Embracing the Unexpected: A Day of Spontaneity in Washington D.C.
Image Courtesy of Trip Savvy
By Francesca Jonica
This is an independently submitted op-ed for our Quill section. Views and statements made in this article do not necessarily reflect the opinions of The Tower.
When I embark on an adventure, I typically map out every detail in advance. This approach keeps my focus sharp and my spending in check. Growing up, family trips were meticulously organized; my mother ensured we had a well-defined itinerary for each excursion. For instance, during our visits to Washington D.C., we had scheduled days for Arlington Cemetery, the Capitol Building, and the Lincoln Memorial. Spontaneity was a rarity, save for that memorable trip when my parents and I decided to explore Ford’s Theatre and the house where Abraham Lincoln died—an impromptu decision made only the night before our visit.
Yet, this weekend, everything changed. I found myself standing at the Brookland-CUA Metro stop, contemplating the thrilling prospect of spontaneity. As a CUA student residing in the dorms, opportunities for exploration have been few and far between. My routine had grown predictable, confined to the familiar attractions I had visited countless times. But this moment, standing at the Metro, felt different—a chance to break free from my carefully constructed plans.
As I stood there, I pondered the choice before me: to stick to the comfort of my plan or to embrace the unknown. With a rush of excitement, I boarded the red line, ready for an unplanned adventure. Arriving at the Metro Center, I navigated to the lower level, where I awaited the next train toward Largo. The choice was simple: the blue or silver line offered the most direct route to the Smithsonian.
With a fare of $2.50, I stepped into the train, unaware of the vibrant experiences that awaited me. Emerging from the underground, the stark contrast between the cool, dim confines of the Metro and the bright, bustling city struck me. The sun shone brilliantly against a backdrop of blue sky and fluffy white clouds, illuminating the freshly mowed lawns around me. I instinctively turned left at the escalators, treading along a path of dirt and gravel, unaware of the nearby sidewalk until my return journey.
As I ventured forward, I opted to walk rather than rent a bike—an intentional choice to soak in the beauty of the day. Before me stood the majestic Washington Monument, a sight I had only glimpsed in passing during my many visits to the Capitol Building. Today, however, I would approach it anew.
Wandering through the streets, I felt an exhilarating sense of freedom. The area around the Smithsonian stop thrummed with the lively energy of street vendors and the distant wail of sirens. Each step brought me closer to the monument, a symbol of history that took on new significance with every approach. Despite having seen it before, being in its presence, surrounded by fellow tourists, offered a fresh perspective.
Regrettably, my spontaneity meant I could not join an impromptu tour, as these required advance booking. Instead, I took joy in observing families capturing memories against the backdrop of the monument. The atmosphere resonated with laughter and delight, a beautiful contrast to the usual hustle and bustle of city life.
A delightful conclusion to my journey awaited at a nearby food truck. The allure of ice cream proved irresistible under the hot sun, and I indulged in an Oreo ice cream bowl—an exquisite blend of creamy sweetness and crunchy pieces that felt like the perfect treat.
Looking back on the day, I realize that embracing spontaneity opened doors to unexpected joy. Exploring Washington D.C. without a rigid plan transformed my experience, allowing me to savor new sights and serendipitous moments. This venture off the beaten path revealed a charm in the city that often goes unnoticed.
So, when you find yourself in D.C., consider shedding the constraints of a detailed itinerary. Allow spontaneity to guide your journey; you may discover delightful surprises waiting just around the corner.
