Apparently, I'm Maria {DC Recap}

Happy voter's day! Today's a day that we celebrate the wonder that is America. I'm not going to voice my political opinion on this here blog, probably ever, but I think it's very fitting that I recap our trip to America's capital.

Friday, we drove down mid-morning for a weekend away. And even with stopping twice (once for food and once for really cheap gas, $3.90 for premium), we made it there in great time. Being unprepared for the cool weather though, I forgot a real jacket.

M and I before dinner

We parked and walked over to the zoo to meet up with three of our friends before heading to a bar for some drinks to kill time before our dinner. And some random girl on the street asked if I was Maria. I awkwardly apologized and said no. If any of you love to eat, and especially meat, this place is for you, Fogo de Chao! Just be prepared to be in a food coma for far too long.

I would try to explain how the process works, but basically there's unlimited food. And they just have meat on these skewers and come over and constantly pile it on your plate until your flip your coaster over to say you don't want anymore. E and I liked the garlic steak the best! But the boys all had different opinions. The highlight of the meal was probably having a celebrity sighting of Brandon Meriweather sitting at the table next to us.

After dinner, we went to a bar for some drinks before heading home. The boys stayed up playing video games, and I drunkenly did some writing.

Saturday, we woke up late and headed to Open City for brunch. I was unimpressed with my Croque Monsieur. Unfortunately, I feel like I've become a snob since spending time in Paris and eating such amazing ones there.

Then we split up and had a double date at the zoo. Apparently the last time I got to see Giant Pandas in real life, I was two and threw a giant temper tantrum. Ooops? It was freezing out though, so we warmed up in the gift shop before seeing some animals.

Then we finally saw a real life Giant Panda. I think it made my entire trip, maybe even month. I asked M if we could take one home, but that didn't go over well.

Eating a giant fruit pop in the shape of a bunt cake

The rest of the afternoon we rested up before heading to Redline for pre-game dinner and drinks. The wings were tasty!

Stolen from PB

The game ended up being far too close, and they didn't put in any of the Syracuse alum, but it was still a lot of fun!

After the game we went to a bar to watch Alabama kick some LSU butt, which made for a very happy M. Then ate some late night Burger King before heading back home for the night.

Sunday, we woke up way later than I had thought we would. Our hosts made delicious bacon and eggs for breakfast along with coffee. We headed to Baltimore for some Maryland crabs and to see M's brother before hitting the road home. And man, was it good to be home!

Thanks to our wonderful hosts J and E for having us! We had a lot of fun, and we can't wait for you two to make a trip to Connecticut!