Washington Weekend

Spending a couple of days in Washington. Weather is cloudy but warm and the city is relatively quiet. Staying at the Holiday Inn Georgetown where a room with parking and breakfast costs $125 a night, not bad for this pricey city. The hotel is quiet and well located, and service is friendlier than the last time I stayed here.

Dined at Clyde's on M Street last night. The food and atmosphere are good but wine is overpriced. Tonight being Halloween there is a big street party in Georgetown and parking and traffic are highly restricted, so I guess hoofing it is the way to go.

Visited two of my favorite places in DC today, the National Gallery of Art and the Freer Gallery. Caught an interesting free tour at the National Gallery, and learned that one of my favorite paintings there (by Francois Boucher) has bee moved with other 18th and 19th century French paintings to galleries on the lower floor. Picked up some Christmas cards of a medieval religious scene --20 for $9.50, not a bad deal. Had lunch in the Cascade Cafe watching the wall of water,
always a relaxing view. Salad with some chicken, beans, tofu and peppers from the salad bar with a piece of cornbread for $5.50. Kept the price low by passing on slad dressing, drinks and dessert.

Washington can be affordable if you concentrate on the many free museums and attractions.