Ok that’s done lets get back to my usual cheery disposition. First up is breakfast at Jimmy T’s if for no other reason than it opens at 06:30 and have been coughing up a lung since 05:30

Plan then was to swim down to Union Station and catch the Red DC Ciculator out to Jefferson Memorial et al. It’s a good service for $1 per ride. The one advantage of early start and gloomy weather is no crowds. Then onto FDR memorial and MLK memorial . Luckily had seen the first two in better weather with CLP several years ago but good to see the finished MLK one. Then it was back on bus to Union station and a coffee and some souvenir shopping. Then drop into supermarket on way home for some supplies . Weather is predicted to get much worse this afternoon but determined to head out at 11:30 for that birthday drink when pubs open. After that have my storm supplies in . Of course with my throat I can’t tell whether it is a Shiraz or a Merlot. Oh wait, there is a label duh!

After pub visit will catch up on some TV. This on demand deal is sweet. Alicia and some Gallaghers will fill in some hours . If we lose power will simply smash my head on empty wine bottle and get some sleep

Weather is supposed to clear tomorrow and if does plan is Arlington in morning and back to Georgetown in afternoon . And by then hopefully it will be

Wouldn’t you know it . The weather forecasters here didnt go to same clown school our Aussie folk do and actually get it right a lot if times. So rain has set in for day leading into my 40 hour birthday celebration. It’s the only reason I leave home for my birthday . If I could snag a few friends in San Francisco could stretch to 43 hours!

Will update this blog as day progresses and see how I go filling it in – not my strength folks. First up though can splish splash across the road to Jimmy Ts for some typical diner breakfast . As always very friendly people which means I have to talk. One other customer ( well it was 6:30 am) and just my luck he works at Capitol. Discussing rainy day options he suggested a Capitol visit and even gave me a card. Well why not , been there done that already but maybe will see something new . The pubs are not open yet . The problem of course is dressing for the 500 m walk in rain and then entering a climate controlled furnace with a few frisks in my immediate future. Hey, it’s almost my birthday after all 🙂 Did I mention I forgot to pack an umbrella ?

The rain was a bit like Palmer United Party – mainly nuisance value – so set off around 0815 for first tour and was a little dismayed to see about 60 people lined up including school kids. We broke into small groups though so all good and despite having done a tour previously the small group allowed us to go into some small rooms had not been in previously. Sadly the rotunda inside was also full of scaffolding but had seen before and could easily slip in an old photo to fool you but I wouldn’t do that to such a dedicated bunch of ardent admirers. Then took the tunnel to Library Of Congress mainly because it beats walking in the rain. A morning well filled in with some edumacation and once again only Aussie in group so when explaining US politics to them I spoke slowly. Sadly spending so much time in artificial temperatures seems to have freshened up my nagging cold thought had beaten. This can only mean one thing . Time to switch to brandy

So a quick team meeting came up with the not surprising vote of 1-0 to head out in the drizzle and go looking for Sailors at Navy Yard. And then maybe a walk to Jefferson Memorial . Google Maps was designed by a male so naturally when it said 45 mins walk more like 30. Well Hello Sailor is that Blue Jacket Brewery I see? And it is my birthday somewhere. And is raining . Team? Thanks guys

Alas when I stumbled out 3 hrs later it was raining more heavily so no Memorial today. A quick check of the baseball stadium and lo and behold is that the DC Circulator bus across the street? Yay, time to get home and out of these soaking wet clothes . Not a bad effort for a rainy day after all .

For a 57 yr old. Yeah it still the 23rd here ok 😉

The weather forecast held so full steam ahead for Baltimore. Up nice and early so still dark when left dressed like Nanook of the North. Up in Capitol Hill area more cops then anyone else around at this time of day which is a nice feeling. Also means there must be a donut shop nearby. Sweet. Lovely time of day for couple of quick snaps while wandering down to Union station. Arrived nice and early as is my want which left only real option of coffee from Au Bon Lotta Pain. Disappointing as expected but train boarded on time for leisurely hour ride to Baltimore

