Of the various sites in Washington, D.C., I admit that the LOC hadn’t been high on my list. Perhaps it was because I figured a library built up by cranky old white men would be a boring place. Perhaps it was because libraries are, well, quiet—sedate places for sitting and reading and working. Perfectly lovely if you’re at home, but on a travel adventure? Find me mountains and monuments, please.

I couldn’t have been more wrong. Of all of the places we visited in D.C. this building is far and away my favorite. There are artworks and treasures on every column, stairwell and ceiling, many of them dedicated to the authors I’ve loved (and quite a few cranky old white men who’s works haven’t held up). “Romance,” of course, was one of my vary favorites.

We entered the building because it was there and stayed because it was glorious. 

Have you ever been surprised while on a travel adventure of your own?