A Monumental Tour

I left the RAF at 9:30 this morning to head to the Smithsonian, and wherever else my legs where about to carry me.  I was accompanied by Robyn, whom I met yesterday during our orientation.  The first stop after getting off of the Metro was the National Museum of American History.  It was very interesting, and the highlight had to be viewing the American flag that was the impetus behind the writing of Francis Scott Key's 'Star Spangled Banner.'  We passed through the National Sculpture Gardens, and the National Gallery of Art was the next building we entered.  With the recommendation of Kathy, a lady that informed us about our surroundings once we exited the Metro, we used our noses to guide our way through the winding halls to the cafe inside.  $21 for a buffet that doesn't even have steak on it?  Sorry Kathy, no thanks.  We promptly exited the premises, and ventured over to a restaurant called Capital Grille.  I found the steak I was looking for but it was $34, and I'm guessing the portion wasn't going to be to my liking.  I let the waiter know that we suddenly had an engagement to attend, and we exited with haste once more.  A fully-loaded hot dog and gatorade for $5 from a stand outside did just fine for lunch.  The Washington Monument was next on the list, or, as a bad joke I once heard suggests, is that building dedicated to Bill Clinton?  Then there was the World War II Memorial, the Martin Luther King, Jr. Memorial, and the Franklin Delano Roosevelt Memorial.  All of which are fantastic venues.  Next was perhaps my favorite memorial, that of Thomas Jefferson.  The statue inside is most impressive, and the breeze that passes through the openings on all sides makes it incredibly comfortable to stop and view the engraved quotes and impressive architecture.  We then doubled back around the Tidal Basin which, based upon its name, it would make sense as to why water was covering certain areas of the surrounding sidewalk.  This route was taken so that we could view the Korean War Memorial, Lincoln Memorial, and the Vietnam War Memorial.  The Lincoln Memorial is terribly impressive, and silence falls upon all that pass the Vietnam War Memorial as if everyone is silently thanking every name that is engraved on its humbling walls.  We continued on to walk along the White House property, where Obama had left in a motorcade to head to Chicago only hours earlier (as my roommate Pete informed me afterwards).  After a pit stop to collect ourselves next to the General William Tecumseh Sherman Memorial, we walked to the nearest Metro station and headed home to the RAF.  The National Mall area is swarmed with people this Memorial Day Weekend.  There are tons of school groups wandering about, and an omnipresence of motorcyclists that all seem to be veterans of one war or another.  There are thousands of people coming into the city to remember those that have fallen, share the memories of lost friends and family, and to celebrate this moment of existence.  It is an honor to be able to spend this weekend in the nation's capital.

Smithsonian

Last night turned into just a relaxing evening at the RAF with my roommates.  I am about to leave to go see the Smithsonian for the first time, can't wait!!

Grocery Shopping

I went to the Harris Teeter grocery store that is about five blocks away for the first time today.  Keenan and Pete joined me in the endeavor, and we all agree that the prices are high here, which was to be expected.  Somebody else's food ended up in one of our bags, because the clerk had not given it to him because he didn't have his money with him, apparently, and another lady stepped in to bag our groceries.  So we thought we had scored some free grub, but it turns out he had eaten out of it beforehand, and we decided to toss the remnants.  Had a meeting about the Veterans Civic Engagement project I'll be working on in the upcoming weeks.  We will be attending a wheelchair basketball tournament in Richmond, VA at the end of June, along with a couple of other events that a handful of us will be volunteering at.  I thought I was going to be attending a small jazz festival on the National Mall this evening, but my roommates and I seemed to have conflicting reports on when/where and we managed to miss it.  Something tells me there is plenty else to do on a beautiful Friday night in D.C.  Time to go figure out what exactly that may be!

Press Conference

I forgot to mention yesterday that when I was walking by the Capital there was a press conference of sorts happening over gay marriage.  Here is a synopsis from MSNBC; http://nbcpolitics.msnbc.msn.com/_news/2012/05/25/11878818-as-conservatives-rally-on-marriage-issue-fate-rests-with-high-court?lite

It seemed like I could have just walked up and asked a question myself had I wanted to, I elected to not test the theory.  It may have had something to do with the police officer armed with a fully automatic assault rifle standing across the walkway.  I did stop to listen for a little while before I moved along, and it was interesting to think that this is what people across the country will be reading or watching about and it was taking place right in front of me.  I am going to enjoy this city.

Orientation & Ben's Chili Bowl

Busy, busy day.  Woke up at 7 this morning, and was rewarded with hot water in the shower!  Dressed up in my grey suit and teal? colored shirt and tie that Karissa picked out for me, and it received many compliments throughout the day.  We had our orientation today that started at 9:00 at a very nice reception hall about five stops on the Metro away from my residence.  The highlight of the day thus far was a stop at Ben's Chili Bowl for lunch.  Then President-Elect Obama dined there, and it is full of images of the owner with figures like a young Denzel Washington, Tavis Smiley, and a painting with Martin Luther King, Jr., Malcolm X, and other historical figures in the African-American community.  I ordered Bill Cosby's favorite, and it actually is his favorite, The Original Chili Half-Smoke.  I also attended a meeting about 'Power Greetings' where we went over the proper ways to introduce yourself professionally, and I signed up to be a part of the Veterans portion of our Civic Engagement part of my responsibilities to TWC (more on that later).

Lasagna

As I am certain that Tyler Luther is wondering, I indulged in some lasagna at Zuppa Fresca across the street from my residence for dinner this evening.  I dined alone which caused the plateful of food in front of me to vanish rather quickly, and I think it was noticed by my waitress and the nearby patrons.  We had an ice cream social at the RAF tonight, and I have been watching/talking basketball with my roommates as the Heat clinched their series against the Pacers.  We have a full schedule tomorrow, starting with a ride on the Metro to a convention about what to expect through the duration of the internship, and what will be expected of us from our course work.  I have my suit hanging up in the closet, with my shirt freshly ironed and ready to roll.  Washington isn't going to know what hit it when I step outside tomorrow!  Goodnight!!

An Early Visit

I decided to take a walk to where my internship is located, with a detour up to the National Mall to see all the buildings up there again.  Managed to find the office, and spent a half an hour or so getting to know some of my soon to be co-workers.  The people in the office all seem to be very friendly, and I think it will be a real pleasure to work there.  The CEO of the company has photos of him standing with politicians as ideologically diverse as George W. Bush and Al Franken on a wall in the office, which should make this experience all the more rewarding.  If you want to check out the company's website, you can find it here; http://www.electionmall.com/.  The walk took me 35 minutes to complete, so I think I will be travelling to and from work on foot regularly.