now the cats had recovered from the trauma they had to endure during the excruciating car ride, and could be trustingly left alone at home, i decided to pay a visit to dc. i've been to the city a few times, but each time only in the neighbourhood of foggy bottom and georgetown, except for the half marathon in march, during which i did run through many streets of the capital, but saw nothing but the patch of gray pavement two feet ahead of me.

today i decided to go out of my comfort zone and ventured to eastern market area. as it turned out, today was neither saturday nor sunday--one tends to lose track when one is not gainfully employed either professionally or domestically--there was not much happening around the market. but it wouldn't have been better had i planned it, there was capitol hill books right across the street.

there were books in every crevice of the building, stacked from floor to ceiling, even the narrow staircase was lined with books. i was so happy to have picked up three of the books i'd been looking for. this place is no doubt my favorite used bookstore for now.

================ ^.^=

as you might have guessed, my day wouldn't be complete without a coffee after the books. i went to sidamo coffee and tea, a good half hour's walk from the bookstore. it was a beautiful day in a beautiful neighbourhood. the shop owner seems to be ethiopian, every sunday afternoon there is traditional ethiopian coffee ceremony. i've never heard of such things before. i'll plan well for my next visit so not to miss it. and the market.