"Every day" D.C.

I love to take walks. For years it's been one of my favorite activities when I need to clear my head. It sounds simple, but it's a perfect time to let my mind wander and daydream a bit, or think through whatever might be bothering me.

Here in D.C., this ritual of mine occurs on a slightly grander scale. My favorite route to walk is one that takes me from my apartment in Dupont Circle, down M Street, and toward Georgetown. Those of you who aren't familiar with this area, just know this: it's quite beautiful. The route is a busy one, especially on early weekday evenings when people are leaving work. Some pedestrians are scrambling for cabs, some are anxiously walking toward Trader Joe's to grab dinner for their families, some are just catching up on phone calls or beginning their evening run toward Rock Creek Park. Few of them are probably native to D.C., as I've quickly learned this is a city of "transplants."

It's so easy to get lost among the crowd and feel a part of the place, and I love that feeling. Every time I walk, I take note of all the different restaurants I'd like to try (one is Thai, another Ethiopian, a whole-in-the-wall deli, a cafe called Bread and Chocolate, to name a few). Several bars and lounges are packed with "suits" holding martini glasses for business events. No matter what time of day, the sun casts a soft glow over everything, making it even prettier. Now, let me share my favorite part. Walking down M Street between 22 and 24 Streets, I come upon what I have fondly named "Hotel Row." Along this section, the Ritz, the Fairmont, the Westin and a few other hotels too fancy for my grad school budget line the streets. It's so fun to see people coming and going; some for business, some for vacation. I never tire of staring at these lovely buildings while I walk past them. A few blocks away are hundreds of historical homes, and beyond that, the embassies of the world, and the Georgetown Waterfront...(oh yeah -- and that world-renowned university!). There's just something glamorous about it all.

This seemingly meaningless activity is really quite revealing for a girl from California. I can catch a glimpse of what "really" happens in D.C. from this little adventure; a glimpse beyond the monuments and politics, if you will. So many people and places, each with a history and a story. I love my walks. Nothing makes me feel more relaxed or enchanted than a stroll through this city.