I rant a little.

My first post quoted Benedetto who believed D.C and the people here are disconnected with the rest of the country. This becomes more and more real as I live here.

The Capitol: before this field trip in the wee hours of the morning, I read about the detailed scaffolding of the dome and had a brief understanding of exactly where the House and Senate were located.

The trip was short but rare. I had the wonderful experience of sitting where mine and 435 other representatives --in no specific order-- sit and listen to Congressman Adrian Smith (R-NB) talk about what politics is really like, what politicians think of the media, the administration and his beginnings (all with his slant and agenda thrown in just like any other good politician).

The Smithsonian: I WAS A KID AGAIN. There's nothing like learning all those facts you knew back in 5th grade. My favorite: the ocean exhibit and the COLOSSAL -yes, colossal- whale in the middle of the exhibit. I may not know how to swim but I will always love the water.

Live jazz band: Tuesday night on the town in Georgetown. Go to Saloun! Probably one of the most fun nights I've had so far but it had more to do about the company rather than the place. However, I can say I've never experienced more culture. From the museums to free music and festivals, I'm learning so much and constantly keeping my eyes and ears peeled for more.

Journalism:

DISCLAIMER: the fact that I'm spending my summer with a conservative program does influence the opinions and thoughts I hear. Nonetheless, tonight I heard from two conservative political commentators who adamantly believe that their open bias makes them a better journalist. It's upsetting to hear present and future journalists think that their job is to sell and entertain--give the public what they want.

WHAT HAPPENED TO GIVING THE PUBLIC WHAT THEY NEED?

What happened to informing? Reporting? SERVING the American citizen?

I am not naive. I believe journalism serves a higher purpose. It's about the truth and revealing it. Challenging the opposition...however, you can do this without GETTING INVOLVED.

A journalist is not a politician and should not try to be one.

As students walked out hearing these speakers, I heard discussions about how hard a political commentators job is. IT IS NOT A HARD JOB. It's a lucky job. Who wouldn't want to get paid for yammering about their opinions on air?

Try being a reporter and delivering the news and giving the public the RIGHT to make their own decisions.

I feel like I'm going against the grain here, but I hope I never lose sight of this.

सत्याग्रह

Satyagraha- the force of truth.

God, let it be bigger than the force of ignorance.

I'm not in Texas anymore.

Certain things that DO NOT remind me of home.

Humidity.

Traffic on Sundays.

Public transportation.

Walking.

Crossing state lines every day.

5 cent tax on plastic bags.

Trader Joe's.

Everyone's a tourist.

The lack of Mexican food.

The plethora of Thai food.

Townhomes.

Rats?

Things that don't remind me of home but are pretty cool.

The river.

Fireflies.

Yeah, the fireflies make it all the better.

Proud tourist.

I apologize for not writing!

Things have moved so fast in the past week and a routine is starting to set in. Even though, things have never been the same.

My first day at work was a little overwhelming but ended with me running into, yes, you heard me, running into the Lincoln Memorial. It was a beautiful sight, even on that muggy day. He's been my favorite president for a long time, but he is America's favorite isn't he?

My tour guide Ed, on Sunday (the third time I saw the memorial) had a great interpretation. Lincoln sits at his memorial, his size god like and his features somber, mostly because of the face. Lincoln never smiles, Ed says it's because he has 625,000 lives on his mind.

Heavy matters.

On a lighter note, slowly friendships are being formed. We all have to survive here, right?

The city really just never ge

ts old. And I hope it never does. There's so much to learn here and absorb.

Certain spots:

Korean War Memorial: there's no way you can walk through this and not feel like you're there.

The Old Post Office: has food from every continent and the Clock Tower is worth a tour.

Lincoln Memorial: make sure you stand from where MLK stood.

Vietnam Memorial: A 21 yr old Yale student designed it. There's so much significance in it, especially in the ability to see your reflection.

Washington Harbor: beautiful scenery. Tons of fancy restaurants and an ice cream place. See below.

