Nikko, Japan

Today was interesting and unexpected to say the least. I was out the door before 6 am to catch a 6:20 am train to Nikko, Japan, a 90-minute train ride north of Tokyo. The train ride there and back is the highlight of my trip. Watching the landscape change from high-rise buildings, electrical towers, and concrete to luscious green mountains and rice fields is something to experience. I left from Askuska, the last major station in NE Tokyo, and it took over a half hour just to notice a difference between urban and more rural life. There is less concrete, more greenery and foliage, and development is less compact. A HALF-HOUR traveling on a fast train heading north from a major station in NE Tokyo. Words do not and will never accurately describe how expansive the city truly is.

Because this is now the second time I'm typing everything, long story short, somehow I ended up an hour away from where I should have initially started taking pictures. Ok, so I do know how. After arriving in Nikko and trying understand the Japanese bus schedule, I hopped on what I thought was the correct bus line. I'm pretty positive they all go where I wanted, but it's how far you want to go that differentiates them, much like any other bus system. I committed an expensive mistake. What should have cost me 130 yen was actually a 1,350 yen bus ride! That's about $15! And let me add that I was in the middle of nowhere. The middle of nowhere!! Well, there was a campground and small store that sold ice cream, but I was stranded. I was up on a mountain and there was no pathway to walk alongside the road. I walked into the store, said my hello, laid my map on the table, and threw up my hands to signal I had no idea where I was. The kid working grabbed a woman from the kitchen, and she spoke and understood English. She was extremely helpful and told me I had to wait about 45 minute until a return bus would arrive. I sat down to ponder how this could have happen.

I sat there reflecting. Got it! It made sense now. I was the only non-Asian person on the bus, everyone was at least 30 years older than me, and they wore hiking attire. These weren't tourists. They were hikers!! To pass the time, I meandered to a hiking trail and did some quasi hiking in my razorback top, cotton skirt, and across the shoulder purse. I'm sure I amused the hikers I passed along the trail; I fit in.

Now, I'm back on the bus--charter bus-- and we begin our descent down the mountain. The animated voices comes over the speakers, "Please secure your seat belt. Make sure all items are securely situated. Items tend to shift as the bus sways back and forth." Imagine a charter bus weaving back and forth sharply around cones. This is exactly what we we would have appeared to be doing. As soon as we cleared one corner we were heading straight for another one. The bus driver would get as close as possible to the guard rail so the back-end of the bus would clear the turn. I swear it was a game to see how close he could get to the guardrail without scraping against it. I could tell quite a few other drivers had been unsuccessful at missing it. This continued from 1,100m above sea level until we were back at the base, and I was at the stop where I should have gotten off.

Shrines and temples. Temples and shrines. I thought the most beautiful one was partially due to its location . Climbing several steep sections of stairways, once you're at the top you can overlook the garden area and other smaller buildings below. This is when my camera died, and I do not have a picture unfortunately. Awesome!

Buying my ticket with 5 minutes left to spare before its departure, the cars were pretty full and I sat next to an older man, and across from us was who I thought either his daughter or extremely young wife. Though she was wearing a wedding band, he was not, and they were friends visiting a spa in Nikko. Hmmm. But anyways. As I was getting my iPod out of my purse, I noticed a chocolate chip had escaped from my bag of trail mix and melted in my purse. I dampened a couple tissues I brought with me and began wiping everything down. The gentleman took a bag down from the shelf above us, took something out, and proceeded to offer it to me. It was a damp cloth....wet toilette? I wasn't expecting this generous act. I thank him and continued cleaning the chocolate. Afterwards, he asked where I was from and we proceeded to converse for an hour! Though the three of us exchanged names, I can't remember, nor would I know how to spell them. He spoke little English, but enough to understand what I was saying, and he would translate for his companion. She did ask me if we grow potatoes in Iowa. Is the Idaho/corn and Iowa/potatoes an international joke I didn't know about! We had a good laugh over this. They also helped me with my Japanese. I took out my LP book, which has English and Japanese translations, and went through the very basics, such as introductions, numbers, etiquette terminology, and questions. I loved the amount of eagerness to learn more about me as I did them. This is why I love traveling in general. I enjoy getting to know other people. Where do they live? What do they do? What brings us together at that specific moment?

