The program is now in full swing and I'm becoming more accustomed to my role as an intern. I'm carving a niche in my work zone which has created some awesome new experiences. I've also met some interesting new friends from all around the world.

I've enjoyed real maple syrup from Canada (it comes in cans). We've discussed the inner workings of politics, and the ever-important issue of what to call our candy ("sucker" vs "lollipop"). Plus, my friends from south of the border have taught me words in Spanish that they never taught us in school. It was enlightening and hilarious.

Happy New Year!

Work has been going well. Everyone is friendly and willing to help on any task, but there are times when I run out of things to do. It's in these instances where my boss tells us to take a hike (literally). He lets us hike the trails in the park so we can become more familiar with the terrain. I can't tell you how nice it is to get out of the city and explore the woods. Several of my fellow peers have told me how cooped up they feel sitting in front of a computer all day, and I'm honestly glad my job has me going outside relatively frequently. I'm looking forward to how the park will look in the spring.

There are cool events in the city to attend as well. On Sunday the 10th, a group of friends and I headed for the Chinese New Year celebration in Chinatown. We boarded the metro and took our places on the crowded street and eagerly waited for the parade. Unfortunately, we happened to choose a spot after the parade route ended, but we still got to see most of the festivities. We got pelted by fortune cookies, but I never get upset when someone offers free food. The speakers were blasting Chinese New Year songs into our ears, but the songs were actually quite catchy. If you want to hear what the parade music sounded like, click here.

The beginning of the parade. Welcome to Chinatown.

Don't worry, that's not a real dragon.

Another float in the parade. Check out that awesome camera on the lower left!

After the parade, we spent the rest of the day checking out the Smithsonian American Art Museum. There were plenty of interesting pieces of art to admire, and they had a cool courtyard to relax in.

The water on the floor was actually an interesting fountain that you could walk on.

The week was filled with other programming events as well. I spent some time in the National Archives at a scheduled program. They don't allow photos of the Constitution or any other important documents, but I did learn a bit of my family's history on an information kiosk. Turns out, in the 1880s my family consisted of house painters. That hit close to home considering that is what my job was last summer. Hopefully, the next few weeks will be as interesting and fun.