Guest Post: The New Diplomat's Wife Brings the Shore to the City

A while back, in anticipation of an actual vacation, I asked a few online friends if they would be so kind as to "pen" a guest post for me while I'm away. I realized after the fact that the women I've asked all have voices that have become important to me - all for different reasons. So I'd like to share them with you.

I think I was drawn to Ania's blog, The New Diplomat's Wife, by a tweet (isn't that how it happens nowadays?). Then I saw her beautiful photograph. Then I saw the "Est. 2010 Vienna." Now we have as-yet-unfulfilled plans to share an afternoon Melange or Kleiner Brauner. Here's what she has too say.

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Lake Como

Not all of us have the good fortune to be away on summer days of leisure (ahem, DC Celine), yet vacation is all I seem to be able to think about these days. Well, that and how to make that swimsuit bod just a tad more appealing for the season coming up. So when you can’t make it to the shore yet for vacation, here are a few ways of making the shore, and all of its seaside goodness, come to you here in the city.

1. Hear the Navy Band Play – throughout the summer, those ladies and gents in their summer whites get suited up and play at the Navy Memorial and at the Capitol. Hum along to Anchors Aweigh and other classics while winking at the sailor of your choice.

2. Sail Away on the Tidal Basin – not in a sailboat of course, which is let’s face it, kind of a lot of work, but rather in a paddleboat. If you play your cards right and pick the right person to accompany you, it can in fact be very little work as you drift along the water, soaking up rays. Bring along goldfish crackers and pretend you caught your dinner, while greeting the pedestrian passersby with “Ahoy there!”

3. Enjoy Oysters at Pearl Dive – order up a big plate of briny deliciousness. Most of the oysters are from our very own shore line, making them fresh and full of that saltiness that comes along with “right out of the water” seafood. Ask the waiters lots of questions about their provenance – not only will you learn something, you’ll feel like you really know the various bodies of water as if you had been vacationing there all summer.

4. Hang out at Vineyard Vines – the inside of this East Coast seaside staple practically makes you feel like you’re in a seaside cottage. Take up residence on one of the blue couches on a summer afternoon while James Taylor covers are crooned out. Pick up a nautical themed goody to bring the feeling home.

5. Walk on the Georgetown Waterfront – it practically has everything a boardwalk has! Peoplewatching! Boats! Sunshine rays that make you wish you could actually get into the water! If you’re hungry, pick up lobster rolls from the Tackle Box in advance and enjoy them on benches near the main water fountain – if the wind blows just so, that list mist from the fountain will practically convince you the ocean is but steps away.