There is a never a dull moment down here in Washington D.C. Now that we’re winding down and getting closer to the presidential election, Washington is becoming more politically alive… if that’s possible. A couple of our friends from down the hall came over to watch the debate on October 3, which initiated an interesting political discussion in our room. Our floor has very mixed views, and it’s fun to hear how people feel about things (especially if they usually disagree with you but agree with on a topic you for once).

After work last week, I was heading home after and went down to the metro at rush hour.  What I’ve realized people don’t understand is that at rush hour, if you don’t catch the train that is at the station, chances are there are one or two directly behind it. People push and shove and squeeze to get on to a train only to have the one behind them roomy and basically empty in comparison. The crowds of people waiting to get on the train are massive. Understanding the metro will make a person’s experience in D.C. a lot better.

The Metro during rush hour madness.

Washington is ranked the tenth worst city for allergies in America, and being someone who is allergic to basically everything that floats in the air (pollen, ragweed, dust, etc…) I’ve had a bit of a difficult time functioning so far this fall. Friday of last week, I felt horrible, so I decided to leave work early and go to the doctor. I went to that clinic that is so conveniently located outside of my building that I talked about last week. They’re very good over there and diagnosed me with a sinus infection. For all the readers who live in the RAF (Residential and Academic Facility), don’t worry, sinus infections are not contagious. I took most of the weekend as an opportunity to rest up and recover for the upcoming week.

On Saturday this past weekend I went to brunch and then to the zoo.  I hadn’t gotten the chance to go to the zoo yet, but I do love zoos. I was really intrigued by the panda, but wasn’t sure the exhibit would be open because of the baby panda’s passing away.  Luckily for us it was. The panda looked so bizarre, almost as if there was someone in a panda suit eating bamboo. It acted and sat just like a person, just chowing down on leaves. After the panda exhibit we went to see the elephants and the birdhouse. To finish up the day we went to Georgetown for the famous cupcakes. As much as I am not into that trend, I will admit the red velvet cupcake I devoured was absolutely delicious.

The National Zoo's panda, enjoying some bamboo.

Sunday, I decided it was time to do some things I haven’t had a chance to yet, so I decided to visit the Holocaust Museum with a friend. It is a truly amazing and thought provoking-experience. It’s incredible to see what mankind is capable of, and how it’s possible for something as horrible as that to happen. Everything about the museum affects you as you venture through it. If you enter the room with the stacks of shoes, or walk through the train where people were transported, it almost makes you feel like you were there. The smells from the artifacts are very strong, and put you in a more comprehensive state of mind. It is a very emotional experience and if you haven’t walked through the museum it is absolutely something worth doing at least once in your life.

After we left the museum we walked down to a part of the National Mall, which is not a mall at all but rather a ‘strip’ of monuments. We walked past the Washington Monument to the World War Two memorial. That is also a beautiful walk and something worth doing. Our route back took us by the Washington Monument where we could see the Whitehouse from a distance.

The Washington Monument, with the White House in the distant background.

It’s been a pretty eventful week thus far and I still am really having a blast down here in Washington. The social scene is incredible, work is going well, and the friendships I’ve made I’m convinced will last me through the rest of my career, maybe even longer.  Thanks for reading! This bottom picture is a really pretty brook right by the cupcake store in Georgetown.