My Favorite City at Night

Sometimes I go for rides when I want to clear my head. When I was a teenager, this involved long stretches of back roads and blasting my radio to whatever music was appropriate for my mood. I found myself needing one of those rides this weekend... something to clear my mind.

When the mood hit, however, it was no time to go in search of long stretches of roads in VA or MD. I also knew that I didn't necessarily need those long roads. I've found a lot of therapeutic places in DC. There's something magical about some of the gardens and memorials (or cemeteries!) here. For me, they are peaceful and I usually feel a bit more centered and at ease when I leave them.

It was about 1 AM when I set out... I'd decided to head for the Lincoln, which is my favorite memorial. It's been a while since I drove there. I'm more likely to run or walk since it's not far from my house. Seeing how it was well past midnight, however, the smarter side of me took to my car for the 4 mile journey. I drove, past the regal Capitol and the darkness-piercing Washington Monument with her tall flags waving in the wind. The parking got scarce and the options were limited as I neared the Lincoln. I wouldn't be able to safely park somewhere at that hour and walk to the memorial. So, I kept driving.... around the Lincoln and back down Independence Avenue which parallels the memorials. I drove past the new Martin Luther King, Jr. memorial and felt my hopes of stopping dissipate since there was no parking there either. Argh. Where was I going to park? I really wanted to walk, but not compromise my safety.

So, I parked near the Capitol. It's been about two years since I've gone there late at night. By the time I parked and started walking around it was close to 1:30. In my time of walking the Capitol grounds and visiting the reflecting pool to the west of it, I had barely seen a dozen civilians. It was the first time I'd seen more guards than regular people at the Capitol. I felt safe there and it was peaceful.There's something incredible about walking along and then seeing the Capitol building. And I don't think it ever goes away. I've heard people who have lived here a long time all voice similar thoughts: "I love looking up and seeing the Capitol. I never tire of it." It's so true. It's awe inspiring and beautiful.


As I walked around I couldn't help but be thankful for my freedom to do so. It was almost 3 AM when I left the Capitol grounds for my car. I'd been walking, praying, reflecting, crying and clearing my head for over 1.5 hours. But when I was done, I felt fantastic.

Feeling recharged and lighter, I got in my car and drove the short 2 miles to my front door. There's something special about this city; my rear view mirror framed a small piece of it as I left for home.