Alighted at Penn Station to a brisk and clear booteful day. Now my research ( note addendum coming) informed me about the Charm City Circulator which was a free service that shock horror went around city in circles. Gasp. I had planned a rainbow route mixing Purple, Orange and Green but first the purple one that served Penn St. Found a nearby stop and not sure if north or south but no big deal owing to aforementioned circular nature of conveyance. As my wonderful app said next bus in 4 mins did not want to go searching for other direction stop. Now you get what u pay for with free services and it finally arrived 20 mins later chock full of locals no doubt. A very slow NORTH ride and 20 mins later I was at the southbound stop for Penn Station and had already made 3 firm friends and a couple of possibles. After another 15 minutes of close quarter combat arrived at Inner Harbour and gladly got off vowing to walk wherever possible that day . And I did

There were 3 main items on agenda – harbour, Babe Ruth and American Visionary Art Museum. As the Loaf would say

The harbour was glorious and in the distance could see some stadium lights so headed in general direction and lucked out with easy access into ballpark itself. Then around the corner to the Babe Ruth museum . Then the penny dropped

NEWSFLASH Baltimore is closed on Mondays

Well the museums are anyway. And so in future will have that to add that to my rigorous research . Not a museum boffin of course but these two looked interesting . Still with the weather forecast saying rain from tomorrow on then today was really only day to come to Baltimore and the glorious weather confirmed that . Still decided to walk to other side of harbour to see AVAM as knew it was a quirky structure. Even climbed up to Federal Hill for stunning views of harbour. Google maps said 37 min walk to Penn station and that will do me. Of course when you walk the streets you find interesting sights like the Washington monument . And of course did find another Irish pub for lunch and beer. Talk about the luck of the Irish. I am growing very fond of Blonde Guiness . She is the barmaid .

So another day trip accomplished and tres enjoyable and still time for afternoon drinkies. 3 days left in Washington and not a lot planned after White House visit fell through and dreary weather on way . Time to google pubs with coat racks and fireplaces methinks. I wonder if there are actually any yank pubs here?

Later dudes

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

So much happened after 3 pm it needed a second blog. Wish I could do 2 blogs a day everyday on holidays . Ya with me ? 🙂

So when last we left our hero he was relaxing after a long squawk. After much research the one pub I wanted to visit was the boxing themed The Pug on H street . Sadly it did not open until 5 pm and it was now 3 pm and a good 30 minute walk. Ergo, we need some time filler so lets start with Ebenezer Coffee which is highly regarded and strangely linked to a church. If there had been a confession box I would have to have said ” Your coffee is bad ”

My knowledge of the alphabet indicated that A was still a distance from H but still plenty of time so we shall go past first pub to second pub –Biergarten Haus. German theme so didn’t mention the war . 4 pm on a Saturday and the place was jumping. The outdoor garden was packed sausage to sausage so to speak but did find a place at the indoor bar and started on first half litre. Why drink one litre like the noobs when you can get two half litres with different varieties ? Time for some food too so got some pretzel rolls which came with cheese and mustard. I have had a sore throat for a few weeks now. In addition I now have a scorched throat – damn that mustard was hot .

By now it was 16:45 so time to enter the ring . Now this is a dive bar with a small front as per photo so was surprised with the line up outside but no matter . 5 pm came and went and starting to wonder when a guy starts walking down the line taking numbers on his iPad. The people in front were told 20 minutes .WTF?? The beers must come with lap dance as well . He comes to me and says ” Are u here for the turkey Raman feast?” or something similar . ” No pal I just want a beer duh!” ” Oh u want the pub ? It’s just that little door there to your right” Oops ” Thank you sir , you have a nice day y’all Yee ha ” Couldn’t let on I was an Aussie . So yeah it was a dive bar alright but still fun and a strong Ali presence

Left after just the one beer and walked straight past a Hookah bar . Now this was tempting . Did I mention this was very much a black neighbourhood- not that there is anything wrong with that . There were a lot of Rasta types though sitting in the lounge so thought would give it a miss as darkness was approaching and still had a fair walk ahead of me . May go back midweek

Forecast reminds for some rain next few days so just have to hope my usual holiday luck holds out

I have a dream . One day they will ban internal heating. Seriously it is not Antartica . The Native Americans knit all those blankets for a reason you know . Use them ya clowns . And if have (locked) temp set to ” sweat at night” then why even have blankets on the bloody beds? And then the pump kicks in at midnight and the whole room shakes. The bed hasn’t moved around so much since that one odd encounter with Elsie the Epileptic.

