Back on Da Block

What's good people??!!!

I know you've all missed me...So I have returned.

DC was interesting...relaxing...expensive...yet wonderful.

HartfordLady, her son, and I arrived in the District on Friday morning..and that is when the drama began. First we had problems with the direct bill that was supposed to be set up so that we could get our rental car. So in true LATINA fashion, HartfordLady proceeded to tear Enterprise a new one...She was so good that even UPGRADED our rental to a brand new SUV.

I love her!

Then we get to the hotel and find out that the website that we booked our rooms on was indeed a scam...But American Express is the SHIT--We stopped payment and rebooked and because they have fraud protection THEY will go after these lowlifes...

So after an hour or so of working out the details with the WONDERFUL hotel staff we were checked into our luxurious accomodations. I was also excited because I was supposed to meet someone in the evening who was going to show me some of the "hot spots" to get to on that evening...It didn't quite work out like I had planned.

I was stood up...At that point I was already drunk so I decided to drink some more. I had a minor "Waiting To Exhale" moment in my hotel room and then called a certain blogger who helped me regain my sanity...Everytime I have an expectation it seems to crumble right in my face...so the rule is; NO EXPECTATIONS!

So needless to say, Friday was not a good day. Saturday was ok though. I checked in at the conference, said my hellos, had a really nice lunch and dinner, and brought it down for the night relatively early. Sunday was filled with conference activities until I decided I was through and headed back to the hotel and relaxed. After speaking with HarfordLady about my disappointment on Friday night she convinced me into going out to the club in DC by myself...She said

"You go out in New York by yourself all the time. So if you can do New York then why can't you do DC? Enjoy yourself!"

So after a nice tip about where to go from an infamous blogger/friend I summoned a cab at my hotel and went on my way to what ended up being one of the sleaziest gay bars/clubs I have EVER been to...But alas, I was out and I was in no mood to complain. I walked in, lookin fly and absorbing the stares...I ordered a drink and proceeded to people watch. The crowd dwindled down to nearly nothing and I went outside where I met 3 pretty nice dudes who gave me a tip about where to go on Monday night. When I checked my cellphone I had ALL three of their numbers in my outgoing call log...it's funny because I can only remember giving ONE of them my number...but oh well. It was a decent time.

On Monday I checked out Career Services at the conference and then decided I wanted to take a walk in search of DuPont Circle. So I loaded up my CD player and walked in my dress clothes (why oh why) down Connecticut Avenue until I hit my destination. **sidebar** never walk two miles in Steve Madden dress shoes. And what did I find when I got there?

A few nice shops and eateries...a couple of homosexuals...very few black faces...It was sort of anticlimactic. The Village definitely has more Bohemian appeal.

On Monday evening I decided to meet the three gentleman I met the night before. We managed to end up at another spot which was not nearly as sleazy but was still different from what I was used to. The strippers at this particular spot got BUTT ASS NAKED. Having really only done the NYC club circuit I was a bit stunned when I saw these long schlongs whipping through the air. But who am I to complain about penis?

I also met a nice young (well not so young, he's 32) guy there. He had a nicely groomed afro so I leaned over to him and said; "I like your hair" which instantly helped us strike up a conversation. We left, grabbed a bite to eat, and called it an evening.

He eventually told me that he's *gasp* a hair stylist...That could explain his hair feeling so soft and wonderful. I must admit that I was a bit put off when he told me that. But he was cute and nice nonetheless. But hey, there are no expectations...what happens in DC STAYS in DC.

On my final evening I decided just to stay in the general vicinity and attend the closing event of the conference; the talent show/dance party. I was not expecting to have a good time and POOF!!! I was there having fun...Once they started throwin on the hip hop it turned into a black peoples/FRAT party. Never in my life have I seen so many gay GREEKS (I mean I have dated my share but never seen them all together in one place). So I enjoyed standing there and getting some eyes cutting in my direction...part of me loves the whole DL game of cat and mouse and the other part is so frustrated by it all...One even gave me the "nigga nod" as I walked by and I had to laugh to myself...I just kept on walkin and said to myself.."Yeah, you got it." It felt good.

All in all I enjoyed myself in the District...saw some cuties...ate at some wonderful places...stayed in a fabulous 4 and a half star hotel...Just lived it up.

As much as I would love to find a reason to complain I just can't. I'm blessed. But I am GLAD to be back to normal life.

So where should I visit next? Let me know. Maybe Quaheem can be coming LIVE and in LIVING COLOR to a city near you.

Until then,

PeaceLoveandEternity

Q