The sun shown brightly overhead as I swayed in my hammock. Fish jumped for flies and the only sound was the whistle-like singing of the birds in the trees. Dappled sunlight reflected off the water as I soaked in the beauty of the lake. And I remembered why I love backpacking.
Ask any globe-trotter to describe Washington D.C., and you’ll likely hear stories of stately monuments and museums galore. This American capital is filled with history, but some of its most outstanding treasures are situated in the less-traveled neighborhoods. Not sure where to start? Let us show you around.
The Sightseers’ Paradise: National Mall
Less proper neighborhood than sprawling tourist center, the National Mall is home to Washington D.C.’s most famous attractions. You’ll want to spend a little time exploring the monuments, museums and art galleries, but don’t get stuck in this area for days on end; there’s plenty to experience beyond the historical sights, and the heart of D.C. lives well beyond the National Mall’s borders.
The Local Enclave: Mount Pleasant
Situated just north of the Adams Morgan area, this local-friendly neighborhood buzzes with a unique charm. Indie businesses dot the tree-lined streets, colorful architecture exudes energy, and the entire community feels welcoming and lovely. You’ll find quirky boutiques and cool antique stores in the commercial center, but stroll the residential streets to catch of glimpse of Washington D.C. sans the National Mall’s frenetic pace.
The Peaceful Respite: Capitol Hill
It’s hard to imagine that this center of American politics could provide anything approaching a relaxing afternoon, but the Capitol Hill neighborhood is more than just congressional sessions. Get off the beaten path, and you’ll discover a tight-knit community proud of its eclectic vibe. Vintage stores, outdoor markets and unassuming eateries rule the scene, and weekend street fairs are regular occurrences. Visit during the autumn for a special treat; when the leaves begin to change, the district lights up with earthy color.
The College Spot: Georgetown
Equal parts modern mecca and studious village, this college-centric spot encapsulates the many faces of Washington D.C. Skip the Georgetown University campus, gorgeous though it is, and head for the creative businesses situated along the cobbled streets. M and Wisconsin are great spots to find international fashion brands and local bakeries, and the C & O Canal Towpath is the ideal place to sneak away from the city life. Once you’ve used the AmEx Travel service to book your trip, go through your itinerary to pencil in a little time for wandering the residential streets. Thomas Jefferson once called this area home, after all, and there are several JFK landmarks located in the area.
The Just-Discovered Gem: Columbia Heights
Locals have long known what travelers are just beginning to realize: Columbia Heights is seriously fun. Though it’s earned a reputation for being a touch on the gritty side, this dynamic neighborhood is quickly becoming one of the city’s top spots for innovative restaurants, chilled-out bars and spates of shopping options. Irving is the center of big-box commercialism, but you’ll find plenty of quiet, community-driven businesses along the more residential streets.
Of all of the tours that Jim and I have taken with my company, Grand European Tours, one of our favorites was the Enchanting Danube river cruise, operated by our sister company Uniworld River Cruises. This was not our first river cruise, having sailed the Rhine, Mosel, and Yangtze, but it was certainly the most luxurious.
We have been to the mountain temple at Wat Phra That Doi Suthep in Chiang Mai, Thailand many times, always eager to take in the view of the city below and admire the magnificent temple. Although a tram exists, it just feels right to climb the 309 steps to the top, where you find such treasures as this gorgeous doorway.
The temple ruins of the Kingdom of Angkor. A dream destination for historians, photographers, and travelers alike. Shrouded in misty, humid jungles, much of the city still buried in the over-growth, the full scale of the size of the city is impossible to fully comprehend from the ground.
I just can’t get enough of the magic of a sundown. Here, one of my favorites from the Oregon coast.
My breath fogs the air, mixing with the morning mist, as I climb out of the camper. The morning sun is peeking through the trees, causing flashes of light to reflect off the lake. Jim and the dogs are still asleep and I stand in wonder at the absolute silence surrounding me.
At moments like this I’m always struck by the beauty of the simple things in life, and astonished by our continuing ability to ignore it’s power. We spend our lives fighting a simple life of happiness as we strive for more, bigger, better. As I sit alone in the still of the morning, my mind wanders away from this scenic lake in Oregon to reminisce about some of my favorite memories, all of which had nothing to do with grand monuments or fancy lodging, and everything to do with meeting the locals, good food, and unexpected magic.
The carving detail of so many of India’s temples are truly astonishing and have earned them the description of “stone as lace”. This Jain temple in Rankapur is a perfect example of the perfection in craftsmanship.
I was momentarily blinded as I entered the labyrinth of makeshift booths. The simple relief of stepping out of the blinding sun into the relative cool of the market stalls was temporary as I moved further into the crush of bodies surrounding the overloaded tables.
Under cover in SIem Reap
Everyone knows about all the “must sees” at any particular destination but, while we’ve explored these as well, travel for me is all about the more personal experiences, the human interaction, the unexpected moments, and the side streets you happen upon, like this peaceful path on the edges of Luang Prabang, Laos
Side streets of Laos