I arrived in Washington, D.C. a day early for a client visit tomorrow, and instead of staying cooped up in the hotel, I decided to stretch my legs and explore the city on foot. Best decision I could’ve made.
Before heading into D.C., I spent a little time in Alexandria, Virginia, where I’m staying. Right across from my hotel stands the historic Alexandria Courthouse—a stately building with its brick façade and classic columns. There’s something timeless about it, a reminder that history here isn’t confined to museums or monuments; it’s part of the everyday scenery.
I then took a cab to the heart of Washington and started my walk with a glimpse of the White House. Even though I’ve seen it countless times in movies, photos, and news clips, standing there in person had its own magic. There’s something surreal about seeing such an iconic building right in front of you.
From there, I wandered over to the Washington Monument. It’s hard to put into words just how massive and elegant it is, rising into the sky and anchoring the city’s landscape. Around me, there were tourists snapping photos, families picnicking, and people just enjoying the evening—it gave the whole place an energetic yet calm vibe.
Next stop: the World War II Memorial. With its fountains and stone pillars, it was both peaceful and powerful. I slowed down there, reading some of the inscriptions and just taking in the weight of the history.
Then came one of my favorite moments of the walk: reaching the Lincoln Memorial. Climbing the steps and seeing Lincoln seated in all his quiet dignity, looking out across the Reflecting Pool toward the Washington Monument—it felt like stepping into history. It’s easy to see why so many important speeches and gatherings have happened right there.
Still curious (and not ready to call it a night), I decided to keep going and made my way all the way to Capitol Hill. On the way, I passed the Smithsonian museums, each one tempting me to step inside, and I took a little detour through the Sculpture Garden, which added an artistic touch to the journey.
By the time I reached the Capitol, my step counter was pushing close to 15,000 steps. My feet were definitely feeling it, but I was more amazed than tired. The grand architecture, the unexpected greenery, and the sense of walking through history made every step worth it.
Work may be the reason I came to D.C., but this evening walk reminded me why it’s always worth arriving a little early—you never know what kind of adventure the city might offer!
Kenrick Vaz 