2021 // D.C. on Film
Washington, D.C.
April & September 2021
D.C. is one of my favorite east coast cities - I think it’s the combo of city life, history, and museums readily available that does it for me. The Metro was the first form of public transportation I can remember riding on. Fun little bonus, it’s where my parents met and started dating! Maybe it’s in my DNA to have an affinity for the nation’s capital.
When we head to the east coast to visit family, we often fly in and out of D.C. so it’s quite familiar to me. I was excited to reacquaint myself as an adult and visit Emma in her new home. I ended up passing through D.C. three different times:
Because of the proximity to Pennsylvania, we drove Lola down to D.C. for the day before we snagged my Dad from the airport in April. We caught the tail end of the iconic cherry blossoms, despite the blooms being a frustrating pale pink. Still, we ended up walking the National Mall, one of my favorite activities, I think mostly for the ostentatious architecture. The white marble facades are stoic, an aspiration for what American politics aims to be. Walking amongst these amphitheaters of governance conjures up a certain level of awe that always manages to keep me engaged.
Then, a week or so later, fresh off the passing of my grandfather, I ended my east coast jaunt by spending time in D.C. and with Emma which was the antidote I needed to revitalize my spirits. She was the first person who knew me and I wasn’t related to, an utter relief. She was someone outside of my immediate circle who understood and was able to support me. For that, I’m grateful. I also reconnected with Andres, whom I had not seen since college, who kindly spent an afternoon driving me all around the city as we caught up with each other.
In September, on a long layover, I stumbled upon (classic me to find an art exhibition) Suzanne Brennan Firstenberg’s In America: Remember which is a visual representation of the loss of life due to COVID-19. White flags dot the lawn below the Washington Monument to create a sea of memories in stark contrast with the monolith. Each flag represents an American life lost, with some viewers taking the time to write a note of remembrance. The installation is a physical reminder of the magnitude of the pandemic. As I wandered by, workers were actively adding more flags to the grounds which was a sickening reminder. The vast scale of the work is alarming - equally alarming was the number of people taking selfies and posing. I suppose I too contribute to this perpetual problem by taking pictures of my own, but something feels off about throwing up a peace sign; the message seemed to be lost on some.
Though always brief, D.C. embodies kindness which sounds funny to admit. Andres made time to see me and Emma opened up her home (a cute little studio apartment with a bold yellow couch and great rooftop) and welcomed me into her new neighborhood, friends, and lifestyle. I don’t know if I will ever be able to convey how D.C. in April 2021 restored my wellbeing, even if for just a moment.
