This past week I had the pleasure of traveling to Washington, D.C. for a work conference. It was one of those conferences I love to attend for the information and the conversations, and also dread because of the things I discover need to be changed, revised, or scrapped when I get back to the office. My team always eyes me a little leerily after, especially when I pull out my little notebook with all my scribbles.
While there, I always find time after the day is done to go and catch the sites. It is rare not to find something new to see or to view a familiar monument from a different perspective.
I’ve been a couple of times in the spring time, but never at the time to get the full effect of the cherry blossoms in full bloom. Previous visits were either a week too early or a week too late. This time was perfect in my mind. The blossoms were in full bloom as I headed to the Tidal Basin.
I have to say I always pictured the blossoms as being pink. Imagine my surprise to see the are both pink and white.
Pictures I’ve seen have always been around the Tidal Basin, so it was a pleasant surprise to see cherry trees all over. Some on the White House grounds. Groves of them on the national plaza. Clusters around monuments, such as the Washington Monument.
But, truly the most spectacular place is the Tidal Basin (at least of the places I was able to which I was able to walk).
It was also a very windy day. On the walk over, one could see the pollen being blown from the trees in all directions.
Take a look at the flags around the Washington Monument, they were flying straight out.
As I joined the throngs of people heading back towards the Mall, my peripheral vision spotted a cluster of color off to the right. It is my nature to investigate as one never knows what might be found! It was worth the time to discover the bright colors were coming from a tulip garden. I truly was surprised to see so many in full bloom—mine at home are just popping through the ground. These were beautiful with several varieties I’d not seen before.
One of the many things I love about walking around the National Mall are the number of activities Washingtonians are doing. In one small corner I visited, with the Washington Monument, the National Museum of African American History and Culture right there, and the Lincoln Memorial and the White House visible in the background, were people flying kites, playing co-ed softball, and a rather robust game of kickball. What a visitor feels as overwhelming awe at times is just another building in their home city. I mean, how cool to be playing kickball between the towering Washington Monument, and the majestic Lincoln Memorial mirrored on the reflecting pool!
Here a few other photos I took during my couple of days in D.C.—dessert one evening, some shots from inside the Supreme Court including one of famous spiral staircases, the Capitol building, and another random photo from here and there.
Traveling is one of my great loves. Seeing new and unusual things. Standing next to historical monuments. Reading about historical figures. Tasting new foods and smelling new odors. Treading in the footsteps of those who made history. Imagining what it must have felt like 100 or so years ago when buildings were brand new, watching these palatial wonders being built.
If possible, I encourage you to make it to D.C. at least once, even if just for a day. To feel the power emanating around you. Walking through the halls where laws that affect us daily are written and passed. Arrange a visit with your elected official, letting them know how you feel about certain things. Just to stand in front of Lincoln in the Lincoln Memorial or next to the new statue of Martin Luther King Junior or see the immensity of the size of the Pentagon can give you goosebumps (getting some right now).
I look forward to my next trip, whenever it may be. Hope to see you there, craning your neck as you stand touching the Washington Monument and looking skyward, sharing in the unspoken knowledge of, “Wow, I’m actually here!”
Personal Reflections of a Middle-Aged Man 