Monday, November 16, 2009

Fountain in Front of Union Station (DC)

Fountain in Front of Union Station in Washington, DCYet another in my series of photos from DC. Since I took the metro to the train station most of the time, I never really noticed the exterior of the building or the fact that there is a pretty incredible fountain in front of it.

In my defense, there is a lot of traffic and the fountain is on a relatively inaccessible island. I had to dodge a few cars to get over there.

Luckily, I had a few beers and was braver than usual (or maybe just more stupid).

Union Station in Washington DC

Interior Rotunda at Union Station in Washington DC

During my adventure to Washington, DC, I was able to walk over to the Art of Can exhibit in the rotunda of Union Station in Washington DC. I have taken the train from there to NYC a ton of times, but generally, I was in a rush and really didn't notice how incredible the building is. I had also taken the metro there most of the time and didn't walk through the front door of the building.

The artistry and architecture of old trains stations always amazes me.

Tuesday, November 10, 2009

Constitution Avenue with a view of Washington Monument

Constitution Avenue with a view of Washington Monument

The one thing I really loved about working in downtown DC is that it feels like you are perpetually walking through history. The town is littered with monuments and memorials.

There are not many places were you can read the Emancipation Proclamation and the see the Bill of Rights in one afternoon.

During my time there, we used to call the Washington Monument the Big Stick. You can see it from so many places in town, when you get lost (and you will most likely get lost and do a couple of u-turns), it is a great way to orient yourself.

U.S. Capitol Building

U.S. Capitol Building

During my DC adventure, I went to a bar on Capitol Hill called the Pour House. It is a Steeler Nation bar. I walked in and the place was a sea of black and gold jerseys. After the game, I strolled back down the hill around the capitol.

I realized I had never seen the main entrance of the building and the promenade to the building in the entire time I lived in DC.

It is a pretty impressive view.

George Washington Masonic Temple

George Washington Masonic Temple

While I was visiting Washington, DC in late October, I had a day where I was able to do some sightseeing. I was staying in Alexandria, VA and catching the metro at King Street station.

While I was standing on the elevated platform, I realized I had a great view of the masonic temple. I snapped a quick photo of it.

It is even more interesting given the recent interest in the Mason after Dan Brown released his latest book, "The Lost Symbol" this fall.