Did you know that Thomas Jefferson wrote the letter to Pierre L'Enfant informing him his services of designing the city were no longer needed? It's true. I read the letter; part of the Washington: Symbol and City exhibition at the National Building Museum. "Dear Sir," wrote TJ, "You're Fired!" No wonder Donald Trump couldn't get that trademarked.
Brian, a fellow foodie and aspiring librarian, and I were at the museum yesterday to listen to a lecture given by Michael Bednar, Architecture Professor at the University of Virginia, on his new book, L'Enfant's Legacy: Open Public Spaces in Washington D.C. A lecture much like the ones I sat and/or slept through during my short stint as an architecture student at the aforementioned university. If this lecture was given in the Campbell Hall auditorium, I probably would have had a nice $12 nap.
Not the most riveting lecture, but I did learn an interesting thing or two. I particularly enjoyed the photos of the late 19th and early 20th centuries from his slideshow. Imagining what it would be like to be a resident of Washington D.C. during those times. It made me want to live somewhere I wouldn't need a car and my pair of legs were the only mode of transportation I needed. Brian suggested Paris. Not a bad idea, I thought. Maybe...maybe.
But before I get to Paris, I will walk the streets of D.C. I have neglected this city far too long and it has taken me 15 years to realize what I have been missing. For that, I would like to thank the white-haired, monotoned lecturer for reminding me of the magnificence the capital of our country has to offer. (But I oh so hate riding the metro.)
Brian, a fellow foodie and aspiring librarian, and I were at the museum yesterday to listen to a lecture given by Michael Bednar, Architecture Professor at the University of Virginia, on his new book, L'Enfant's Legacy: Open Public Spaces in Washington D.C. A lecture much like the ones I sat and/or slept through during my short stint as an architecture student at the aforementioned university. If this lecture was given in the Campbell Hall auditorium, I probably would have had a nice $12 nap.
Not the most riveting lecture, but I did learn an interesting thing or two. I particularly enjoyed the photos of the late 19th and early 20th centuries from his slideshow. Imagining what it would be like to be a resident of Washington D.C. during those times. It made me want to live somewhere I wouldn't need a car and my pair of legs were the only mode of transportation I needed. Brian suggested Paris. Not a bad idea, I thought. Maybe...maybe.
But before I get to Paris, I will walk the streets of D.C. I have neglected this city far too long and it has taken me 15 years to realize what I have been missing. For that, I would like to thank the white-haired, monotoned lecturer for reminding me of the magnificence the capital of our country has to offer. (But I oh so hate riding the metro.)
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