DC Folks

The Rents were in town visiting Rebecca and I, on their return from visiting sister Lisl in England. The timing was a bit troublesome: mid-week, during the hottest weather so far this summer. Of course, we don't have A/C in the house, so we wisely insisted they stay somewhere that did. This led to a more harmonious visit. They arrived late Tues, and we pretty much just had a bite to eat then went to bed. Wed, we started things off by watching the US defeat Algeria in an incredible soccer match. We watched in a hotel bar with a bunch of random folks. It was stressful because the game was so close, but in the end it was great.

We followed the game up by renting a car and heading to the suburbs, where we treated Carl and Debi to a day at Spa World. Despite the name, it's not a place that sells spa equipment, but rather a huge Korean-run spa building with various pools, jets, tubs, showers, and saunas at different temperatures. You pay a flat fee to get in, then cruise around and just relax. There is a men only area with the pools etc., then a mixed area with different types of saunas and a food court. I don't think it is quite what the rents would ask for, but I think that they enjoyed it in the end. We followed it up with a dinner at one of our favorite restaurants.

And tomorrow it's off to friend Alex's wedding, then back to DC for a day, then I head up to Montreal for a conference and Rebecca joins me midweek. bye for now.

Rebecca hogs the spotlight, Kennedy center in the background

Mom and Dad enjoy the swelter of DC evening.

What a beautiful morning

In case you were on a different planet these last few days and weeks, the World Cup is in full effect. The US capped a dramatic first round with an incredible last minute victory yesterday, and it seems that everybody is getting into the action. Here in DC, they even put up TVs in the middle of busy downtown parks so that people could watch the action. Of course, this is old hat for nations with a bigger futbol culture, but it's really exciting to see here.

In my department at school, the multinational composition of the students makes for some pretty heated debates and exciting watching. If you haven't been checking it out yet, it's not too late! The tournament runs until July 11, and it is already very memorable. In the meantime, U-S-A! U-S-A!