Supreme Court
Snow
Library of Congress
the Capitol
Thursday, January 27, 2011
Wednesday, January 26, 2011
the busy life of an intern
Things have been really busy in DC. Between my internship, class, seminars, and homework, I have found little time to be a tourist!
But last week I had an incredible opportunity to meet with a mutual friend who works for a communications firm. She was able to offer lots of advice about the public relations field, and she gave me a tour of her firm. It was a really neat experience.
Last week I also got an awesome care package from Mom and Dad! They sent homemade turnip greens, beef stew, lasagna, and cornbread as well as some other goodies! Thanks ya'll! I love you!
Over the weekend Bethany and I decided to take advantage of "Restaurant Week." Throughout the week over 200 of the finest restaurants in DC offer mutli-course meals for a more reasonable price that usual. We went to Jaleo, a Spanish tapas restaurant. It was the best! I had mushroom soup, chorizos wrapped in fried potatoes, seared scallops, and chocolate mousse. We were so full after lunch that we had to go home and take a nap!
Saturday night we went to go see a movie in Georgetown. We saw Blue Valentine, which was a wonderful movie in regards to the acting and cinematography, but the story line was really depressing. In our feat of learning how to use the public transportation, we had an adventure returning from Georgetown. We took three buses, one of which hit a taxi, a metro, and a walk, but finally made it home!
After church on Sunday, we ran some errands to restock our food. The rest of the day was dedicated to homework and studying.
This week I was able to attend a hearing on UN issues which was really interesting. It is still somewhat surreal that I am in the middle of everything that is talked about on national news. I feel like I am living in C-SPAN sometimes.
Last night, Bethany's dad came into town and took us out to dinner which was a wonderful treat! We went to Peking Gourmet Inn which is well known around town, and a personal favorite of the Bush family. Throughout the restaurant, there were hundreds of pictures of all the important people who have eaten there. And we had duck exactly like I had last summer in Beijing! I felt like I was back in China!
After dinner we went back to the metro station to head home. A metro train was coming, but it appeared that it was going beyond our location on the platform. Bethany and I decided we would run to make sure we didn't miss it. It never stopped. I think everyone in the metro station was laughing at us. I guess we still look like we don't exactly belong.
I came home today to another care package from Justin! It had cashew clusters which are one of my favorite snacks! The giant bag will probably be eaten by next week! Thank you Justin! You are the best!
I walked home from work in the beginnings of a winter weather storm. They are predicting 5-8 inches of snow by morning!
But last week I had an incredible opportunity to meet with a mutual friend who works for a communications firm. She was able to offer lots of advice about the public relations field, and she gave me a tour of her firm. It was a really neat experience.
Last week I also got an awesome care package from Mom and Dad! They sent homemade turnip greens, beef stew, lasagna, and cornbread as well as some other goodies! Thanks ya'll! I love you!
Over the weekend Bethany and I decided to take advantage of "Restaurant Week." Throughout the week over 200 of the finest restaurants in DC offer mutli-course meals for a more reasonable price that usual. We went to Jaleo, a Spanish tapas restaurant. It was the best! I had mushroom soup, chorizos wrapped in fried potatoes, seared scallops, and chocolate mousse. We were so full after lunch that we had to go home and take a nap!
Saturday night we went to go see a movie in Georgetown. We saw Blue Valentine, which was a wonderful movie in regards to the acting and cinematography, but the story line was really depressing. In our feat of learning how to use the public transportation, we had an adventure returning from Georgetown. We took three buses, one of which hit a taxi, a metro, and a walk, but finally made it home!
After church on Sunday, we ran some errands to restock our food. The rest of the day was dedicated to homework and studying.
This week I was able to attend a hearing on UN issues which was really interesting. It is still somewhat surreal that I am in the middle of everything that is talked about on national news. I feel like I am living in C-SPAN sometimes.
Last night, Bethany's dad came into town and took us out to dinner which was a wonderful treat! We went to Peking Gourmet Inn which is well known around town, and a personal favorite of the Bush family. Throughout the restaurant, there were hundreds of pictures of all the important people who have eaten there. And we had duck exactly like I had last summer in Beijing! I felt like I was back in China!