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After the train ride, I went back to Askuska to purchase one last gift and ate sushi at a different sushi bar than the other two. It was cheaper sushi and you got what you paid for. I had a few plates before deciding I was full enough to be done and went back to Ueno.

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My flight leaves around 3:30 pm and I can't wait to share this trip with my family! There's so much more to write about... fashion, food, camaraderie, bathrooms, recycling.....I'm hopefully going to include an FYI post to highlight the lifestyle.

Sunday's Excursion

Monday, August 17th: Recapping Sunday, August 16th

It's currently 1:48 a.m., and I'm awake. I woke up slightly after midnight suddenly, still in the clothes I wore yesterday. The last thing I remember is laying down for a breather before wanting to take a shower! Haha. Why did I wake up? Maybe because I really needed to shower; August in Japan is similar to Iowa's hot and muggy weather. Then, I heard soft knocks at my door. Am I imagining this?? I ignored the knocks, thinking I was hearing things. Then my room phone started ringing! What's going on? I picked up, and the receptionist told me I had a phone call. So I wasn't imagining the knocks a few minutes ago? Calling me was Dad and my step mom. They were worried because they hadn't heard from me. I responded to Cindy's e-mail that morning, but they had just forgotten to check it. I spoke with them for about five minutes, and then took a much needed shower. It's actually a good thing they woke me up because I'm heading to Nikko early this morning, and I still had to write this post. I know if I don't write what I do and see at the end of the day, I won't remember. I've experienced so much that I honestly have to try and remember what I did Saturday. To recap, yesterday is a day of unforgettable experiences and memories.

Yesterday I biked in Tokyo, received countless more stares than Saturday, and met various people from the States! First success of the day was that I managed to get from point A to point B with no assistance!! The morning began with a journey to the National Stadium in the the Harajuku. I read that they allow you to rent free bikes to ride around the road that encompasses Meiji-Jingu's outer gardens, which is near the Stadium. The area was yet another beautiful, clean park. There were probably a couple hundred adults biking. Some had the rented bicycles for casual cycling, while others raced like professionals. There were also a couple of areas where attendants taught younger kids how to bike. It was adorable to watch! Riding around the garden, which was actually a blocked off road, I was able to watch people playing baseball, soccer, and tennis at a sports complex adjacent to the course. Depending where I was on the course, I could also view sections of Tokyo's skyline. After a while I took a break to read and sat on a bench, which was placed on a Ginkgo-lined sidewalk-- gorgeous!

My next step was Shinjuku. For me, this was New York City. LP uses the terms "sensory overload" and "breakneck pace" to describe the area. They were not exaggerating. The people, action, lights, billboards.....It was all so overwhelming. I had looked into booking my hostel in this area, and I'm glad I didn't! I managed to find the store, and they didn't have what I was looking for, so I ventured back towards the station to a different one that I knew was in the area. There, I bumped into my first Americans! I never caught their names, but the guys, one from Washington and the other from D.C., were studying in Japan. They suggested a few sights to see, as well as shopping areas that I had yet to visit. After talking with them, I was back to the subway just as fast as it had brought me.

Next: Harajuku Station. I guess Sundays are the best days to visit because of the fashion. I noticed a male dressed as a nurse wearing a short skirt, white knee-highs, platforms, and a pink wig. But the highlight of the Harajuku Bridge was watching the punk rockers. They. Were. Talented. Look at my pictures. Need I explain more?

Looking at my LP map of the area, I decided to venture to to the Meiji Shrine. Looking at the map, I thought, "Oh, that doesn't look too far." Bad idea. Trekking through gravel while wearing Chacos, which are an open-style sandal, was not a good idea. The highlight of this attraction was meeting New Zealander Jonathan. I met him at the Shrine after he sat next to me on a bench. Currently working in Singapore, he decided to visit for a few days before heading back to work. We talked about our travel experiences for a while-- he's literally been everywhere--before we headed back to Harajuku Station.

