We're in the US, did you know that? Oh? I didn't blog in a while? Oops.
Anyway, we're here in Bethesda, MD, where Doug works at his company's home office for the entire month of February. We are staying at a corporate stay close by, right in downtown Bethesda, only steps from the Metro.
Some random thoughts.
Love the apartment. It has two bedrooms and although that's one bedroom too few, it's a great apartment. It's airy and has a great living/dining room/kitchen. Hardwood floors, nice modern furniture, all kitchen appliances you need, everything clean and neat. We have a washer/dryer in the unit which is awesome, as well as free wireless. With the few items we brought, it's almost always tidy. It's a vacation for my spirit, really. I can straighten and clean the apartment in ten minutes, and laundry takes only minimal time, too. The fridge is gigantic and has a big freezer compartment, complete with ice maker which the kids love, love, love. So, that's all good. (And it's paid for by Doug's per diem, how awesome is that.)
It's strange to be without a cell phone. It's not only strange but people seem to think you almost impolite for not having a cell phone, as you are making their lives more difficult. It's also striking to see just how many people are constantly using their iPhones while on the bus, the Metro, standing at the street lights.
Which leads me to the incredible, very obvious affluence. I admit that's partly because we are in Bethesda but it feels almost overwhelming to see all those pricey shops, the gleaming cars, the dazzling lights, the luxury everywhere. Coming from Moldova to Fladungen wasn't such a disconnect as life there is quite humble. Comfortable but not glitzy. Here, it's like another world - well, it IS another world. It jarrs me a bit right now. I can't stop but thinking of those people I know who live a month on what these young professionals spend on sushi in one evening.
Just some thoughts. Now we're off to the Smithsonian.
You're about three miles from my sister and brother in law, in Maclean/Falls Church. Back in mid-December, when I visited for Naomi's naming ceremony, the area seemed ritzier and much healthier economically than old money Westchester - but the traffic! And the supermarket prices! And the amount of money they paid for a 3/2 rowhouse!
(Highly sought after daycare at the Maclean synagogue, $17K PY, plus $5K to the building fund, on top of $2k per annum dues.)
Posted by: The New York City Math Teacher | January 31, 2012 at 07:25 PM
One of the main reasons we can't even begin to consider living here...
Posted by: claudia | January 31, 2012 at 09:07 PM