Take a Break | The 9-hour trip for a couple of stories and much-needed time out

A few days in the capital.

Oct 16, 2024

I packed a small bag, hopped on the plane and spent three days in the capital.

It is not very often I actually take time off on my holiday. Taking time off from my full-time job typically means working on the coffee break from dawn to dusk. But the actual time off from my full-time job and the coffee break is unheard of. Well, until now.

My last holiday was in 2019 when I travelled to Scotland—and even that holiday was related to my “achievement,” as I decided to climb Ben Nevis.

So, this time, I promised myself that work could wait–rest is needed. I won’t touch work, not even Notes.

It was a long nine-hour flight with a short break in Iceland, which was fine. I had a list of books I needed to catch up on. But then I decided that to have true rest, I needed to read a book I would not normally read.

Browsing the airport bookshop, I chose The 18th Abduction: Two Mind-twisting Cases collide by James Patterson. I loved it, so I am a fan of the Women's Murder Club.

A picture of the U.S. Capitol building, recognizable by its iconic dome and surrounded by trees, likely taken from a garden or park nearby. A close-up of a plate with a waffle, ice cream, and what seems to be a side of strawberries. The plate is ornate, with a traditional blue-and-white pattern and the name "Li'l Louis's" written on it. A detailed view of a fresco or painted ceiling, likely the Apotheosis of Washington, found in the dome of the U.S. Capitol Rotunda. — The U.S. Capitol building; a plate with a waffle, ice cream, and strawberries; the U.S. Capitol Rotunda

The Jefferson Memorial illuminated at night, a prominent U.S. landmark with its classical dome and columns. A close-up of the Lincoln Memorial statue, showing Abraham Lincoln seated, with part of the inscription visible above him. A nighttime view of the Lincoln Memorial, with its reflection visible on the water of the reflecting pool in front of it. — The Jefferson Memorial; the Lincoln Memorial statue; A nighttime view of the Lincoln Memorial

A group of three people posing for a photo. The middle person is wearing a plaid shirt, while the person on the right wears a maroon shirt and glasses. A plate with two large pancakes topped with powdered sugar and what appears to be blueberries. There's a side of whipped butter and syrup served on the side. A scenic view of the Jefferson Memorial from across the water, framed by tree branches on a clear day. A set of blue mugs with white writing that says, “I cannot live without books,” attributed to the Thomas Jefferson Memorial. A stone wall with a famous quote engraved on it, "The only thing we have to fear is fear itself." This quote is from Franklin D. Roosevelt, suggesting this is part of the FDR Memorial in Washington, D.C. A candid moment of the same group from the top-left photo, where one person is handing an object (perhaps a book or certificate) to another person. The setting appears informal, possibly part of a casual ceremony or presentation. — A picture with Mr.Ballen; two large pancakes topped with powdered sugar and blueberries; the Jefferson Memorial from across the water; a blue coffee mug with writing: “I cannot live without books,” bought at the Thomas Jefferson Memorial; the quote: "The only thing we have to fear is fear itself" from Franklin D. Roosevelt; I'm receiving a signed copy of the Mr.Ballen's graphic novel

Apart from reading, I took an average of 25 thousand steps around Washington, D.C., visiting monuments, museums, and a Botanic garden. I also saw my story-telling hero’s live show, met him, got my copy signed, and ate hot dogs from street vans and burgers at the Hard Rock Cafe.

I also finally got my hands on Mr.Ballen’s graphic novel, which I read in one sitting.

"18th Abduction" by James Patterson and Maxine Paetro; I'm getting a hotdog at the streed foods van; a Hard Rock Café; an astronaut suit with the famous quote "That’s one small step for man, one giant leap for mankind" from the National Air and space museum; the US Botanic Garden; the book "Strange, Dark & Mysterious", a graphic story collection by MrBallen

I’ll share and write more; I just needed time out for now.

Have a great week,

Jana

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