My last and final stop for the day was Asakuska. Not only was I there for gift shopping, but also to see a temple and shrine, but I couldn't find either of them! Every "you are here" maps were in Japanese, and the LP map threw me off. So with no luck in visiting the temples, I ended up browsing through the stalls of Nakamise-Dori, a pedestrian lane dedicated to serving every tourist's souvenir needs. I loved it! The dolls, trinkets, post cards, clothing... the FOOD! Wafes of goodies could be smelled throughout the street. I bought a fried something that looked like a cookie and green tea. The cookie was everything but healthy. It had anko inside the fried batter, a paste that looks, but doesn't taste, like chocolate and is made from a bean. Naturally, it's one of the best desserts I've ever tasted. After dinner I bought another one. Haha.

For dinner I ate at a sushi bar in an alley adjacent to Nakamise-Dori. As I walked by, I noticed the conveyor belt carrying sushi and decided to try it! I sat down and analyzed the passing raw fish, and heard English! Two chairs down from me were two girls about my age. Come to find out, they are from Chicago! Yen and Amanda were spending a few days in Japan before heading to Vietnam to visit Yen's grandparents. We talked for about 15 minutes before they had to go. It was great to meet them though because they were able to fill me in on Japan's nightlight in Roppongi, known for its partying. It's unfortunate they are leaving today, otherwise we would have met up again!

Even without their company, dinner was amazing. I LOVE sushi, and what better place to eat it than in Japan?! The conveyor belt-type sushi bar was a first for me, but I managed to pick the sushi I wanted based on the sketches and English translations on my tea...mug? Thirty bucks poorer, but fully satisfied, I walked around the area a little bit more and headed back to Ueno. At the station I ran into, yet again, two Americans who were from Florida. They said they "liked my accent." Haha.

It's almost 3 a.m. and I need to catch the 6:30 a.m. train to Nikko so I can beat the crowds. Sayonara!

Imperial Palace and Ueno

I wrote these posts at the end of each day of my trip, but didn't want to post them until I had pictures to coincided with the posts!

Saturday, August 15th


It's 10 p.m. and I'm ready for bed. Surprisingly, I was able to wake up before 6 a.m. this morning with no difficulty! With my best friends-- Lonely Planet's Tokyo and its Tokyo Subway Route Map-- I was exploring the city by 7:30 a.m.. It was an extremely beautiful day, and to take advantage of the cooler weather, I walked around one of the city's municipal parks-- Ueno Park. Located about an eight minute walk from my hotel/hostel, it is also the Tokyo's oldest park. The park contains several shrines, which I managed to visit two of them, a zoo, ponds and a statue of Saigo Takamori. Though every park and/or shrine I visited has observable development behind it, seeing historic meet modern is fascinating! I also noticed a significant amount of homeless people. People were sleeping near the entrances, within the park, and on benches. I do not ever remember seeing this many, if any, homeless people sleeping in NYC's Central Park. They did not bother me or anyone else that I noticed.

From Ueno Park I went to Tokyo Station, which was a challenge in itself just to make sure I headed in the right direction. A Subway attendant was able to speak and understand enough English to assist me. On a side note, the language barrier is more challenging than I ever expect, but anyone I have asked for help has always been willing to help me. Continuing, I took the JR Line, which is one of the faster and nicer trains. Traveling on Tokyo's Subway reminds me of New York City in the fact that buildings are built up against the tracks. Otherwise, it operates quite similar to D.C's Metro. The only, but significant, difference is that Tokyo has quite a bit more track and lines in a more compact area. Luckily, I have experience using a mass transit system! Oh, and all the cars have anime advertising. When I say everywhere in the car, it is everywhere!


From Tokyo Station I walked to the Imperial Palace and stopped to sit on a bench. Wishing I had my reading book, I read more of my Tokyo by Lonely Planet. Sitting in the shade was bearable, but the sun was beating down by this time, which was around 10 a.m.. The park was consistently busy with people running or biking, tour groups and tourists. While on the bench, I noticed that a majority of the women carried umbrellas. It did not look like it was going to rain. Aha! They use them keep from being sunburned! The umbrellas are adorable. They come in different colors, prints and styles. I wanted one....no, needed one! I could already feel myself burning. Hmmmmm. The park also had quite a bit of homeless people as well, who were cat napping in the grass. After the break, I headed towards the palace, which is closed to the public but you are able to get a snapshot of the palace from one area. Afterwards, I walked around until lunch. Lonely Planet suggested Hump, which the original restaurant is located in Los Angeles, CA. Walking along, I noticed I was on Tokyo's "5th Avenue." Armani, Burberry, Tiffany and Co., etc. lined the street, which I must say that Tokyo is--in general-- extremely clean for its massive size!! For a Saturday, it was not busy either. Once I arrived to Hump's location, I spent about 10 min. just trying to find the restaurant within the skyscraper it is located in. The floors in Tokyo are labeled different. For instance, the lowest floor could be B1, followed by B2, then 1, 2, 3, etc.

