Atlantica - 01.09.2007, Side 36

34 a t l a n t i c a
its roundness; the only-slightly-larger-than-
human size of Thomas Jefferson’s figure makes
him somewhat more approachable. “We hold
these truths to be self-evident, that all men
are created equal…” read the opening lines to
Jefferson’s Declaration of Independence etched
in giant letters on the stone panel behind him.
A Japanese woman plops herself down next to
me with a grunt. She cools herself with a fold-
ing fan and makes hooting noises. Through her
thick accent I think she says to me, “It’s hot!”
which is reconfirmed when she mimes panting
like a dog.
I nod. “It is, indeed.”
And then she does something unexpected.
She turns and begins to fan me with great furi-
ous flaps of her arms. At first I’m startled, but
I accept her offering graciously and enjoy the
breeze.
Father Thomas, the deified patriarch of
American humanity, looks down on us from
his marble pedestal and beams with a knowing
smile. a
washington, dca
Doin’ the District 4Best meal on the Mall: Mitsitam Café (meaning ‘Dig
in!” in the Piscataway peoples’ language) at the Museum of
the Native American, which serves up indigenous food with
a modern spin, like chicken tamals and quinoa tortes. nmai.
si.edu
4For the CIA agent in us all: Operation Spy is an hour-
long experience at the International Spy Museum that has you
chasing down international terrorists and cracking safes. Bring
your brain and your wallet. USD 14. +1 (866) 779-6873.
spymuseum.org
4Monumenting with the stars: The Reflecting Pool
between the Lincoln Memorial and the WWII Memorial is stun-
ning after nightfall. You’ll skip the heat, miss the crowds and
catch only moonbeams.
4Best dinner without a fork: Meskerem Ethiopian in
Adams Morgan. Cheap and tasty. Try messob for a taste of
everything or, if adventurous, gored gored for a spicy, raw
meat delicacy. 2434 18th St. NW. +1 (202) 462-4100.
4B&B that won’t break the bank: Tabard Inn close
to Dupont Circle. Tiny rooms carved out of two existing
Victorians. Great location, friendly staff, dynamite breakfast if
you get the scones. +1 (202) 785-1277. tabardinn.com
4Good music for all kinds: Jazz? Bohemian Caverns,
bohemiancaverns.com. Blues? Madam’s Organ in Adams
Morgan, madamsorgan.com. Indie, Funk, and Hip-Hop? 9:30
Club, 930.com, and The Black Cat, blackcatdc.com.
4Post-show grub: Ben’s Chili Bowl, 1213 U Street, fol-
lowed by CakeLove, 1506 U Street.
4Drag racing, anyone? The 17th Street High Heels
Race between P and R Streets is a sight to behold with hun-
dreds of drag queens making the mad dash in their stilettos.
Early October. Ask around the gay district at Dupont Circle.
4For a touch of Georgie: From White House hand tow-
els to emery boards for guests of the Lincoln Bedroom, visit
America’s Spirit inside Union Station.
4Federal government’s hidden gem: I’m not talking
about Condoleezza. The Library of Congress rivals any build-
ing in Europe or America in terms of sheer elegance and
grandeur. Frequent and free guided tours. loc.gov
4Respite from retail in Georgetown: Duck into Martin’s
Tavern. Sit in the booth where JFK popped the question to
Jackie O and try the steak salad. 1264 Wisconsin Ave. NW.
4Rock about DC: “The District Sleeps Alone Tonight” by
The Postal Service and “W-A-S-H-I-N-G-T-O-N, Baby, DC!”
by the Magnetic Fields.
4For all else: Pick up a copy of the Washington City
Paper distributed around town for free and find out what’s
shaking when you’re doin’ the district.
Icelandair flies seven
times weekly from Keflavík
International Airport to
Baltimore/Washington
International Airport.
Jefferson Memorial.