10/29/00: Washington, D.C.

The fact that we have left our life, home, and business behind befuddles many people.

“I just can’t imagine doing that!?!” has been the response from most folks. A few express envy. Some yawn and change the subject. Others enthusiastically cheer us on.

But we’re not all that concerned about garnering approval or applause. We’re taking this trip to accomplish a few things we believe in, such as…

• Spending more uninterrupted time together as a family.
• Stopping the treadmill for a while (even if to board another).
• Taking some temporary retirement while we’re “young” and able (rather than waiting until we’re 60-something).
• Pursuing personal projects. (For example, Kirk will be completing his book, entitled “Retire Now and Then,” about this very subject.
• Testing (again) the viability of 2 Heads in other locations. (We already have a few projects lined up, and expect some more.)
• Visiting old friends and making new ones.
• Seeing the world—literally—or at least a few fine corners of it.
• Seeking wisdom and perspective while investing in memories.

To be blunt, the planning and preparation was hell. We’ll spare you the details, and trust that we’ll soon forget them ourselves. But we’ve learned (and who hasn’t?) that most worthwhile endeavors require relentless, fearless effort. So away we go—leaping with faith and hope in our hearts. Are we crazy? Maybe. But to us, to not dream or try is the craziest of all.

10/29/00: Washington, D.C.

Art is everywhere, it seems, if you look hard enough.

This amazing jack-o-lantern sits in a neighborhood bar in D.C.’s theatre district—daring customers to grab a shot of the nearby gins and vodkas it protects. During the scary season, dozens of pumpkin-goblins carved by the same artist can be found in watering holes throughout this colorful city.

10/29/00: Washington, D.C.

Monuments and majesty abound in D.C.—enough to make even the most cynical citizen proud.

And the Mall features free diversions of all kinds. Here, the new National Gallery of Art Sculpture Garden boasts an homage to cubism lorded over by a recently restored Washington Monument.

10/28/00: Washington, D.C.

After months of planning, angst, and sleep deprivation, we finally left home for a four-month sabbatical around the world.

First stop: Washington, D.C. While the East Coast can feel far away, the flight took less than two hours. We wanted some quintessential American cuisine before heading to Paris. So we headed to Ben’s Chili Bowl, a Washington, D.C. landmark that throbs with character and a soulful jukebox. We relished Ben’s chilidogs, fries with cheese and chili sauce, milk shakes, and Pepsi. Bon appetit!