Monuments and Metro

No trip to DC is complete without a tour of the monuments and some time riding the Metro. I lucked out with a perfect weather day on Saturday to walk from the Lincoln Memorial down to the Washington Monument; hot but not humid, a super rare event in late July in DC! The monuments are always such a treat and powerful reminders of our nation's history.

Despite it's flaws, I actually like the metro! When it's running smoothly you can get from A to B pretty efficiently and it's air conditioned, which is a huge plus in the summer. The long escalator rides in and out of the stations continue to be a mix of thrilling and intimidating, too!

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National Cathedral

During college, the National Catherdral became one of my favorite places to go. It was about 3/4 of a mile from campus and back then free to the public (they now charge a nominal fee to help cover the repair costs from the 2011 earthquake) and it was just so peaceful to walk around the building and grounds. Now, every trip back to DC includes a trip here too! Once again, within seconds of walking into the main sanctuary, I was at peace taking in the towering space.

It's incredible how these massive cathedrals can still feel so spiritual and intimate. Something about the sweeping arches, stained glass, and high ceilings just feels right. The crypt was open this trip and it was nice to explore down there again. There are little chapels and spaces for private contemplation and prayer everywhere. One chapel had a prayer to end gun violence posted and invited everyone from all faiths to light a candle in honor of those who have lost their lives. It was a touching reminder that all faiths can be united for a common prayer.

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American University: Revisted

A trip to DC isn't complete without a trip to AU! I hadn't been on campus in 5 years and it's always amazing to be back and see what's changed. I forgot how gorgeous the campus is, especially in summer with flowers everywhere. It's crazy to think that it's been 16 years since I started as a freshman and 12 since I graduated!

 I explored a few of the new buildings that have been built in the last few years and just meandered around. One fun change was the lower level of the bookstore is now a hip cafe. It was the actual textbook part, I guess no one uses 100lb textbooks anymore...? The new science building is just stunning, a far cry from the former science hall that was built in 1896! It's always good to be back, as we say once an Eagle, always an Eagle!

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Tour de Museums

No trip to DC is complete without a trip down to the mall to see the museums. The Mall was hopping and I managed to squeeze in 3 museums in one day! I started at the National Portrait Gallery, which I am ashamed to say I had never been to before. Sadly the Obama portraits are still on tour, but I saw a ton of other amazing portraits of former presidents and other famous Americans.

I took a quick spin through the sculpture garden on my way down the mall. I was tempted to jump into the fountain to escape the heat and humidity, but refrained!

I was bummed to have just missed the futures exhibit at the Smithsonian Castle, but one piece was still installed outside. The actual "fail" of the day was that I had planned to go to the new African American History and Culture museum but it's still thehot ticket in town and you actually need...tickets. So alas, no entry for me. 

I "plan b'ed" the rest of the afternoon and wandered around the Museum of American History and the Natioanl Gallery of Art. Both had some new exhibits since I was there last, plus the tried and true pieces on display.

I forgot how amazing it is to be able to walk up and down the mall and go in and out of the museums. It was such a college perk to have free access to these national treasures. This trip, the arctic level air conditioning was an added bonus!

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