E and I always say we’d go to Washington, DC for the National Cherry Blossom Festival every year, but we always miss it. I think we’ve only attended once or twice before. I was out of the country for the first week, so we decided to go during the last week before it ended.
We usually take the Metro to DC as parking and driving there can be a chore. The actual street festival that we were going to visit ended at 6p so we had some time to explore beforehand.
I decided to check out Lebanese Taverna in Pentagon Row since my dad raved about their food when he visited the one in Tysons Corner. They gave us bread with dipping oil for the table. We asked for a second bread basket and we ran out of dipping oil. Not sure if that was a testament to our hunger or how good the bread and dipping oil were
I ordered their chicken mashawi (chicken kabob), since I’m always looking for a good kabob replacement. It’s not the best I’ve ever had, but it was good. It was a lot more “gourmet” than I expected. It was also a lot more garlicky, which probably accounts for the mouth wash—that I gladly used!— in the restroom.
(Click the thumbnails for a larger size.)
As we boarded the Metro to head back into downtown DC for the street festival, we noticed a lot of people on the train wearing anime costumes and carrying anime merchandise. That got us giddy and excited because we’re nerds
You could feel and smell the street festival as you get off the station. It’s hard to explain… There were plenty of Japanese (and other) food to be had and there were some colorful characters walking around, too!
We promptly lined up at the McDonald’s tent for a free bag and some cute little Sanrio things. E almost bought a hat, but they were expensive, so she ended up buying a hoodie from Modondi instead. One of the guys recognized us from Otakon (the second-largest anime convention in North America) because we usually buy something from him every year. Like I said: nerds My only purchase was the wallet below. In the nick of time, too, as this guy was going around telling all vendors to shut down because it was a few minutes past 6p—closing time.
(Click the thumbnails for a larger size.)
We ended the day at the Fashion Centre at Pentagon City with some frozen yogurt and people watching. This was a good end to a good day, since afterwards wasn’t so fun. It took about 2-3 hours to get home thanks to some Metro slow downs. LOL.
wow! that sounds like such an amazing day! and yogen fruz haha. my sister is in love with pinkberry – she WONT STOP TALKING ABOUT IT! lol
you should still enter! everyone is creative in some way or another
Yes, it was That’s funny about your sister. Has she tried Red Mango? I used to LOVE Pinkberry until I tried Red Mango.
Sounds like real fun!
In that picture… is that a hat or something A cap I think.
And that’s a bag on the left? You bought it? Wait, is it a wallet
Yes to all I edited the post so people will know to click on the thumbnails for a larger version. Thanks for reminding me. I forgot to do that.
Wow, sounds like you had a good day. I haven’t had frozen yoghurt in a while. It’s been too cold to have any, it’s nearly winter in Australia. I like most Lebanese food, they cook their meat so deliciously. I am not really a fan of the smell or aftertaste of garlic, but their garlic sauce is pretty awesome.
I love festivals, even though I might not be interested in what they’re promoting… actually, I think I only go for the free food and that kind of thing. XD And to have a good time, generally~
I haven’t had froyo in awhile either. As you’re entering winter, we’re finally getting into spring, so I’m hoping to be eating more froyo soon!
I agree with you about Lebanese food. I especially love how they cook shawarma. Not sure how they do it, but it just tastes MORE than how most people cool it. The garlic definitely put me off, but it was so good I couldn’t stop eating
Aw cool, I just visited the National Cherry Blossom Festival’s website and it looks like an awesome event. I wish we had festivals like this in Melbourne, Australia – or maybe we do, but I’m not aware of it, haha.
Mmm, frozen yoghurt. People watching, haha.
Sounds like you have a lovely and pleasant day
It lasts for about two weeks, I think, with different cultural events planned for each day. Most of the big ones happen on the weekends. I’m really hoping to catch more of it next year…
I’m sure you guys have big festivals there, too! They might not be as advertised?
I’ve never been to Washington D.C. before…I kinda need to go there..LOL XD I think that’s where I’ll find work for myself.
That’s a cute wallet :3 I like the color.
Craving for frozen yogurt now.
I almost went to school there and probably would’ve worked there, too. Darn! Maybe I should’ve!
The wallet’s cute. I’m a bit disappointed that the change purse part was really small.
Oh sounds so much fun!! I wish i could go just about anywhere i want to and go to festivals and stuffs. The food looked delicious! Aw i saw the shirts at modondi man!! I wish i could buy those…they look so cute and those pins too!! very affordable too! haha wish i had money on my paypal but even then the shipping will cost more for a shirt. waaa!! argh! Are those plushies with anime hats? they look cute too and Love your wallet! (^_^)