Observations

Well, we have been in Arlington for four full days.  I have made some observations.  People here are different than people back home. At first, I thought they were rude.   As the days pass I can see that they aren't exactly rude, they just aren't as friendly as Texans.  They aren't chit chatters.  I am starting to understand this as the days go on.  When you live in a 600 square foot apartment, you walk everywhere or ride the metro full of people, and are in a city full of people everywhere you go there really isn't a lot of down time.  You would never get anywhere or get anything done if you stopped to chat with everyone you saw.  The "hi how are yous" are a little irrelevant in passing.  On the metro you don't really want to talk to everyone.  You will never see them again.  It is your few minutes to set still and relax.  I am starting to get it.  It isn't rude...it is just different.

Another observation is that Texans will hold a door for you. Here they will let a door slam in your face.  Once again, people here have to catch a bus, catch a train, etc etc.  There really isn't time to hold the door open and become a doorman for 10 minutes.  The funny thing is even though it is a fast paced city with places to be and trains to catch, people act more relaxed than they do at home.  Although people are trying to get places, no one seems  stressed or huffy.  No one rushes around acting like they are the busiest person in the world and the world will stop if they don't do what they are doing.   It is a busy yet laid back place.

I am learning to say what I mean in a short answer. I can give a 25 minute answer to just about any question.  At the metro station when the guy asks you "how long will you be?"  it is best to not start in to tell him about your plans.  The correct answer is "1 hour."

Finn is not used to having to be quiet. I realize that at our house it is be loud, run fast, ride a car around the living room, etc.  It is an adjustment for him. He doesn't understand that when he jumps the people below us hear him.  This is a good learning experience for him. He is learning about indoor and outdoor voice, about quiet feet, and so on.  He is getting opportunities to walk outside without his stroller.  He is learning running off is not an option. He is growing up so much just through this experience already.   A lot of people will stop to talk to him.  People will comment on whatever he is carrying around that day.

So far we have seen the White House, The Washington Monument, and a quick look at the Pentagon in the taxi.   We look forward to getting out and seeing more of the history of this great area.