Checking out D.C.

I was on duty for work last weekend but still managed to get out and do a few things.

Press club
Friday night, I met a friend for drinks at the Press Club bar. I had been in the building previously for a few things (former job interviews and while I was interning out here six years ago), but never in the bar. It was pretty cool. I mean, you can't beat a bar full of journalists, really.

Bikers beware
A friend from college who lives in D.C. offered me a free bike. She had bought a new one and was wanting to get rid of her old one, which isn't in the best shape but still works. Since I haven't had a bike since about eighth grade, a free bike seemed to be the best kind for me at the moment. So, I picked it up from her Saturday and brought it back to Silver Spring on the Metro. I haven't used it since then, but the cats have enjoyed sniffing it and climbing on it.

Supreme tour
I have the good fortune of having a friend out here whose roommate is currently clerking for Clarence Thomas, associate justice of the Supreme Court. (I've never been to law school, but I think that would be one sweet gig.) I was able to join in a tour he gave on Sunday. The court was pretty empty and quiet (though apparently Chief Justice John Roberts was around and working). We saw the chamber and justice's office and even the basketball court above the chamber. (I shot the ball but wasn't very athletic on Sunday.)

National Harbor
Also on Sunday, I ended up at National Harbor in Prince George's County, Maryland. I made the trip with some others who wanted to see a large statue called "The Awakening." It resembles a giant climbing out of the ground and was moved to this new development area about a year ago. We didn't spend too long in the area, but from what I could tell, National Harbor is a very commercial shopping area that they would like to grow into some kind of upscale, tourist destination. Perhaps, the announcement that Disney is building a hotel resort there will help.