Hey I've booked my flight for going to DC for the State Dept's Oral exam. I'll be flying out on June 13th, and returning June 17th. I plan on taking the exam on the 16th. I'm hoping to spend the evening of the 14th or the 15th with some friends from high school, but I'd like to spend the other evening with hatrackers. Right now, I believe the 14th is going to be my evening with friends from HS but I'll try to nail that out as fast as I can.
I'd like to know which evening works better for hatrackers though, if it turns out my HS friends are indifferent I can certainly let hatrack preferences guide the decision. I was thinking dinner and then perhaps visiting somewhere, if you folks want drinks I can provide the conversation.
I can probably figure out a way to use the metro in order to get to any restaurant you folks want to eat at, does anybody have suggestions?
Posted by Jhai (Member # 5633) on :
That's a bit far out for me to plan well, but I'd be more likely to be able to meet early in the evening if it's a Sunday than a Monday. I normally get off work around seven, and it'd take a good 40 minutes to get into the district - more if I need to switch lines to get to wherever you end up going. I don't mind meeting up for a late dinner on the 15th, but that might not work well for your exam the next day.
There's plenty of good food in DC & the surrounding area - what do you like?
Posted by Risuena (Member # 2924) on :
Yeah, it's definitely too early for me to be making concrete plans, but for now, I'm definitely interested and either night is good for me.
Posted by ladyday (Member # 1069) on :
I know the 14th will not work for me, but any other day ought to be fine (I hope). But plans should not revolve around whether or not I can make it :X.
Will Tiffany be joining you? I seem to remember some 'we's in the other thread.
Posted by BlackBlade (Member # 8376) on :
I'll see what I can do about moving things towards the 15th. Tiffany unfortunately will not be coming with me this time.
But if I pass the oral exams according to what I learned at a recent preparation seminar I will likely get assigned within 2.5 months of passing the exam. So I might be moving to Maryland in September if all goes according to plan. You can all meet her then for sure.
Posted by katharina (Member # 827) on :
That's the weekend of my birthday, and I might be going out of town. If I don't, I'd be happy to meet up.
Posted by Traceria (Member # 11820) on :
Very exciting, BlackBlade! I haven't been around too long, but I do live in Maryland, so when it gets closer, definitely keep us posted on the plans for when you're in town.
Might have an engagement party to attend sometime in June, but no idea when exactly.
Posted by BlackBlade (Member # 8376) on :
I know it's early for most of you but it looks like my HS friends are preferring the 14th, so I am going to go ahead and set aside the 15th for hatrackers. I'll try to give you guys a heads up a bit closer to the date, we can decide on a place then.
edit: As for food I'm always in the market for good Indian food, Chinese, or even a burger. But I'm also pretty flexible, I tend to prefer my friends go to where they'd like to go.
Posted by Jhai (Member # 5633) on :
The best Indian and Chinese are both outside of the District, and only reachable by car. The best ethnic food that's metro-able is probably one of the Ethiopian corridor between U Street and Howard.
Posted by BlackBlade (Member # 8376) on :
quote:Originally posted by Jhai: The best Indian and Chinese are both outside of the District, and only reachable by car. The best ethnic food that's metro-able is probably one of the Ethiopian corridor between U Street and Howard.
Curses! I suppose we will have to make do with whatever I can reach via metro.
Posted by Miro (Member # 1178) on :
I grew up in Adams Morgan, between Dupont Circle and Woodley Park metro stops. We have some awesome restaurants in the neighborhood.
El Tamarindo - Salvadoran restaurant on Florida Ave just off 18th St. Family-owned and run.
Millie and Al's - Bar/restaurant on 18th St south of Columbia Rd. Really good pizza.
Meskram - Ethiopian restaurant on 18th St north of California St. We had a Hatrack dinner there a few years back.
Pines of Florence - Really good, cheap Italian restaurant run by a Pakistani family. Has really good thin crust pizza. On Connecticut Ave by Kalorama Rd.
Lauriol Plaza - Good TexMex on 18th St a couple blocks south of Florida Ave.
With the exception of Lauriol Plaza (I know I'm spelling that wrong, but can't remember the right way), I've been going to these restaurants my whole life. Lauriol Plaza opened relatively recently.
I'll be passing through DC in June, but I think I'll miss you by about a week. Good luck on the exam.
Posted by BlackBlade (Member # 8376) on :
Running out the door to work, but thanks for the suggestions, I'll definitely take a look at them!
Sorry I can't catch you Miro. Posted by BlackBlade (Member # 8376) on :
The 15th is less than a month away, and I was hoping to get a headcount for those who plan on meeting up. The restaurant is still up in the air, but I was hoping folks could at least mark their calendars and let me know what they'd prefer in terms of fare.
Post soon, the more structured things are, the better they will be.
