final count down of 2016

Thanks for a friend who invited me at the last minute to a new year eve party in DC. I met new friends, and enjoyed food, dancing, singing, conversation, and a fun final count down of 2016. Happy new year! — in Washington, District of Columbia.

Hanukkah party

Attended a Hanukkah party in the National Museum of American Jewish Military History for latkes, jelly doughnuts, gelt and songs. I also took a museum tour and listened to a talk of the facts and myths about Hanukkah and the ways Jews in the American military have continued the tradition of the Maccabees. I went to a comedy club afterwards near DuPont Circle and got a lot of good jokes. — at National Museum of American Jewish Military History.

Christmas hiker dinner

After 2-hr public transportation from BWI to my house, I contacted a few friends for last minute Christmas dinner slot as my refrigerator was emptied before my 2-week trip. Lucky me to tag along a hiker gathering at a luxurious penthhouse overlooking DCA airport with great food, wine, and a challenging game! — at Crystal City, Arlington, Virginia.

office holiday party in DC

Had my office holiday party in DC last night. No singing or dancing this year, but food and gifting. — eating Italian food at RPM Italian D.C..

Yellow Bird play in DC

I went into DC to watch a 2-hr play by Tennessee Williams - The Yellow Bird on a workshop format, I.e., fully staged while actors talking, moving, singing with scrips in hand. Alma, a prist's daughter in the South in the 1950's, snaps and becomes shockingly liberated. Quite impressive after only 29 hrs of production time! — at Spooky Action Theater.

Art Reception Fairfax

I attended The Art Reception Fairfax, and enjoyed the art, love music, and ginger food. — in Fairfax, Virginia.

16.4 m hike Thornton Hollow/Piney Ridge Trail Loop

I took a 16.4 m 3000 ft gain hike in the naked forest (almost no leaves) Thornton Hollow/Piney Ridge Trail Loop, crossing 11 steams yet stayed dry. I was very impressed by Dennis' plastic boots for pig farm which were light and waterproof. It was hard to get to the right parking spots but turned out a mild and pleasant hike in 40-50f. We saw a black bear ran away at the beginning of the hike, I posted to drive a rusty old car abandoned in the woods, and luke kindly shared with me one piece of Korean beef jerky at lunch break. I had a bowel of Korean seafood noodles after the hike, and then shipped for food at the h mart next door. Their free food tasting was more than whole food! — Shenandoah National Park.

Two events in one night

I went to GW university to listen to DC real estate State of the Market Event, and then a release discussion for Report Launch: Russia Policy for the Trump Administration. I was surprised to learn that 60% online traffic via Ashburn data centers, and Russian 2014 GDP and defense spending were ~ 10% of USA. — at The City Club of Washington.

Arthur C. Clarke Awards event

I attended the 2016 Arthur C. Clarke Awards event, met the founder of Amazon in person, and I shacked hands with all three awards recipients this years, including Jeff! Jeff uses Amazon to fund Blue Origin (privately-funded aerospace manufacturer and spaceflight services). Arthur C. Clarke was one of the most important and influential figures in 20th century science fiction. Clarke was the first to suggest that geostationary orbits would be ideal for establishing worldwide telecommunication relays, satellite communication relays, later was named the Clarke Orbit by the International Astronomical Union. — at 1776.

Green-Wood cemetery & Museum at Eldridge Street Synagogue

I took a long subway ride to visit this National Historic Landmark Green-Wood cemetery in Brooklyn, New York. Visiting graveyards have been a part of my traveling curriculum, domestic or international, since they reflect cultural values. The weather was sunny and cool, and the cemetery had staffs doing all kinds of landscaping and maintenance. I ran behind my schedule so stopped a old couple for a ride to get back to the main entrance. — at Green-Wood Cemetery.

Staten Island ferry rides have been my New York visit ritual for many years. I planned to visit Staten Island Museum and walk around this time, yet turned around due to shortage of time. Yet the time saved was well spent at the wonderful South Street Seaport District, a great destination for walking, entertainment and cultural experiences. — at Staten Island Ferry.

I found this gem hidden in the Chinatown: Museum at Eldridge Street Synagogue. The restored historic Eldridge Street Synagogue, a 19th-century landmark with stunning architecture that initially opened for Eastern European Jewish immigrants, recently restored. The one-hr tour was very informative and ended my visit at a great note. — at Museum At Eldridge Street and Eldridge Synagogue.

 I found this gem hidden in the Chinatown: Museum at Eldridge Street Synagogue. The restored historic Eldridge Street Synagogue, a 19th-century landmark with stunning architecture that initially opened for Eastern European Jewish immigrants, recently restored. The one-hr tour was very informative and ended my visit at a great note. — at Museum At Eldridge Street and Eldridge Synagogue.