Falls Church, VA (USA)

Woke up later than I wanted... Had lots to do today - familiarization with the local area, navigation of the Metro and a late party at my friend, Kim's. Found my way back to South Van Dorn and then located the station (parking is free on weekends!). When I went in to get a SmartTrip card that Lee had told me about, the machine was out of order. The "helpful" folks who worked there told me to go to another station to buy one. On the way out of the parking lot I noticed that they only take SmartTrip cards to exit (would have been stuck on a weekday!). Drove back towards I-495, looking for car repair shops as I went (no luck, most closed on Sunday...). Backtracked to the Franconia-Springfield station I saw yesterday. On the way, I found a CVS and was able to buy a card (thanks, Lee!). At the Metro station, I saw lots of Redskins fans heading over to the game (in Maryland). Successfully charged up my SmartTrip card. Decided next to look for the Huntington Metro stop, since it appears to be the easiest one for me to use (short trip to work on the Yellow Line). Ended up missing Huntington Avenue and found myself on Eisenhower East (nice) - found a Metro station, though, and a statue of Ike. In my attempts to get back across the Interstate I found myself in a lane that crossed the Potomac (oops). Turned around near Tim & Elizabeth's (National Harbor) and located the Huntington Station - looks like a good place to use. On the way back to Bob's, I drove around in some pretty old neighborhoods in the Belle Haven area. Did some unpacking and organizing and then took a two hour nap. Woke up refreshed and then headed over to Kim's party (scheduled for around 1900). It seems to get dark early around here, but maybe it is because everything seems unfamiliar anyway. Got lost a few times on the way (I-66 and then Westmoreland). Thank God for my iPhone "Maps" app... Still made it on time. Kim and I knew each other at Notre Dame but have only seen each other a few times during the last 20 years. It was a great visit - almost like no time had passed in between... Met her fiance, David, and her son, Jeremy. I also got to talk to some folks who brought their kids (about the age of my own) - about schools and standards. Sounds like a big adjustment for our family - not just Texas to Virginia, but Northern Virginia. Stayed for several hours before heading home. Jazzed up for my new job!