Posted by Traceria (Member # 11820) on :
Depending on time and place, right now the 15th is clear for me (not that I know any of you very well...).
On another note, let's say everything goes well and you end up getting an assignment and moving to Maryland, would you be interested in renting or buying a nice condo with a water view??? It's located 3 miles south of the Martin State Airport station, the MARC commuter train going straight to the heart of DC. I'm getting married in January of 2010 and we're going to be looking into renting it as it is, so if you think you'd be interested, please let me know. If you'd need to move in sooner, that can be arranged as I have family in the area and will likely have to stay with them before getting married anyway.
I believe you can email me through hatrack (do I have that set up?), but let me know one way or another. I can dig up some pictures for you, too.
Posted by Scott R (Member # 567) on :
You should move to Spotsylvania, VA if you get a post with the Foreign Service. We need another gamer in the ward.
Posted by ambyr (Member # 7616) on :
I imagine I could make it, as long as it doesn't end up at an Ethiopian restaurant. I can add more restaurant recommendations to the list if you have a specific cuisine or neighborhood in mind.
Posted by Jhai (Member # 5633) on :
My ability to make it entirely depends on the time we meet. I typically work until about 7 pm, so unless it's a slow day at work, I won't be able to make it into DC proper until 8 if I need to change train lines...
What metro lines are easiest for everyone? And where are people coming from? I'd be coming in either by car or on the orange line from Fairfax.
For orange line in NoVa I'll put in Taste of Morocco in Clarendon. Nice looking place, amazing food, and it should have some dish that's appealing to everyone. Price should be about $12- $15 per person, $25 per person if we go for one of the "Moroccan feasts" (recommended 'cause it's pretty great).
For downtown in DC near all the lines I'll put in Rasika, which is Indian. It's on D right between 6 & 7, so you can walk from the Archives (green/yellow), Federal Triangle (orange/blue), or Judiciary Square (red). It's a little bit on the pricier side ($15-$25 for an entrée, altho you can get some $8-$10 items), but is very authentic - it's like what you would get in a fine dining restaurant in India.
In the same location is Oyamel, which is authentic Mexican fine dining. Prices there are somewhat cheaper at ~$8 to $10 per entrée, and ~$4 tacos.
Posted by BlackBlade (Member # 8376) on :
Traceria: If I pass my exam I will most certainly be looking around for housing (most likely renting) in the DC, Maryland, Virginia areas. I'll email you as well just in case.
Scott: Being in the same ward as you would be pretty smashing! But I've got to pass the orals first.
ambyr: per Jhai's suggestions I think I am leaning towards Taste of Morocco. Normally I'd say Rasika, but I'll be sensitive to hatrackers who don't want to sell their car just to eat Indian.
Jhai: I am more than willing to wait until after 8:00 to eat dinner, so you can make it. ---------
Does an 8:00pm dinner ruin any other hatracker's evening?
Posted by ambyr (Member # 7616) on :
Taste of Morocco at 8 is fine by me. The bastila are excellent.
Posted by TomDavidson (Member # 124) on :
By the way, I'll be in DC (at the Gaylord) for a conference next week, if anyone's around.
Posted by theresa51282 (Member # 8037) on :
I love the Bastila at Taste of Morocco. It is one of my absolute favorite foods in DC. I always try and get family to go there!
Posted by Jhai (Member # 5633) on :
If we're going to Taste of Morocco I can get there by 7:30 - and, again, even earlier if work's not busy. Right now it's dead here, but a month away it could be crazy - one of the things that sucks about consulting. Sorry for the inconvenience, all. And, along with everyone else, I love the bastila!
Tom, how long will you be in town? All week? Will you have transport away from the Gaylord (I know they have limited bus service...)? Perhaps we could all meet up in Old Town Alexandria, since that's close. Is there any cuisine you'd particularly like to try, or an area you'd like to see?
Posted by TomDavidson (Member # 124) on :
I'll be in through Thursday. I've been to DC quite a few times before, so I don't need to do the typical tourist run, but I'm always glad to visit local haunts. I'll only be available in the evenings, for obvious reasons.
Posted by Risuena (Member # 2924) on :
Taste of Morocco is fine with me. I'd prefer a little earlier than 8, but I can deal with it.
As for next week with Tom, someone name a time, date and place and I'll do my best to get there. I'm not picky about food, and while I live in Maryland, it's often easier for me to get to places in Virginia than it is for me to get in to DC.
Posted by Jhai (Member # 5633) on :
So, Tom, are we doing something? We're painting the house this week (a continuation from this weekend) so anything planned should be what fits everyone else best, and I'll see if I can meet up once you guys have something down firm.
Posted by TomDavidson (Member # 124) on :
I have no idea. No one else has gotten in touch with me. I'm here at the Gaylord now, and will be available most evenings until Saturday.
Posted by katharina (Member # 827) on :
I have not been paying attention, but I am now paying attention.
