ice skating at the National Gallery Sculpture Garden
Saturday Paul and I treated ourselves to a day of ice skating at the National Gallery of Art Sculpture Garden. In the winter they turn the large fountain in the middle into an ice rink. We missed it last year so this year we were determined to go.
When we got there, we discovered everyone else must have had the same idea. There was a long line with about a 30 to 45 minute wait to get your skates and get on the ice. A guy with his date saw the length of the line then promptly went to the front, gave the guy a tip and got right in. I'm sure his date was impressed but we were not.
The staff at the ice rink are hilariously grumpy, sternly shouting out rules and orders over the loudspeaker every 5 minutes, exasperated if you needed to change your skate size or ask any additional questions. You got the feeling they really didn't like their jobs, or maybe they weren't getting enough tips.
Still it was super fun and we skated around for about 2 hours, we didn't even fall once! It was a beautiful setting to skate in amongst the sculpture garden artworks and we got hot chocolate to warm up at the pavilion. Already looking forward to going back again!
When we got there, we discovered everyone else must have had the same idea. There was a long line with about a 30 to 45 minute wait to get your skates and get on the ice. A guy with his date saw the length of the line then promptly went to the front, gave the guy a tip and got right in. I'm sure his date was impressed but we were not.
The staff at the ice rink are hilariously grumpy, sternly shouting out rules and orders over the loudspeaker every 5 minutes, exasperated if you needed to change your skate size or ask any additional questions. You got the feeling they really didn't like their jobs, or maybe they weren't getting enough tips.
Still it was super fun and we skated around for about 2 hours, we didn't even fall once! It was a beautiful setting to skate in amongst the sculpture garden artworks and we got hot chocolate to warm up at the pavilion. Already looking forward to going back again!
Labels: Washington DC things to do
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You look absolutely gorgeous my friend!!! There is something wonderful about the crisp, fresh air and the feeling of floating along the ice hand in hand - So glad you had fun :D
That looks so fun! I have romantic notions of doing this with my husband, but I know myself too well, I'd fall down and hurt myself, I'd be too cold and embarrassed from falling down, LOL! :) Glad you had fun, though! :)
Cute, cute pic!! Sounds like lots of fun! :)
Hope your week gets off to a "tealightful" start!
Ann~Margaret
Ann-Margaret's SpecialTea Shoppe
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Hope your week gets off to a "tealightful" start!
Ann~Margaret
Ann-Margaret's SpecialTea Shoppe
http://www.ann-margarets.typepad.com/annmargaretsvisions/
Wow, I had to read the line about waiting for skates over a couple of times. Your neighbours to the North (that's me! O Canada!) seem to all have skates. I think I got a pair - new or used - every year of my youth. I can't remember ever NOT skating. So cool that it is a novelty and special occasion for you. Reminds me not to take it for granted!
Looks like fun! I've visited the sculpture garden in Spring, and it is beautiful! I imagine it is quite lovely with the ice:-)
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