The restaurant had a scenic view of a portion of the moat that surrounds the Imperial Palace, and it was beautiful! Kudos to LP's suggestion! The spicy tuna dish was amazing, and I ate the entire meal with chopsticks. Can I be considered a natural? Haha.

I left Tokyo Station and went back to Ueno. The station was packed! When I came in last night, I did not realize there was a mini shopping mall within the station. I set foot, and once again, browsed through boutiques. I could not find a decent priced store, which made it difficult for me to want to buy anything. Though the clothes are expensive, stores will oftentimes have a section, or two, or three, where clothing is 50-70 percent off. I tried on a few items, which LP was not lying when it stated that clothes are made smaller here. With no such luck in the clothing department, I did find a few purses I fell in love with. For 30,000 yen, I could have bought a beautiful, soft, carmel-colored, leather purse. Any idea how much 30,000 yen is? Approximately $316.00!!! I can live without it; I'm searching for gifts for family and friends. I walked out of the mini-shopping mall and into the alleys behind that particular station. Back-up, I need to tell you that though there is a "station," each station has multiple exits, sometimes across the street. Back to where I left off. The alleys were packed with vendors and people, and this was around 6 p.m. I walked in and out of the store, browsing through merchandise again...thinking.....

If I permanently lived in Japan, the most difficult challenge wouldn't be the communication barrier, but the lack of hearing and speaking English....

After taking a much needed rest at my hotel, I ventured back to the shopping area and into a department store. Tokyo's department stores, "malls," can consist of many, many floors. The one in Ueno has nine. Also, there aren't really "stores." Each floor is open, and no wall divides one boutique from the other, but the clothing styles of each boutique are observably different from one another. I left at 9 p.m., the time the department closed, and the streets were practically empty. Where did everyone go? I don't know, but there are countless amounts of bikes surrounding station entry points.

The world is my playground

At the time I wrote post, I was on a flight to Tokyo, Japan.
Friday, sometime in the A.M. according to Tokyo time.


I'm currently on my way to Tokyo, Japan for three full days of international exploring. While I have visited Mexico twice, Denmark and Sweden, this is my first solo excursion. As I'm sitting on the plane, which is where I'm handwriting this post, I'm simultaneously nervous and excited. Originally, my brother and I planned to travel together, but plans fell through, and here I am on a 14-hour flight to Tokyo. Upside, I'm traveling first-class on a 747. Thank you Cindy!! Although my brother is unable to accompany me, I'm still thrilled. I always believe everything happens for a reason, such as knowing that I can do this trip independently.

As I shared with people that was going by myself, I had a few positive responses, but the majority of people looked at me like I was out of my mind. "What!? By yourself!? Aren't you scared?" To answer, yes, it's natural I'm nervous, and I honestly cannot believe I am doing this on my own. For most of us, we have few, or many, grandeur ideas and objectives. But it's the final, "I'm doing it," that differentiates the thinkers from the doers. It's so easy to put off what we want to do; we will always have a reason to not do it. Well then, I ask, "What is your excuse for doing it then?" If you're going to think it, why not go with it?" My response: because I want to. Because I can. Why can't that be your excuse?

I don't just want to be a part of my city, state and country. I want to be a part of our world. The evening before I left for Japan, I met a friend of a friend. As we were discussing my trip, I told him I thought of the world as a playground. Think back to when you were a kid, and recess/lunch was your favorite part of the day. Right? We looked forward to the imagined games, merry-go-round, swings, slides...all of it! Each recess was slightly different from the previous one because we focused our attention on whatever looked appealing at that time. Not only did we love exploring all it had to offer, but it also became a setting for us to overcome challenges. For some, the tallest slide was intimidating. For others, they just couldn't get the swings down. Well, right now I'm looking at the opposite end of the monkey bars, hoping I'll cross them successfully.

