Winter in Washington DC

"As for me, I am tormented with an everlasting itch for things remote. I love to sail forbidden seas, and land on barbarous coasts.” -Herman Melville

My feelings towards our nation's capital fluctuate as much as the weather there does. Sometimes I love to be surrounded by the history and sense of importance. Other times I'm disgusted by the metro and the work that goes on in the city. I have to say, though, when I'm walking down the Mall surrounded by museums with the Capitol building behind me and the Washington Monument in front of me, I feel blessed to have these things so easily accessible.

Spring is my favorite time in DC. The cherry blossoms bloom, the weather starts to warm, and the Mall is green as can be. I'm sure I'll post all about it when it comes. DC was originally a swamp, and you really feel that during the summertime. It's humid and absolutely packed with people and no one knows what they're doing.

Winter in DC feels empty. I don't have to share it. I can march right into the Smithsonian museums and walk up to any exhibit I want without any lines. I can explore the Mall and memorials at my leisure. That's what I did this Saturday. I rode the empty metro into the city, met up with friends for brunch, then we walked from the archives and through the sculpture garden. We explored the Natural History Museum while making "Night at the Museum" jokes. We strolled (quickly because it was cold) down the mall, around the newly renovated Washington Monument, and all around the World War II memorial. Then we headed past the drained reflection pool and up to where Lincoln sits and watches over the city, its monuments, and its memorials. By then we were too cold to explore the Korean or Vietnam War Memorials or to visit Jefferson at his spot by the frozen water.

There was something quite cathartic about having the city to ourselves, but there was also something missing. I can't wait to go back when the cherry blossoms reflect off of the water and the Mal is teeming with people from all over the world to watch.

#travel #dc #winter