At noon I went to the Long Dog Cafe for lunch, my usual spot for a holiday lunch. The fare was Dog Collars (onion rings) and the Greek Pizza Pie.
I was joined by a friend with whom I was going to view the Cherry Blossoms in the District after lunch. I wished her a Happy Passover and she wished me a Happy Easter and made the pointed observation in a playful dig at my cultural myopia that pizza, being made from leavened dough, thus was unsuitable for her consumption during the religious holiday.
It being Sunday, we found free parking on Haines Point and walked to the Tidal Basin from there. The beautiful Cherry Blossom trees ringing the circular tidal pond were given to the United States by Japan in 1912 in a gesture of friendship.
The blossoms were blooming, a wonderful explosion of muted pink and soft off-white petals. Ducks glided around the Tidal Basin, oblivious to the hectic pedestrian tumult on the pathway above the retaining banks.
The splash of colors went on and on, all the way around the Tidal Basin. The day, though overcast, was temperate and made the stroll very pleasant despite the crowds on the confined walkways.
After about four miles of walking and viewing, we made our way back to our car and noted that the District had left a Welcome note to visitors and residents alike on a long row of illegally parked cars in the form of $50 tickets, with the notation "tow requested" marked on them, in its ever-increasing venal quest for revenue through the proliferating use of parking restrictions and speed, red light and stop sign cameras. Hey, we're glad you're here!
The day was ended on a flavorful note as we enjoyed homemade ice cream at a local confectionary shop. The cherry blossom blooms are still at peak so visitors should get here soon to view them in their full glory, but be sure to study the parking signs when you park.
No comments:
Post a Comment