Here is Elsewhere
5 Places I Love in DC
In DC, there is a special way of saying you love something. If something is the best, you stamp it. Native DC’ers own this one, so don’t even try, but here are some things that I’ve loved and would stamp.
- Sidamo Cafe — I’m here often. It’s a symbol of the massive Ethiopian community in DC and the surrounding area. I love it here. I bought art here (more on that soon) which is the point. As I’ve found this place, this is the meeting place of the creative minds. Long live Sidamo.
- Dua Coffee — I’m here often. It reminds me of 1888 Center, if you know my history. It’s Indonesian, and their kopi kedua is out of this world delicious. It is a place that I feel relaxed and at peace.
- MLK Jr. Memorial Library — Too often I hear comments about “what are libraries for anyway?” And I’m sending those questions a respectful, “shut your mouth.” The programming and resources that this place offers is frankly life changing. If you had to restart your life, you could do it successfully with everything offered in this place. Therefore, I appreciate it for its support but also for what such an institution stands for: this is a place that cares for those of us with the least.
- Kreeger Museum — For those of you who have been lucky to experience the Getty Center in LA, you will know what I mean when I say this place is just-outside of this world. It’s a small art museum that does exceptionally well that art and designed-places should do: transport you elsewhere. Here is elsewhere.
- That National Mall — Here is something that does not seem understood where I’m from: public places matter incredibly. Many parts of DC shine as examples in human-centered design, like the mall. It is a space dedicated to collective memory, social joy, and personal experience. I walk here often, visiting the reflection pools, the Lincoln and FDR Memorials, or the cherry blossoms.
More soon,
Trevor