A Tourist in my New Town
12 Feb 2012 Leave a Comment
I moved to Washington, DC at the end of summer when temperatures were still in the 80s and the air was thick with humidity. Air conditioning was a must during the day, but at night the temperature dropped to a comfortable, almost-need-a-sweater degree. The worst part about dusk was that the mosquitos came out. I haven’t been around mosquitos in years and they sensed it. I was attacked nightly. I’m not sure if it’s worse because I live on the waterfront or if it’s like this all across DC, but they loved me. Between my giant frizzy hair and the red welts all over my body, I was certainly a sight to see.
The Waterfront Metro Station
My first big adventure was navigating the DC Metro system. I tested it the day before I had to go into work. The Waterfront Metro Station next door to my apartment is on the Green Line, which is a straight shot to Chinatown where my office is located. On most days, I can get to the office in less than 15 minutes which is the best commute to work I’ve ever had. My first impression of the Metro was that it reminded me of the Space Mountain ride at Disneyland. It even smelled like that ride, which made me quite nostalgic.
The domed building is where my office is housed
Chinatown Arch
At the office
The best part about moving to a new city is that every day is new. I see something or experience something new, which makes it more like being on a permanent vacation. On day one of my job, I was already overwhelmed by the sheer number of things to see and do in this city. Luckily, I had several opportunities to immerse myself in it – a company retreat with my communications colleagues and hosting a group of German and UK media during two weeks in October. They say a picture is worth a thousand words, so I’ll let these images speak for themselves:
Me in front of the U.S. Capitol Building
On a City Segway Tour of the Monuments (super fun!)
Me and the Marketing & Communications team on a segway tour
A View of the White House from the POV Lounge at W Hotel. A closer look will reveal two secret service agents on the White House roof
Me on a Bike and Roll Tour of the Monuments
The FDR Memorial
The new Martin Luther King Jr. Memorial
The Lincoln Memorial at night (best time to see it)
Me at Ford's Theatre where President Lincoln was assassinated
President Lincoln's balcony at Ford's Theatre
Korean War Memorial
Location where Martin Luther King gave his famous "I Have a Dream" speech
Vietnam Veterans Memorial
WWII Memorial
The White House
President Lincoln's Cottage
Tomb of the Unknown Soldier - Arlington Cemetery
Changing of the Guards - Arlington Cemetery
Ben's Chili Bowl on U Street - A favorite of Bill Cosby and President Obama
My favorite picture of the Washington Monument
