Day #16: Values and Vegging Out (D.C.)

I had a bit of a lazy day today, which I think is acceptable given my exhausting (yet thoroughly enjoyable) day being a tourist yesterday. Today I just wanted to take a break from being a tourist. I wanted to take in the comfort of doing normal Brenna things.

I woke up and lounged around for a while, finally venturing out once I had decided on a destination: Sticky Fingers Bakery in Columbia Heights. So I hopped on the Metro in search of this apparently amazing vegan cafe, and let me tell you: it was worth it.

I was in that awkward in between time of breakfast and lunch, and for me there's nothing worse. Do I go for the delicious pastry options? Or a sandwich? Is soup a good compromise? But then I'll need something sweet... This is how my food-obsessed brain works. I settled on a cinnamon roll and a cup of coffee and settled into a booth in the corner. You see, I've been craving cinnamon rolls for months. So I was pretty happy.

I dove into "Eating Animals" by Jonathan Safran Foer as I devoured my breakfast. The girl sitting at the table next to mine commented on the book and asked me if I'd read it before. I explained that it has been on my list for three years and that I finally picked it up. She then told me that the book was what convinced her to switch from vegetarianism to veganism. There's something awesome about being surrounded by like minded people. Here we were, eating in a vegan bakery, praising the same book and sharing some of the same core values. I don't really understand organized religion but interactions like this kind of fill that quota for me.

I ended up spending three hours at Sticky Fingers. I read (a lot) and eventually let myself order some things off the lunch menu. Feeling nostalgic I decided on "mac and cheese" and a "hot dog." Now don't let the quotes scare you. I'm just sick of writing "vegan" in front of everything I eat because let's face it: if you're reading this blog you should know that I don't eat meat, eggs, fish, or dairy. The slight chance of me returning to being a vegetarian for the sake of this trip was quickly eradicated as soon as I picked up this book I am now addicted to.

After I finally peeled myself out of my booth I headed back out into the world. I stopped at Marshall's and Target in search of inspiration for my halloween costume, but alas, no luck. I hopped back on the Metro and made my way towards a legit Halloween store, where I found one small component for a potential costume. Then I headed back downtown and returned to my hostel, where I hung out for the rest of the night.

Tomorrow I'll be picking up and leaving again. I really loved my time in D.C. even if it was too short. This marks the end of the "Northern" section of my trip (yes I consider D.C. to be part of the North for the sake of this trip). Starting tomorrow I'll be down south for the next month!

Gotta pass out now. I'm looking at a long bus ride tomorrow. But North Carolina, my birthday, Carra's birthday, and Halloween await!!!