Being a tourist is all about surprises. The excitement of seeing things you've only read about, like historic buildings and imposing monuments. The stimulation of learning about local culture and tradition. The fun of discovering a region's dining options and watering holes.

Perhaps it all comes down to how you define "fun."

Quote of the Week

Connecticut Avenue, walking towards Dupont Circle:
Elderly Man: "I'm starving."
Elderly Woman: "I'm sure we'll find someplace to eat soon."
Elderly Man: "We've been walking for an hour."
Elderly Woman: "Well, there's a place across the street...The Royal Palace. The sign says 'food and fun.' I'm sure you can get a burger there."

We love to hear what you've heard. Send it to overheardindc (at) gmail (dot) com.

After the jump, using spoilers as a weapon, refreshing naivete, and the evolution of testicle hair (really).

Image uploaded to DCist photos by Flickr user furcafe, for use under a Creative Commons license.

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How about letting the Metro conductor drive?

Orange line to Vienna, West Falls Church Metro:
Drunk friend: "Yaay! It's your birthday! We're going to a party."
Drunk birthday girl: "Yaay! I'm excited. And I'll totally drive."
Drunk friend: "You can't drive!! It's your birthday! I will."
Drunk birthday girl: "Awww you're so nice."

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Oooooh...Now, THAT'S cold.

Metro:
Two girls enter the train through different doors, and both head for the last available seat. The girl who gets there first sits down and starts reading her Harry Potter book.
Girl who didn't get the seat: "I was going to sit there! You KNEW I was going to sit there! You took my seat!"
Girl who got the seat: "Well, that's just the way it goes sometimes."
Girl who didn't get the seat: "Yeah?! Well Sirius Black DIES at the end of that book!!"

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Ah, how nice to stumble across such innocence and naivete.

Sidewalk in front of the White House:
Leader of small protest group with signs: "You know, this isn't really working. I think we should take a break."

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As long as it doesn't go towards the bartender's pocket.

Fundraiser for Transformer Art Gallery where all proceeds from food and drink sales benefited the Gallery's 2006/2007 exhibition series:
Guy brings drinks back from bar for him and his wife:
Woman: "Thanks. How much were these anyway?"
Guy: "Only $3 each, and then tip."
Woman: "And what does the money go towards again?"
Guy: "I think that they have a cash register."

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You decide: meta or cliche?

The Black Cat:
Hipster: "I feel so fucking disaffected."

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Number one sign you are obviously dating the wrong people:

Rumba Cafe, 18th Street:
"That's why I don't want to get married, so I can still drink."

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Honestly? I wouldn't even want to know.

Bethesda office:
Intern: No one has yet proven to me the evolutionary need for testicle hair.

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He also knows where both Marymount University AND the Arlington campus of George Mason are.

Orange Line:
Train conductor: "Next stop, Rosslyn. This is the also the first stop in the Commonwealth of Virginia."
Tourist (to other tourist): "He really knows a lot of information."

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'Cause I...I...just...feel so dirty.

USDA building:
Person with Borg/Bluetooth ear piece on the phone: "OK, so why are you still doing the Master Cleanse?"

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Yeah, because NOBODY gets shot in D.C.

L'Enfant Plaza waiting for the last orange line train around midnight:
Punk teen boy #1 to punk teen boy #2: "Man, I'd love to live in Richmond. I mean, yeah, lots of people get shot there. But, still, it'd be awesome."

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Not only was it terrible, it was also horrible. And bad, too.

Urban Outfitters, Chinatown:
Dude to his friend: "Man, it was terrible. First, I got pink eye and then I got conjunctivitis."

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So I guess this means he isn't married.

Parking lot in Bailey's Crossroads, Virginia:
Obnoxious Eight-Year-Old: "Where are we going now? Target?"
Grizzled Older Man (Father? Uncle?): mumble
O8YO: "Tell me! I have to know!"
GOM: "The liquor store."
O8YO: "Again? We went there yesterday!"