Nomad Life - Day 207

Day Trip to DC!  After repositioning from Central Virginia, I had an opportunity to head into the City to get a new ID badge and visit with my work colleagues.  To make this happen, though, I had to remember all the lessons I'd learned during more than 10 years of living in Alexandria.  So, I got up at 0500 (before alarm, I guess because of the anticipation) and got ready to depart.  I would actually have left immediately but had to wait for the breakfast at the Best Western (Springfield) to open at 0630.  And they were late...  After scarfing down my food, I left the hotel (0645) and drove to the Franconia-Springfield Metro Station (Park & Ride garage).  Fortunately, I was able to get on a DC-bound Blue Line Train that departed at 0700.  At the King Street / Old Town Alexandria Station (0710), I changed to a Yellow Line train and then continued on to L’Enfant Plaza (arrived at 0730).  It was only a short walk to the Security Office and I was the only customer at that time - as a result, I completed all the required tanks and got my shiny new ID badge by 0830.  During this window, my tentative plans with my cousin, Elizabeth H, fell through (she was feeling sick).  Fortunately, I'd texted a colleague (Thais) about my arrival (but almost no one else) and managed to meet up with her in the same building.  It was great to see her!  I did learn that she was planning to retire very soon - that will definitely be the end of an era...  Together, we took a Shuttle Bus over to the Navy Yard (left at 0845).  Thais showed me where to enter the building and then took me to the cubicle area where our project team now works (they recently changed office buildings after many years at L'Enfant).  For several hours, I mingled with my co-workers (including my outgoing client) and attended meetings in-person.  It seemed like everyone was very glad to see me!  Since I didn't want to get stuck in the city by staying too late, I said goodbye to everyone at 1145 and departed the building.  By then, it had gotten very hot (low 80s) outside but I was pleased to see that we had another wonderfully sunny day.  During the morning hours, I'd tried to coordinate with several people to meet for lunch - in the end, I made plans with Bridgette C (daughter of my late friend, Chris) in the U Street area of the city.  After entering the Metro System again at Navy Yard, I took a Green Line train to U Street (arrived at 1205).  As I was exiting the turnstile, I noticed a sign that explained how I could add my WMATA SmarTrip card to my Apple iPhone wallet - this will greatly improve my experience and keep me from getting stuck if I forget a "hard copy".  With that task completed, I walked to Busboys and Poets (located on 14th Street) - Bridgette joined me there at 1225.  For over an hour, we ate a great lunch and caught up with each other on life and work.  I'm very glad we were able to meet!  After saying goodbye at 1335, I walked (via 14th Street) to McPherson Square.  My main goal was to cut out a Metro train transfer but I also thought it might be nice to visit the White House.  A few times, I even thought about how it might be nice to stop by Ford's Theater (to watch events connected with the Lincoln Assassination on this date) or even head back to Waterfront (to visit the Titanic Memorial on the anniversary of the collision with the iceberg).  In the end, though, I just kept on target...  When I arrived at the latter location (1400), I found the area in front of it and the nearby Lafayette Square were under major construction.  I assume this was due to the upcoming 250th Birthday of the USA.  There were a few protesters but they weren't very enthusiastic.  By then, it was even hotter (high 80s) so I was looking to get out of the sun myself.  I walked a bit farther west to reach the Farragut West Station - on the way, I actually saw a Farragut Statue.  After boarding a westbound Blue Line train, I got stuck with some track delays.  Because I wasn't certain about how long it would take me to get back to my car, I actually got off the train at Pentagon City for a "bio break".  Ultimately, I arrived at Franconia Springfield Station at 1450 and was back at my hotel room by 1505.  Since I hadn't finished my telework day, I spent a bit more time online, taking care of work projects.  All of the running around, heat and extra work in my comfy room made me feel sleepy and I ended up taking an hour long nap (1700 to 1800) after work.  Actually, I might have gone longer but Mollie called...  Along the way, I skipped dinner and spent time watching movies.  At 2130, I went to the Fitness Center to work out again.  This time, though, I only rode the stationary (recumbent) bike for 20 minutes (4 miles).  Finished with my day at 2200, I returned to my room for some more movies and only went to bed at 2330.  Altogether, today's work trip into our Nation's Capital was a success!