I am free most evenings (I will busy one of them, but I don't know which one yet) and happy to join at dinner anywhere.
Posted by katharina (Member # 827) on :
Okay, my house, Friday night, seven o'clock. There will be food and a viewing of Doctor Horrible.
I live in Alexandria, Virginia. If you need my address - and that should be everybody, because I just moved - please email me through this board or to the email address you have already and I will send it to you.
Everyone within shouting distance of DC is invited. See you then!
Posted by ambyr (Member # 7616) on :
Sadly (well, happily, really, because I like them and all), I've got grandparents visiting this weekend, so no Doctor Horrible for me. But sounds like fun!
Posted by Jhai (Member # 5633) on :
We're headed out of town Friday afternoon for a wedding in Indy. I'm sure I'll see everyone eventually (and certainly whoever can make it to BB's event).
Posted by TomDavidson (Member # 124) on :
Well, here's a question: is Thursday better? Katie, could you do tomorrow night?
Posted by katharina (Member # 827) on :
It seems like it is better for everyone else. However, Thursday is the one night this week that I can't do it.
Alternately, I could meet tonight somewhere. My house would still be fine if y'all are okay with pizza.
Posted by TomDavidson (Member # 124) on :
Tonight is doable for me. I might need to borrow a cell phone to wish my family good night at some point, but it's otherwise good. *grin*
Posted by katharina (Member # 827) on :
Tonight is fine with me - is 7:30 okay? That would give me time to get home and then go and pick up Tom across the river. I didn't drive to work today so I need to take metro home, and that takes longer.
Posted by Jhai (Member # 5633) on :
I can make tonight, although I might be a little later than 7:30, depending on traffic. My email is in my profile.
Posted by katharina (Member # 827) on :
That's great, Jhai. You need to email me through my profile, because I can't get to yahoo from work but I can respond to emails from my BlackBerry.
Posted by TomDavidson (Member # 124) on :
Thank you, everyone! I had a great time; it was wonderful meeting all of you. Remind me to tease Katie about her empire of wheat some time. Posted by Traceria (Member # 11820) on :
quote:Originally posted by TomDavidson: Remind me to tease Katie about her empire of wheat some time.
Oh, does that have me so curious. Glad to hear you all had a good time!
I'm totally up in the air about June 15th. I'd be coming from downtown Baltimore, from which google maps estimates just over an hour drive to Taste of Morocco in Clarendon (Arlington?), which we all know is far from a good estimate when factoring in rush hour. It'd be cool to meet some of you, but the logistics are... ehhh. Taking a train down, I'd have to catch the last one back, which leaves at 10:30 PM from Union Station. *sigh*
Pardon my musings.
Posted by BlackBlade (Member # 8376) on :
Traceria: I'm so not worth it trust me.
I've never been one to throw my weight around, the more of you fine folks I get to meet, the more incentive I've got to do a good job on the 16th.
The 15th is getting awful close, my trip to DC is starting to dominate my thoughts these days.
Posted by Traceria (Member # 11820) on :
Hmmm...
There was a time when I'd go down to Alexandria on a fairly regular basis, hang out with my friend who lived there and then catch the train back in the morning. But that was the morning. With her getting married and never being around, that's not really an option.
So, maybe next time? Posted by BlackBlade (Member # 8376) on :
quote:Originally posted by Traceria: Hmmm...
There was a time when I'd go down to Alexandria on a fairly regular basis, hang out with my friend who lived there and then catch the train back in the morning. But that was the morning. With her getting married and never being around, that's not really an option.
So, maybe next time?
As always it's up to you, but when that next time will be is not something I can say with confidence. I'll be thrilled to see you, and I will not be disappointed if you can't make it.
Posted by scifibum (Member # 7625) on :
BB, can't you take a hint? Can't you get a room with two beds?
(tee hee)
Posted by Traceria (Member # 11820) on :
quote:Originally posted by scifibum: BB, can't you take a hint? Can't you get a room with two beds?
(tee hee)
Funny, funny...
Posted by Traceria (Member # 11820) on :
quote:Originally posted by BlackBlade: As always it's up to you, but when that next time will be is not something I can say with confidence. I'll be thrilled to see you, and I will not be disappointed if you can't make it.
Eh, you've got bigger things to think about. I will stop bemoaning now.
Posted by BlackBlade (Member # 8376) on :
quote:Originally posted by scifibum: BB, can't you take a hint? Can't you get a room with two beds?
(tee hee)
Ha! But two beds can be slid together. Actually I'll be staying at my friends house, Woo! No hotel costs! Also I'm sure Tiffany would frown on that sort of tom foolery. Posted by Traceria (Member # 11820) on :
And I'm sure my fiancé would have similar feelings, particularly since I sleep on the pull-out sofa bed when I visit on weekends. Posted by BlackBlade (Member # 8376) on :
OK well we are about a week and one day out from the scheduled night so of course I need to possibly mess things up.
