Washington DC

I've been to Washington DC more times than I can count. Even though this was a really short trip, since it was for work, I still got to see some things (and people!) I really enjoyed.

The National Mall

I love the setup of the National Mall, because it's designed so perfectly. Everything is so symmetrical! Aimee drove four hours from Raleigh to pick me up from the airport, Alicia drove from Annapolis, and they parked on the street near my hotel so we could walk there. We walked to the World War II Memorial, along the pool, up to the giant Lincoln Memorial, and by the Vietnam Memorial. We also walked past the National Monument. Basically, walking anywhere here you're going to see something historical! 

Gardens and art

We saw the Hirshhorn Sculpture Garden and walked around admiring the art. Then we went inside the Hirshhorn and saw among other cool sights, Laurie Anderson's exhibit, which is descried as an 'immersive audiovisual experience.' I loved it! 

District Wharf

Part of my conference was located here, but Alicia, Aimee and I hadn't been here. Later, I found out that it's because it's new! They've created an entertainment area by the water. We ate here at Kirwan's On the Wharf, but there are a lot of choices. Later that night I went to the conference event right on the water here, too. Super nice area.

Honestly, I've met up with these girls in various states and countries, so the fact they'd drive to Washington DC just for lunch shouldn't surprise me, but it did - just so awesome to see them. 

                                 

Museums

I love museums, and I love that they're free here! I was walking to the Capitol Building and passing right by the National Gallery of Art. How could I resist? It was about 15 minutes to closing time, so I just went in to spend those minutes walking around. 

The amazing thing about being in this museum is that sometimes in them I'm struggling to find something I find interesting. There's always something, but in smaller museums you sometimes have to work for it. But this one...room after room...you could get lost in it, it's so huge, and full of amazing art! I also love going to museums by myself, because I can go anywhere I want and stay as long as I want (or at least until it closes.)

I walked past a hallway and a picture caught my eye, and it was like seeing someone you recognized. It was Ginevra de' Benci by Leonardo da Vinci, which my mom has a replica of in her house. She used to go to DC a lot with my dad for meetings, and she said when she came here, she would always visit the painting to stare at it, because she loves it so much. I was so happy to happen to see it, and I stared at it too.

                                               

Capitol Building

I love visiting capitol buildings in our state capitals, and since they often share the same style, but wow - this one always seems so huge.

Running

                                      

I always like to run in other cities because you always get a different feel. The first morning I ran here, a rat jumped out of a planter and ran alongside me for a few steps. Ah, cities. I had to go early, and it was pitch black and cold. I ran to the Lincoln Memorial. The mall pathway was lit, but it was just a pool of darkness beyond it. I wondered about the safety of running there by myself, but it seemed fine. There was not one person in sight, so when I visited Lincoln, it was just him and me. You don't always get touristy spots to yourself, and I really liked the early morning visit. Not only was he a great leader, but that is one beautiful statue. 

                                               

Work

Since I was there for work, we stayed at the Marriot, and ate at Bobby Van's Steakhouse and Proper 21. I had a good time with my work friends, too.

There are a million more things to do in DC when you have time! I've ridden the hop on and off bus, explored the Smithsonian and other museums, and done the night scene. I'll be back, I know ... because my kids haven't even been here yet!