PD In DC: Life In DC
After a few months here in Washington, D.C. it’s become a routine for me to go to my internship and class like it’s my nine to five, forty-hour work week. I appreciate the semester and emphasis on the internship as a way to transition myself back into the real world, but I’m often left feeling like a vegetable by the end of the week with no motivation to leave my apartment. However, I’ve had to remind myself that there’s more to a semester in Washington, D.C. than internships and class. Now that the semester is pretty much over, I actually did some pretty cool things in my free time that weren’t class related.
1. Hanging out at the National Mall/Smithsonian Museums 
Nope, I haven’t been to all the museums yet, but I just went to the National Museum for African American History and Culture last week (it was phenomenal, and I cannot even begin to explain it all). I also visited the National Portrait Gallery to view the new portrait additions of former President Barack Obama and First Lady Michelle Obama. Sometimes when friends had guests in town, I’d venture down to the monuments with them. Pro-tip: use the DC Circulator bus if weather conditions aren’t the best or you just don’t feel like walking. It’s only $1 and goes around the National Mall in a continuous loop up to Union Station.
2. Yoga class at Embrace Yoga DC
Am I really living if I’m not in a yoga class? I haven’t been able to practice at a studio here with the same intensity that I did while taking the free classes offered back at SU, but it’s still a treat to go to Embrace Yoga’s Sunday relaxation class and set intentions for the week. It’s also close to my apartment, so keep in mind there are plenty of other studios to practice at in D.C
3. Farmer’s Market in DuPont Circle
I stumbled onto this by accident one Sunday when I just wanted to take a walk into the city. I typically buy fresh, cold-pressed juices, but they have fresh produce, meats, pasta, soaps, candles and other cool things. Check out the website here for more info.
4. Cardio at 305 Fitness
These classes are so much fun! I have to admit the classes were initially so intense that I had to stop for a few weeks to let my body recover (that’s my own body needing time but perhaps you’re more in shape). It’s high-intensity cardio with a live DJ for almost an hour that legit always leaves me dripping in sweat and thankful for the large bathrooms with showers when I’ve got somewhere else to go after the class ends.
5. The Robin Toner Awards
I sat at the Bloomberg table and met some really interesting journalists before the awards were presented. The stories of the award winners and how their stories came to life were incredible and made me proud to be a student in a school that supports journalism and awards that honor the contributions of professionals in the field
6. Pod Save the People at the National Geographic Museum
So this was a two-for-one because I listen to Pod Save the People regularly but had never been to a live podcast taping. I also hadn’t been to the National Geographic Museum. If you haven’t heard this podcast on Race and What Defines Us? I suggest checking it out because the conversation and insights were unlike any perspectives on race that I’d heard before
7. Newseum Nights In Bloom
I had to do something for the Cherry Blossom Festival, but heading to the Tidal Basin to look amongst the crowd or waking up early enough for the parades to get a good spot before the crowd wasn’t at the top of my list. Thankfully, the Newseum hosted this cool event with live entertainment, free haikus, photo booths, games delicious food and the chance to walk around and check out their Photo of the Year exhibit.
