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.

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.

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.

DC's China Town gate in Washington DC

While I was waiting for my friend outside of the metro, I got to watch a lot of the bustling crowds of people wandering by. I was standing right by the China town gate and thought it looks really lovely glowing in in the dusky evening light.

It is pretty amazing to me that China Town has become a hot spot because it was an area that was generally pretty quite other than events at the MCI Center (which is now renamed).

The neighborhood has a good vibe and it was cool to see so many people enjoying the city and cool restaurants.

Enlightenment in Mt. Washington

On my stroll home from the Incline the other day, I needed to stop at the grocery store. Instead of taking my normal route down Grandview Avenue, I walked through the back part of my neighborhood on one of the other main street. After I had stopped at the store, I was walking home and noticed this statue.

I have driven past this statue hundreds of time since it is a main street to get through Mt. Washington.  It was interesting that is wonderful statue was perched outside of the Rite Aid.
According to the plaque, the statue by Eugenio Pedon is called enlightenment. Apparently, this 'lady of stone' was rescued from top the entrance of the old post office building on Smithfield Street (1889 - 1966). 
Although the city didn't have the foresight to save the incredible post office building, at least this relic remains for us to enjoy.

Washington and Guyasuta Statue

I am lucky enough to have a great view from my apartment. The most obvious thing is the Pittsburgh Skyline. However, there is a great statue outside my window on Grandview Avenue of George Washington and Seneca Tribe leader Guyasuta.

It is a place tourists often come for the overlook, but also to see the statue after dining at local restaurants. The intensity of the statues and their crouched position. It really represents the early history of the area and the importance Pittsburgh had in the foundation of the United States as a young country.

Chinese Dragon in Washington, DC

As with a lot of cities in the United States, Washington, DC has a China Town. The area has recently undergone a renaissance, but the residents have not forgotten their roots.

During the summer, there is a Chinese festival that has a parade with dragons.

Maybe it is because of the Olympics or something, however, I thought I would post this photo in the spirit of Beijing.

A Winter Walk in the Woods

I am pretty fortunate that I live near a hiking trail in the middle of the city. The Mt. Washington /Duquesne Heights area of Pittsburgh has a sprinkling of trails all along the mountain side.

On this morning, it had snowed overnight when I left, so I grabbed my phone. I usually don't take it with me when I go for a walk because it is my time to unplug.  I am so glad I did it on the morning.  Nothing more beautiful than a lush snow-covered trail.

Monongahela Incline

After having brunch with my parents, I took the Monongahela incline home. The incline has been a way for pedestrians to get up and down the steep hillside of Mount Washington. There are two inclines that are located on the hillside.

It is a pretty incredible view of the city and a great way to travel on public transit.

Fountain in Front of Union Station (DC)

Yet 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).