Last Glimpses of DC

I stayed securely under the speed limit the entire ride. My driver side window remained slightly open, letting the cool pre-Spring air into the car as I cautiously navigated the narrow twists and turns of Rock Creek Parkway. My mind was fixated on making sure I got to the airport without incident. But the glint of the Potomac River still caught my eye as my car passed over the Arlington Memorial bridge and I could not help but admire the white crosses of Arlington Cemetery that line Jefferson Davis Highway. I passed the colossal confines of the Pentagon and its sprawling parking lots as a republican Senator critiqued the recently proposed national stimulus plan and economic rescue package on CSPAN-Radio. I turned the dial from CSPAN and past NPR to a local music station and while listening to Jamie Foxx, Kanye West and T.I. my mind slowly drifted away from DC and politics.

Earlier in the day I finished packing my bags. I checked and rechecked, making sure my phone charger made its way into my luggage and that I hadn’t overlooked any of my laptop or camcorder accessories. I packed gifts for my Brazilian family and friends along with clothing sufficient for a few weeks in the tropics. All of it fit into a medium sized duffle bag. I spent the morning talking to customer service representatives and city treasury employees on the phone, making sure all my bills and taxes were in order. I habitually checked the side pocket of my jeans, reassuring myself that I would under no circumstances forget my passport.

I parked my car in the garage at my office, a building in Arlington less than a mile from Reagan National Airport. I briefly met up with two of my work colleagues for lunch. They were keeping busy and productive with our client’s issues – issues that were slowly starting to fade into a distant place in my memory. One of them gave me a lift to the airport and shortly I had my boarding pass, made my way through security and was comfortably seated, waiting to take my seat on the plane. The TV screen by my departure gate shows Barack Obama urging the passage of the economic plan he supports. According to pundits, his popularity is still high, but it is clear that he has a tough job ahead of him. I am reminded of the general pessimism associated by our current economy, but those worries seem abstract and far away as I watch airplanes take off every few minutes from the runway visible from my terminal’s floor to ceiling window. I have not yet boarded my plane or taken off, but sitting in the airport I feel few miles away from the passed year and a half of my life. I find myself tapping my toes to subtle samba beats and bossa nova refrains as I subconsciously hum songs like the Girl from Ipanema and tunes from past Carnavals under my breath. A voice over the airport intercom calls for passengers on Flight 1219. The journey has begun.

It's About That Time

Today is the big day. Clear, blue skies in DC - a very good travel omen.

Getting Warmer

The District warmed today. The final remnants of last week's snow have finally melted, exposing drab yellow grass and a landscape still recovering from winter. I tooled all around the Metro DC area running last minute errands this morning and afternoon with a friend gracious enough to act as my chauffeur for the day. I stopped by my old apartment in Virginia and visited my former roommate to pick-up the random assortment of mail that still gets sent to that address. My passport and VISA seem to be in order. I worked my way through my 2008 tax returns. Most importantly, I got that crisp line-up at my barbershop (and I was reminded again how much I love barbershops - but that's a whole 'nother post.) Later in the evening I was able to purchase gifts for my Brazilian family. I bought my Brazilian mother, sister, and cousin Barack Obama t-shirts from Urban Outfitters (Obamania has no borders.) For my host brother - an Extreme Couture shirt (he's really into jiu jitsu and mixed martial arts) and for my father a workout shirt (he likes to work out.) I'm also bringing down assorted electronics as a sign of my appreciation and thanks (in advance) for their hospitality.


The excitement is building. I might try and pick up some more little gifts for the rest of the galera (gang.) Any suggestions? And if there are any requests for gifts from Brazil, let me know!

She Loves Everybody

Like I mentioned in an earlier post, the past few weeks in DC have been absolutely amazing. I ran into old friends from high school and college and attended some pretty amazing, sometimes star studded events. Luckily, two good friends from undergrad, DA and Max, who are now better known as the artistic duo Chester French, stopped by on the Friday before inauguration to perform songs from their upcoming album at an event hosted by the Center for American Progress. Unfortunately, I didn't have a chance to record their acoustic set, but their premier music video is now officially out on MTV. Check it out, and don't to forget to vote for them!

Chester French - New Music - More Music Videos

And for all those who I am leaving behind in the DC area, Chester French is going on tour with Lady Gaga and will be back in the district on Thursday, April 2nd at the 930 Club. I'm sad that I will probably have to miss the show, but you should definitely check it out! Maybe they'll do some touring abroad?

It's A New Day?

The inauguration of our 44th President of the United States was an incredible sight to behold. Millions of inspired Americans convened on the National Mall for several days of events. Braving bitter cold and massive crowds, America celebrated the dawn of a new era of American leadership - mixing, mingling and celebrating under the awe inspiring shadows of the Lincoln Memorial, Washington Monument and Capitol Building. I was lucky enough to share this moment with friends from across the country, both old and new. And my new camcorder came in just in time to be able to document this very special occasion. President Barack H. Obama: Congratulations on your election and keep the country safe while I'm gone!



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