DuPont: As the World Cup goes on, people gather at the square to watch the game from the big screens. Also, recent home to the gay parade.

--which reminds me, I saw a protest assembly. First one. It was for the deaths in Iran. Always good to remember and see the 1st Amendment at work at the place that it started.

Heidi's: yummy sandwiches.

Garrett's: we watched the USA v. England game there.

Gelato Dolce Vita-best red orange gelato EVER.

Need to still see: The White House, Capitol, Smithsonians, Spy Museum, Newseum, an Embassy? Let me know if you think of anything.

With everything, I still can't believe I'm here. To experience it all and figure out if life in politics is what I want--I hope these 2 months are all I need-- is a blessing in itself.

Surreal

There's a lot I could talk about and I've only been here for a day. The moment I landed and drove into D.C., I was mesmerized by the surroundings. So many trees! I know we have trees in TX, but the northeast and its landscape always gets me. Interesting takeaways:

The Metro: Several of us confronted the metro head on on the first day we were here. The trek to the stop was..long. Sure, it's not long for those Washingtoners (?) but I definitely missed my candy apple Corolla. --sigh-- However, i couldn't have asked for a more beautiful city to walk through.

The buildings on campus all have a cathedral like feel. Tall, tall buildings. The brick and steeples reminded me of Baylor but Georgetown is older. The catholic tone is also interesting. There is a crucifix in every classroom and statues of Jesus, Mary and the saints scattered throughout, standing guard at all the dormitories. Made the campus almost seem foreign.

In D.C itself, I don't know to explain it. The city just has such personality. Boutiques everywhere. It really is NYC but clean! And people are nicer.

I had my first day of class today. Ethics for Journalism blah blah blah. The professor is charming. Looks and talks just like a professor of Georgetown should. Even has the Yankee background (brought up in the projects of NY) to add some color. The class was heated and discussions were saturated with outspoken thoughts. It should be an interesting 11 sessions.

One thing I was told that I don't want to forget: "Don't forget where you come from. D.C. is not the real world. The pulse of the people in Washington are often not like the pulse of the people of the rest of the country. That's why the American people are losing trust in the capital."

So I guess as long as I stay Texan, I'll be in pretty good shape.

Tidbits:

-If you're buying stuff from stores, you have to pay 5 cents for every plastic bag you use!

-Recycling is the law.

-Most people you meet on the street are not from here. They are tourists.

-Everything is more expensive here.

More tomorrow.

Distractions from the North

For the last week, I was given the awesome opportunity to push back my anxieties about D.C and take a trip to Canada for my cousin's wedding reception.

For four and half days, all I did was catch up with long lost cousins and have a BLAST doing it. My cousins and I were born in the span of 7 years and with the drinking age in Canada being only 19, we were able to enjoy mature fun though we aren't that mature.

Ontario was beautiful, reminded me of the Bay Area. Though I was disappointed that I didn't run into one person with a Canadian accent. No eh. No weird "about". I did become a fan of Tim Horton's though I was skeptical.

Coming back to Dallas with only 3 days left until D.C is difficult to say the least. The days cannot pass by fast/slow enough. I'm halfway packed though I feel like I'm forgetting a lot.

Good news: with NY only 4 hours away from D.C., visits will be often. I also found a friend from TX that is in D.C for an internship as well! She lives minutes a way and will make this transition much easier. I've also been learning the metro route maps and I'm pretty sure I know how to get home and to work.

Great news: I've upgraded my wardrobe from scrubby college student to becoming intern in the city. I have the right shoes, slacks, tops, and my first skirt. Shocking, I know. I'm ready to take over I tell you!

Side note: Lucy had her puppies. All two of them. And very fitting, she had them the day I left for Canada. Oh, she was waiting. I wasn't as depressed as I thought I would be and they were still puppies when I came back.

Here's to the next few days. I'll be investing in (another) camera and trying to absorb as much of Dallas as I can--whatever that means.

Another note: I will not miss the intermittent internet at home or the scalding 100 degree weather.