March 30-April 11, Washington DC

I flew back to Washington DC from Brisbane, via Abu Dhabi. I’d say that I’ve made it around the world once; (albeit not continuously in the same direction…)

Being back in DC was pretty surreal. It’s a weird feeling to go back to a city that’s your home in some ways, but only temporarily, and while in the middle of traveling extensively. My house is still there even though I don’t live in it. I’m home in a sense, but still living out of a backpack and staying with friends. It felt like being in DC was just another leg in this journey. I’m glad I visited though- there are some unique benefits to going home in the middle of the journey. One perk, is you can see the city from a different perspective, almost like a tourist. No job, no house, no busy schedule. More importantly, it also allowed me to gain a special appreciation for the things that make it “home” in some ways- my friends, as well as the experiences and places that are unique to the city.

A few observations-

• Washington DC in the spring is beautiful. The seasonal allergies are also terrible.
• Being “local” is nice. You just know where stuff is, and you can access a part of a city’s culture in a way that’s much deeper, unique, authentic. Even if you’re new to a city and a local shows you around, it’s still limited in that you’re getting a curated version of the local life. It’s nice to be local somewhere… I tend to forget that when living day to day life.
• I think the DC food scene, even by global standards, is pretty good. The diversity of authentic global cuisine is hard to beat.
• I missed American food. There’s stuff that’s just good and seems to be pretty unique to the US. BBQ, buffalo wings, grilled cheese, American breakfast (in a diner,) tex-mex… some other stuff too.
• Also bourbon. Excellent, relatively inexpensive, and wide variety of bourbon.

Another highlight was seeing my old band mate and close friend MJ’s new band, Color Palette, play 2 different shows. One at a house show, at my friend Sara’s house, where their band, Drive TFC, was also playing… (and they were also kind enough to let MJ and I jam out for a bit. I really miss drumming a lot.) The other show was an unexpected surprise- Color Palette opening for The Naked and Famous at the Rock ‘n Roll Hotel on H St. They were kind enough to throw my name on the list, so I got to see the show even though it had been sold out. Featured image is from that night.