First Anniversary

Inside the Loop is one year old!

Heres to more blogging in 2007!

Chicago Hotel

I am sharing my hotel room with a goldfish.

Maybe its supposed to remind me of home, but I don't have any pets, including things that swim. Or maybe its just a reward to returning guests.

I just wonder how long my roomate is going to stick around.

Washington DC

I spent about 36 hours in our nation's capitol. On the morning I was to travel home, I walked to DuPont Circle & the Mall. Attached are photos of the National Christmas Tree & World War II Memorial. Glad I made time for the latter. Such a spectacular sight on a nice, winter day.

Other highlights:

Teaism: located near DuPont Circle, this cafe was a great choice for brunch on Saturday morning. With a wide variety of teas, I settled on a mug of hot chai; probably the best I have had. Along with the drink, I ordered a ginger scone (actually you get two per order) & a steaming plate of cilantro scrambled eggs. Quite satisfying!

Kramerbooks & Afterwords Cafe: a short walk from Teasim is a local bookstore called Kramerbooks located on Connecticut Avenue. Its not your typical, corporate bookstore thats found on every corner. No music to buy, no magazine section, and no gift table. Just books.