First impressions of Washington
I experienced a hot August in Washington.
The distance from New York, where I was based, takes about an hour, an hour and a bit to fly. Convenient and fast.
The Washington metro is downright beautiful compared to New York's. You can tell it's a capital.
Our hotel was in the center, because from many places we had been warned not to „hang around“ past 30th Street... Especially in the evening. We decided to spend more money, but to be close to the cultural sights, because that was the purpose of our visit.
Our room was very artistic. The bathroom was shaped like a snail, where you reach the shower at the end of the shell. Everything was made of a glass-like material, as a natural continuation directly into the room. But nothing could be heard or seen. I had never encountered such an interior before.
Later I found out that this hotel is loved and cherished by Italians and Frenchmen, who were in the majority.
As for the service, I got the impression that the staff was very incompetent. They are slow to catch on and difficult to communicate with, despite their servile politeness. It turned out to be typical for the US in general.
When preparing to visit such a huge city with thousands of attractions, it is a good idea to make a preliminary plan.
Our time was limited and in a very tight schedule we covered as many sights as possible. And the distances are not small. We relied on our feet to feel the atmosphere of the city.
What surprised me in the USA
I've been impressed by a few things I've discovered for myself about the United States. It's true that I was on the East Coast, where the country's history and cultural heritage are particularly evident.
Here are my observations:
1. It turns out that Americans read books. Printed books. Not on tablets, but real, thick books… Everywhere. On every possible mode of transportation. Regardless of race, age, or skin color.
And how they visit museums and exhibitions. Such queues—it's true that they were on free admission days—I can only compare to those I've been to in Moscow and Leningrad. Despite the current widespread hate toward Russia, I am not imposing this on anyone and am expressing a purely personal opinion.
3. Among the men of different sexual orientations that I met, there was a very strong interest in art, especially visual art: galleries, exhibitions, performances.
4. And they actually take their kids to museums. Which is something I haven't been able to say about us for a long time...
My conclusion, which may seem bold to you: the two great empires, the United States and Russia, are quite similar. In their wide boulevards, in the weight and grandeur of their historical facts, in the habit of reading books and visiting museums, in the scale of their construction projects, and in the treasures they have amassed.
Fact.
I am extremely impressed by the United States. In American museums, a large portion of the collections comes from purchases, donations, patronage, and private collections on loan. In Europe, on the other hand, they are often part of the historical legacy, including objects acquired during various historical periods from colonies and other parts of the world, or are the result of military conquests.
The White House and the National Mall
Washington is a beautiful, clean, sun-drenched city.
The President didn't invite me for tea at the White House. I only took a picture in front of the fence. There was an opportunity to visit it, but when I saw the lines, I decided it was better to see something else without a prior reservation.
The buildings, sculptures, and streets were built with grandeur, thoughtfully and according to plan. The architecture is reminiscent of Rome, Ancient Greece, and monumental antiquity. But they are not tacky. And the landscaping is incredible. Everything is done with great taste and kept clean.
The National Mall is home to iconic buildings and monuments from U.S. history. It is a space rich in meaning, featuring a harmonious blend of walkways, water features, and sculptures.
The Lincoln Memorial
Here is the sculpture of Lincoln, seated in a chair. Nearly six meters tall and wide, it was carved from 28 blocks of white marble.
I'm reading:
„"In this temple,
as well as in people's hearts,
for whom he saved the union,
the memory of Abraham Lincoln
"is preserved forever."“
The Lincoln Memorial It was built in the style of an ancient Greek Doric temple and was inspired by ancient architecture, including the Temple of Zeus at Olympia in Ancient Greece.
The main stairs of the temple lead to the statue. The roof is supported by 36 columns, each 11 meters high, which was the number of states at the time.
As a natural extension of the temple, two enormous rectangular bodies of water have been created, in which ducks swim undisturbed.
The World War II Memorial
At the end of the park stands the harmonious, exceptionally simple, yet impressive World War II Memorial.
The U.S. remembers and honors those who served in the war, as well as those who lost their lives.
An exceptionally impressive memorial that symbolizes the East and West Coasts. Here stand 56 columns, representing the 48 states, the District of Columbia, and the eight U.S. territories as of World War II.
You can feel the respect for veterans. The memory of those who died is cherished.
We happened to stumble upon a ceremony marking the granting of U.S. citizenship and the presentation of U.S. passports to a diverse group of people.
A powerful and dignified venue for such an event.
The Washington Monument
The Washington Monument stands right next to the memorial.
It is a tall white obelisk reaching toward the blue sky.
It is the tallest freestanding masonry structure in the world, standing at an impressive 169.29 m.
There is an elevator with an observation deck, and the National Mall spreads out before your eyes National Mall, the White House White House, the Capitol United States Capitol and the Lincoln Memorial Lincoln Memorial.
The Smithsonian Museums
We had the ambition to see as many Smithsonian museums as possible (Smithsonian Institution).
Just a reminder that the Smithsonian Institution is a research and educational institution in Washington, D.C., which includes a large complex of museums. Today, the Smithsonian brings together 21 museums and galleries, the National Zoo, and numerous research centers, while caring for over 157 million objects.
There is no field of human knowledge and culture that is not represented, with a natural emphasis on the national.
Funded by the U.S. government, private donors, as well as by publishing and commercial activities: educational games, software, video materials, and souvenirs.
It was founded way back in 1846 in accordance with the will of the Englishman James Smithson, whose wish was:
„To increase and spread knowledge among people.“
It would take more than a month for a person to look everywhere.
Smithsonian American Art Museum
Just a frame from Smithsonian American Art Museum. I dedicated two days to him.
Because it's unique.
In addition, we came across a traveling exhibition from the private collection of a well-known American art patron.
End of Part 1.
The walk in Washington D.C. continues.
See more for the author Maria Radeva here