After dinner we went back to the metro station to head home. A metro train was coming, but it appeared that it was going beyond our location on the platform. Bethany and I decided we would run to make sure we didn't miss it. It never stopped. I think everyone in the metro station was laughing at us. I guess we still look like we don't exactly belong.
I came home today to another care package from Justin! It had cashew clusters which are one of my favorite snacks! The giant bag will probably be eaten by next week! Thank you Justin! You are the best!
I walked home from work in the beginnings of a winter weather storm. They are predicting 5-8 inches of snow by morning!
Monday, January 17, 2011
Busiest 3-Day Weekend
The 3-day weekend has flown by.
On Saturday, Bethany and I went to the Old Post Office Tower. The building was constructed 110 years ago and designed by architect, Willoughby J. Edbrook who also designed the Georgia State Capitol. We rode an elevator to the 270-foot observation deck at the top of the clock tower and witnessed incredible views of the entire city.
Old Post Office Tower
View of Pennsylvania Avenue and Capitol Hill from the observation deck
View of the Washington Monument from the observation deck
We also went inside the lobby of the Willard Hotel which was absolutely stunning. The hotel has been preserved to its original grandeur. This hotel has hosted every president, as a sleeping guest or as a guest at a social function, since Zachary Taylor in 1850.
Willard Hotel lobby
Our next stop was Ford’s Theatre which is where President Lincoln was assassinated.
Me at Ford's Theatre
The final adventure on Saturday was the Smithsonian American Art Museum and National Portrait Gallery. One of my favorite exhibits was the portraits of all the presidents. There was also a special exhibition that displayed photographs of Elvis Presley by Alfred Wertheimer that was really neat. The art museum was full of tons of artists that I really enjoyed seeing such as Asher Durand, Mary Cassatt, Edward Hopper, and Thomas Hart Benton.
Bethany with the most exciting presidential portrait
Me and President Bush
Saturday night we all went out to cheer on the Falcons. We got a lot of funny looks as the lonely Falcons fans in DC. Apparently our cheers were not enough to help them achieve a win…
On Sunday, I went to church and then met up with a mutual friend in Georgetown. We went to a really great restaurant for brunch on the Georgetown Waterfront, Farmers and Fishers. Then we walked around all of the great shops in Georgetown.
When I got back to my apartment on Sunday, I was welcomed by a beautiful flower arrangement from Justin. Thank you Justin!
Flowers from Justin
Since I didn’t have work today, Bethany and I decided we would use the day to do some more exploring. This morning we went to the Smithsonian National Museum of American History. My favorite exhibits were the First Ladies at the Smithsonian which featured many of their inaugural gowns and Julia Child’s Kitchen.
We then ventured out to Adams Morgan and ate at The Diner which features a menu with 6 specialty grilled cheese sandwiches. I had “Plymouth Rock” which was swiss, turkey, and cranberry sauce. It was delicious!
After lunch we went to Open City and I had the best vanilla latte I have ever had! It was so good! And it may have helped that it was served with animal crackers.
Today I was also surprised to have an edible arrangement bouquet delivered from Alyson! What a truly wonderful friend! I love you!
Daddy has asked me a few times to find out why it is named the “District of Columbia.” Well after referring to Wikipedia, it appears that this special area, or “District,” was created by Congress to be the center of government for the United States. The Constitution specified that the “District” would be a 10 mile by 10 mile square. The city, Washington, was of course named after President George Washington. The district was named Columbia because that was a poetic name for the United States at the time.
On Saturday, Bethany and I went to the Old Post Office Tower. The building was constructed 110 years ago and designed by architect, Willoughby J. Edbrook who also designed the Georgia State Capitol. We rode an elevator to the 270-foot observation deck at the top of the clock tower and witnessed incredible views of the entire city.
Old Post Office Tower
View of Pennsylvania Avenue and Capitol Hill from the observation deck
View of the Washington Monument from the observation deck
We also went inside the lobby of the Willard Hotel which was absolutely stunning. The hotel has been preserved to its original grandeur. This hotel has hosted every president, as a sleeping guest or as a guest at a social function, since Zachary Taylor in 1850.
Willard Hotel lobby
Our next stop was Ford’s Theatre which is where President Lincoln was assassinated.
