Wandering Downtown DC

Oh America! Oh you Americans!

I always forget how up the energy is. No wonder they think the British are reserved. They're just here even here in this weird Administrative Nexus, they're here, in coffee shops, doing business, getting done what needs doin'. Sure there's a lot of coffee involved, but that isn't all there is to it. There's an expectation that people will know what they want and go out and work for it, ask for it, demand it, get it, no matter what.

It's not that I'm unacquainted with Americans and their ways. I can find plenty on all my online social networks including this one. And London's often full of them too. But maybe they behave a little differently when they know an Englishman is listening to them or maybe my perception is different when I'm on my home turf.

I've found it strange to be here for just two days. We're flying back tonight. I've never stayed less than two weeks in the States before. And I've only been in Downtown DC for like a day at a time and always on my way from somewhere to somewhere else. And both times I came here, I came in and left via Union Station. So today, I didn't really feel like shuffling round museums and monuments after all and so gave myself some wandering time and I just got pulled eastwards to that big pile of stone and gilt and glass where the trains arrive and depart from. I love it so. Not only is it a big beautiful space (the main hall anyway) but it also hs all the exciting promise of going somewhere else on a big and important journey. The shops have smartened up since the last time I was here but the actual Amtrak gates are still reassuringly grubby and shabby.

Oh and muggy. It's been so humid this weekend in Swamptown. There were some sunny spells yesterday but today mostly grey and damp and sweat-inducing as you pass from a/c chill to a/c chill. In a Pret A Manger this morning, the server asked if I wanted my coffee hot. It took me a minute to figure out what on earth she was talking about. Of course I wanted it hot. WTF? I mean who would ever have their coffee... oh wait, OK, I got it as I saw the signs for "coffee over ice". Yes I see why people might treat it as a cold drink in places where you have days like today.

Thanks USA, still love ya!