In the District

Old Town Alexandria, D.C. suburb

I lived in Alexandria, VA, a suburb just outside of Washington D.C. for almost six years. I have not thought to write on living in the District because my attachment to it as a city was biased by my attachment to it as a home. When I lived here previously, it was excruciating. The traffic, the east coast personality disorders, and the excessively humid weather, all, over-shadowed anything great about this city (as a resident).
It was easy to overlook the amazing food which represents every continent. The number of languages overheard on the bus, or at the airport. D.C. is amazing. Let's not even get started on the museums and history. The architecture and urban development, which outline city streets, and make no sense to city planners or inhabitants in this day and age, are amazing when understood. The conflict of the structure and culture of this city is actually what makes it so amazing.

Since I have been back, I notice all the great things visitors think of when they come to the area. Washington D.C. and it's outlying suburbs reveal themselves as a mecca of international influence and sublime intellect.

Always on the "must-see"list for visitors

The monuments and museums are clearly at the top of the list to engage any world traveler. The White house and the Capital building are probably two of the most visited political structures in the downtown area. These symbols of modern democracy summon visitors from all over the world. Our international neighbors need to visually assess the power of this young nation, along with the marks of our great leaders, such as the Lincoln Memorial, and other famous monuments which have been placed strategically in the area of the Presidential grounds. These monuments, capital buildings and sculptures all represent the history and pride of the entire country of the United States.
There has also, always been rumor of Illuminati representation by the placement of some monuments and the symbolism weaved within their stones. If you stand at the Lincoln Memorial, the distance between the Jefferson Memorial and the National Mall form a perfect triangle. There are websites dedicated to the secret symbols of the Memorials. Unknown to me if this represents anything else other than perfect concepts of space, time and architecture. Still, interesting.

The university areas offer a vibrant energy driven city that keeps it youthful amidst the ever changing political climate. Generally represented by a stiff, American standard, having the young influx of ideas and energy truly keeps the city potent.

Howard University, the most prestigious(and popular) HBCU in the country is located right in the heart of the District. George Washington, American and Georgetown are also located in the center of D.C. and the level of international appeal for all these universities encourages the diverse population which makes up the greater mix of people and representation of all.

Many tourists visit D.C. to see the cherry blossoms (seasonally), which were a gift from the Japanese, after a war torn era, and still represent healing between two nations. Ideally, the blooms of a mending friendship. The District is underrated in the beauty it exudes and the many other features the city has to offer. The food, the attractions, the art and music are simply undervalued.

I got to experience the Spy Museum with my son who had no idea a museum could be so fun. My daughter and I got to view a special Rock and Roll - History of Music exhibit at the National Portrait Museum. A really special experience in itself, but also a reminder of other National Portrait Museum visits all over the world. The international appeal of the District is engaging and sophisticated.

The famous sculpture of the distressed giant, "The Awakening," which seems to rise from the underworld, I originally experienced at Hains Point. It has since been moved to National Harbor between the D.C. and Baltimore area. Yet, these types of art experiences have been crucial in introducing me to all aspects of art and history here in the D.C. area. I have so many memories stemming from different trips here. D.C. has become one of my most respected cities of the States even though my preference is living anywhere else.

My first fancy meal was here with a well known businessman, in the 80's.
One of my first live music shows was here in the 90's.
One of my first acting jobs - D.C.
I gave a special gift of NBA basketball tickets to a special guy and got to experience one of my first professional sporting events right in the center of China Town.
Breweries, speakeasy's, fantastic culinary delights - you can literally find everything and anything you want in this intimate, self designed, and beautifully diverse city.


This last trip to the D.C. area, I needed to see the Spite House.

The Spite House, Queen St. Alexandria

This house, originally built to keep trespassers and vagrants out of the owner's alley...now famous for the ingenuity and quaintness of it all. In all of our human pettiness, comes some semblance of creativity. Necessity is indeed the mother of invention. The house has been designated a National Historic Building by the Historic Alexandria Foundation. On my visit, there were other visitors, cruising by, taking photos, but the neighborhood was not amassed with tourists and sight-seers looking for something interesting. It is indeed a quaint remnant of history, still standing in contemporary society.
 
In the same area, I visited an old well known eatery run by a well known local woman chef, Jamie Leeds. Hank's Oyster Bar, named after her father, represents the industriousness and innovation of locals who want to build where they live. I have been here for oyster hour many times, but this trip was different. I appreciated the effort; the honor of running a local business in such a prestigious town. The work. The loyalty. The neighborhood.

I have been to every monument and experienced every culturally inspiring activity/ memento in the D.C. area, but that's not what it's all about.
It represents freedom. The freedom of this country, our constitution and life.

D.C. is the small piece of America that IS America.


“Ask not what your country can do for you – ask what you can do for your country.”
John F. Kennedy