here it is! the JFK center for performing arts. there was a play that night too. shakespeare's the tempest. our jazz concert is the series of free concerts that happen every single evening at 5pm. weekday, weekend everyday also have.
the interior as we went in. i tried to spot the singapore flag, but we were late because the shuttle bus to the center was late. so i quickly snapped this picture.
the jazz performance. performing on stage was this 2-man band, purely instrumental and their music is grounded on jazz, rock, latin and world music. weird mix, because they wanted their music to reflect their roots, as well as where they live (washington dc). there was this guy on drums and percussion and he's good. the other guy played the keyboards and flute. they're called the Duology Band. not too bad.
nice interior.
the riverfront. reminds me of esplanade! why are they all built next to water bodies? the sydney opera house is also next to a river, with the harbour bridge. singapore also got that bridge that is near fullerton hotel. here in washington dc, there's the arlington bridge.
the tall walls of the concert hall have words of JFK, america's former president that died way too young, inscribed on it. very inspirational.
a nice place to chill. weather was perfect. dusk is falling.
ahhh the arlington bridge here. a better view.the next day we got up bright and early and headed to the Pentagon. it's a pentagon and very ordinarily-looking. photographs of the building were NOT allowed. i shan't tell you about my encounter with the policeman in shorts and a bicycle. then we found out we couldn't go on the tour because you gotta book way in advance with your consulate or something, just like the White House. so we headed to the Pentagon Memorial instead.
please excuse the goofy shot. i know we took a solemn shot too. here is the memorial for the people that perished in 9/11. we often overlook the plane that crashed onto the pentagon because the WTC collapsed and all. but people died here too. and they are currently building a proper memorial. so here is the one they have now.p.s please do not be shocked that i'm wearing a t shirt only. it was really really warm and we were perspiring like crazy. it was probably around 24 degrees.
up close. the 184 people that died. young and old.
cannot take picture of the pentagon, so take picture of its surroundings, as proof that we were there!
then we headed to the Arlington National Cemetery just one train stop away. it's really a cemetery, where they bury the men and women that have served the US in military service. right from the world wars, to the vietnam war, to the iraq war. it is HUGE. and very peaceful and serene. you know how cemeteries are really freaky sometimes? they look sinister and scary and dark, but this cemetery is so peaceful and beautiful.
we visited JFK's gravesite. he, together with his family, are buried here too.
many many sacrificed their lives for their country. a lot of americans are really patriotic. i wonder who will die for singapore.
see what i mean by peaceful, serene and beautiful? you wouldn't see such beautiful trees and flowers in other cemeteries.
JFK's grave.
the memorial stone, remembering the astronauts that perished with the space shuttle columbia. i remember hearing the news and reading the report and feeling very very sad.
that's the mast of a submarine that sank. some country, i can't remember which, went to bomb their submarine and they recovered the mast.
this is the place where they hold memorial services. it's like an outdoor amphitheatre. and everything is white. like marble. very very nice.
as i was walking to the exit, and feeling extremely hot, i chanced upon this ceremony. a funeral service, or a memorial service. you can see the officer holding a wreath. and it's extremely solemn. with the marching of the guards, saluting, and everyone holds their hand to their hearts (like when they sing their national anthem). and the bugel horn plays that tune. i can't sing it here, but it's that piece they play for a military funeral. i first heard it in the movie, Mr. Holland's Opus.
as we leave the cemetery, a parting shot.ok. time for dinner gathering. i cooked emperor chicken again! and we have laksa and hor fun and baked rice and stir fried veges and some other dishes.
ohyes. i got my package from gerri! they were so nice to deliver it to my house! i always feel bad when they are nice. hmmm. i like pineapple tarts. (: yummm.
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