After being here for several years, it continues to feel that way. There are a few bright spots, mostly the museums.
In terms of self-obsessed naked careerism, I’ve heard DC described as LA for ugly people.
Maybe true. At any gathering of political types, the constant first question is “what do you do?” And either they think you can do something for them or they keep a smile frozen on their face until they can get away to ask it of someone else. As one might expect the low level Hill staffers are among the worst offenders. Little room is made for sincerity or sympathy, though I have known people of generous spirit, you just can’t trust how far it will go.