It’s almost starting to be spring – which would generally be the happiest time of the year, except the current political conditions make it hard to feel optimistic about the world and the future of D.C. So it’s not surprising that we saw a mix of things this past week – from some early blossoms, Mardi Gras, support for Ukraine, rally for transgender rights, etc.
Blossoms
One of the best places to see early blooming is the plum blossoms by the D.C. War Memorial.
The cherry blossoms around the Tidal Basin still have two or three weeks to go.
Ukraine
After the disastrous press conference on Friday, a small crowd gathered near Lafayette Square, right across from the Hay-Adams where President Zelenskyy was staying.
On Saturday, the gathering in Lafayette Square was much larger.
On Sunday, the pro-Ukrainian demonstrators who have been showing up almost every day since the war began continued a presence in Lafayette Square, waiving flags and signs to cars driving along H Street.
On Tuesday before the President’s speech to Congress, demonstrators were right across from the Capitol.
Mardi Gras
The sadness in the world didn’t stop the happiness from coming out at Mardi Gras, with a very crowded day-long festival highlighted by the parade at The Wharf.
Transgender Unity Rally
Saturday morning, a Transgender Unity Rally started at the Capitol, and marched to the Washington Monument and Lafayette Square.
The animals are oblivious to world events
Qing Bao is setting in nicely at the zoo.
Baby Zahra, not quite two years old, is growing up but still clinging to her mother.
And the other gorillas are enjoying relaxing outside more now that it isn’t quite as cold.
