Home Washington-D-C Washington D.C.: Cruising the Capitol

Washington D.C.: Cruising the Capitol

Sitting near the window in Chinatown Coffee Co. we attempted to cool off from the steamy, Saturday afternoon in our nation's capitol. I've heard that Washington D.C. is hot in the summer, warm temps as well as humid, but one never really grasps the depth of such a thing until they're dragging up the street with sweat pouring in their eyes. Not really conducive for motorcycling at 86 degrees and 40% humidity on the blazing, sunny streets, stoplight after stoplight, but still, I wouldn't want to see it any other way.

Prior to braving the usual sights, we thought it prudent to hit the local pub and grub. Indulging in the Post Pub's Dipped Burger, complete with lightly battered & fried onion rings, and splitting a Chef Salad, we marveled at the history of the building in which we sat. Near the famous Washington Post, the pub served as "an office" for many a writer since it's inception in the 1950's, feeding and swilling voracious reporters as they crafted newsy masterpieces. Intrigued by the spirits of writers past, we sat quietly together, imagining the excitement they must have felt in this very spot, and the thrills of being on the inside of history in the making.

With wet whistles and full bellies, we ventured towards The National Mall. Parking was easier than expected, having anticipated the worst. A few quarters in the meter beside Daughters of the American Revolution National Headquarters was all it took to set us up for a couple of hours. We crossed the street past the food and souvenir vendors and strolled away to see the sights.

The National Mall had a goodly amount of tourists, but certainly wasn't packed. It took little effort to view the White House with the courteous onlookers. Perhaps inspired by patriotism and service to others, folks offered to take photos of us as we attempted selfies, happy to be helpful. In spite of the oppressive heat, smiling faces, happy children and excited photographers populated the open spaces with pretty vibrancy.

The White House, Washington Monument, Lincoln Memorial, Reflection Pool, World War II Memorial, and various statues were all within steps from where we set out. A great view of the Jefferson Memorial was to be had on the bridge crossing the Potomac River, as well as a refreshing, cool breeze to lift our spirits. I'm sure if there was far more to see, but two hours in the sweltering dampness was all I could take.

Mounting our steely steeds, we struggled with one way streets and stoplights that didn't recognize us waiting. Once we got back onto Constitution Avenue we rolled past other intriguing and overlooked gems such as Department of Justice, the Federal Trade Commission, the National Archives and the I.R.S. But the heat was getting the better of me so my hubs found a coffeeshop close by to save me from certain deterioration.

The Chinatown Coffee Co. was filled with young, collegiate types heatedly discussing independent films, Iphone prototypes, new and edgy comics, and other important matters. Others were pouring over laptops, sipping iced coffees and getting their sugar fix from the various pastries. Highway enjoyed the views of countless young ladies who sauntered in the shop wearing spandex running shorts, skintight, denim short-shorts, spray-on yoga pants and frilly, bottom-cheek-exposing, summer skirts. I enjoyed watching him enjoy the view.

We cooled off, popped the laptops, and indulged in iced chai tea for an hour or so. Looking up I remembered I needed to feed the hungry meter that watched over our precious rides. As I hit the door the realization hit me that the temps had dropped dramatically, probably because the clouds had burst open and were dumping rain. I choked the meter with my remaining quarters and headed back inside the coffee company to inform my hubs and hopefully wait out the drencher.