I am back from my road trip to Washington DC and spent the rest of the weekend in New york.Saw Mary Poppins Friday night- for the second time. First time was in London when it opened two years ago. I think it was a bit better there. Perhaps, it was because we were seeing it in London. Sunday, we went down to the Seaport to see the Bodies Exhibit- for the second time. First time was in Chicago last year. I think it was a bit better there and definitely bigger.If you get a chance see both of these shows before they leave New York

Our nation’s capital was very lovely this weekend. We fit some interesting things into the tight schedule we had. We visited the Phillips Collection on Massachusetts Ave and then walked around Dupont Circle checking out the shops and galleries.The next day we went to the Hirshhorn Museum, which houses a large contemporary art collection for the Smithsonian Institution.After that we were off to a tour of the Supreme Court. A large building near the Capital houses the surprisingly small room for the Supreme Court. I was truly shocked at the small quarters used for such large decisions. I was told that the justices were each allowed to supply their own desk chairs at one time, but now they all sit in the same style high back chair. I guess it looked messy with all those different sizes and shapes; best to have a uniform appearance.

I must mention the restaurant Rasika we had dinner in one night.A beautiful eclectic Indian restaurant with fabulous food and the best service I have had in a long time.It is in a good location in Chinatown near the Metro stop.Go there if you like or want a good experience with Indian cuisine.You will not be disappointed.

The weather was perfect and the city was bustling with action. It is laid out quite nicely with wide streets, big architecturally beautiful buildings and lots of history. I like DC because it has a different energy than New York. There are plenty of tourists milling about, but they are in DC for different reasons than the tourists in New York. I feel that they are there to see rather than do. You almost feel as though you are a part of the history yourself. You even feel a little patriotic, no matter what your party is! After all, we are all a part of the American history whether born and bred here or just visiting. It is truly a global world.

Dale Siegel