An Introduction to D.C. Observations
I've recently moved to Washington, D.C. There's an abundance of museums, politicians, and homeless people living here. As a Midwesterner who moved to D.C. from Michigan, I've picked up on some rather interesting quirks of city living.
I constantly feel pulled between two opposing categories: insider and outsider. People ask me for directions on the metro and on the streets; it's obvious that I'm not a tourist.
But if they talk to me long enough, then they ask me where I am from. When I say, "Michigan" the most common response is, "Oh, that makes sense." I am not entirely sure
why this is, but I have a few ideas. This perspective puts me in this unique place to make observations that seem really normal to the people who live here.
I plan on making this a regular posting, please feel free to comment with advice or observations of your own. Let me know if you think it's weird or
I'm weird (for thinking it's weird).
DC Observation #1: The Backpack People
Do you remember the kid in middle school (or maybe even high school or college) who ran from destination to destination with his backpack?
It wasn't normal behavior, and maybe it was even laughed at or talked about. We had one who ran like this
cute kid below.
Well in D.C. there is a group of people that I have collectively named: The Backpack People. These are professionals, students, and Others (addressed in a later post) who wear backpacks everywhere. Some people choose a briefcase or a large purse over a backpack, however we are all carrying more than we'd prefer. And guess what? Until they get to their beloved metro waiting spot (like the
guy below), you will often find the Backpack People running in the mornings. Everywhere.
When I moved here, I was shocked when I saw a Backpack Person running to the metro.
What's the big hurry? I wondered if there was an apocalyptic event that only the Backpack People knew about. Anywhere else but a city and this behavior would be ridiculed. For example, when I thought about running to class in college...well, I'd rather be late than be sweaty and gain that kind of notoriety.
I was displeased when I had to start running myself.
