We left Bluffton before noon on Monday and drove to Emporia, Virginia. In the morning we continued the drive to Washington and managed to avoid all rush hour traffic. We arrived at Brian's new building and settled in. We had lunch at a small grocery and then Brian and I walked to the National Portrait Gallery. This license plate art was in the entry hall and we saw this gallery sign. The Osher family sponsors our local senior adult learning center at USCB.
It was exciting to see the portraits of Michelle and Barack Obama. Both are stunning and we also saw some other exhibits of contemporary and military figures.
LL Cool J
This life size scene cracked me up!
When we tried to leave we were caught in a fierce thunderstorm. Luckily Brian had an umbrella, but we got soaked anyway. We ducked into a Starbucks and then got an Uber to take us home.
After a nap the sun came out and it was time to go to dinner in Foggy Bottom and then take a shuttle to Kennedy Center. It was exciting to see this iconic theatre and we had to go through a metal detector wanding to gain entry to the auditorium. The show is incredible and the music is rap, Broadway and ballads. Performances were wonderful. The words are exceptional. In short, fantastic!
During intermission we tried to contact our friend Michael who is the dance coordinator for the tour. Jeff sent his business card backstage and Michael texted us to come to the stage door after the show. We found Michael and were so glad to see him after many years. We got a tour of the backstage and met some of the cast members.
Then we went onstage and took some photos.
A perfect ending to the evening. Afterwards we took an Uber with Michael and he stopped in to say hello to Brian.
Woke up on Wednesday to a sunny, beautiful day. Around 11:00 we walked to a coffee shop and met Michael along with his wife, Liz and their two year old daughter, Evelyn. What a cutie she is and so verbal. We loved meeting this little girl who is the granddaughter of our dear friends.
Jeff, Brian and I headed to the Mall to visit the Smithsonian National Museum of African American History and Culture. This museum is about a year old and very popular. We were lucky to get in without advance passes. The odd shaped building has a metal mesh outside. Inside the exhibits were arranged on three floors below ground. starting with slavery and continuing through the Civil War and finally into the 60’s, 70’s, and ending with icons like Oprah and the first black president Barack Obama. Lots to see here and very educational. A must see museum.
Sadly, our Lowcountry was featured in several displays and pictures.
The words to Lift Every Voice were displayed on a wall.
Words from President Obama.
Afterwards we took a walk to the White House and viewed it from the South lawn and then from Pennsylvania Avenue.
We Ubered home and rested before dinner. Rori got home from work and we went to the Unconventional Diner. This upscale diner has eclectic food and delicious. We started with an appetizer of roasted kale nachos. Can't really explain, but loved eating this dish. I had a lentil stew with Lebaneh, a Lebanese yogurt, falafel and fried onions. Later we walked to the City Center and had sorbet and gelato. Now we are watching TV and leaving in the morning.
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