We recently visited my parents in Washington, DC. Frequent visitors to my blog may recall that while I grew up in suburban Maryland, my folks moved into the city a few years after I finished college. They've lived in the Adams Morgan area for 25 years now - nearly half of my life and, of course, a significant portion of theirs.
My own relationship with the city has evolved quite a lot over the years. I suppose I know it better than any other city in the world and I'm still devoted to the area's sports teams. But Washington itself has never exactly felt like home. Still, it's fun to visit.
We didn't venture too far afield this trip, sticking to favorite restaurants, book stores and coffee houses in their immediate neighborhood. The one major tourist attraction that is within walking distance of the apartment is the National Zoo. I went twice as part of my daily constitutionals. Monday late afternoon and Tuesday morning were completely different experiences. The place was overrun with tourists for the former and most of the animals were asleep. Morning was far more satisfying. I practically had the place to myself and the furry residents were frolicking.
Overall, the Zoo has lost some charm in recent years. It used to feel more a part of its neighborhood of Woodley Park, nestled between Rock Creek Park and Connecticut Avenue. Local joggers would come through. Office workers would find a bench to eat their lunch. Now you have to register online at the entrance. It doesn't take long, as long as you have a phone. But it takes you out of whatever zen trance you used to be able to bring right through the gate. It's a shame.
But the place still appeals to my inner 8-year-old. Oddly enough, my favorite animal at the Zoo is one of the least exotic. I adore the river otters. We have otters in Vermont, for crying out loud, though I've never seen one in the wild. I guess I don't spend enough time by rivers. At the Zoo, as long as they're awake, they're always ready to put on a show, obliging the crowd with underwater backflips and the like. To be sure, there's more of a wow factor with, say, the sea lions or the world famous pandas (whose enclosure is currently off-limits to visitors). But the otters are so joyful - impossible not to feel charmed.
My parents are starting to get wistful about their current neighborhood. There's talk of moving soon. To put it bluntly, they're getting older and independent living is more challenging all the time. So options are on the table. It may still be a few years but the transition is coming.
As we were sitting at Grill from Ipanema for New Year's Eve dinner, my father looked around and said, "it'll be hard giving up things live this." They've built a pleasant life for themselves. Obviously, I want them to be more comfortable and they want that, too. But it is a little sad.
Meanwhile, happy New Year, everyone!
Happy New Year! Perhaps I knew but have forgotten that you grew up in suburban Maryland. We lived in Laurel for a few years and then moved to Western Maryland to live in Hagerstown for 12 years. That's where my children grew up. It was great to be in a more rural setting but still have the ease of getting into D.C. or Baltimore for fun activities.
ReplyDeleteLove,
Janie