Sunday Soul in the Heart of Nation’s Capital

We each have that special place we keep just for ourselves, the place where we go to recoil from the world and once again feel ourselves come alive in the process.   It is what Sunday Soul is all about and for guest writer and art historian Laura Thayer, that special place is all about heart and soul……..and scones, literally, in the heart of the nation’s capital, Washington D.C.

It’s remarkable how a scent or taste, even the memory of one, can take you back to travel
adventures or different places in the world you once called home. Recently, I woke up with the desire for a strong cup of Assam tea and a little plate of ginger scones. Even more potent than Proust’s Madeleines, just the thought of those perfect scones has the ability to transport me back to the years when I lived near Washington, D.C., just a short Metro ride from the National Mall. I spent nearly every weekend exploring the many art museums, especially the National Gallery of Art.

After a busy week at work, there was nothing more relaxing and restorative than spending a Sunday alone. Just me and the museums. My day often started by taking the Metro to the Navy Memorial stop, which was just around the corner from Teaism. With three locations around the DC metro area, Teaism is a wonderful tea shop and restaurant featuring Asian, Thai and Indian inspired dishes and a fabulous selection of teas from around the world. So many years later, I still dream of their ginger scones, which sums up just how delightful and memorable they are! It was a little treat that soothed my soul and kept me going for another week.

After the caffeine jolt kicked in, it was time to head toward the National Gallery. I’d cross over the Navy Memorial, stopping to think of my grandfather and his many stories. Time stopped for me inside the National Gallery. I would wander to my hearts’ content, often loosing myself in the Renaissance galleries until my stomach rumbling reminded me it was time for lunch. Located underground between the West and East Buildings, the Cascade Café with its Espresso & Gelato Bar was my usual stop for a quick snack. Perhaps the best part of this café is its location just across from the museum’s excellent bookstore and gift shop.

Alexander Calder - Untitled Mobile

After lunch I’d continue over to the East Building, home to the National Gallery’s modern art collection. Entering the grand, glass covered Central Atrium, I’d smile every time at Alexander Calder’s monumental sculpture Untitled as it gently rotated filling the space with color. Perhaps more than the art within, I love the architecture space of the I.M. Pei’s East Building and how it complements the work on display. Just outside the main entrance is Henry Moore’s Knife Edge Mirror Two Piece, with its sinuous curves making a striking contrast to the East Building’s sharp lines.

Crossing over the National Mall, I’d stroll through the Hirshhorn Museum’s Sculpture Garden. As one of my favorite spots in Washington, D.C. to spend time alone, I’d often stop and enjoy the peace and quiet, surrounded by the green gardens and beautiful sculpture works. Soon enough it was time to head home and get ready for another busy week ahead. Besides keeping me grounded and happy, I will always remember those days fondly as the art historian in me was born during those many Sundays alone in the nation’s capital.

Hirshhorn Museum Sculpture Garden / photo: Gryffindor

Laura Thayer is an art historian and freelance writer living on the Amalfi Coast in Campania, Italy. She writes about travel for MNUI Travel Insurance and blogs about life on the Amalfi Coast at her own site Ciao Amalfi.