Need a Nap Before Your Flight out of DC?

I travel a lot. These days it seems like I am always running from one destination to the other, trying to make a flight, train, or catch a cab. What is it about this city that seems to run at the breakneck speed of New York City, only without the efficiency. Today, I decided rather than take the usual high priced cab option to the airport, I would try out the Washington Flyer service. I got up this morning, did some work from my home office, logged on to check the schedule and decided that I would take my time in the afternoon commute to Dulles. I left my place to catch the metro at about 1230. I transferred easily at Metro Center. Sure, the metro ran a little slow today, but the midday crowd is not bad so I remained relaxed and patient. It seemed like the only people on the metro bound for West Falls Church were travelers. I was hoping this wasn't going to be an indication of the passenger traffic.

When I got to West Falls Church, I saw the signs for the Washington Flyer. IT was very easy to just wait outside the metro station while the big gray coach pulled up and a nice gentlemen loaded our baggage. I remember reading it was about a 15 minute trip to Dulles from the metro. Once seated I put my head back, closed my eyes and drifted off to dream.

When I woke up about 20 mins later, I was surprised at how well I rested. I felt totally refreshed. Something about the quiet hum of the bus traveling on the highway, it put me right to sleep. Now, I sit here rather refreshed and perky before attempting to join the security line here at Dulles. As far as ways to get to the airport, I recommend the Washington Flyer if you have the time. Forget running to catch cabs or asking your friend to drop you off. Give yourself a few hours and enjoy a nice midday commute to Dulles on this coach. If for no other reason, to give yourself 20 mins for a little shut eye.

Well, here I go...I am preparing to be swallowed by the security line and board those ridiculous space mobile people movers to get to my gate. Wish me luck. Blog you on the other side, somewhere where not too far away from the happiest place on earth.

Let It Snow!

The first snowfall of the year is upon us here in the Nation's Capital. Yes, I got to go home early today. Don't get me wrong, I am not complaining, but I find it a little ridiculous that half of my office had to leave to get home to the suburbs before "it gets worse.".

I find all this snow talk rather humorous. Every year this city goes through the same drill and freaks out when the winter weather rolls in. This year, the discussions started on the weekend. All that coverage of the midwest snow storms and how they were "coming our way." I guess that Boston got slammed and we just missed it. I did see a few flakes while watching the Patriots/Ravens game the other night. What was that all about? The Ravens need to tame some of their players and the short tempers. But, this blog is not about sports, so I should not digress.

So it is snowing and I am sitting comfortably on my couch having coffee and watching the History Channel. No, I am not scrambling to get milk, or bread or even salt for that matter. This yearly snow panic that comes over the city just makes me scratch my head. I lived in New England for years, and even lived in Europe, near the Alps...they never shut down due to snow. I mean if a post-communist, former Soviet Bloc country can clear their roads without fail then why do we have such a hard time doing it in the Capital of the "most powerful country in the world?"

I understand the danger aspect of everyone's commute. I think the danger comes from the fact that our terrible drivers in the metropolitan area become insane drivers when it snows. I am glad that I don't have to face those dangers on the road. My biggest fear is slipping on the metro platform tiles while in my snow covered Bostonians. No, I don't wear boots. I know it is silly, but I think they look ridiculous while wearing a suit. So, I would much rather risk frostbite and look presentable than run into a client or colleague in Lands End Boots and my Armani suit pants scrunched up on top of them. It just screams bureaucrat.

So my commute home wasn't that bad. I took both bus and metro, neither of which seemed to have a problem with the snow. Granted, I am a little cold and wet when I finally get home, but it is nothing a cup of joe and a hot shower can't fix. Now, we just wait for the news reports and the school closures to start - the official sign that winter has come to Washington.