Overheard in D.C.: Endearing Tourists
This weekend is going to be an interesting one, with the Glenn Beck rally and a competing NAACP-sponsored rally on the Mall. But before you get annoyed, just realize that sometimes the city can be a confusing place, and confused tourists can be kind of sweet.
Overheard of the Week
At the Woodley Park Metro:
Tourist gentleman to Metro Station attendant, through the window: "So I don't know how this works. Um, Smithsonian, please, I guess."
After the jump, more endearing tourists, some Palin fans, and taking back Arlington.
Keep overheard going! Send what you've heard (especially this weekend) to overheardindc(at)gmail(dot)com, with where you heard it, who said it, and when!
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Burn
At Safeway:
A couple, both wearing "Palin for President AND Vice President 2008" shirts, are buying a 12 pack of Budweiser.
The clerk tells them it's $9.50. The couple then starts complaining that they're gouging people in town for the rallies, demands to speak to the manager, and that it's un-American.
Cashier: "No sir, that is capitalism."
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Maybe they want to become part of D.C.?
On the Blue Line leaving Arlington Cemetery:
Metrorail operator: "The next station is Rosslyn, last station in the Commonwealth of Arlington."
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They're about to be disappointed
On the Green Line to Mt. Vernon Square after a Nats game:
Two very drunk guys are talking to someone else on the train: "We've been to Mardi Gras, we've been to Fire Island-" (the metro doors ding that they're closing) "-and now Mt. Vernon! Hallelujah!"
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Well, they're right
At Lafayette Square:
Four scruffy teenaged tourists are walking through Lafayette Square on their way to see the White House.
Teenager 1: "What do you think would happen if I hoped the White House fence?"
Teenager 2: "You would probably be shot immediately."
Teenager 3: "Yeah, there are snipers all over the roof."
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Interns
Rayburn HOB, in a Floridian member's office:
On the TV, CNN is doing a piece on McCain-Hayworth primary
Person 1 to coworker: "Hey, so it looks like McCain going to win one for once."
Intern: "Has he ever lost a race?"
Person 1, incredulous & trailing off: "Recently?"
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Positivity!
On the D6 to Stadium Armory in Penn Quarter:
Tourist to bus driver: "Are you going to Foggy Bottom?"
Male passenger on bus: "We're going to the bottom but it ain't Foggy, man."
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More endearing tourists
A woman in her mid-forties with a daughter in her early twenties are standing near the base of the Lincoln Memorial:
Mom, points at sky: "LOOK! It's Air Force One!"
Daughter: "Um, mom... that's a U.S. Airways plane."
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With ideas?
On the back of the D8 bus last week on a rainy morning:
Woman 1: "And then, she came back pregnant!"
Woman 2: "With a baby?"
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Who says kids don't know romance
Outside the Columbia Heights Chipotle:
Teenage girl 1: "What time did he say?"
Teenage girl 2 (looking at phone): "Ten."
Teenage girl 1: "TEN?! That ain't no date, that's a booty call!"
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Aaaaand scene
Near Lincoln Park on Capitol Hill:
A woman and man are walking across the street.
Woman, loudly to man: "I'll have you know that I didn't masturbate last night."