Every time I go to DC, I spend my time there wishing that I was a resident. I feel the pulse of the whole entire world all around me, like being in the nexus of whatever happens to be happening. Even when I visit during the summer, when the fierce humidity reminds me of life in Illinois, I still think that I could bike to work, shower, and then put on my suit and tie. Going to meetings and conferences and lectures with some of the best minds. I dream of waiting in the Metro with its oddly graceful dim tunnels, and of walking past buildings where the Founding Humans did their best work. Note: Don't tell Philadelphia that I said that.
And usually when I leave the District, those feelings leave me, and I admit to myself and others that I could never, ever live there. I nitpick and find all the parts of Washington that I hate: again, the humidity; the obscenely fast pace of everything; the transitory nature of the people that inhabit the city; etc.
But this last time was different. I had my finger on the pulse and for the first time, I left the city praying to get that feeling back. Moving out there is, I think, the perfect opportunity for me to do some good. Of course, I would have to give up my bike trails and these mountains and Watercourse, but I think I could do it. We'll just have to wait and see if any of my applications get returned with a smiley face.
And usually when I leave the District, those feelings leave me, and I admit to myself and others that I could never, ever live there. I nitpick and find all the parts of Washington that I hate: again, the humidity; the obscenely fast pace of everything; the transitory nature of the people that inhabit the city; etc.
But this last time was different. I had my finger on the pulse and for the first time, I left the city praying to get that feeling back. Moving out there is, I think, the perfect opportunity for me to do some good. Of course, I would have to give up my bike trails and these mountains and Watercourse, but I think I could do it. We'll just have to wait and see if any of my applications get returned with a smiley face.
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4 comments:
I lived in Washington DC for a short while back in 2002, while I did an internship at Amnesty Intl. And I know exactly what you mean when you speak of the "pulse" of the city. When I first visited DC, I was 11 years old and I noted it even then... I feel this indescrible energy there that I haven't felt in any other city.
DC has a pretty active biking community, from what I remember. :) Particularly if you live on the Beltway.
~ Grace
(twitter: shiningeyes)
http://shiningeyes.wordpress.com
I couldn't have said it better myself. I was born in DC and have spent most of my life based there. It's honestly one of the best towns to live and work as far as I'm concerned.
Such diversity, activism, community and brains in one place. It's great.
Right on, Grace. The PULSE. What were you doing at Amnesty? I have friends who've interned/worked for them.
Justin - agreed. You mention brains. I giggle because somebody once told somebody who told me about a conversation between two people:
A: DC is full of smart people.
B: Actually, DC is really just full of educated people.
A and B: Haha haahhaha hahah good show!
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