But through it all, I'm blessed to have the encouragement and opportunity to do such a thing. Although I know my dad is beside himself--yes, dad, I can still tell though you try to hide it-- he knows I can accomplish this. Also, it doesn't hurt having my step mom as my cheerleader, telling me, "Do this! You're going to love it!" Thank you!

Who thought I would be traveling to Japan with just my backpack, Lonely Planet's Tokyo and a Japanese dictionary? Some who truly know me believe it, whilte others think I'm crazy. As I see it, the world becomes smaller every day. Globalization is taking effect, and it's unstoppable. The opportunities to visit and travel the world are here. What are you waiting for??? Culture barriers are breaking down. Ideas and values are transcending borders and seas at record speed. Almost every single culture is incorporating a little bit of someone else's, yet still maintaining their own, distinct way of life. By already being on this plane, I feel I've accomplished the most difficult part-- putting my hands on the first rung of the monkey bars and letting my legs dangle. It's exhilarating to not feel the support of the ground beneath my feet.

Because of its people, D.C. is beautiful

I packed Friday, finished last minute errands, and celebrated my final hours into the early morning before landing in Des Moines Saturday. Throughout the last four months in D.C., I was shoved, yelled at, and upset by strangers. But I also experienced the city's random, unexpected acts of kindness and hope I was able to reciprocate to those I encountered. I leave D.C. appreciative and thankful for the memories, which are endless, I will always remember.

Trading in the heels for flip-flops, or possibly a straw roof

Update: It's down to the last few days, and we are finishing-or starting- papers that could have been written weeks ago. But of course, the majority of us procrastinate.

Not only is my time ending here in D.C. , but my junior year is as well. Technically, I have one semester left at Simpson, which has me thinking the "real world" could be here sooner than I realize. Do I continue on, spending an additional $7,000 to fund a semester in the French Polynesia? Or do I graduate at semester, hoping to leave next spring as part of the Peace Corps? Or do I take on the extra monetary burden and then join?

Let's be honest, joining the Peace Corps is a serious commitment. It takes a specific, dedicated individual willing to commit more than two years to serve in an underdeveloped region. Not being allowed to choose your placement makes an individual even more hesitant to join. You are physically and psychologically challenged. Not only that, but expectations of the Peace Corps and the people you serve are demanding. Because of this, I ask myself, "Why would I not join?"

Some succeed because they're destined. Others succeed because they're determined.

Before the symposium began, an individual— sitting next to me— and I introduced ourselves. Naturally, we began conversing and the gentleman was originally from Pakistan. Come to find out, he studied at the College of Veterinary Medicine at Iowa State University! Following in his father's path, he is also a diplomat.

During a break between the symposium's two segments, he introduced me to several ambassadors. My discussions with these leading and accomplished individuals reiterated the importance of maintaining and strengthening international relations in the social and political sector. The discussions also made me realize how much I desire to be a part of the global relationship. I understand the field I want to enter is competitive, but I am determined to be part of it.

I have been forced to prioritize since first living in D.C. I realize that what I want to do in the end could be hindered by what I do and do not do in the near, fasting approaching future. It's not that I have a lot to think about, but what it's what I'm thinking about that is and has been a significant part of my life. If I were invincible, I could everything, but I'm not. Stretching yourself thin only makes you mediocre because everything you focus on suffers. Sacrificing even one activity or person, whether that's studies, family and friends, health or an organization, is difficult to grapple, but an individual cannot do it all and still devote a hundred percent. At some point, guilt manifests itself because you know someone or something is suffering.

I'm unsure what will follow May 2010, but I hope with the right stepping stones and circumstances I will be living and working abroad. Afterwards, I am enrolling in graduate school. I’m unsure of a specific focus within international relations to pursue, and the purpose of being abroad during the interim is to determine that. My uphill battle also includes gaining a foreign language competency prior to applying. But I do know the school I hope to attend, and that itself will influence my prioritization.

