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.