With the end of daylight savings, November brings darker commutes and that nagging feeling of wondering “where the day went?” But at Meridian it also brings the wonderful opportunity to catch the spectacular sunsets of late fall. With a distinct vantage point, perched atop Meridian Hill, the views overlooking the city in the rapidly diminishing light as it scatters and reflects off the clouds is truly mesmerizing.
Whenever I watch a sunset from Meridian’s rooftop I’m reminded of an inscription over Meridian House’s rear courtyard door that reads, “Purior hic aer: late hinc conspectus in urbem.” It can be translated as “Purer here the air whence we overlook the city.” At this height the complexities of Washington D.C. seem more comprehensible. You can clearly make out the Capitol and the Washington Monument. The dome of St. Matthew’s Cathedral rests out in the distance just west of the Old Post Office Tower.
This is what I’ve found that Meridian presents to its guests; while being an immediate part of American diplomacy, it also provides a neutral platform for dialog, where visitors from around the world can gather for new perspectives. In an effort to capture this experience I set up a tripod and a time lapse, to share my perspective with you.
