When I first arrived in DC, I created a bucket list to pass my time. I have had previous opportunities to visit, and it was during those times that I did the more obvious activities like: taking a tour of the White House, visiting all of the memorials and monuments, or checking out the Smithsonian museums. Knowing how much time I would have down here, I wanted to do all of the things I never had before which included: seeing the Constitution and Declaration of Independence at the National Archives, running the entire length of the National Mall during cherry blossom season, getting my reading card at the Library of Congress, and watching the Nats play the Phillies.
As I am approaching my final weeks here, I have very little left to cross off my list. That is the one thing about Washington, DC — experiences are very tangible here. While in the city, your proximity to some of the most iconic landmarks in the world is mind blowing — which makes traveling convenient and relatively easy.
My weekly routine has been cemented — it only took about three and a half months, but it’s fine. It takes me a little less than 20 minutes to walk to work, and my steps throughout the day add up between 6-8 miles. That is including my nightly three mile run from my apartment, around the capitol, and back. On Thursdays, I enjoy what I like to call, “Thursday Run Group,” where attendees include myself, and the gentleman that makes my “reward coffee” at Dunkin’ in Union Station. Pro-tip: make friends with the coffee gurus — they will make that small a medium 10/10 times.
While my weekdays are bound by comfort and routine, my weekends are filled with adventure.
Throughout the last four months, I have had the privilege to travel throughout Virginia, the historical hotspot of America, with my travel pal. We have visited Monticello, Mount Vernon, Virginia Beach, Busch Gardens, Richmond, Raleigh, NC, Colonial Williamsburg, General Grant’s home for the last nine months of the Civil War, and every Civil War battle site within a 20 mile radius of Petersburg, VA.
However, I think the best experiences my travel pal and I have had were the ones where we found adventure in destinations that were unplanned. For instance, my travel pal took me to Raleigh, NC, because I had never been to North Carolina. It was on my bucket list to go. Our plan was to find the best BBQ and visit some of their famous beer gardens. While we were driving down, we saw a sign for Virginia’s Diner and we knew we had to go there on the way back through.
Virginia’s Diner is in Wakefield, Virginia. It’s peanut country over there. It’s a local treasure that reunites you with a certain wholesomeness that is absent from city life. The diner is also famous for their peanut pie…and I did take a piece home. It was delicious! If you ever find yourself traveling around Wakefield, VA, I would recommend Virginia’s Diner.
For the last four or so months, I have not taken any time to pause. Every day has been filled with a new experience, new activity, and new people. Thanks to my travel pal, I have taken advantage of every opportunity. Sometimes, through the hustle and constant noise, it is hard to be mindful and live in the moment, however, there is one sight in Washington that will make me stop, and breathe, every time.
It is hard to accurately put into words, the beauty of watching the sunset fall behind the Washington Monument. As the light rays scatter in the atmosphere, and the colors change from fiery reds and oranges to a cool purple, you have a certain feeling come over you — it is both powerful and calming. A sense of hope washes over you; a feeling that can only be equated to a person’s deep love of country.
As the light dusks on the Capitol, the Statue of Freedom remains vigilant, and the inconveniences of the day seem so insignificant, especially when you put into perspective the sacrifices of great Americans before you; the true defenders of freedom.
I can’t help but feel proud to be here, and I have everyone in my life to thank.
Ellen Wainwright grew up in a small town in Western Maine. She is currently finishing up her degree in political science at the University of Maine as she finishes her internship with Senator Collins in Washington, DC. Ellen’s Fun fact: My political idol is President George W. Bush…(if by the off chance he is reading this, I just want to go on the record and say that I am his biggest fan…if you have to fact check me, just ask anyone who has been around me for 5 minutes).
