-
- Noon service at the Basilica for the 50th anniversary of the dedication of the 56-bell carillon gifted by the Knights of Columbus. (Mass lasted three hours!!!)
-
- After mass we took a tour of the Basilica. Marilynne, 85 years young, was our guide. She was AWESOME — knowledgeable, time-efficient, spunky and very funny. Best tour guide ever! (L to R: Me, Alicia, Marilynne and Linda)
-
- Yра! Drinks and dinner at Russia House. (L to R: Alicia, Me, Linda and Eric)
-
- Alicia toasts with one of the six 12 oz. vodka shots from the sampler we ordered — an experience unto itself. (I couldn’t leave out the dude in the background. He was super cranky when he first arrived, but as time passed and he drank more vodka, he became entertaining.)
-
- Bat for Lashes opened for Depeche Mode. They kind of reminded me of Siouxsie & the Banshees.
-
- Selfie of Alicia and me. Alicia had waited more than 20 years to see Depeche live.
-
- Depeche Mode … ten times better show than their 2006 tour. They definitely redeemed themselves.
My aunt Linda and cousin Alicia came down to visit me from up north for a few days. Here’s an accelerated version of our activities … lunch at Noodles & Co. — driving tour of Northern Va. — leisurely walk around Mosaic District — dinner at Matchbox — mass at the Basilica of the National Shrine of the Immaculate Conception — tour of the Basilica — Union Market — dinner at Coastal Flats — breakfast crepes at Clifton Cafe — tour of historic Clifton — tour of the National Museum of Natural History — tour of the National Museum of American History — tour of the National Portrait Gallery — dinner and drinks at Russia House — rooftop fun at night on Mass. Ave. — lunch at Good Stuff Eatery — visit to Old Post Office and clock tower — dinner at Bella Vita — Depeche Mode. Nonstop fun!