If you ever get a chance to go to the Library of Congress, go.

Seriously, the ceiling alone is worth an in-person look. The architecture, the sculptures, the murals, and a recreation of Thomas Jefferson’s library are lovely bonuses. Every place you look there’s something gorgeous to see.

It reminds me a little of Grand Central Terminal, in that from the outside, it’s lots of gray, then when you walk inside, pow! Color. But it’s even more intense, because there’s just more to see everywhere you look. Quotes all along the walls, tucked in between murals of the seasons. Mosaics on the lower level’s ceiling of authors. Grand staircases, and marble all over the place. And the round reading room? Incredible!

No photos of the inner library, because it’s not allowed. In fact, the only way to view it is to walk through a balcony covered with plexiglass, which gave me a ‘close, but not close enough’ feeling. I was so tempted to chance a photo, except the tour guides/docents were trying to rush us through for a VIP tour, so they were not in the mood (and I didn’t want to get thrown out). I did hear, however, that Ph.D. students have to reserve study space a year in advance; it would totally be worth it, though, to visit.

What about you? Ever been to the Library of Congress?

Confession: I spent an embarrassing amount of time editing these photos yesterday, mostly because I couldn’t decide what kind of look I wanted. Maybe a little faded, maybe a little pink, maybe a little bright, maybe a little blurry. Forty-seven rounds later, I called it ‘good enough,’ but had to throw in a mental ‘for now’ so that my perfectionist side would be appeased enough to let me continue on my day. So, if it looks as if it’s all a little bit of everything, you’re right.

Because I’m Indecision Girl!

But anyways.

I love walking around D.C. I love the architecture and the history most; we just don’t make buildings quite like this anymore. And we definitely don’t have much in the way of this style of architecture in North Texas, so it’s a novelty to me.

These photos show a walk that started at the National Archives, wound around and across the mall, then down to the Jefferson Memorial, and halfway back up. Insert groan here, and here’s why: the exact distance from the Archives to the Jefferson Memorial, in case you aren’t sure, is far, which, if you’re wildly out of shape like me, turns the distance from far to excruciating-and-ohmigod-I-can’t-really-breathe-let’s-stop-and-yeah-I-know-we-just-took-a-break-humor-me-here. It’s scientifically proven.

Clearly, I’m super fun to take a walking tour with. What makes it all hilarious was that I was the one who pretty much came up with said walking tour itinerary. So ridiculous, I know.

But one thing the taxi drivers in D.C. might keep in mind – some people who trek out to the Jefferson Memorial might be desperate enough to pay for a ride back to the nearest Metro station. I would have pretty much paid anything for a ride back, let me tell you. Food for thought, D.C. taxi drivers, think it over.