Getting Away

We had no plans for Saturday and I was so emotionally drained after all the horror and non-stop news coverage of Friday's tragedy  we just wanted to get away from the tv and enjoy the fresh air.  The flags throughout the city were at half mast as they were around the rest of the country.

I did a quick internet search and found an art show going on in Rosslyn near the Metro so we headed that way first.  Lots of interesting things but very pricey.  My favorites were an artist who used things from computers to make jewelry.  Cute rings made from keyboard keys, colorful necklaces from memory boards, etc.  Very clever. Artisphere is where the show was held.

 This wall was in the lobby.  Little cuttings in these pockets with a watering system.  Would love to have one of these in a house.  With someone else to take care of it!

We kept passing people dressed like this all over town and when I asked what they were doing they all just said, "We're out spreading joy and good will!"  We passed a family of "santas' with two little kids who were handing out candy canes to other little ones they would pass.  I found it especially touching after the tragedy of the day before.                          We happened upon the Holiday Mart going on near the Portrait Gallery.  Again, many great vendors but since we had no shopping to do we just enjoyed the beauty of everything.  Also some live music going on as well.

After walking for a couple of hours we stopped at a restaurant to grab some lunch.  Very small servings (our waiter recommended 3-4 choices per person but our pocket book didn't allow for that) so we each kind of sampled and shared.

Baby cactus salad, a beef and a pork taco, a chicken tamale and finished with a sort of french fry topped with a mole sauce. That was my least favorite but rest was very delicious! 

 Our walk continued and as we got closer to the mall we saw more and more Santas and once we reached the carousel there were hundreds!

Yes, there were even drag queen santas!

Turns out it's called Santarchy and is celebrated around the country.  They just wander around the city handing out naughty gifts to adults and nice treats to children.  You don't have to be dressed as Santa, but definitely holiday inspired.  Looked like a blast and we will definitely look at participating next year!

We went into the Smithsonian Visitor Center to look around.  Gift shops, cafe, some history and a short funny film narrated by Ben Stiller. Interesting.     We headed out the back way to look at the gardens and to get a better look at the gorgeous building.

We just kept walking with no real destination in mind.  This long street was basically deserted so we had the whole place to ourselves.

When we got to the end of the street we realized how close we were to home!  Right on the waterfront so we walked down to the dock and wrapped up our day along the water's edge.  Some people who live on their boats year round had them decorated for Christmas. It was a beautiful day and many hours out wandering (most of the time with no clue where!) but we never feel lost and with all the Metro stops we can always get our bearings.  Continue to feel fortunate to be having this experience.