Top 6 Reasons Why It Is Hard to Break Up with Washington, D.C.

Oh, time for some sentimentalism around here… After 2 years of working in Washington, D.C. I wrap up this client engagement with mixed feelings. There is more excellent work to be done. Yet, I want to be home. But it’s also hard to leave DC because I just really like this city.

Why, you may ask? Here are some reasons why I love DC – and the photos to go with them!

1. Yes, the tourist “attractions”

Not because they are tourist attractions but because of one of any number of reasons: their architecture, their history, or their contents. The monuments, the Smithsonian museums, the landmarks of the federal government – all these qualify as do other like the Holocaust Museum (a must), the Newseum (surprisingly well-done; with a piece of the Berlin Wall and an antenna from one of the World Trade Center towers), etc.

The Washington Monument and the Lincoln Memorial in Washington, D.C.

Don’t need a photo album of these… The Washington Monument and the Lincoln Memorial are among the most popular

The White House and the Washington Monument in Washington, D.C.

Everyone wants to see the White House – and they should! I loved walking by to watch tourists. Here undergoing preparations for the Jan 2013 inauguration.

Children visiting landmarks in Washington, D.C.

Little tourists…

2. The importance of the place

I just feel the energy of this city, center of power that it is. I was far and very close to that center. Far because I have zero access. Very close because I worked two blocks from the White House itself.

Most obvious in this category: The White House. Taken when the people had the right to tour it.

U.S. Treasury Department at night - looking at its columns

The Department of the Treasury is a less obvious center of power…

The Old Executive Building on the west side of the White House

3. Its history

Clearly so much history in the obvious places. But also in less obvious or lesser-known ones…

St. John’s Church across from the White House by Lafayette Square – the church of Presidents

Site of inaugural balls, residence of VIPs including pre-President JFK, and a hangout of J. Edgar Hoover: the Mayflower Hotel – my second home!

The Watergate Complex

Georgetown stairs made famous by the movie The Exorcist

The famous stairs from The Exorcist (that counts as history, right? film history?)

New South residence hall in Georgetown University

New South dormitory in Georgetown University. Never heard of it? Well, maybe not famous yet but it will be known as the place where a young ilivetotravel spent 6 weeks while in high school!

4. The incredible neighborhoods

Georgetown is likely the grand-dame (or is it masculine?) of the neighborhoods in DC but the city has so many unique areas like Capitol Hill, Adams Morgan, etc. All worth walking around and just exploring and feeling their vibe. I wish I had explored even more but I definitely enjoyed walking around, especially the smaller streets with the brownstones and neighborhood places. I wonder if most tourists venture into the neighborhoods. If they don’t, they are missing out on the best part of the capital city of the U.S., in my humble opinion.

Iconic view of Georgetown in Washington, D.C. across the Potomac

Looking at Georgetown University

A little outside the old part of Georgetown

Sunsets in Georgetown are beautiful

Tree shadow onto an old building in Georgetown, Washington, D.C.

See what I mean about sunsets in Georgetown?

5. Nothing like running along the Potomac – either bank

One of my favorite post-work activities – take a look and you will see why!

Rowers on the Potomac

Looking at Georgetown and the Key Bridge

On the western bank headed towards Reagan National Airport, close to the LBJ Memorial

This runner casts a long shadow…

Runner along the Potomac River casts a shadow on the pavement

Great strides are inspired by the Potomac River and its views

6. And the fun!

The food, the drinks, and the places to hang out!

Sitting at the Georgetown Waterfront by the Potomac in Washington, D.C.

Sitting at the Georgetown Waterfront enjoying some good stuff on a beautiful early evening

Granville Moore in NE Washington, D.C. offers great mussels

A hideout, almost dive, with phenomenal mussels! Way out of the beaten path!

The Adour at the St. Regis – thumbs up!

Cocktail at Le Bar in the Sofitel Washington D.C.

Drinks at my favorite bar: Le Bar at the Sofitel Hotel with its great mixologist Alan Jones

Chocolate Smore Bomb at The Oval Room in Washington, D.C>

Chocolate Smore Bomb at The Oval Room – out of this world!!

drink at The Mayflower Hotel in Washington. D.C. prior to Edgar opening

A drink at The Mayflower prior to the Edgar Bar opening

The Bogart from Le Bar at the Sofitel - Hendrick's gin

The Bogart from Le Bar at the Sofitel – genius!!

Au revoir, DC

While my work is done here, I am surely returning to one of my favorite cities in the U.S.!!

A storm over Washington D.C. as seen from the Arlington Renaissance Hotel

Hopefully none of this as I fly out – though it makes for spectacular photography!

View of Reagan National and the Capitol from the Arlington Renaissance Hotel

The Capitol in the background and the Reagan National airport control tower – probably my last views of DC as I fly out

Long live the capital of the U.S.!

Comments

Tawny of Captain and Clark says

20 April 2013 at 11:32 PM

Ah, I can see why the breakup is a difficult one. DC has so much to offer and I’m sure it’ll be missed. I’m also positive you’ll be back. How could you stay away from such a magical place?
Tawny of Captain and Clark recently posted..Discovering Venice through food with Walks of Italy.

Anita Mac says

21 April 2013 at 7:37 AM

Fantastic…have yet to visit DC – but this reads like a great to see and do list! That s’more bomb will have to be tried too…it appeals to the grown up kid in me! Will have to add DC to my list of priorities for 2013!
Anita Mac recently posted..Photo Essay: Eating and Drinking in Germany

Luly Pino says

21 April 2013 at 8:57 AM

Impressive. Prior to reading your blog and enjoying the pictures, when I thought of DC was ” where the White House is”, what was I thinking?. Hopefully one day I get to walk around those streets.

- Raul says
  
  21 April 2013 at 1:10 PM
  
  Awesome feedback, Luly! That’s what I hope to do with the blog! Yes, DC surprised me more and more as the two years elapsed. Great town!
  
Kieu ~ GQ trippin says

22 April 2013 at 1:10 PM

I have yet to visit DC but have always wanted to.. for the history for me. 🙂
Kieu ~ GQ trippin recently posted..How We Stay: Hostels, Hotels and Apartments

Traveling Ted says

22 April 2013 at 1:27 PM

This is why I have never been to D.C. I am afraid I will become attached. I am sure I will visit soon. Thanks for giving me more reasons to visit.
Traveling Ted recently posted..Hostel reference for Backpackpackers & Flashpackers in Eastern Europe by Hardie Karges

The World Wanderer says

22 April 2013 at 5:52 PM

Oh man, you just reminded me that I must get back here! I usually go each year with the 8th grade trip, but clearly, there’s none of that adult fun involved. Each time I come home, I always say that I need to go back and enjoy it as an adult, but I have yet to go. Soon I’m sure.

This all must be very bittersweet!
The World Wanderer recently posted..Music Monday: Lion’s Roar.

lola says

22 April 2013 at 6:52 PM

it’s been too long since i’ve been to DC. need to get back but just to hang out. no touristy things. that chocolate smore bomb has to be tried by moi!
lola recently posted..18 things that i LOVE about Costa Brava + 1 minus

Leah Travels says

22 April 2013 at 9:07 PM

Ahhh…this makes me so sad for you, Raul. I’m sure DC will always welcome you back with open arms.
Leah Travels recently posted..48 Hours in Paris

the lazy travelers says

23 April 2013 at 8:24 AM

aww dc is near & dear to our heart, too. the wino & the hubs both went to school there (as you know) and the three of us have spent a ton of time exploring the city together. maybe your next client will be somewhere even more exciting?!
the lazy travelers recently posted..#LTGoWithOh bucket list item 2