Returning to Where It Started

For the first time this decade I crossed the Potomac and visited Washington DC. I have crossed the Potomac to visit Maryland. What brought me to Georgetown? Same thing that always did before: a movie.

I don't drink so the many bars held little allure. This was an afternoon trip. I rode the bus which is also an uncommon act. Why pay to park? Crossing Key Bridge reminded me of the anticipation of venturing down M Street.

The first thing I noticed was the Ukranian flag. One of the first businesses passed is The Ukranian Embassy. It was always there. As backwards as the world is it would not surprise me if people were protesting there.

No. There was a vigil and many supporters were in the vicinity. It was nice seeing tourists and hearing European accents. People watching is something that has subsided in the pandemic. Are we back to normal?

Until the next variant. I have not visited the AMC Georgetown before. It was a Loews Theater and very close to The Bayou. That iconic nightclub is the subject of a documentary I have yet to enjoy.

Movie theaters brought me to Georgetown frequently. Did you think I was going to wait in line for a cupcake? Dean and Deluca is no longer there. I saw where Arnold Schwarzenegger parked in True Lies.

The fact he found a parking space on M Street at night makes me think "Movies are magic."There is a scene where a nuclear bomb is detonated in that film. The fact there were no casualties or ramifications did not seem as unrealistic as parking in front of Georgetown Park.

It's only a movie. The Batman is playing everywhere on multiple screens. Why did I go to Georgetown? It feels like I haven't been there since that fateful Monday night when I met The World's Greatest Baby. It hasn't been that long. Still too long.

It is important to go different places and do different things. The Key, Foundry, West End and Biograph Theaters are all long gone. Never forgotten. I would go into the city to see revivals and art house movies.

Any excuse to see Faster Pussycat Kill! Kill!. John Waters said that was the best movie that was ever made and ever will be made. I'm not sure of that although I feel better for having seen it.

Enjoying a long film (Batman movies are hit or miss. This was a hit) that did not drag led to walking along the Waterfront. You can go to the movies and enjoy being outside on a warmer day. I could probably discuss the theaters of Washington DC that are no longer in business down the road.

If nothing else I was outside doing something out of the ordinary. I was reminded of venues no longer around and people from nightlife no longer with us. Areas with a deep past visited in the present make me want to return in the future. It felt like a mini vacation and there are more areas to revisit.