Heat Advisory

I ignored the heat advisory today to walk to the National Mall to visit the Hirshhorn and the National Gallery of Art. When I arrived at the Hirshhorn I was absolutely soaked in sweat...gross. I guess walking 2 miles in almost 100 degree weather will do that to you. The Hirshhorn was in the middle of exhibits so most of what I saw was their permanent collection. After I left the gallery and started towards the National Gallery, I realized that I left my sunglasses in the Hirshhorn. I had already gone a decent distance and decided that I would be fine without the sunglasses.

At the National Gallery, I had to check my backpack which was packed with a spinach salad, kiwis, water, a book, and some gum. Yes, guards of the gallery that have to rummage through my belongings, I'm a dork for packing my lunch an elementary school kid. It was great to see some older art--I am a sucker for modern art and it's been a while since I've taken the time to see classic works. The series that really moved me was the Voyage of Life series by Thomas Cole. The four paintings are Childhood, Youth, Manhood, and Old Age. I had studied these paintings before, but I was very moved by the Manhood painting upon revisiting it. I ended up buying a print for myself at the giftshop to remind myself of the troubles we face as adults and how many of our decisions have serious implications.

After I left the National Gallery, I walked to a shady spot next to a tree on the National Mall and camped out for lunch, people watching, gazing at the sky, and reading. It was really nice and relaxing. My walk home wasn't too bad either but once I made it back I realized how tired and thirsty I was. My phone tracked 4.5 miles of walking today so I got my exercise in!