Mid-Week Escapes

Believe it or not, even unemployed Job Acquisition Specialists need a break from reality...especially when the late June thermometer indicates a 72-degree day and there is no humidity in the air. This is the kind of day that tells me I must be outside.
No air conditioning needed. Lunch outside, preferably by the water. A change of scenery. Time away from the computer.






I'm ready for a proper vacation but with time on my hands, no great discount fares found this weekend, and no vaca planned, a couple of perfect days outside playing tourist was the ideal plan. Wednesday meant a beautiful day trip to the Chesapeake Bay and Friday was spent meandering through the activities at the Smithsonian Folklife Festival in D.C.






A day at the Chesapeake Bay was the perfect mini holiday. A walk through Annapolis then lunch al fresco at Bridges on Kent Narrows: beautiful view of the water, delicious crabcake sandwich, perfect deck for outside dining. I could have sat there all day soaking up the sun.

It was a great day to check out the Chesapeake Exploration Center while at Kent Narrows to learn more about Maryland's long and fascinating history and the things that have been so important to its culture and economic growth: farming, tobacco, fishing, crabbing, and more. There is a nice observation deck and a path along the area being developed to prevent more erosion along the banks of the Bay.

And late June/Early July in Washington always means the Smithsonian Folklife Festival, with opportunities to check out the musicians, dancers, storytellers, craftsmen and artisans, food, and culture of different countries each year. This year featured Mexico, Asian Pacific Americans and the Smithsonian...unfortunately the weakest lineup I can ever remember (perhaps a result of budget constraints?).

Nothing memorable in the Asian Pacific American area (except for the very beautiful Sri Lankan dancers).

But Mexico had a variety of musicians, artisans and people making tequila (sorry, no samples) -- now that was a fiesta for the senses, too. A mini vacation in Washington, DC.

Mi hermosa hija: