American history. I can't say I remember much of anything from my Social Studies classes back in junior high and high school, but everything that was easily forgetten was quickly refreshed in my mind in my recent mini-vacation to Washinton, DC. Monuments here, memorials there, and more museums, federal buildings, state department buildings, marble and Grecian columns than you care to imagine, most people can probably think of much more thrilling places to visit. My reasoning however, for hopping aboard a train to experience the land of America's forefathers went beyond any interest I may have had in government, politics and orators of the American republic.
USArts, the sponsoring organization behind my internship in New York City, recently invited all interns currently living and working in the U.S., to Washington, DC for a couple of days of sightseeing and tours, and to have the opportunity to exchange stories about our life-changing experiences thus far. Even though I was able to take in some quite stunning sights of the nation's capital, drop in to a handful of beautiful Smithsonian museums, and absorb all that forms the basis of America's power in today's society, that was all just a bonus of my trip.
The real perk was being able to meet and spend time with some intelligent individuals who are all literally walking in the same pair of shoes. It was reassuring for me to learn of my fellow interns' similar experiences in moving to new and challenging territory, facing both forseen and unforseen obstacles and sharing the same sense in hoping that once our internships come to an end, we leave here with a confirmed feeling of what it was that we came here looking for. And if not... well... at least we'll all have our own little piece of American history.
The US Capitol Building
The Washington Monument and Reflecting Pool
The Thomas Jefferson Memorial
I spy snipers...
Canada (x2), England, Venezuela, Poland, Argentina and USA all share a little taste of Italy!
