And I'm half way through
It’s January, and D.C. is buzzing just as much as when I left for winter break.
Going home for Christmas was much needed time away from the city for me. Despite thoroughly enjoying my first semester, the comforts of home- and a break from sharing a room- was a welcome interlude to my travels.
Nevertheless, as is often the case with traveling, as soon as I’d spent a little time at home, I was itching to come back to D.C. and immerse myself back into life as a Washingtonian.
Now that I am half way through my study abroad year, I feel like the pressure is on. I’ve come to realise that there is so much more to do, to learn and so many more places to explore.
Before I leave D.C., there are a number of things I wish to accomplish, and I’ve been trying to compile a mental list so that I don’t miss anything out. After all, once I have flown back across the pond, I don’t know when I will next have the opportunity-or the money- to come back out here.
Here is a vague list of some of the things I am hoping to do before I leave:
-Experience inauguration (hoping to create some sort of film of the event)
-Go hiking and camping in a national park
-Go on a road trip
-Go to New York again (I'm obsessed)
-Go on some cool reporting trips with the BBC News (I’m interning there this semester)
-Go to a press conference at the White House (although with the incoming President-Elect, who knows if press conferences will even be allowed.)
-Experience a typical American Spring Break
I am sure there are things I have forgotten to include on this list, and it will definitely expand considerably in the next couple of months. I'm also very open to suggestions- comment any ideas!
2017 is set to be a pretty exciting year, and I’m ready to see what this semester brings. The next event for the calendar is inauguration, and the unique nature of this election cycle, coupled with the fact that D.C. is the focal point, means that it is likely to be a very interesting couple of days.
The Women’s March on Washington is on Saturday, the day after inauguration and a hefty turnout is predicted. I will definitely get Downtown with a camera and try and capture some of the sentiment and atmosphere- stay tuned for a video. For inauguration itself, I will be with BBC News helping out with its broadcast from the Newseum. The unpredictable nature of Donald Trump and the clash of interests between his supporters and those who reside in Washington D.C. (and those who have come down for the Women's March) indicates that inauguration won't be exempt from drama. If the past year is any indicator, the events that will unfold on Friday will be impulsive and unruly. One thing is for sure- it is unlikely to be a dull event.
