Well, we have wound up a busy and interesting time in DC with training at the National Foreign Affairs Training Center, and consultations in Foggy Bottom.
Another thing we enjoyed in DC was eating good food.
At an Ethiopian restaurant a few blocks away from our hotel. We really enjoy Ethiopian food.
Genuinely nice folks and long-time family friends, John is sworn-in as a new U.S. Ambassador. We were honored to be invited to this ceremony in the Benjamin Franklin room on the 8th floor of the State Department.
Another place we liked to eat at was a Vietnamese spot around the corner that serves healthy and delicious food.
Chris & Lis invited us over to their place on Saturday, and we enjoyed lunch with new and old friends. Sadly, they are leaving the World Bank and going to New Zealand, so we are losing some close ties in DC.
On Sunday Mrs. Globetrotter and I went to the zoo. This bear seemed bored, but the Pandas were active. However, I forgot to take any photos.
Another fine place to eat is Duangrat's, an authentic Thai place about a mile down the road from the Homewood Suites hotel in Alexandria where we stayed. So good to eat Thai food again. I think we'll need to go there someday!
Anyway, I have to put in a plug for the Homewood Suites by Hilton, because in my humble opinion, it is a truly valuable little Foreign Service secret. Only 2 miles from FSI, one can almost walk there from the hotel, or drive in 5 minutes. As the name implies, the hotel has nice suites, which include two flat screen TV's, and a kitchenette. Bountiful full-course buffet breakfasts are served 7 days a week, and hot dinners are served 4 nights a week, which helps one save per diem dollars. Speaking of per diem, the suites are within the GSA per diem rates for DC. There is a bubbling whirlpool/jacuzzi, a refreshing little pool, and a decent fitness center. All this makes for a very nice place to stay in DC, and rack up hotel points to be used on future travels. Okay, I'll get off my soap box now. GRIN :)
A few days later we took my wife's cousins out for more Thai at a place they like, Benjarong.
We could eat sticky-rice and Mangoes every day of our life and still love it.
On evening after the Homewood Suites supper we walked down the street to DQ, something we miss overseas, and shared a Girl Scout cookie Blizzard.
The next Thursday we went to the Arlington County fair. It was a lot of fun, and a good opportunity to absorb a bit more American culture before heading abroad again for our next Foreign Service assignment.
We joined up with John & Judy for a couple of fun outings to explore new restaurants, including a Cuban restaurant and a Costa Rican restaurant nearby. Our time in DC was made more enjoyable with them.
A few days later we took my wife's cousins out for more Thai at a place they like, Benjarong.
We could eat sticky-rice and Mangoes every day of our life and still love it.
On evening after the Homewood Suites supper we walked down the street to DQ, something we miss overseas, and shared a Girl Scout cookie Blizzard.
The next Thursday we went to the Arlington County fair. It was a lot of fun, and a good opportunity to absorb a bit more American culture before heading abroad again for our next Foreign Service assignment.
We joined up with John & Judy for a couple of fun outings to explore new restaurants, including a Cuban restaurant and a Costa Rican restaurant nearby. Our time in DC was made more enjoyable with them.
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