  I think that the "island" off the coast of Dupont Circle rates tippy top on my list of most annoying things about DC. It is the mipoint for getting across Mass. Ave- and it is certifiably the hottest place on earth.
You can try to avoid it. You could, potentially, cross through the circle to get to the other side. Only problem's that the little "go" man blinks for all of two seconds every, ommm, 5 minutes. So, you cut your losses and cross through the island (as quickly as possible). The worst things about this treeless, shrubless patch of concrete include, but are not limited to: 1. Exposure to hot traffic (a bus goes by and the temp. increases by ten degrees, at least). 2.
A variety of panhandlers whom you have no choice but to acknowledge- typically they will be the only other person on the island. 3. The fumes. Period. 4. The waiting process. You are going, going, going, and you have to stop in the middle. And don't even try to cross because you will be hit. Almost certainly. 5. The stranded feeling. 