I'm worried that if we have dinner at 8:00pm the night before my exam that I might not get a good night's sleep prior to taking this most important test of my life. I'd like to spend time with you folks without constantly thinking, "Oh man I have my test tomorrow I hope I get enough sleep/studied hard enough/know what to say/find the place OK/impress the test administrators/don't pee my pants.
I know it's pretty late notice but would anybody have any objections with moving dinner to Tuesday evening? I should be done with the exam at about 6:00pm (earlier if I totally blow it), which leaves me more than enough time to get to the restaurant. An added bonus then is when I'm eating dinner I'll either be so freaking excited that I passed, or very depressed and in need of good dinner conversation.
I'll make Monday work if Tuesday doesn't work for anybody as I love meeting people, just let me know. Also if you are definitely going to come to Taste of Morocco, say so after this post, I'd like to get a head count.
Thanks folks!
Posted by ambyr (Member # 7616) on :
Unfortunately, I've got other plans for Tuesday. They might fall through, but don't count on me making it.
Posted by Jhai (Member # 5633) on :
I can come either Monday or Tuesday. Work is light at the moment, as well, so I can meet earlier than 8 if everyone wants to. I'm good for getting to Taste of Morocco by 5:30 at the earliest. 'Course, we normally don't have dinner until 8 or 9, so I'm not sure how hungry I'll be then. :-)
Posted by ambyr (Member # 7616) on :
Oh, I could get there by 6:30 on Monday, if that helps.
Posted by BlackBlade (Member # 8376) on :
Alright then lets move dinner to 6:30pm on Monday (NOT Tuesday). Don't eat lunch Jhai. Posted by Launchywiggin (Member # 9116) on :
I just found out that I'll be in DC this weekend, too. I'm moving home from Boston and visiting some friends in DC along the way. Have you all settled on a restaurant?
Posted by BlackBlade (Member # 8376) on :
Taste of Morocco in Clarendon. Very pleased you can make it Launchywiggin. Posted by BlackBlade (Member # 8376) on :
Dinner's tomorrow, I'll be there. I guess we'll need seats for at least 6 people. Remember, it's 6:30pm.
Posted by Risuena (Member # 2924) on :
I wish I could come but work's gotten insanely busy and I pretty much come home and fall asleep at 7. And as entertaining as it might be to see if I really will fall asleep in the middle of dinner tomorrow, I think it's best if I pass.
Have fun though and good luck with the FSE.
Posted by Traceria (Member # 11820) on :
Turns out I'll be working late...in Baltimore...so opting not to come earlier worked out after all. Hope you all enjoy the cuisine and company, though!
Posted by BlackBlade (Member # 8376) on :
I'll be the guy in the black hat when you guys get to the restaurant. I'll probably be a little bit late (around 6:45).
Posted by Jhai (Member # 5633) on :
I'll be coming in a purple-ish dress - also probably a little late.
Posted by rivka (Member # 4859) on :
Someone better post after. Some of us are living vicariously here!
Posted by ambyr (Member # 7616) on :
We made it out alive. Well, most of us.
Posted by rivka (Member # 4859) on :
*fisheye*
And you think that is sufficient information?
Posted by ambyr (Member # 7616) on :
Hey, if you want better info, you should ask one of the live ones!
Posted by rivka (Member # 4859) on :
You post a lot for a dead person.
Not enough, though.
Posted by Jhai (Member # 5633) on :
Taste of Morocco was excellent, as always. :-) I was stuffed afterwards.
BlackBlade has been instructed to not screw up his exam tomorrow.
Posted by ambyr (Member # 7616) on :
It's a little-known fact that posting continues after death. Kinda like fingernail growth.
Posted by BlackBlade (Member # 8376) on :
I had a fantastic time, Jhai and ambyr are both wonderful women, and LaunchyWiggin gets my seal of approval. Anyway part of passing this exam is getting lots of sleep, I'm only getting 6 hours, so I'm off to a terrible start.
I was genuinely sad our evening had to end, I wish we could have just sat down at the park and kept chatting. Put perhaps the others felt VERY differently, I always feel like I talk to much at these gatherings.
Posted by rivka (Member # 4859) on :
quote:Originally posted by ambyr: It's a little-known fact that posting continues after death. Kinda like fingernail growth.
I wonder if these things are related.
Posted by ambyr (Member # 7616) on :
quote:Originally posted by rivka: I wonder if these things are related.
I don't think it's ever been investigated before. Here's your chance to make your name in science!
(And, umm, yeah, what they said.)
Posted by Launchywiggin (Member # 9116) on :
I just got home from my vacation in DC. This was my first meet-up with multiple hatrackers, and I had a blast. It was great meeting everyone and the food was tasty.
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