So its been a while since my last post of words resulting in a pretty lengthy post (sorry loyal readers), but i will do my best to capture your attention. Here we go…
So last Saturday, was Rachel’s last day in DC so we decided to go to the National Archives, home of our country’s founding documents. Inspired by the lore of the film National Treasure, I will say here and now, it was not accurate!!! SHAME! Rather it was very dark in the rotunda, mostly keep these important documents from fading even more so than they currently have. We made our way through the line and got to read the ORIGINAL DECLARATION OF INDEPENDENCE! As in Jefferson’s handwritten document! (Rachel and I could not find a treasure map, but we didn’t steal it to get a better look…yet) The most impressive document in the room, though, is the Constitution because it is the best preserved of the documents. It is very awe inspring to read the foundation of democracy in America, and realize that this four page document’s legacy has defined the role of government around the world. This document, in my opinion, is the definitive piece of writing in world history(Yes, more important than the Bible). After that we wandered through the public vaults exhibits which were equally cool and made our way back to Dupont Circle and enjoyed a very good lunch at Chopt. Chopt is a salad restaurant that is really reallly gooooooodddd. The best part though is their soda fountain is all natural and they have creme soda, and thus delicious.
Fast forward to Wednesday… With my speechwriting class we went and met Sarah Hurwitz Obama’s number 2 speechwriter. We met her at the Eisenhower Executive Office Building next door to the White House(which is where most of the WH staff work). It was one of the most amazing experiences hearing her talk to us about her life as a speechwriter. Prior to working for Obama, she worked for Senator Clinton as her primary speechwriter(she wrote all of Hillary’s speeches including her concession speech), and worked for Kerry in 04 and Lt Gov Kathleen Kennedy Townsend prior to that. And she started off as intern!
Afterwards, we all went out for my roommate’s birthday to a place called Luna Grill. Good Food, Good People, Great Time!
The next day the class met for discussion the next night and I can tell this class is going to one of the best classes I have taken. I highly recommend reading this essay http://www.orwell.ru/library/essays/politics/english/e_polit called Politics and the English Language. We discussed this and selection from the book White House Ghosts, a history of White House Speechwriters and let’s just say it has been added to my list of books to read.
Friday, like I mentioned earlier I can’t talk too much about my internship except to say I gave a tour of the Capitol and it was AWESOME!!
Saturday, I began the day meeting one my closest family friends Erin, who lives in DC and we had yummy lunch at this Asian restaurant. It was a lot of fun to see Erin outside of big family functions like the annual epic Greenfield Fourth of July Extravaganzas! I’m sure we will lunch again soon! My friend Zaana and new friend Lissa went to see the Cherry Blossom Festival, and to quote the great Hebrew Philosopher Maimonides: It was BALAGAN!!!!(Chaos). It was more crowded than a Saturday at Disneyland, it was funny seeing driver get mad at people, because I feel no sympathy for them. You live here you should know better NOODNIKS is what these people are! Anyway, the Cherry Blossoms were very pretty and provided many Kodak moments(I took many pictures but in my haste leaving Davis, like the Israelites leaving Egypt, I could not let the Camera cable rise into my bag). I will post them as soon as this problem is remedied. After that, to escape in the mob, Zaana and I went to the Newseum. http://www.newseum.org/ We only went for a little bit and because the passes were good for two days we went back the next day(Look more more coverage in the Sunday section) After a brief resting of our feet, Zaana and I grabbed dinner at this place called Burger Joint in Dupont Circle and it was incredible. They put this stuff called mojo sauce on their burgers and it makes them mouthwatering! Zaana said the veggie burger was equally yummy. After stuffing our faces of yummy yumness, we decided to head to the Mall to watch the fireworks. It was pretty cool seeing fireworks in DC and it was a very pretty night, nice breeze and everything. BUT THE NIGHT BECAME LEGENDARY AS WE HEADED BACK TO THE CENTER BECAUSE WE SAW BO OBAMA. All of you out there can say you know someone who has “met” an Obama. I can feel your jealousy and I am okay with that.
Sunday, Zaana and I headed back to the Newseum to see the rest of it. The museum is fantastic, in the way it is laid out and its collection is beyond belief. The museum, among other things, has parts of the Berlin Wall, original pressings of books like the Common Sense by Thomas Paine, Pulitzer Prize Winning Photos, Elvis Memorbilia, John Dillingers Hat that he was wearing when he was captured, Tim Russert’s office, and the Radio Tower that was on top the North Tower of the World Trade Center. Such a powerful museum. I highly recommend it and it is well worth the $19.95. Afterwards, as we were heading back to the center guess who we saw again? BO!! AND I GOT PICTURES THIS TIME OF HIS FAMOUS WHITE PAWS!!!!!! One of the most exciting moments in my entire life.
A preview of next week issues…Brian and Lisa come to visit and Hilarity ensues…
Hope everyone has a Happy Easter and Happy Passover!
(ps Some of you may notice that my blogs look like they are unedited, that’s because they are. Why? you may ask. Mostly, I do not want to. If you would like to be my editor please inquire within. Bachelor’s Degree recommended)
