August 11-13, 2007 Washington, DC

In August, I spontaneously decided to fly to Washington, DC for a quick weekend so I could see the Dave Matthews Band in concert for my 8th time since 2001, and to visit my friend John. I say "spontaneously" because I purchased the ticket 3 days before leaving! My love for DMB causes me to do crazy things, I guess!

The concert was on a Saturday in Bristow, VA at the Nissan Pavillion. We arrived in time to tailgate and then eat some dinner on the lawn (to claim our seats) before the opening act. DMB was awesome, as always! I actually enjoyed the concert a lot more than I did the last time I saw them (in Tinley Park, IL in September 2006) because they didn't seem to play their long extended jam sessions at the end of each song as much this time. This concert was actually the first time I had tailgated before a concert, too - and I really enjoyed hanging out with my fellow-concert-goer's for a few beverages and some vodka-soaked Gummy Worms before heading in. Fun, fun, fun!

On Sunday, John and I went to downtown Washington, DC to do some touring. We went to the "house where Abraham Lincoln died" - a free walk-through tour where you can see how the house looked back then. Then we walked across the street to the Ford Theater (above pic) where Abraham Lincoln was shot - another free walk-through tour. I had actually seen the Ford Theater when I first visited DC in 1992, but it was great to see it again... I have forgotten a lot over the years! In the basement of the Theater, they have created a museum dedicated to Abe's assassination.

Right next door, we went into the Hard Rock Cafe so I could take a stroll down memory lane. I had my picture taken in front of their window in 1992, so I did that again. Someday I'll put the pics side-by-side for fun. :)

We walked a couple blocks further and went to the International Spy Museum. It was $16 per person, which I thought was steep compared to other museums, but I guess they can charge that kind of rate because it is kind of a "tourist destination". We spent a couple of hours in there - there was a lot to see... almost too much.

I have been to DC multiple times, and have made great memories every single time - I love Washington, DC!