A Vegan’s travel blog: Tour of America Part 2, Washington, D.C.

[Guest guest]

The second installment of my travels across this great wide country. I took a

three-day weekend and went to Washington D.C. just in time to see the cherry

blossoms.

 

The must-sees of Washington, D.C.(in order of importance):

 

 

1. The Washington Monument: If you leave without visiting the most famous

phallic symbol in the country, you have missed a lot.

 

2. Sticky Fingers Bakery in Columbia Heights: Yes, this is how important vegan

bakeries are in my life! I lucked out completely, because it was literally three

blocks from the friend's house where I was staying. There were, among many other

tasty-looking morsels, the most amazing vegan cupcakes I've ever had. I went

back two days later and had a bagel sandwich (with tofu `eggs', tempeh bacon and

nutritional yeast spread), and a chocolate chip cookie. It was the perfect

lunch. Plus, any store with entirely pink decorations surely deserves two visits

in one weekend.

 

3. The Lincoln Memorial: The big guy definitely demands your respect the second

he lays eyes on you. Then there's the view looking out:

 

 

 

4. The Cherry Blossom Festival: They only last for one or two weeks, so it is

completely worth it to brave the crowds of picture-taking tourists to see the

best blooms in the country. Planted all around the Tidal Basin, the Japanese

Cherry trees reminded me so much of Japan that I thought I was back in Tokyo. We

had " o-hanami " (blossom viewing party) in the traditional Japanese style. My new

favorite vegan snack I re-discovered on this trip: wasabi peas! We relaxed under

the flowers, imbibed sweet green tea, cheap red wine, and contemplated the

ephemerality of life.

 

 

 

5. The White House: Only a must-see for political aficionados. I viewed it from

afar, imagining what the Obama family's exercise room looks like. These are the

things I think about. Really.

 

Items on the list for my next trip to the good District: (suggestions

appreciated)

 

 

1. Two famous veg restaurants: Java Green Café and " Soul Veg " (whose motto is

" All Vegan, all the time! " ), along with many others. Just look at this

impressive list; all these restaurants in only 10 square miles of city. Needless

to say I was mesmerized with the cool vibe and attitude of the people juxtaposed

with the internationally prolific buildings all around.

 

2. Actually go to a free museum (they're all free, except for one or two). Why

did I only give myself two and a half days? Oh, yeah. School. Luckily graduation

is right around the corner and on my to-do list is to get lost in an art

gallery.

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