D.C. Round Two

Aaron and I are trying to take advantage of our current proximity to some of our nation's most historic cities, so naturally Washington D.C. was a must on a free weekend. We had visited the capital two years ago for D.O. Day on the Hill, so for our second time around we hit different spots.

Highest on our list of must-sees was the National Archives, which houses one of the 4 original copies of the Magna Carta, the Bill of Rights, and the Constitution. Understandably, no photos are allowed to preserve the integrity of the documents. The fact that the seal remains intact on the Magna Carta astonished me, and original documents such as a draft of the Bill of Rights with notes made by a founding father in the margins made the museum well worthy of our time.

We took a stroll around the White House and its gardens. To tour inside, you must schedule well in advance through your local government, so that was obviously not an option on this spur-of-the-moment trip.
While we had visited several of the most famous and notable Smithsonian institutions on our previous visit, we hadn't stopped by The National Museum of The American Indian. The quality of the artifacts was amazing, as was the authenticity of the exhibits. We walked from tribe to tribe, viewing the basic tenants of their religion, family structure, and unique cultural past-times often narrated by tribe members. My favorite component, however, was the exhibit of South American gold, silver, and other precious metals. The ancient craftsmanship was magnificent.

And of course, we planned our dining destinations with equal care. We brunched at Paul Le Maison, where Aaron fell in love with this blueberry tart and I experienced my very first macaron. I chose pistachio, as evidenced by the vibrant green hue. I now understand the obsession with this Parisian delicacy. I am hooked!

The one dining spot we did duplicate was Hank's Oyster Bar in Dupont Circle. You can't be this close to the coast and not indulge in fresh and freshly prepared seafood. We sampled raw oysters from Virginia, shared popcorn shrimp and squid, and finished with grilled sea scallops and a lobster roll. How I wish this quality were available in our region!

We bid adieu to the city after enjoying lunch at Oyamel, an authentic Mexican restaurant recommended to us by both Fodor's and a waitress at Founding Farmers. They did not disappoint. We ordered the guacamole, which is presented on a platter containing all of its individual ingredients (including whole avocados) that are then mixed table-side. De-lish. I could sustain myself on chips and dip alone. Sadly, this is now a special treat for my new lifestyle.

Aaron knew it was authentic when he ordered a Coke and was surprised with a glass bottle from Mexico. Cane sugar - you can taste the difference.
Thanks for visually and gastronomically delighting us, D.C.! We shall return!