I conclude with my favorite quote and title of this post: Some succeed because they're destined. Others succeed because they're determined.

Back channeling in political diplomacy

Tonight I attended a symposium on the French & American Presidential Connection: Communication and Coordination during Crisis hosted by Meridian International Center, a not-for-profit organization that builds "sustainable global partnerships through leadership exchanges, international collaboration and cultural diplomacy."

The symposium consisted of a round table discussion analyzing a draft study by Joseph Fitchett. Fitchett's report, The Presidencies: a Unique Dynamic between the U.S. and France, contains a dual thesis. The first thesis concentrates on the level of capacity both countries can politically and diplomatically work together. Fitchett's second thesis focuses on the degree to which the two countries can successfully maintain a working relationship based on perspective differences.

Fitchett argues his insight offers an "operational importance" involving the usage of "back channels," which can also be described similar to a "behind the scene" communication between two leaders. Back channels may be used to overcome obstacles, outflank opposition or remove an issue from bureaucratic hands.

A majority of the panel composed of highly experienced ambassadors, as well as Admiral Edouard Guillaud, Commander of the Legion d'Honneur and Commander of the Ordre national du Merite. I do wonder why there were no female panelists participating?

According to Fitchett, back channeling is not a tool of policy making or changing views, but is rather a management tool.

What I find intriguing is that one of Fitchett's key components to back channeling uses secrecy of content, not the channel itself, to ensure success. Did someone mention...secret?

How is a back channel implemented, in Fitchett's terms a 'tool of management,' if the current administration strongly advocates transparency? Can it be debated that secrecy is the antithesis of transparency?

Also, if back channeling respects an established viewpoint, then what is the purpose of a back channel if both parties advocate an already formulated objective? Wouldn't this conflict with the success of back channeling even before discussion begins? Wouldn't the intent of back channeling be to not only accept a difference in perspective, but also to reach a collaborative decision? What about the consensual give-and-take to reach a final balance between viewpoints?

I thank Meridian for organizing the symposium in a time where diplomatic and political efforts are being deemed necessary to overcome the current global economic crisis.

Enjoying the touristy weekend

Mom came to visit this weekend. We had a great time exploring Old Town Alexandria, which is one of my new favorite places in the D.C. area. I took her on a personalized tour of the Capitol and shared with her everything I didn't know. Haha. Mom claimed she had a date with Abe, so we had to see the war memorials. Overall all, we ate well and saw various other landmarks such as the Masonic Temple and Gatsby's Tavern, which was frequented by George Washington. Friday and Saturday's weather was gorgeous and complemented the time Mom and I had together.

Home and Back

I survived my first and only visit home without staying! It felt great to be back in Iowa. You honestly don't realize what "home" is until you're gone for a while. I spent time with the family and saw a few friends while I was back. Luckily, I was able to stay until Sunday (Easter) before leaving.

Anna and I coloring eggs. As you can see in the background, our house is being remodeled. When isn't it?






After leaving Iowa, I was stuck in Minneapolis for the night. After taking the wrong shuttle to the wrong hotel, which was an honest mistake because there are two similar ones in a five mile radius, I managed to get to the correct hotel.

I snagged the last open seat on this morning's early flight to New York City. Unfortunately, there was not enough room for carry-ons, and I had to check-in my luggage at the gate, which you never want to do when flying stand-by! After landing in NY, I missed my connection to D.C. Helpful hint: remember that any "shuttle" flights you take from LaGaurdia are accessible by a shuttle bus that run every 15 minutes from the main terminal.

As I'm waiting for the hour to pass, I realized my luggage had probably gone on without me. While I wanted to make sure where it was, no one could find it. The first leg of my trip was through Northwest, and the shuttle was Delta. Although the companies have merged, their systems are still separate. Delta couldn't access the information, and NW couldn't find it.

Luckily, the luggage was found and put on my flight from NY to D.C. Whew. The Delta and NW employees were extremely helpful, and I'm grateful for their patience with my persistence because I didn't want to leave until I knew where it was.

In less than 24 hours, I have been in Iowa, Minnesota, New York and D.C. I also went to work for the remainder of the day. Nap anyone?

