First week in D.C.
I honestly don't have many negative things to say about my first week in D.C.
Before departing my mind wandered, imagining all the possible things that could go wrong. What if I didn't make my connecting flight? What if I couldn't find the taxi service to my apartment once I got there? What if it was all a con and there was no apartment and I'd arrive at 10pm exhausted, with nowhere to sleep and with a phone that wasn't working abroad... It sounds dramatic but these really were some of the things I considered as I lay in bed the night before I was due to leave, anticipating my departure.
But it turned out that all that worry was for nothing. I did make my connecting flight, the taxi was sat there waiting for me, the apartment exceeded all expectations and my housemates were lovely and welcoming and helped me get settled. So, the moral of the story- don't overthink things and worry about situations that probably won't even happen. Yes Dad, it pains me to say it, but you were right.
I thought I was in for a bit of a culture shock, but honestly it hasn't hit me yet. I love D.C already- the people, the greenery, the huge stores and wide pavements... It's a beautiful place, busy and active, and there is a real sense of political activism and interest among its citizens and people I have spoken with. It's boiling here, but I'm slowly adjusting, and everyone is super friendly and helpful, which makes life a whole lot easier.
There have certainly been highlights so far. The American University campus for example is absolutely beautiful. Its grand white buildings are built on an arboretum and surrounded by trees and gardens. I thought Exeter University was pretty, but American University gives it a run for its money. I couldn't help grinning when I visited the Athletic Centre for the first time. Much to my delight, it seems that American colleges really do look the same as in the movies. I felt like I had just walked onto the set of High School Musical.
Exploring my neighbourhood brought more surprises. Not only is there a network of running trails through the surrounding woods -it's far too hot to go running at the moment but they have a lot of potential for the cooler months- but I also worked out why my neighbourhood is called Cathedral Heights. It just so happens that Washington National Cathedral is a 2 minute walk from my apartment. The grounds and gardens are extraordinarily peaceful and beautiful- a perfect picnic and getaway spot which I will definitely be taking advantage of this coming year.
Then there is the city itself. I took the bus there and walked around the monuments and tourist attractions, having to repeatedly pinch myself that I was going to be living in this incredible place for an entire year. There are so many things in Washington that are such a big deal and it is a politics student's dream. How often do you get to walk past the President's house, the meeting place of Congress and the World Bank in the space of a couple of hours? It's insane. There is so much to see and visit and I am certain that even after a year, I will have only managed to scrape the surface of what it has to offer.
A final highlight that I couldn't go without mentioning is of course the food. From what I have seen so far, the D.C. food scene is monumental in itself. I'm guilty of having already made a rather extensive list of places I want to try after walking around Penn Quarter and Georgetown; although whether my budget will stretch to making those visits a reality is a little dubious. However, in the mean time, the revelation of Trader Joe's- basically a cheap version of Wholefoods- will keep my appetite appeased. Credit goes to my housemate as she was the one who, sharing my passion for good food, insisted on taking me there for my first food shop. To say I was in foodie heaven is an understatement and with my cupboards filled with all the usual good stuff, I definitely started to feel a lot more at home.
Naturally, there were also some annoyances during my first week, but all things considered they were somewhat minor. There was a bit of an issue transferring money to my new American bank account due to the different country formats. My plug adaptor wouldn't work properly so I had to invest in a better one so I could charge my stuff. There was no kettle at the apartment when I arrived but, after some nifty bargaining, I managed to bag one for $3 so panic over. These are literally the only things I can think of and, in the scheme of things, they are pretty pathetic. So far, D.C. has been good to me. I am excited for this adventure to unfold and I believe there is so much potential here for personal development and incredible experiences. I am definitely looking forward to living life as a Washingtonian.
