Washington DC is a living symbol of history, power, and freedom. From the moment I drove in from the north-east, I was struck by the global presence embedded in the city’s streets - embassies and institutions from all corners of the world, some as far as an hour away on foot from the White House. The regal architecture is rooted in old European design, with grand white facades, intricate columns, and carved stone details.

Unlike the bustling, modern skylines of Boston or New York, Washington DC’s classical buildings ground it in something older - to inspire permanence and order. Within other American metropolises, political buildings often stand apart in their architecture, drawing on that same visual vocabulary of nobility and tradition, reminding us of their importance.

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One of the most unexpectedly profound moments came during my visit to the Smithsonian Zoo. Animals from all across the world exist in one place: pandas, orangutans, turtles, fish, and more. But what really stood out was the quiet. Not the humans, of course, that shuffled around in large crowds - but the presence of the animals. They sat still, moved slowly, and lounged in peace. This sparked a deep realization: unlike humans, who are constantly stirred by obligation and anxiety, animals often seem completely at home in their stillness. It served as a reminder that not every moment should be filled with urgency.

The idea itself can be applied to a multitude of human endeavors, such as finance. Legends like Warren Buffett and Charlie Munger built their entire investing philosophy on waiting. As they mention, fortunes are built through patience, not action: analysis over reaction. It’s sensible too - humans have always associated slow, opportunistic creatures with age and wisdom.

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Passing by the beautiful White House, I found it fascinating how we can be within a couple feet of the greatest concentrated power in the world - the home of the president. Throughout history, people could only imagine the dwellings of their leaders through stories or portraits. But there we stood, in the capital of America, able to lean on the rails and take a selfie. Alongside me were protestors of various causes, each trying to make their voices heard. Just the idea that these individuals had the freedom to protest without worry was astonishing - I wonder if they felt the same. Democracy is not just visible, but touchable, at the White House. Filled with pride, I headed to my next destination.

The Spy Museum. Actually, this was a place recommended by my partner, and something I looked over when making the itinerary. I can assure you - it is definitely worth the trip. First, it’s an extremely interactive museum: you are assigned a secret codename, given a mission, and practice information gathering techniques as you progress. The exhibits are fascinating as well, ranging from examples of spy weapons, movies that detail historical relationships, and even interactive spy-decisions that passerby can vote on together (such as: given X information, would you raid a house containing a wanted terrorist)?

The experience was wonderfully paced, presenting situations from ancient Europe to modern-day geopolitics. Some questions in particular that hit me hard – to what extent should a nation go to protect an individual citizen’s security, given that an information gatherer (a spy) could steal it from them without protection? And furthermore, where are we willing to draw the line in security? In a world of rising cyber threats, could a digital attack justify a military response? This museum, alongside current world news, reminds me that politics and information gathering is much more complicated than we make it out to be.

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And finally, the trip ended with a night time walk past the Washington Monument to the Lincoln Memorial. As you get closer to the memorial, the reflection of the Washington Monument builds in the small pond, growing in size until you reach Lincoln’s seat atop the stairs. Upon our arrival, we were greeted with an interesting twist: a nearby security guard alerted us that it happened to be the anniversary of Abraham Lincoln’s assassination. There was no sign marking it, and to our knowledge, most visitors were completely unaware of the day. By chance, we had arrived at one of the biggest memorials in America to celebrate its anniversary.

The engraved words on the walls, the towering statue of Lincoln, the gravity of time - it all came together in a moment of appreciation. What he fought for, the nation he held together, and what we’ve become since. Memorials aren’t just about remembering the past, but honoring the present: the people who have been positively impacted by the decisions and sacrifices made.

The next day, we climbed onto the Beltway, and drove back home. This trip reminded me that history isn’t just something we learn, but something we experience: piece by piece, moment by moment, shaping who we are and what we believe.