I have lived in California my entire life, though some of you would find that hard to believe. I once considered moving to the DC area, to take an “important” government job with the Department of Health and Human Services. Perhaps my career would have taken an entirely different path from what it was, perhaps not. I also considered attending grad school at Johns Hopkins and Harvard back in the Seventies, though both would have been cost prohibitive, Over the years, I spent a great deal of time here, in consulting roles, as well as being a tourist in this great mecca of history and government.
Now, I sincerely doubt I would have enjoyed the cold and snowy winters,, much less the hot and humid summers. But I cannot help but think that my career would have been quite different, though not sure if it would be better or not. I never considered myself much of a bureaucrat, and certainly not a government flunkie.
My old friend from San Jose, Norm Mineta carved quite a career for himself. He not only served as a multi term Congressman, but also was appointed to W’s cabinet.
Through the years, on numerous visits, we have seen it all. We have enjoyed the great museums, theater, music, cherry blossoms, Fourth of July celebrations, and wonderful friends. We got to attend my grad school classmate’s retirement ceremony, from a career (culminating as the Surgeon General) in the US Public Health Service. We saw the cherry blossoms on peak bloom day. We saw Stevie Wonder at the Capitol Fourth celebration on July 4th.
Now, I am here mostly to see dear friends. I will take advantage of my time here, with visits to my favorite places, the Newseum, and the American History Museum. But I will spend a majority of time just wandering around this great city. I am certain I can find something interesting. And as always, I had lunch in Georgetown at Clyde’s. It is something I do 
on every trip here, dating back to the Seventies. A real plus was dining at the highly acclaimed Momofuku, originally in NYC, but now here! What a treat.
My friends here have carved out wonderful careers. In some ways, I envy them, but I know my time for “fame and fortune” have passed. But both Ken and Ginny have been quite successful, know everyone in this city, and are just the most wonderful people I know.
So, on to Chapel Hill and Durham (Duke University) to see another dear friend, on Thursday. Otherwise known as “Tobacco Road”, I will bring my mask and oxygen tanks (just kidding!). Why did I ever do my post-graduate work here? Because I got a scholarship, and they have great golf courses (Pinehurst). Truthfully, I was not lured by the basketball or the furniture!
It has been a wonderful few days here, much too hot and humid for this spoiled Californian. Let’s see what NC has in store.
golfkat Travel Blog 