Me at Ford's Theatre
The final adventure on Saturday was the Smithsonian American Art Museum and National Portrait Gallery. One of my favorite exhibits was the portraits of all the presidents. There was also a special exhibition that displayed photographs of Elvis Presley by Alfred Wertheimer that was really neat. The art museum was full of tons of artists that I really enjoyed seeing such as Asher Durand, Mary Cassatt, Edward Hopper, and Thomas Hart Benton.
Bethany with the most exciting presidential portrait
Me and President Bush
Saturday night we all went out to cheer on the Falcons. We got a lot of funny looks as the lonely Falcons fans in DC. Apparently our cheers were not enough to help them achieve a win…
On Sunday, I went to church and then met up with a mutual friend in Georgetown. We went to a really great restaurant for brunch on the Georgetown Waterfront, Farmers and Fishers. Then we walked around all of the great shops in Georgetown.
When I got back to my apartment on Sunday, I was welcomed by a beautiful flower arrangement from Justin. Thank you Justin!
Flowers from Justin
Since I didn’t have work today, Bethany and I decided we would use the day to do some more exploring. This morning we went to the Smithsonian National Museum of American History. My favorite exhibits were the First Ladies at the Smithsonian which featured many of their inaugural gowns and Julia Child’s Kitchen.
We then ventured out to Adams Morgan and ate at The Diner which features a menu with 6 specialty grilled cheese sandwiches. I had “Plymouth Rock” which was swiss, turkey, and cranberry sauce. It was delicious!
After lunch we went to Open City and I had the best vanilla latte I have ever had! It was so good! And it may have helped that it was served with animal crackers.
Today I was also surprised to have an edible arrangement bouquet delivered from Alyson! What a truly wonderful friend! I love you!
Daddy has asked me a few times to find out why it is named the “District of Columbia.” Well after referring to Wikipedia, it appears that this special area, or “District,” was created by Congress to be the center of government for the United States. The Constitution specified that the “District” would be a 10 mile by 10 mile square. The city, Washington, was of course named after President George Washington. The district was named Columbia because that was a poetic name for the United States at the time.
Saturday, January 15, 2011
First Week Complete!
I survived my first week of my internship! Hooray!
Things around DC have been particularly slow and mournful this week as everyone has been thinking about the tragedy in Tucson and all of those involved. It was really amazing to see the flags of the Capitol, Washington Memorial, and around Union Station all at half-mast as we remember those who were lost.
We had a seminar this week with a lobbyist who represents the University of Georgia. It was really interesting to learn about his role and the role of all lobbyists in DC as major information providers to legislators. We learned from him that the term lobbying actually came from the time when President Ulysses S. Grant would walk from the White House to the Willard Hotel to get a few drinks. People who wanted to influence him and talk to him learned to hang out in the “lobby” of the hotel with him.
My roommate, Bethany, and I have a bucket list of all the things we have to do in DC before we leave. We added the Willard Hotel! Last night we were able to cross something off: Ethiopian food! DC has a huge collection of different types of foods from all over the world, and we had heard we couldn’t miss out on Ethiopian food. We went to Zed’s. All five of us ordered different entrees to share. They brought out an enormous platter. On the bottom of the platter was pancake-type bread. And all of our entries were poured on top. We then used the pancake type bread to pick up the food with our hands. It was very different and very good. There were a lot of spices, and I think my hands might spell of Ethiopian food for the next few days! Definitely an experience…
Before
After
Things around DC have been particularly slow and mournful this week as everyone has been thinking about the tragedy in Tucson and all of those involved. It was really amazing to see the flags of the Capitol, Washington Memorial, and around Union Station all at half-mast as we remember those who were lost.
We had a seminar this week with a lobbyist who represents the University of Georgia. It was really interesting to learn about his role and the role of all lobbyists in DC as major information providers to legislators. We learned from him that the term lobbying actually came from the time when President Ulysses S. Grant would walk from the White House to the Willard Hotel to get a few drinks. People who wanted to influence him and talk to him learned to hang out in the “lobby” of the hotel with him.
