Washington D.C. – Monumentality at its best.

This past weekend I decided to have a flash trip to Washington D.C. What started as just a little weekend trip to get away from the NYC chaos, ended up being a quick and interactive refresh of my US history.

I started the trip by taking one of those Chinatown buses.  LORD… those Chinese made the beginning of my trip such an event.  The bus was late, overbooked (so I had to wait for the next bus), and people were not in the best mood.  Once in the bus, things went by smoothly.

I have traveled with them before, but one thing I have learned is that you never know what to expect.  So, be ready for anything.  But after all, the convenience of the bus ride still beats all other transportation option.  Finally, after this slightly crazy bus ride from NYC, I arrive at D.C.’s Chinatown.  Always active, always interesting.

Revisiting the Capital felt like opening and dusting off my 7^th grade history book.  I’ve been here many times before but it has been years since I last stepped into one of the Capital’s museums and monuments.

I have to say that my favorite places have always been the Smithsonian National Air and Space Museum –where I always feel like a 5 years old kid, and the Vietnam Veterans Memorial with its poetic minimalist black walls that scar the earth.

When walking through the city, you can feel the monumentality through its classical architecture that is inspired by the ancient Greek and Roman architecture, giving a strong impression of power (whether they do actually have it or not). But no matter what type of impression you get, there’s no doubt that Washington’s landmarks and monuments are striking and iconic.  Be it by their simplicity, their grace, their openness, or their imposing character, D.C.’s architectural treasures will spark your curiosity for its historic past.

The well-known National Mall is not to be missed.  This axial park that starts with the US Capitol Building and ends with the Lincoln Memorial, holds some of the most important museums and memorials in the city.  Spring and autumn are the best seasons to walk and stroll through the National Mall and the parks along the Potomac River.  Also in the National Mall is the Washington Monument, which aligns perpendicularly with the White House.  It’s worth taking the elevator to the observation room at the Washington Monument to see the mesmerizing view of the city, but you need to reserve tickets in advance or get them the same day at the 15^th street kiosk.  Tickets are free and it’s recommended to go before 8 am because they go fast.

It’s a shame that you can no longer see the White House from up close.  Every time I go there I find the fences even further from the House (I think the secret service is taking things too seriously, but I understand… security.).  I think eventually you will need binoculars to see the House from the distance – joke.  But at this pace, who knows.

On this visit I discovered a little nice spot not known by many – the Old Post Office Tower.  There is not much to see on the base of the building other than some small shops and a food court, but at the tower, the view is much more impressive.  Go up to the top of the tower to see a view of Washington D.C. 12 stories up.  It’s free and not too crowded.  This is a great alternative to climbing up the Washington Monument if you don’t want to wait in line for hours.

Washington is so full of landmarks and interesting spots that no matter how may times you go to there you will always discover something new to see, do, and learn.