This year for my D.C. work trip, I stayed overnight so that I wouldn’t deal with any Amtrak delays (like I did for my Philly trip) and I got to see some friends!
Wednesday, April 15, 2026
I left home around 10:30 as my train was at 12. And I realized I left my headphones, which was very inconvenient. Though I was tempted to go home to get it, I would have been cutting it way too close. Luckily, I was able to buy a pair of wired headphones.
I bought a smoky BLT, which meant salmon and cream cheese and all the other BLT elements. I also acquired a cherry cola because it’s my current hyperfixation.
While waiting for my train, I saw some friars (?) and it was so cool to see some religious folks out in the wild.
I adored this train ride. I listened to some music on my wired headphones, and it was the most verdant experience. The greenery was amazing. I wish I had more to show you.
The train ride to the hotel was a lot longer than I thought. DC is a really spread out city, which makes it feel more like a suburb, which is so opposite to NYC. I wonder if I’d feel differently if I actually used the metro while I was there, but ‘twas a quick trip.
I stayed at the Glover Park Hotel near Georgetown. It felt luxurious, and I really enjoyed the view. The hotel experience really has a lot to teach us on how to upgrade the simple things in life–a cozy bed duvet-style, blackout curtains for deeper sleep. I actually got in by 4:30, and then got to work because unfortunately the train wifi was really bad.
Fun fact: there is no Metro in Georgetown. Very unfortunate.
By 6:30, I was out the door to see my dear friend Pauline, who I hadn’t seen in 6 years. I joined her small group and we had Mexican food from Taco City DC. It was fun and I hadn’t been in that kind of environment since college.
Then I met my friend Magin who works in DC for some ice cream at Thomas Sweet. My Uber driver mentioned how popular it was and then I saw the long line out the front door. I got the oreo ice cream with a cone.
Related Post: work trip to dc
Thursday, April 16, 2026
I woke up around 6:30. Felt very sleepy, but had plans to meet Pauline for breakfast at Point Chaud Cafe & Crepes. We met at 8. It was walking distance but I was still late as I prepped an email for work. I had the strawberry, lemon, and sugar crepe. Yummy! But I have no photos of said crepe 🙁 We caught up on the past 6 years in a brief hour. It was a sweet time together.
I took a little gander on my way back to the hotel. Found a church and plenty of flowers. I really do love spring!
I got back to the hotel to get ready and sent that key email, and then Ubered to the main event. We held an event on mental health AI chatbots and talking through potential policy implications.
I walked back with the group to their hotel Citizen M post the event at 1:30ish. I attempted to do work but quickly had to hop back to my hotel for my belongings and get to the train station for my 4pm departure.
Saw the Washington Monument and reminded me of a dear memory a few years ago with Karen. I arrived just as my train was boarding.
Related Post: justice in Richmond: spring break edition
I got home around 8:20ish, and I did more work to send off.
A work trip always involves working in the hours where you can. A brief trip but full to the brim!
Signing off,
Gigi
Studying Life with Gigi 