Hello my dear friends who lately are becoming more and more like a family. This month I decided to write about something which I thought might be practical and useful. I will talk about some of the outdoor activities that I have a lot of fun doing and fits very well with Spring. So here we go…
Once a wise friend told me that one of the best ways to increase your self -esteem as a young person is to go a bit extreme in what you normally do in your daily routine; but before drinking 17 cups of coffee per day, let me finish! This should be an activity that requires you to be outdoors and a lot of energy. So go ahead and run 10 miles at once, play volleyball, basketball etc… for four hours. I know, sounds bit crazy, but apparently it works and your 50 year old self will be grateful that you have done this when you had a chance. Here are some hidden beauties where you can do that.
National Mall: A place where you can enjoy the beautiful scenery of cherry blossoms and Make a power play and start a game of Frisbee on the National Mall or a game of volleyball at one of the pits at Potomac Park.
C&O Canal Twopath: It’s funny how close it is to home yet very few people are actually aware of its existence. But this beautiful canal path offers more than a Sunday walk, but an mesmerizing journey to 18th century. So grab your hiking boots to trek your way down the C&O Canal Towpath, which traces the Potomac from Georgetown to Cumberland, Md.
Good Old ‘Rock Creek’ Park: Do you know that we are living near by one of the most well preserved city parks in the whole world? Rock Creek park is an escape route for Washingtonians in any hour of the day because of its location. There are more than 5 walking and running routes that are waiting for curious city explorers. Watch out for the Sunday crowd at the ‘Rock Creek Road’ though!
Another place within Rock Creek park is Montrose park, located between Dumbarton Oaks Park and Rock Creek Park (R Street NW, between 28th and 32nd Streets). Make sure to stroll along Lovers’ Lane – a beautiful 18th-century cobblestone path.
National Arboretum: Another lesser known DC beauty, National Arboretum is shockingly beautiful during spring with a boom of blossoms. While you’re there, take in the beautiful colors and see the pillars from the original U.S. Capitol, which was burned during the War of 1812.
Spring is the princess of all seasons and promises a fresh beginning. There is no other season where nature and the whole world is celebrating the undeniable lightness of being alive and well. Maybe it’s today for you to close the screen and open your door, get outside and take your part of that beauty that is reserved for you by the nature itself. Happy beginnings!
International Student House of Washington, DC (ISH-DC) is a private, non-profit 501(c)3 organization located near Dupont Circle in the heart of Washington, DC. Donations will help support our mission to provide an exceptional residential experience to a highly diverse international community of graduate students, interns and visiting scholars. The House promotes inter-cultural dialogue, encourages life-long connections, and fosters global citizenship.