the tidal basin

Alex and I went to the tidal basin during the Cherry Blossom Festival in hopes of seeing the trees in bloom. Even though we were there for the typical peak season, the blossoms were just beginning to open. I can't complain though; it was a nice walk in the sunshine and I had great company.  - Mina

blossom kite festival

Formerly known as 'The Smithsonian Kite Festival, The Blossom Kite Festival is held annually on the National Mall. We didn't know about it in advance so it was a pleasant surprise to stumble onto the festivities en route to the Lincoln Memorial. I'll take any excuse to listen to songs from Mary Poppins (they had this on repeat). - Mina

ben's chili bowl

Ben's Chili Bowl is really milking Obama's visit to their establishment (I totally would too). They have this terribly unflattering photo of him inhaling a chili dog on their t-shirts, which I was tempted to buy just because it was so ridiculous. We ordered Bill Cosby's favourite: a half-smoke and some chili. If I can make a recommendation, I'd say just skip the chili and order an entire half smoke for yourself, so that you don't have to share, because it was soooo good (and I'm not even crazy about hot dogs). After the meal, Alex got a photo with Barry and Michelle outside. I doubt the FLOTUS would have approved of our caloric intake that day :(

washington, dc

It was gorgeous and sunny on the day that we visited the Lincoln Memorial and the National War Memorial. Unfortunately, the Washington Monument was under construction. I'm underwhelmed by these very tourist-y photos. While the entire area is grand, I think I had built it up to be larger in my head because of all the significant events that happened there (and that sweet scene in Forrest Gump). Nonetheless, it was awesome to finally see it in person. - Mina 

wtf, montreal?

There was a snowstorm in Montreal on Friday. Apparently this city hasn't gotten the memo that it's April. On the plus side, we had one last snow day together. Alex left early Saturday morning. I'm super excited for him but already miss my best pal. I'm hoping that I can make time to take a few trips to SF before moving there, indefinitely, in December. - Mina

*Thanks so much for the kind comments about our move!