It Happened Here
Ching Ching Cha Tea House
Mie N Yu Fusion Restaurant
Garretts
Old Stone House
Garden at Tudor Place
Inspiration in Georgetown:
An Excursion to Overcome Writer’s Block
By Amy A. Welch, WIW Member
If you are looking for a relaxing, yet urban, excursion to get your creative juices flowing, try Georgetown. I have a little “ritual” that has never failed to help me get through a challenging writing or editing assignment. Modify it to suit your particular interests and see where it goes.
Easy Transportation
For city dwellers who do not own a car, the DC Circulator is a convenient way to reach the M St. and Wisconsin Ave. NW epicenter with minimal stress. For one dollar each way, it fits everyone’s budget. The bus makes frequent stops, but only runs until 9 p.m., so watch the clock! On the other hand, zoning out on the bus as it travels through half the city can be a fertile time to make observations and come up with new ideas.
Beat Writer’s Blocks at a Chinese Teahouse
Ching Ching Cha, a Chinese teahouse near the Potomac River, is a good place to relieve the stress from a hard work week. Visit 1063 Wisconsin Ave. NW and escape into a soothing atmosphere. After a solid hour or two there, you will feel balanced and hydrated. This feeling definitely aids the flow of creative ideas!
The teahouse features a sunroof, soft Asian music in the background, and plenty of books and tea products. They have traditional tables and chairs, but also offer the option of sitting on a pillow and removing your shoes. Sometimes it can feel like stepping into China.
Ching Ching Cha specializes in rare and fresh teas, and serves both iced and hot varieties. Discover new flavors and aromas since many of the teas they serve cannot be found in popular supermarkets. Pu-erh tea, for example, is a popular choice that is like fine wine. Pu-erh sells by its age and has an “earthy” quality to it. Another favorite of mine is Yunnan Goldneedle, which is a black tea. An extensive collection of green, white, and herbal teas is also available. Some of the teas still have the buds and petals of flowers visible to create a lovely appearance. The staff is very knowledgeable and will happily help you create a unique experience. They serve the tea with stoneware that traditionally accompanies the type of tea that is ordered. Each table has a kettle of hot water, which stays hot with the help of a small flame and provides free refills.
While the menu for food is limited, the options are both healthy and tasty. The Tea Meal starts with a light and delicious soup. The soup has clear broth and fresh ingredients, which is a welcome break from the artificially thickened soups that most Chinese restaurants serve. The second course comes in a black lacquered, Japanese-style tray. The meal offers a combination of chicken, salmon, or tofu with vegetables and rice. I religiously order the salmon with kale, cabbage, and snow peas on the side. Sometimes I will follow it with a warm batch of lotus seed paste wrapped in puff pastry. These pastries are always toasted to perfection and have a gentle, homemade sweetness.
The ability to enter a meditative atmosphere is always very beneficial for me if I have a tough case of writer’s block. Distractions fade away and deadlines no longer seem as threatening. My body responds to the healthy food, the healing teas, and the relaxing environment. New thoughts begin to form, and I am joyfully scribbling away.
If you’re in the mood for more substantial fare, Mie N Yu is an option, particularly for fusion cooking fans. The Mediterranean and Middle Eastern ambience can swiftly take you away from your 9 to 5 existence and into a more creative place. Mie N Yu features belly dancers, has excellent food, and is the recipient of many awards.
Stroll Through History and Find a Setting
Georgetown is great location for finding historical inspiration. Perhaps you are writing a historic novel. Some of the locations in Georgetown may provide a perfect setting!
Many presidents of the United States have hung out in Georgetown. Those who are interested in presidential history may like to reserve a special booth at Billy Martin’s Tavern at 1264 Wisconsin Avenue NW. Every president since Harry Truman has dined there and John F. Kennedy proposed to Jackie in booth #3. If you prefer to go on excursions independently, they even have a “one person” booth. Garrett’s is also a mainstay and worth a visit if you want to see local institutions.
The Old Stone House goes even further back in history. Run by the National Park Service, this 18th century home is one of the oldest standing structures in the DC area. It is open daily from noon until 5 p.m. The colonial house has a beautiful garden and this mini-oasis is plopped right on M street.
Washington, DC’s Cultural Tourism Web site has suggestions for visiting neighborhoods, including Georgetown. One of their suggestions is to take a canal barge ride down the C&O canal for under $10. Estates from various time periods offer tours and display different architectural styles to inspire you. Tudor Place, built by Martha Washington’s granddaughter, is an example of Federal style architecture.
Choose a Journal
A generously sized Barnes & Noble is centrally located at 3040 M Street NW. It is the perfect place to do some quick research, browse, or sneak a peek at Writer’s Market.
Their journal collection is impressive and is located on the first floor, and stacked against the back wall. In addition to blank journals, people in search of new writing ideas may benefit from quotes or questions to guide their journaling. I picked up a journal called Soul Catcher: A Journal To Help You Become Who You Really Are, by Kathy and Amy Eldon. Each page has a specific theme and a collection of statements and questions for you to ponder.
If there is someone special in your life who you want to express your affection to, try What I Love About You by Kate and David Marshall. This journal provides a very lengthy and extensive assortment of statements that help you identify your loved one’s best personality traits and your favorite memories together.
Another one to try is A Woman’s Notebook by Running Press. Each unlined page has a botanical illustration and quote from a famous woman. It is a beautiful journal to inspire you while helping you to reflect.
Since you will eventually have to worry about deadlines again, try the Do it NOW! journal by Running Press. It doubles as a daily planner, but is way cooler and much less constricting than most daily planners that are offered at Staples. This one has daily reflections, a word of the day, and lots of space to play with.
Living in or near the city can be stressful and hectic, but if you take some time to explore, relax, and reflect, you’ll find that inspiration is very close to home.