Short and Sweet- Update

Recess has been amazing. Unfortunately, I still have to dress professionally. But between the daily tasks and hearing about fantasy baseball, life is good.

I'm flying home for Easter! My roommate thinks I'm homesick. No, I'm just excited to see my family! The little brother called to ask if I'd be going to his soccer game. Of course! And then the little sister had to make sure I'd play in the sand with her...always:)

Weekend of highs and lows

What did I accomplish this weekend? Other than successfully getting a sunburn, nothing! Wait, I did reply back to those who have been posting on my facebook. And I almost forgot, I ran to and around the tidal basin for the second time! The first time I ran was last Thursday- after my previous post. Let me reflect: it was the BEST run I've had. It was a cool night with a slight breeze, so awesome running weather, and I still hadn't seen the Jefferson and FDR Memorials. Between that, the D.C. views, and Ray LaMontagne- my favorite artist- it was perfect. And running more than six miles didn't feel so bad either.

On Saturday, the roommates and I went to the well-known Cherry Blossom Festival. The city was crowded with visitors and our cameras. Although it was a windy, the day was beautiful. While standing in line for Japanese food, I was sunburned on the left side of my neck and face. Painful! It still hurts and is oh so extremely attractive! We finished out the day shopping and finished late afternoon. For once, I didn't feel like going out, and Saturday night was uneventful.

Yesterday morning we woke up and laid out, and I attempted to even out the burn. Thinking too much, I couldn't handle the sedentary activity and walked to the grocery store and Eastern Market instead. Later last night I ran around the tidal basin again. After work today, Sara told me one of her co-workers roommates was mugged at gun point last night around 10 p.m. They live one block over, and I was running at the time. Granted, I was told the three muggers looked like high schoolers, but I will cut back on the late evening runs.

Oh, AND we had a break in Friday night. Once again, I miss the action that goes on at our place, which always seems to occur on the Friday nights I'm not there. The police found the guy based off the description the housemates gave, and come to find out, the guy had just been released earlier that day after serving seven years in prison! Luckily, no one was assaulted, but everyone's been pretty shaken up since then.

Ready for Recess

This week was insanely busy, and I'm just an intern! I can't imagine what life's like for everyone else on the hill. I'll be spending the weekend ENJOYING it. The Cherry Blossom Festival is Saturday and look forward to jaunting down by the Jefferson Memorial/tidal basin to check out the cherry blossoms in bloom. I guess there's even a parade I hear? Either way, I'm just looking forward to a relaxing weekend and hopefully beginning on some homework that should have been started a while ago!

Freedom is Not Free

For attention purposes, I'm placing what should be the last paragraph in this post at the beginning.

As much as I know a majority of Americans are against the current war in Iraq, I wonder if there will ever be a memorial dedicate to those who served there. While yes, not nearly as many soldiers have died as in our previous wars, I still feel as if those soldiers deserve a remembrance for their efforts, whenever it's over. And yes, although we entered the war under false pretenses, does that allow Americans to strip soldiers of their patriotism to a cause worth fighting for, and in some instance, their life? The quote at the Korean Memorial states, "Freedom is Not Free." As vague as the word "freedom" is, that statement has never resonated with me as much as it does now. The weekend was beautiful.

Having my brother here for the weekend was so much fun! It was, by far, the best weather I've experienced in D.C. I still have yet to fully recover from all the walking. Finally, I saw the war memorials- the Vietnam Memorial being my favorite. As I was trucking along, Casey was the one complaining his feet ached and wanted to take either the bus or Metro back to the apartment:) Nope, we kept walking.

Saturday night I babysat Addison for the second time, and Casey tagged along too. It ended up being an easy night with the little tyke. I cooked dinner, which felt great to eat a "home-cooked meal." She went to bed fairly early, and before I knew her parents were back. By the way, I absolutely adore them and want their lives one day. They also lent me their car again....yes, I did say again! It's been forever since I posted after the first one, and after the first time I babysat, they were gracious enough to let me take the car after they got home and use it the following day. Honestly, they are the most generous people I've ever met and have made D.C. feel that much more like "home."

