Taking a Look Around

A nation's capital is often a very interesting place to visit. Annually, many tourists flock to Ottawa to check it out. Sometimes I get a bit annoyed as they slowly walk and gawk about but, ultimately I understand they are just enjoying the sights of Canada's capital. 

A friend of mine moved to the Washington DC area so I took this opportunity to check out another nation's capital. As I write this I am still in the area and will be seeing more tomorrow before I head back to the Great White North but I wanted to share a few things.

Unlike Ottawa, which was already a community (and many say nothing more than an overgrown logging town) before it became Canada's capital, Washington was designed to be the capital from the beginning. As such, they had the opportunity to make everything work together. For the most part, they got it right. Pretty much everything is purpose built, buildings were not purchased to be used by the government such as the Prime Minister's residence in Ottawa. I'm not saying one way is better than the other but as you move about Washington, you can tell it was set up a specific way.

A lot of time and effort was put into the monuments. I must say they are very impressive. They are big. They make statements. They also work together to make a generally pleasing area to visit. The National Mall is well thought out and the various components work with each other. You can walk from one attraction to another quite quickly and it all ties together well. I was very impressed.

Me in front of the White House

Although I had heard that the White House was a bit understated for where the head of The United States of America lives and works from, when I saw it, I really had that feeling. It by no means is a small building but compared to some of the monuments to Presidents that have been built, it seems rather regular. I know it wasn't supposed to be too grand or opulent but I was taken aback by how it looks. All that being said, it is still much bigger than my living space.

Some of what I saw today made me think while some of it made me dream. A capital can be a very inspiring place to look around. I had those feelings today. Some of it came from looking at the Wright Flyer in the Air and Space Museum while some of it came from looking at the legacy of a nation that purposely tried to define itself. 

Today was a good day and it has triggered some interesting thoughts about what is possible and how to go about making it happen. That is an important aspect of a national capital. It must be a place to make a nation believe it can be great. It must make you see what others overcame and have you root around in your soul to find a better you. If you let it, Washington DC can do that. When you go to any memorial, you can see how some people saw a bigger picture or did more than expected. It will stir something up in you, at least it did for me.

When you get a chance go somewhere and take a look around. Hopefully it stirs something up for you.