My roommate, Bethany, and I have a bucket list of all the things we have to do in DC before we leave. We added the Willard Hotel! Last night we were able to cross something off: Ethiopian food! DC has a huge collection of different types of foods from all over the world, and we had heard we couldn’t miss out on Ethiopian food. We went to Zed’s. All five of us ordered different entrees to share. They brought out an enormous platter. On the bottom of the platter was pancake-type bread. And all of our entries were poured on top. We then used the pancake type bread to pick up the food with our hands. It was very different and very good. There were a lot of spices, and I think my hands might spell of Ethiopian food for the next few days! Definitely an experience…
Before
After
Wednesday, January 12, 2011
my new home
My first weekend in DC was a success. I tried to assimilate into the culture of DC as I found my way around and where all the basic necessities are. On Saturday, I went to Union Station which is full of great shops, a post office, and restaurants. Then I went to the Eastern Market which has a farmer’s market on the weekends so there was tons of fresh produce, meat, bread, and cheese. I also had breakfast at the Eastern Market. I had an egg BLT which was delicious. My last stop was the nearest Starbucks where I began to dwindle my gift cards from Christmas on expensive coffee and enjoy.
On Sunday I found a church to go to! It is a part of National Community Church which has many locations in DC. They invited all Capitol Hill staff and interns back for a lunch which was a great opportunity to meet people. They had Chipotle for us which I absolutely love and never get to eat at home. After church, my roommate and I found the nearest Target. We decided that we have quickly turned into city girls who take the metro and our own shopping bags.
This week I started work. After my third day, I am absolutely exhausted. I am not a morning person and waking up early for work is definitely a challenge. On Monday after work I also had class which makes for a super long day! But I am adjusting to my new schedule.
Last night we got another small amount of snow! It was so beautiful. This morning I had to carefully find sidewalks without snow so I wouldn’t slip. I never thought when I came to DC that Athens would see more snow than I would! But we only got an inch here. I am sure there will be more to come…
On Sunday I found a church to go to! It is a part of National Community Church which has many locations in DC. They invited all Capitol Hill staff and interns back for a lunch which was a great opportunity to meet people. They had Chipotle for us which I absolutely love and never get to eat at home. After church, my roommate and I found the nearest Target. We decided that we have quickly turned into city girls who take the metro and our own shopping bags.
This week I started work. After my third day, I am absolutely exhausted. I am not a morning person and waking up early for work is definitely a challenge. On Monday after work I also had class which makes for a super long day! But I am adjusting to my new schedule.
Last night we got another small amount of snow! It was so beautiful. This morning I had to carefully find sidewalks without snow so I wouldn’t slip. I never thought when I came to DC that Athens would see more snow than I would! But we only got an inch here. I am sure there will be more to come…
Saturday, January 8, 2011
Orientation Days
Orientation has kept me incredibly busy the past few days. On the first day of orientation, we were able to take a tour of the Capitol. It is an amazingly beautiful building. The best part of the tour was a sound pocket in the old House Chamber. From one side of the room, our tour guide whispered, “what’s that coming down the track…” and we could hear him on the other side of the room! We were also able to watch members of the House make a vote from the House gallery.
Inside the Capitol rotunda
My roommate, Bethany, and I with Crawford Long from Georgia
That night we walked from the Capitol through the Mall to the Washington Monument and the Lincoln Memorial. They were beautifully lit up at night.
The Capitol
World War II Memorial
The second day of orientation we were split into groups and my group got to explore Foggy Bottom and Georgetown.
Me at the White House
Today there is a dusting of snow on the ground! My first snow in DC!
Inside the Capitol rotunda
My roommate, Bethany, and I with Crawford Long from Georgia
That night we walked from the Capitol through the Mall to the Washington Monument and the Lincoln Memorial. They were beautifully lit up at night.
The Capitol
World War II Memorial
The second day of orientation we were split into groups and my group got to explore Foggy Bottom and Georgetown.
Me at the White House
Today there is a dusting of snow on the ground! My first snow in DC!
Thursday, January 6, 2011
Apartment Life
Yesterday I moved into my apartment! It is in an old building that has been around for at least 75 years. The building is in a great location on Capitol Hill so I am very close to where my internship will be. Moving in was an adventure because I had so much stuff. I am not a light packer to say the least. I can’t believe we were able to fit so much stuff in the Geo Tracker (the tiniest car ever made). I had to contort my body to fit amidst all the bags and packages in the passenger seat. It was definitely a vision of the “Clampetts comin’ to town.” We got everything unloaded and up to my apartment. I have an amazing view of the Capitol from my window. Our apartment is small, but cozy and full of charm.
