Washington, D.C.

The Mall in Washington, D.C. is surrounded by the Capitol, the Washington Monument, the Lincoln, Jefferson, and Vietnam Veterans Memorials, the gardens, the galleries, and of course the various outposts of the Smithsonian Institution, with millions of items on display.

Touring the Capitol sends chills down my spine. This is where world decisions are made. (This is where they decide how much I pay in taxes!) Then there are the thought-provoking feelings I get at the memorials, the peacefulness I feel in the gardens, the knowledge and understanding from the galleries and museums. This is the place to practice my favorite park bench exercise—people watching. You see all kinds of people from all over the world. Thinking about those people and the places they come from inspires my urge to travel.

—Dave Burneston

Dave Burneston is Traveler’s production manager.