We had much too busy of a weekend to wander down into the actual craziness that took place on the National Mall, but that doesn’t mean we didn’t notice all the visitors anyways. Multiple rallies collided on Saturday to “Restore Honor” and “Reclaim the Dream” under the likes of Glenn Beck and the Reverend Al Sharpton. Unfortunately, we didn’t spot any celebrities in town while we were out and about, but we did see plenty of American-flag-themed paraphernalia, and sometimes that’s all you need.
We went for a bike ride yesterday to one of our favorite places to sit and relax in DC — the steps by the water at the base of the Memorial Bridge, just off Ohio Drive and the Rock Creek Park Trail. Even though the view over the water is basically looking at the butt of Rosslyn, it’s still a nice place to watch people and the activity over the water. Given how hot it was yesterday, there were not only the usual boaters and kayakers, but also people jet-skiing and tubing as well. We also witnessed some sort of engagement photo shoot going on behind us, with the majestic Lincoln Memorial serving as a backdrop for some lovey couple. And so we sat and ate pineapple, cantaloupe, and goat brie with bread and watched the sun get lower over the water, all-in-all, a great way to waste away a Sunday evening.
The beautiful (in my humble opinion) images that you see below are my submissions to the 2010 DCist Exposed photography show. This is my third year submitting photos to the contest – fingers crossed! The entry pool for the show this year includes 1,130 photos from 435 photographers. Tough competition would be an understatement. Exposed will open on March 6th at Longview Gallery (1234 9th St NW). It is a great showcase of local photographers and most certainly worth visiting.
This image is taken with a Holga at the Dupont Circle North metro station. I love how the long exposure was able to pull a fire out of the evening sky.
We watched the fireworks from Meridian Hill park this year. The gentleman that climbed the Joan of Arc sculpture had the best view in the house. His focused gaze up towards the theatrics is the sky is eerily similar to the look on Joan of Arc’s face as she charges into battle.
My final submission was snapped during my morning commute. It is taken with a Vivitar Ultra Wide and Slim, a junk camera with a wide angle plastic lens. Even in the blustery weather that we have had recently, my morning rides always put me in a good mood. I think this photo captures the pure enjoyment of a leisurely ride.
It’s been awhile since we posted anything from the Monumental/Federal/National Mall side of things in DC. That’s because we usually prefer to post the nitty-grittier photos that show the side of DC that we, as residents, know and have grown to love. But every now and again we’ll remember that we do live in a tourist destination and one of the most powerful places in the world, and it’s important not to forget that either. This past Saturday evening, we were returning home from Capitol Hill by cab after a late, *crazy* night watching movies and SNL with Brigid and Keith. And in riding by the Capitol Building, we both started to say something along the lines of forgetting about that “other” part of DC that we take for granted, like going by the Capitol as we were or living a mile from the White House. And maybe it’s because neither of us work on the Hill, know any lawyers, or even like to argue about politics, but maybe it’s that to us, DC is not just about memorials and monuments and which political party you belong to… though some would argue it is.
At any rate, it’s interesting to note, in conjunction with posting this photo, that the Washington Monument was completed on December 6, 1884. That means the capstone was put into place a week and 125 years ago around this time. I wonder if the builders thought, at that moment, that the new tallest structure in the world (until the Eiffel Tower was built in 1889), would one day become somewhat overlooked by those who live practically in it’s shadow?
Not too much happening lately during these ridiculously muggy August days, so I dug pretty far back into the photo archive to find a post for today. It’s a shot from the changing of the guard at The Tomb of the Unknown Soldier at Arlington National Cemetery. It’s from March of 2006, and I remember it was a blisteringly cold day and really windy too as we stood out there and watched. (Pretty much as opposite as is possible of the sauna outside today).
The site opened in 1932, and it has been guarded around the clock since 1948 by the 3rd US Infantry Regiment. The tomb itself contains the anonymous remains from soldiers of all the wars: WWI, WWII, Korean, and Vietnam. However, the Vietnam tomb now remains empty, as the previously unknown soldier that was laid to rest there in 1984 was identified four years later, and was moved and reburied by his family at home in Missouri.
I realized I hadn’t posted any gratuitous monument shots lately, and, in searching through older photos, I found this one that I always liked. An officer just taking a relax to enjoy the view of the National Mall.
Another shot of the crowds of people at the We Are One pre-inauguration concert yesterday… The entrance gates to the areas around the reflecting pool were closed at capacity around 2:30 pm, so we had to gather farther back towards the Washington Monument. I’ve read articles today guessing the attendance between 400,000 – 500,000 people.
Today marks the beginning of what is sure to be a crazy inauguration weekend!! I noticed that traffic into the city last night was already picking up (maybe since many hotels required a 4+ night stay?) and I’m positive tonight will be even worse. Maybe the low temps of 8 degrees F will keep some people inside… Anyways, coming up on Sunday is a free inaugural concert at the Lincoln Memorial, although it’s during the afternoon and presumably on the opposite side of the memorial, not the back side as seen in the photo. Artists that are going to be there include: Bono, Beyonce, Mary J Blige, Bruce, Garth Brooks, Sheryl Crow, Usher, Shakira, James Taylor, Stevie Wonder, and a few others that I missed from the list. Most importantly, Jennifer Nettles (from Sugarland) will be there!!!! –though I might be the only person in DC excited about her and/or country music at this time. Hopefully her act will not be conflicting with Sunday fun-day football…