View from my apartment
The day before yesterday my parents and I went to the National Archives which was really neat. We have been unable to go before (last time due to flood damage within the building). It was so neat to see the actual documents which founded our nation. The Constitution, the Declaration of Independence, and the Bill of Rights were all safely confined in vaults which you could look in.
Today I have orientation for the UGA Washington Semester Program.
View from my apartment
The day before yesterday my parents and I went to the National Archives which was really neat. We have been unable to go before (last time due to flood damage within the building). It was so neat to see the actual documents which founded our nation. The Constitution, the Declaration of Independence, and the Bill of Rights were all safely confined in vaults which you could look in.
Today I have orientation for the UGA Washington Semester Program.
Monday, January 3, 2011
Finally in D.C.
Today we finally arrived in Washington, D.C. after two very long days of driving from Memphis, Tennessee.
In Memphis, we went to the Liberty Bowl, which was nothing but depressing to watch as an avid Bulldog fan. Thankfully the stream of bad weather held out until after the game, so we remained dry and disappointed.
While we were in Memphis we also went to the Peabody Hotel, Charles Vergos’ Rendezvous Charcoal Ribs, Beale Street, and Sun Studio.
The Peabody Hotel has a strange tradition of marching ducks which spend the majority of the day playing in the lobby fountain. At the beginning of the day they march from the top floor of the hotel where their “palace” is to the elevator, following a red carpet to the lobby fountain. In the late afternoon they retreat back to their palace. Along the way they are led by the “duckmaster” who keeps them in line.
Jamie and I with the "duckmaster"
Sunset from the top of the Peabody
Rendezvous had amazing barbeque. The ribs were coated in a thick spice rub and were incredibly tender. The coleslaw was different than the traditional mayonnaise-based Southern coleslaw. Instead, it had a vinegar base and had a pungent, but delicious flavor. The baked beans were also richly flavored. It was a great meal in a neat setting hidden within a Memphis alley.
Sun Studio had a great tour which explained its significance to the early beginnings of Rock N’ Roll music. Not only was this the studio where Sam Phillips discovered Elvis, but also holds the roots for B.B. King, Johnny Cash, Jerry Lee Lewis, Carl Perkins, and Roy Orbison. We stood where the famous picture of the “Million Dollar Quartet” was taken and where all of these legends recorded some of their first biggest hits.
Mom and Dad with the "Million Dollar Quartet" famous photo
Me jammin' on the oldest microphone at Sun Studio
Tomorrow we will have a day to explore D.C., since after two previous trips there is still plenty left to see! Then I will move into my new apartment and get settled in on Wednesday.
In Memphis, we went to the Liberty Bowl, which was nothing but depressing to watch as an avid Bulldog fan. Thankfully the stream of bad weather held out until after the game, so we remained dry and disappointed.
While we were in Memphis we also went to the Peabody Hotel, Charles Vergos’ Rendezvous Charcoal Ribs, Beale Street, and Sun Studio.
The Peabody Hotel has a strange tradition of marching ducks which spend the majority of the day playing in the lobby fountain. At the beginning of the day they march from the top floor of the hotel where their “palace” is to the elevator, following a red carpet to the lobby fountain. In the late afternoon they retreat back to their palace. Along the way they are led by the “duckmaster” who keeps them in line.
Jamie and I with the "duckmaster"
Sunset from the top of the Peabody
Rendezvous had amazing barbeque. The ribs were coated in a thick spice rub and were incredibly tender. The coleslaw was different than the traditional mayonnaise-based Southern coleslaw. Instead, it had a vinegar base and had a pungent, but delicious flavor. The baked beans were also richly flavored. It was a great meal in a neat setting hidden within a Memphis alley.
Sun Studio had a great tour which explained its significance to the early beginnings of Rock N’ Roll music. Not only was this the studio where Sam Phillips discovered Elvis, but also holds the roots for B.B. King, Johnny Cash, Jerry Lee Lewis, Carl Perkins, and Roy Orbison. We stood where the famous picture of the “Million Dollar Quartet” was taken and where all of these legends recorded some of their first biggest hits.
Mom and Dad with the "Million Dollar Quartet" famous photo
Me jammin' on the oldest microphone at Sun Studio
Tomorrow we will have a day to explore D.C., since after two previous trips there is still plenty left to see! Then I will move into my new apartment and get settled in on Wednesday.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)