Journal Entry #3

What an exciting day today! I think today had a bit of everything, shopping, politics, inside information, exercise, and embassies. I even had a private tour of our nation’s capital, given by a member of congress! Let me recap.
Began the day around 9am, ate breakfast, and then off we went. Our first stop was the Argentina Embassy. You see, everything is all set for me to go to Argentina in July, except for the small matter of obtaining a visa. Jokingly, I told my mom that we should go down to the embassy first thing, just in case there was a problem, cuz they were probably having a holiday. Man, did I eat those words! Today is independence day for Argentina, which I should have already known, thus the embassy was closed. So... we went and did a little bit of shopping instead. I had to get a sweater, for it is a little on the chilly side here in the capital. Travel tip #1: Always bring a a sweatshirt or something in case it is cold. Travel Tip #2: Make a list of the stuff you intend on bringing, and check it off when you pack it. I would have remembered my hoody if it weren’t for this. I got a great deal on a sweater at J-Crew located in Friendship Heights, a shopping district inside of DC. We then ate lunch at Panera Bread, which is a great chain to get a quick bite to eat at a decent price. Upscale fast food that consists of bread, sandwiches, soup, and the like, which is a pretty healthy alternative to McDonald’s at only a sightly higher price.
On the way back we drove past the vice presidents house and countless embassies along embassy row. This is a very aesthetically pleasing route; the streets are lined with pretty trees, flags from all over the world, and architecture of a wide variety, ranging from middle eastern mosques to modern day structures, not faulting such styles as roman (I strongly recommend making this drive, walk, or biking it!). DC is a very pretty city. The streets venture through quaint little neighborhoods, around circles filled with fountains and people, and down through a typical downtown area with tall office buildings, although not quite as large as those in New York or Chi-town. In fact, there is a building code limiting the height of all the buildings so that it does not exceed the height of the capitol building. Another great part about this city is all of the other art, statues, monuments, and memorials that pop up everywhere. Big cities are always great for this. One can take a drive or just a simple stroll down the road and get lost in the diversity and intricacies of the metropolitan lifestyle.
We came back home and hit the gym at the Washington Hilton, also known by the locals as the Hinckley Hilton, due to the attempted assassination of president Reagan by John Hinckly back in the 80's. Washington is full of these fascinating stories regarding scandals, politics, and other controversies that only the locals might know. I ran about 4 miles, and then hit the weights, but only mildly. I want to build up my strength without hurting myself. Travel Tip #3: Try to get some exercise every day.
Tonight was probably the highlight of the trip. I was granted the honor of meeting one of America’s 435 congressmen, one of GA’s state representatives, Jim Marshal. He once was a law school professor of my mom, and gave her the lowest grade that she ever received at Mercer in Macon, GA. This grade, a B+, obviously did not stop her from gaining the respect of this man, for years later they are still in great contact.
He showed us a side of the nation that not many get to see. First, we went to his office in the Cannon House Office Building. The drive over there was painful. My mom tried to take a shortcut, or alternative route cuz she thought there would be traffic, and instead got us lost. It must have taken at least an hour, a drive that should have only taken 20 minutes. I think I will take the Metro next time. After seeing his office, we took a stroll over to the capital building, where he gave us a personal after hours tour while he was in between votes regarding the defense spending bill. This is an amazing building, from the inside and out, with it’s unique design. One side is dedicated to House of Representatives, and the other to the Senate. The building is divided by an enormous dome, reaching several stories into the sky. On the inside, the walls are lined with busts and statues of America’s most prominent historical figures, ranging from the founding father’s to scientists and inventors, from authors such as the first native female scribe to civil rights activists such as Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. There are also gigantic murals depicting great historical moments. The floors and stairways are made primarily of white marble with rosy marble handrails, and plenty of mosaic decorations in the floors. The ceilings are lined with more busts, murals, important dates like 1776, and from them hang glimmering chandeliers, lighting up the rooms. The windows overlook the beautiful gardens, with views of other monuments and the city in the background.
One of the highlights of the tour was being in the Statuary Hall, also known as the Hall of Heros. If you stand in the right spot, you can hear someone on the opposite side of the room speaking crystal clear, even at a whisper. It is rumored that years ago, just after the construction of the building, the politicians did not know this. This caused their conversations to be overheard by opposing members, and crucial strategies were given to the other side without their knowledge. After the tour, we witnessed the final process of the vote, and heard all the congress men either say yeigh or neigh on the bill (and yes, they do still say yeigh, and neigh!), which was passed on to the next level. There was someone down on the floor level smoking a cigar. This was funny to me, because the man running the sound show told us that it was a non-smoking building. Imagine that, one of our nations lawmakers in direct violation of a law that he probably helped make in the very room that it would have been given approval. Politicians, what a bunch of hypocrites! Another interesting thing I learned, is that after the State of the Union address, reporters will ask various political figures, such as the members of congress, their view about the president’s stance on something. However, he or she will already have chosen a response, regardless of what the actual question is, and the media later goes back and edits the question to match the response. The media really plays a huge role in shaping the world around us. Reality becomes futile in a world of editing, where one can simply change history with the touch of a button.
To end the night, we had dinner at Bull Feathers, a little place with a pub-like atmosphere that people of the area, such as congressmen, go to unwind, grab a bite to eat, and have a beer after work on capitol hill. I had a hamburger with pepper jack cheese and a couple of Sam Adams Light beers. Over dinner I discussed school life with a congressman and my mom. He was very encouraging, and suggested that I may be able to get published in the Mobile Register, for his brother is the editor, overseeing a staff of 120. He also placed a big emphasis on getting a lot of exercise. We separated after this and he left me with these words: "Live Generously." Good advice, I think. I have been blessed with so much, I can only try to pass along some of this great luck to those who don’t have quite as much. This of course does not refer only to money, but to kindness and influence as well. This goes along great with the book that I am reading right now, How to Win Friends and Influence People. It is so weird, things always happen to me in a sequence. It must be a sign. For instance, while I am reading this book on self improvement, leadership, influencing others, and becoming more positive, a congressman tells me to live generously. When I decide to start my own business, The Wall Street Journal sends me an email containing a link to a website dedicated to the entrepreneur. I desired to become a travel writer, and The Lonely Planet sends me a solicitation of just this. Coincidence? I think not! Serendipity? Possibly! All of this is very encouraging, and I know that I will be able to live my dreams, I just cannot forget what they are. Oh yea, one last thing, On the way home, we missed at least one turn prolonging the short drive into a slightly longer trip. Yep, I will definitely take the Metro next time! Until Next time. Travel Tip #4 In a bag that you will have on you, like your carry-on bag or a back pack when exploring the city, always bring something to snack on and a bottle of water to control hunger and thirst. This also helps save money, cuz you can snack and avoid an expensive, potentially bad eating experiance. I recommend nuts. Chips will become crumbs, candy will melt. Nuts are also a good source of protein!