As I mentioned I had to take a last minute trip to D.C.

For a non resident I do have to say it is cool to be here during the State of the Union. As sirens go off I can hear them on television a few seconds later. (I am staying not far from the national mall). I am sure if you have to deal with the traffic and the closing of streets etc. it is a pain but sitting in the hotel room I am enjoying it.

Last night I walked up to the Capitol building, I always love going late at night, especially on a weekend. Everything is empty and you can just walk unbothered. For someone who sits in Upstate New York thinking and writing so much about this place it is always so wonderful to actually be here.

Finally, we don’t have a lot of wonderful public transportation where I come from so let me say what a treat it is to ride the metro. Of all the subway systems I have ever traveled on I do think the metro is one of the cleanest and most easily navigable.