So as usual get up early and head outdoors in shorts and singlet . Ok, that won’t work. Break out the beanie and try again. As detailed in earlier confidential memos I was bit concerned about my visiting window. Past the snow times but not Spring yet so places like Reflecting Pool were closed . It was pleasant walking weather indeed but I prefer “bone chilling cold” like NYC last year or pleasant like Dallas was . That way you don’t get caught out with wrong clothes on 5 k from home when it starts out cold and thaws rather quickly

NEWSFLASH Washington is dead at 7:30 on a Saturday morning . The only people out are runners and dog walkers . And one strange Cat Cuddler. The weather forecast was not so good for the next few days after today with some rain likely so thought would do the mall walk from Capitol to Lincoln and then around to Michelle’s place . A solid two hours taking my time but expecting to get breakfast first before walking meant by about 09:30 I was a tad hungry

UPDATE Washington is dead at 09:30 on a Saturday morning. Walked in general direction above White House but so desperate by 10 am I did the unthinkable and went to Starbucks. Now I had read they now do flat whites and to be fair it wasn’t too bad. It was still a grey overcast day but warming up a bit so thought let’s be devilish ( nudge nudge) and head out to Georgetown now and on to Foggy Bottom. I had not imbibed yet so Google maps and the transit app had me catching a bus nearby and getting off near Prospect Street to check out the Exorcist steps. Can I walk to Foggy Bottom from GW? Of course, but first need some sustenance after those scary steps. Ah at the Irish pub is open. Stayed away from National Cathederal as the Scalia service was on

Checked out the Watergate “Complex” as now called and also the JFK Centre for Performing Arts which was rather impressive. Then it was on to the Foggy Bottom Metro for trip back to Eastern Market. Now it appears that DC metro is notoriously bad on weekends and today was no different with a lot of ” single” track in use. By now I was rather warm in the winter woollies and the train was standing room only. Standing still for 10 minutes was not pleasant but eventually we moved again. Kinda like that time with Elsie……Now where was I ? Eastern Markets was in full swing when I arrived so had a look around but by now had been walking pretty solid for over 5 hrs so picked up some lunch and headed home. Will chill for a couple of hours and do some research before heading out later for drinking . Chill of course being a euphemistic term given the hole in the ozone layer has moved in upstairs

Once again a day with no real plans had been very productive. Have a walking Foodie tour booked for tomorrow so hope rain holds off. Now to search google for a Stumbling drinking tour nearby

Final morning in Dallas all went smoothly but by time I got to airport I felt like an overworked Mohel with all the tipping I did! Check in was smooth and thought would see if my Qantas Club card got me into AA Admirals club – and it did. On way to said lounge did pass the Dallas Cowboys Bar and all its bright lights were somewhat enticing. Still can’t drink on empty stomach though eh so did go to club for some porridge and a change of incontinence pad with the other dullards. Before long though was drawn back to the lights …..

Boarding was smooth as well and we left on time and after a mere two and a bit hours landed at Ronald Reagan Aitport on an overcast and coolish day . While initially planning to use Metro didn’t feel like the hassle after sitting in plane and with a quote of only $15 for taxi why not. Got into house fine and all unpacked before going for a walk to unwind. Of course as usual the house had its thermonuclear heater on full blast – do these people walk around naked or something?? This did mean that I did wander out a bit under done in the clothing department . It was 3 pm and a brisk 5 degrees outside but walking quickly would help. It is the Capitol area near the Supreme Court and the streets were crowded . Had news leaked of my pending arrival ? Ah no that’s right the body of Justice Sciala was lying ” in state” today at the court.

I do need to stop walking around with a cheery disposition though as it encourages people to engage . Apparently. So am minding my own business looking at all the scaffolding on the Capitol when this clown walks up to me and says
” Do you know you look like Lee Marvin” . ” I am Lee Marvin . I faked my death. Now fuck off before I go all Liberty Valance on your ass ” Geez now I know how hard it is for Brad Pitt to walk the streets . Speaking of which time for some FaceTime with my Angelina. She must be gagging for it by now .

After that will need to plan the next few days as having seen Washington before need to dig a bit deeper beneath the surface to get most out of second visit.

Or at least line up a varied list of pubs to try