I’m officially spoiled. Last night, my friend got two free tickets to see John Mayer in concert at Verizon Center here in DC in the company box. There was free food and drink, comfortable chairs, a private bathroom — how will I ever be able to go back to “coach” seating?
I’m not a big John Mayer fan, but I am a ginormous Ben Folds buff, who was one of the opening acts. That’s him on the left, beating his piano like a red-headed stepchild.
There was another opening act, the unfortunately named James Morrison. I hadn’t heard him before, but he sounded like Stevie Wonder, if Stevie was white and English. And could see. (Did you see that one coming? I thought not.)
John Mayer himself was a good show. His style was very laid back, a real blues club vibe. Not bad, but didn’t knock my socks off, either.
We had a good view from the box, but it was too far back to get quality photos. Still, the elph didn’t disappoint; that little baby has some zoom!
You can check out more photos at my flickr.
Last Saturday was the last of the sunny days around D.C. for awhile. I went to the Rembrandt exhibit at the National Gallery of Art and then strolled the National Mall and took some pictures. The one above came out brilliantly, I was so pleased.
I’m over my previous indecision about my trip. I started having wild fantasies of going off for three weeks and trying to pack in as many cities as possible, but have calmed down a bit and decided to go for quality over quantity. So the trip is like this: three days London; four days Paris; three days Amsterdam; with a day for transfers between each city (each train trip will be about four hours, so it’s hard to plan sightseeing on those days). I feel much better about this plan, and while the price isn’t any less than before, I think the overall trip will be much more relaxing.
In a little more a week until I go to Las Vegas (!!!). Better go buy some 3-ounce bottles for when I pack my liquids.
I don’t know if the people who ride London’s tube every day would agree with a new survey that rates the Underground as the world’s best public transportation. International travelers rated London as the easiest city to get around in, but also said the tube is the most expensive.
The top four subway systems were:
- London
- New York City
- Paris
- Washington, D.C.
I’ve used three of the four subway systems listed here. Washington was also voted cleanest and safest subway, which I can vouch for, though I think it lacks the route convenience that London and NYC provide, a situation that the D.C. Metro is slowly trying to remedy by building more stops.
I found this story through Annie Mole’s Going Underground blog, which is a superb resource for all things tube related.
If you’re going to be in the Washington, D.C., area before Sept. 24, you must check out the William Wegman exhibition at the Smithsonian American Art Museum. I’ve been a fan of Fay and Man Ray for a long time — I only wish my dog Roxie would model for photos like they do.
I was lucky enough to be there for the grand opening of the building that houses SAAM and the National Portrait Gallery on July 1. The renovation of the former patent office is a breathtaking piece of architecture, and the range of art you’ll find there is awesome. And best of all, admission is free (my favorite price).