I’m still, at heart, kind of a nerd. As exciting as hiking through Tajik mountains or road-tripping through the deserts of Mongolia can be, I also cherish the chance to sit and read in quiet beautiful places.

All of which I tell you just to justify having gone out of my way to see the Library of Congress in D.C.

The tour, while it had some potential, was unfortunately pretty slow-paced and boring. You mileage (and guide) may vary.

The building, though? Totally.

I didn’t even get to visit the main reading room as it was closed at the moment I passed through, but the entryway and halls and corridors evoked a mental image of leather-bound books and rich mahogany.

If you ever find yourself in D.C. in need of a little quiet bookworm reflection time, this is the place to be.