Adjaye in D.C. Pt.1

A few days ago I saw this article and nearly died! Two D.C. public libraries had been designed by ultra cool architect David Adjaye, whom I've blogged about before, and had recently been opened to the public. Clearly not up-to-date on my D.C. news, I didn't even know that these libraries were been re-constructed, let alone by Adjaye! While I knew that Adjaye is also the mastermind behind the upcoming African-American museum, I was just excited that there was already not one, but two, pieces of his work on hand to view right here in the here and now.

On Saturday, after nearly 7 hours on the road driving up from N.C., I convinced by friends to go completely out of our way to the other side of D.C. where none of us had ever been to check on one of the two libraries. Upon arrival at the Francis A. Gregory Library, we were all floored just by the outside of the building and got even more impressed throughout ever section of the interior. In addition, to being structurally beautiful, the whole space just felt so calm and relaxing just like a library should be. It's totally the kind of space where one wants to linger around just because you can! While I am totally jealous of the folks who get to call this their local library, I'm also so proud that my city decided to make such a beautiful investment in such a public space.

I also can't wait to eventually check out the other library that Adjaye did and will share pictures as soon as I can!

{Photo: Brandie Tendai}

Happy 4th!

{Photo: David Goldman via}

Weekend in Review

Good Monday Morning! Was your weekend full of interesting + fun activities? From Friday Night Out in Georgetown, to Saturday's Arts on Foot Festival and Sunday's Adam's Morgan Day (where this photo was shot), this weekend was another fun exploration of this wonderful that I also call home!

Any highlights from your weekend??

{Photo: Brandie}

Smelling Flowers

I can't believe I forgot to tell you this on Monday! So last Friday, I took half the day off from work and literally I didn't know what to do with myself! The weather was so perfect (mid-70s) that the only thing I knew for sure was that I wanted to be outside as long as possible. I had taken my camera (both Nikon point and shoot as well Nikon FM10 manual) because I knew that I wanted to walk around and get some shots.


After passing the Mall and not being particularly inspired, I continued down my road home. When I got to an intersection, I had a choice between continuing forward or making a slight detour and going to the Botanical Gardens. The pictures obviously show which path I chose and it was wonderful.


The best part of the whole experience was that it was all 100% FREE. I literally walked through the main entrance and there was no counter to stop by, no guards asking for proof that I had paid, nothing....I just walked straight in and got to enjoy all this loveliness. I love days off and public spaces!!


Now if only my plants would take a hint and grow!!

Cherry Blossom Festival

Once a year - the city of D.C. goes all out for a small two week period. It isn't actually doing. It's all about the Japanese who gifted the city 3000 cherry blossom trees. Between March 28 and April 12, the barbarian hordes (also known as tourists) descend on the city and basically take over everything. Baby carriages, pets, kites caught it trees, teenagers climbing the precious trees for that perfect picture and more traffic than is necessary. My sister was in town so we joined the crowds to get a precious taste of the gift that keeps giving.


Despite all my whining, it truly is beautiful and well worth the once-a-year treat!

Photos by yours truly

Discovering D.C.

I've been living in D.C. for more than 6 months (not to mention my previous 2 years of graduate school) and the city still feels new to me. When I was in graduate school, I mostly hung around campus (American University), the back of Georgetown where there was a quite Starbucks that friends and I would study at and easily distract ourselves with the nearby movie theater, or Dupont Circle which was walking distance for my apartment.

4th and D Capitol Hill

Without the ease that comes with the built-in relationships and routines formed around school, I now find myself discovering a new side of the city in a way regular people adapt to new places: VERY SLOWLY. Recently, I find myself exploring Capitol Hill area, U Street and every nook and cranny of 14th street which is my version of 5th Avenue due to all the absolutely fabulous home furnishing/design stores that line the street.

I actually really like this way of getting to know a city. I already have areas that I know I want to explore more when the weather is better (Bloomingdale, Rock Creek Park, Woodley Park, etc) and I can easily stroll around rather than flinging myself from building to building in vain attempts to avoid being cold.


One good way to I've found to learn more about the city is through the various blogs. Two of my favorite are D.C. Foodies and DCist. As a serious fan of good food, I love any site that tells me where to get some. Reviews of restaurants are very on point but since I don't eat out often, I particularly love the posts about local markets and the great recipes that accompany these post.

DCist has a great selection of local events and news and overall happenings in the city. Last Friday night, a friend and I lined up for the opening of their annual photo expo at a non-profit gallery with donated wine and a cool DJ. Over a 1000 people showed up to be squeezed up next to each other in a tight space all in the name of supporting free local art!


Anyway...more to come on my D.C. discovery