"I am from D.C.” No, I am not. I actually come from a small suburban town called Ashburn, just 30 minutes outside of Washington D.C. I often skip that explanation, though, because no one knows where Ashburn is anyway. If I introduce my hometown as Virginia, the inevitable follow-up question usually goes something like, "What's there to do in Virginia?" To which I typically respond with a smile, "Oh, just head to D.C."
Living in such close proximity to the nation's capital is like having a famous landmark in your backyard—you rarely feel the urge to visit because, well, it's always there. My family never visited the Smithsonian Museums or enjoyed the National Cherry Blossom Festival in April. We take it for granted, assuming it would forever be within arm's reach for whenever we felt like it. So, my family's annual visit to D.C. became more of a formality than an adventure. This is what our typical trip to D.C. would look like: we'd drive to D.C., only to find ourselves circling around the Lincoln Memorial, struggling to find parking before finally accepting our defeat and returning home without even setting foot in the city. With seemingly nothing to offer, D.C. was nothing more than the primary source of traffic jams during rush hour to us.
But all that changed when I got accepted into Cornell in the spring of 2023. Suddenly, the prospect of leaving home for Ithaca ignited a newfound appreciation for the treasures lying just in my backyard. And with the recent extension of the Silver Line metro to Ashburn, along with the D.C. Council's enactment of a free bus fare system into law, accessing the heart of D.C. became more convenient than ever (the travel time itself takes about an hour and a half, though). Plus, the key metro stations in D.C. (not those outside the city) are always aesthetically pleasing to look at.
(Gallery Pl-Chinatown Metro Stop)
As I began to explore the city with a fresh mind, I found myself captivated by its charm and spontaneity. No longer did I view D.C. as simply a cleaner, more organized, and more boring version of New York City, but rather as a vibrant playground brimming with delights of its own kind. From Fourth of July fireworks over the National Mall to Georgetown Flea Market on Saturdays, there was always something thrilling to discover.
(Independence Day Fireworks at the National Mall - we call it "the pencil")
One day during last November's Thanksgiving break, my best friend and I ventured to the Downtown Holiday Market in Penn Quarter, enticed by the promise of festive cheer and artistic treasures that we came across on Instagram. Yet, the experience fell short of our expectations, leaving us craving something more exciting. So we spontaneously hopped on a bus to Georgetown. Along the way, five stops before our intended destination, we stumbled upon a bustling vintage flea market that captured the essence of the city in a way the holiday market could not.
(Georgetown shopping street view from inside the Capital One Cafe)
It's moments like these that have reshaped my perception of D.C. Far from being a predictable tourist destination, it's a city that rewards spontaneity and curiosity. Whether it's taking on late-night scooter rides or stumbling upon hidden gems tucked away in its vibrant neighborhoods, there's an undeniable energy that permeates the streets of D.C. Coupled with a well-organized transportation system, it draws you in and invites you to explore.
So, as I plan to return home for the summer, I cannot wait to delve deeper into D.C.'s rich tapestry of culture and history. From iconic landmarks to hidden haunts known only to the locals, there's still so much left to uncover. As I transition from being a mere resident to a curious tourist in my own city, I can't help but feel a sense of excitement for the adventures that lie ahead.
P.S. I think Georgetown Cupcakes is so overrated. It's simply not worth waiting in line for hours, wrapping around the corner of the block.
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