...and DC is a still a trip.
So many new experiences every day, things I'd never see anywhere back home. Circles and squares, diagonal State streets, The Capitol Mall, The Washington Monument towering over the city...my office only a few blocks from the White House. I don't quite know what to think of this place yet. I've always enjoyed it from afar- I've spent a few weeks here, seen it in movies, known people who've lived here. Still, though, actually immersing myself in it is a whole different story. Waking up to it each morning falling asleep each night...finding a new rhythm in a city 3000 miles from home. The humidity is a big change (90% humidity and rain today). And the food (zero Mexican, Japanese, and Hawaiian- lots of Mediterranean). So is public transportation (Walk to the left, stand to right...). But among the most interesting things about this city is that most of the folks in the city aren't from here. They're from Kentucky, Tennessee, New York, Hawaii, Wisconsin, Oregon, Illinois, Ohio...California. There are so many students and young professionals everywhere, representing every corner of the world. There are nonprofits, NGO's, think tanks...and of course the giant department buildings along Constitution Avenue. Folks say Washington is to politics what NYC is to business. Having never seen the Financial District in NY, I can only imagine how fast-paced and dynamic it must be. Washington has a distinct feel to it. Politics run this town and the air just feels...important. People know and care about what happens on the hill and in the courts...and, of course, what happens to Donovan, Mike, and the Skins.
Today it rained on and off; tonight it's pouring. Heard it was 115 in Downtown LA the other day...I guess some raindrops aren't so bad...
It's been a quick first month and I'm slowly getting used to life out here...More specifically, life on my own. I live in a neat part of town right by Logan Circle. It's a few blocks from U street, a few blocks from downtown, and a few blocks from Dupont. I've figured some things out, like how to ride the Metro (lots of practice), how to grocery shop without a car (sadly, you never get everything you need in 1 trip), where to read on a nice day (the Mall, National Botanic Garden, or the Metro). In fact, I've been, at least once, on all the Metro Lines in the city. Now if I could only figure out the buses...I'll really be pro. I found a few good bars in town ($6 Powers whiskey), I found a new place to get my hair cut (with a crapload of famous politicians and justices all over the wall), and found a great local bookstore (just bought a great new book today). I understand why Julia and her empanadas are so famous (looove Chilean style after a night of drinks) but not why they can't just build a Jack in the Box somewhere close by. Have yet to try a Five Guys, Cosi, Au Bon Pain, or Ben's Chili Bowl- I know, total fail on my part. I found an indoor shopping complex with 1 huge entrance, consisting of a - Best Buy, Target, Bed Bath and Beyond, and Staples (with a Julia's right across the street) right off the Green/Yellow Line too! Hooray for Transit-Oriented Development. I strolled through Adam's Morgan on a Saturday night and had dinner at the Madam's Organ (BBQ!). Oh, and I found a Japanese Market, complete with all the basics you might find at Nijiya or Mitsuwa. About 1/16th the size of a supermarket, it still does the trick. I guess I'm slowly figuring things out here, and have a ways to go.
Oh, and School is intense. Reading for days. But that's school. All I can do is laugh that I'm actually paying to do this to myself. I think it's worth it.
Finally, I do find myself thinking about life back home. I miss the ocean air and the marine layer. I so miss Wednesday mornings. I miss El BJ and Umemura and GBowl. But I'll be back eventually, and I might as well start appreciating this opportunity now. I'll try to keep this up, keep a record of what I've been able to accomplish here in DC...if not only for a good laugh 10 years from now.
Be well everyone, and look what I got from the bookstore today:
cheers!
