Mr. Hwan goes to Washington

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Washington was... well, it was alright. I can't really say that I had a great time, but perhaps I went with the wrong impressions or expectations. I did get to see much of the National mall, and passed by the White House every day, due to the hotel's location. While I didn't take part, I was at the anti-war protests on Saturday. It felt weird to be witness to something you might read on Fox News.

The city itself? Uhmm... well... unfortunately I didn't really get a chance to feel it out. Our hotel was right downtown, in the business area right beside the major political buildings and the tourist stuff.

I do feel a tinge of regret now, for going -- I missed the rest of the TIFF, including a chance to attend the closing gala and the Polish festival. In turn, when I tried to get home Roncesvalles was still closed off so I ended up taking a taxi. I wanted to drive up to my parent's place to drop off and pick up some stuff before the week started, but it turned out that the DVP was closed. I guess that doesn't have anything to do with my going to DC, but it's still pretty upsetting!!

One other mistake I made was to let my wallet do most of the talking. Washington DC is pretty damn expensive! But I should not have let that stop me from buying or getting things I wanted/need (such as room service breakfast). Next time, I'm going to be my own boss, screw the consequences!

I will say that the Capitol building is gorgeous, just mindbogglingly incredible. The pictures you may see simply do not do it justice -- walking past it, seeing it from afar fills one with awe. It's a shame that I did not have my camera with me when we walked that side of Washington, but pictures would not give the correct impression anyway.

I'm just super unsatisfied in so many ways, just irritable and unpleasant and tense and angry and.. I don't know anymore. Anyway, I didn't have a great time in Washington, but I'm not sure that it's the fault of the city. I felt I needed to get away from Toronto and the issues there/here, but maybe visiting another city was not the right approach.

Oh and thanks a lot Rogers! I really appreciated the fact that my phone did not work at all in the States! Whoo!

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