E is for Exploring

I like finding new and interesting places, and I like taking vacations to random places. It always ends up going well, though there's usually a scary bit. Like when I explored a borie in Provence, in the middle of a multi-hour hike in the middle of nowhere, after taking a bus out of Aix-en-Provence to a random small town. So small the bus driver was very concerned that I didn't mean to go there- and was entirely surprised that I answered his concerns in French, and with determination. I did the hike, and did get pretty badly lost. But I got to run along the TGV track, walk through olive groves gnarled and green. They look so much like vineyards, only heartier and more earth-bound. This is my only proof of the whole exploration expedition- one lousy photo of a borie. It was entirely worth it. And I didn't miss my bus back, miraculously- it wasn't quite warm enough to sleep outside in the olive groves.


More recently, I decided to do a little exploring of my own hometown. I was in training last week, and got out early enough to really enjoy the sunlight. I wandered up towards the National Mall, visited the West Wing of the National Gallery of Art, and finally explored a bit more of the American Art Museum. I couldn't take photos of the amazing hiphop exhibit at the Portrait Gallery, and I never did get to see Colbert's portrait (yet), but it was still a lot of fun playing tourist on the way home.

First the Mall


And a turn to the right, to view the Capital Building. I no longer see it as I leave work every day, so it was bittersweet to pass it every day I was in training. I miss that view.


One of my favorite views, heading towards Gallery Place/Chinatown


In part because my favorite theatre is on the way:


But before you get to Indiana Plaza and Gallery Place, you hit the National Gallery of Art's West Wing. My favorite, since I'm a sucker for the Impressionists. I can't help it, I'm a francophile and I love light. I found some new loves, though. Nydia, the Blind Girl of Pompeii


And a reading girl


Entirely new to me was the American Art Museum. I've been inside the Portrait Gallery quite a bit lately, since I'm in love with the Kogod Courtyard, but I hadn't checked out the rest of the museum. Please do, if you're here in DC. It's fantastic. Again, the best and most interesting stuff can't be photographed, but here's a taste:




And finally, the Courtyard. I could knit here happily forever.