Capital Idea

Visiting DC for the first time in five years I took the opportunity to visit several landmarks that I had neglected while I lived there, including the Lincoln and Jefferson Memorials. The Greco-Roman architecture of DC constantly reminds visitors of the democratic principles upon which this nation was founded, feeling genuine rather than kitsch or gaudy. There’s something to be said for tradition as opposed to tacky modernism in some new seats of government around the world, Edinburgh being a striking example.

Washington Monument

Sun at Lincoln

Rock Creek Potomac Parkway

Lincoln and Washington Monuments

Lincoln Memorial

1-Jefferson

Jefferson Memorial

Declaration of Independence

American History Museum

American History

1-Mall

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More Capital

Pennsylvania Avenue, the road of government that connects two of the three branches, now hosts the Newseum which moved from Virginia. It seems quite fitting that a museum dedicated to free speech and free press is located between the President and Congress. The Parisian character of the city is very apparent when taking in the city from atop the neighborhood buildings, with low rise development keeping everything grounded; a suitable posture for leadership.

Newseum Atrium

Newseum Hall

The Paris of America

From Newseum to Capitol

The Capitol

Pennsylvania Avenue East

US Capitol from west

Canadian Embassy

Canadian Embassy on Penn Ave

Pennsylvania Avenue

Penn Ave fountain jets

Penn Fountain in the sun

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(27 Photos)

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The Capital

Before visiting the capital for the first time in five years, I spent some time in Fredericksburg to the south via Amtrak. The small city is home to some who want proximity to DC but a more intimate sense of community. Riding Amtrak on one of the busiest rail corridors in the world I passed through Union Station in DC multiple times. Compared to New York Penn or Chicago Union which have been relegated to basements DC still has a grand station with pristine architecture and vibrance. Old Town Alexandria, just south of the capital, is another example of historical preservation.

Acela passing BWI Rail Station

Acela tail end

BWI Rail Station

MARC Train lead by MP36PH-3C

Downtown townhouses

Goolrick's Pharmacy

Church in Fredericksburg

Fredericksburg rowhouses

Historic Fredericksburg house

Great Hall DC

Union Station Shops

Union Station DC Great Hall

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(30 Photos)

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Metro

The Washington Metro is a relatively modern rapid transportation system, state of the art when it debuted in the mid-70s but starting to show its age now. The original railcars, well-known for their safety issues, are still in use. Growing up with this system I was able to enjoy it in its heyday when it was only 15 years old. It is definitely a system geared towards suburbanites, with lines snaking out into the suburbs and connecting to large lots and garages. The concerns about crime were thankfully not strong enough to prevent such a system for coexisting with the city. The large federal workforce of Washington has kept the system quite saturated with passengers. Like London and Paris, the Washington Metro is something a lot of tourists experience so it should endeavour to remain top-notch.