We went to the Cheesecake Factory last night for dinner (one of the other people who is going through training with us had a birthday and wanted to go there). I had never been and was excited. However, when we left, I was disappointed.
We started off with nachos (they were good). Next, Cyndi and I split a burger (it was ok, but I prefer Red Robin or 5 Guys) We finished with cheesecake (Cyndi had the original with strawberries, I had the chocolate peanut butter cookie dough. I was disappointed and unimpressed.)
For the hype and price, I expected more. The food was good but not enough so to justify the price while I’ve had better cheesecake made by Cyndi (at home in a premade crust never the less). Unless someone just really wants to go, I probabaly won’t be going back.
Yesterday we were given an opportunity to go into DC. For us, it was neat, but not very different. Having lived in Richmond for two years, we had been to DC several times (though never with Lydia). But, for others in our training class, it was a first: first time in DC, first time on a Metro/subway, etc….
We took some busses to DC and were dropped off at Union Station. For more information about that, see this post. We had some tasks we had to accomplish relating to observing/helping internationals, etc…. But we also took some time for a bit of sightseeing. If you want to see some pictures, they are below…
It was a great experience and we were able to help a few people and just model Christ’s love by having a good attitude and being kind and friendly.
We did a tremendous amount of walking (except for Lydia!), including a few extra blocks when we got turned around coming out of the metro station. Our time was really flying and it was way past time for lunch when we realized there were no “international” restaurants in sight. So we ended up at Chipotle 🙂 Not exactly an adventure in ethnic cuisine, but it sure was tasty!
It was nice to enjoy some familiar landmarks and we are especially thankful that the rain held off until the end of the day. It was overcast and a little breezy at times, but it was a nice early spring day and we were on the metro headed back to Union Station before the first drop fell!
We are also very thankful that Lydia is such a good traveler. We were on a tour bus with no seatbelts, which meant no car seat. Safety wasn’t as big a concern as keeping her entertained, but she did great…just playing, snacking, getting passed around… It was a pretty fun time for all of us:^)
Lydia and Cyndi looking at the US Capitol
YAY! We are in Washington DC!
The Jefferson Memorial as we are on our way to Union Station
The Indonesian Embassy looks just like a house from the outside
While in DC, we saw Marine One flying.
Lydia in front of the Washington Monument
Lydia with President Lincolin
Lydia and the Mall
Just some random Lydia picture to fill up space
Lydia and the bus ride
Our friends were very helpful
First time on the Metro!
Lydia even did a good job standing up
We ate lunch at a Chipotle
It was hard riding in the stroller all day
Asleep on the way home
We had a great time, but, right now, it is time for breakfast. I’d better get going so I we can eat and get everyone ready for class today. I imagine we’ll blog more about it later.
Yesterday when we went to DC, one of the places we visited was Union Station. I’d never been so I took some pictures. Well, shortly after that, I had some cop come up and hassle me for taking pictures. He said something about needing permission from the building owner. Well, this morning, I google for photographer’s rights and find tons of things. Just like I 1/2 way expected yesterday, I was well within my rights to take pictures there. I’ll remember this for next time.
Friday wa shot day, again. One of the things that happened was a TB test. We have to have it read this morning, and that got me to thinking…is this a test I want to pass, or fail.
One could say that a pass means I don’t have TB, but if the test indicates the exposure to TB, wouldn’t a pass mean I had been exposed? On the other hand, a fail could be good (meaning I haven’t been exposed to TB so the test is negative), but since when is it ever good to fail anything?
I came across this article on Boing Boing a day or so ago about a photo exhibit on the trains of West Virginia in Grafton. if you are close, you should go check it out.