So, Casey and I took the car and ventured to Arlington Cemetery Sunday. To be honest, I was terrified because I hadn't driven the car except to the grocery store and back. Luckily, Google map is a lifesaver, and we made it just in time for the changing of the guards without taking any cars out. On a sidenote, Casey thought I drove like I lived in D.C. I'm not sure whether was a compliment or not. But between the Vietnam Memorial and Arlington Cemetery, they were both emotionally draining experiences. As in pictures, the headstones continue on and on. The sacrifice thousands and thousands of soldiers have given for our country should not be taken for granted.

My Apologies!

Arg! I'm frustrated that I don't post on a more regular basis and will change. Since the last time I posted, my parents came out for a short weekend. It was great! I took them to my favorite place in D.C.- Eastern Market. They enjoyed Tunicluff's, a cozy pub, so much that we ate brunch there twice. I was growing to be slightly homesick, so seeing them brought home to me.

Work's been crazy busy. I wish I could elaborate more.

Casey, my brother, flew out Wednesday to spend half his spring break with me. I'm more or less forced to go out and show him the city. I think I need to have visitors more often! There's so much I still have to yet to experience. Today was short since I had class at 1 p.m. We ventured to the Capitol, sculpture garden and an art musuem. After class, we, including the housemates, went to the Supreme Court. I'm spent!

Tonight I'm taking him out for an Ethiopian dinner. All he knows is that we are going to an ethnic restaurant, but I'm sure he'll like it!

Side note: I found out this afternoon that I'm studying in French Polynesia for the 2010 spring semester!! Finally, my desire to study abroad is coming together!

I'm in love

I'm throwing down a cliche...I'm having the time of my life in D.C. Not only have I learned what I wrote about in my column (posted soon), but also that I am still able to find my home on the Metro after an afternoon of Sangria, which I will never partake in that specific happy hour act ever again. But if I can do it, anyone else can as well. (Photo- Pizza in Adams Morgan...an early morning heart attack waiting to happen)

Activities:
I've been a few restaurants in the area and am taking advantage of the ethnic food- a rarity in Iowa. There is a great, swanky "Asian fusion" restaurant in Chinatown, which I suggest to sushi lovers.


Mount Vernon- The local bartender took a couple of my housemates and I to Washington's home. You have to appreciate the hospitality Iowans offer to one another....His little girl was with us too. I've offered to babysit of course! (Photo- posing with GW)

Tip to anyone wanting to live in D.C- You make plans to visit different museums and explore the city, but then you catch up on prior night's sleep and wake up just to enjoy the night over again. The day is wasted. It's a viscious cycle.

Life in Washington, D.C.!

Hello, hello! Throughout the next four months, I'm posting casual updates about my time in Washington, D.C.

I've officially been here for two weeks now. My roommates are from the South--South Carolina and Georgia-- and that's been quite an experience in itself. The lives they lead are different from my Midwestern environment, but I couldn't have asked for better company to begin my experience here! They were extremely welcoming of this sole Midwesterner. They leave this week because they're only here for interim, and over the weekend the semester people will arrive. I believe the majority of them are from the Midwest, so it'll be back to me not being teased for having an accent.

My internship on Capitol Hill is amazing!! I begin work at 9 a.m. and before I know it, it's time to leave at 6 p.m. What internship can be better than that? I'm not sure on how much I can share, but those who know me know my internship. I'm gaining valuable hands-on experience in one of the most professional work environments. I interact with Capitol Hill's politicians...even if it's just to take pictures or tag along.
Erin, a fellow Simpsonian, and I had tickets to the inauguration. I'm not sure how to begin explaining the day. We were located in the Silver section, which was just before the public section, so we were pretty far back. We managed to stand directly behind the Reflection Pool. My camera has a decent, and I managed to take some "close up" pictures. The weather was ridicously cold to be standing in for hours, but attending the inauguration was well worth it. Not only was I emotionally exhausted, but battling the crowds took a toll on Erin and I; we were both ready to get out of the crowd of 2 million and into our warm apartment.

Sites visited thus far: the Washington Monument
Capitol- of course, but still waiting to take the official tour
Pentagon City Mall- Do you blame me?
Musueum of American History- The war exhibits are intense
So far, my favorite activity has been taking the short jaunt to the Eastern Market. The BEST banana bread is sold there, and I will be a regular customer for the duration I live here.