Day 14 - Home Stays

Got back from Washington DC, and had a nice, sleep-filled bus ride back home on Bus A.

I met my host family today, though! I'm staying with the Jennings family in Winston-Salem, and so far, I'm loving it. They have two daughters around our age, and I'm able to relate to some of their daily lives, as I live not too far away from them. I've even been to their school for extracurricular activities before!

There's not too much to blog about today! I'm staying with Denade and Modesta, and so far, the sailing is smooth! They're both quite interesting, and Modesta and I share similar music interests, which has been fun to discuss.

Tomorrow has some exciting events planned, though, so I'm looking forward to blogging about them tomorrow!

LPOTD 4.

The DC Metro!

Day 13

It's been a long day again. I've figured out that being at the Benjamin Franklin Transatlantic Fellows Institute is like being at school, plus mostly international students, minus the stress from grades.

But speaking of grades, Advanced Placement scores are out. AH.

Anyways, today was a big day! However, for brevity, I'll be using bullet points again. I took longer notes on paper, but honestly, my fingers are a little tired... I guess I should probably get some sleep soon!

• I went to the Department of State. At the Department of State, we discussed how the United States government offered different opportunities to youth all over the world, particularly through the form of Youth Councils. I found out that there is no existing United States Youth Council, which is interesting. I think I'll probably email the Department of State to see if we could get one going--today's experience was interesting.

Cedric, Amber, and I at the Department of State

• Anyway, we split up into different delegations representing countries from around the world to debate controversial topics. Syria. Iran. Afghanistan. The global economic crisis. I was a part of the German delegation for the global economic crisis, so obviously, I advocated for the austerity that was existent in the German fiscal policy to be spread to the countries of southern Europe (Spain, Portugal, Greece, etc). Dillon was my group's representative, and he knew so much about the European crisis! I thought the entire event was relatively well put together, as we only really had a few days to prepare. 
• Next, we went back to the Washington Center. Tony Cerise talked to us for some time, but then we discussed the policies of Amnesty International with a representative. Because I am a part of the human rights and civil rights lab, I thought Amnesty International's work with such letter writing campaigns and media movements like their involvement with Aung San Suu Kyi was inspiring. 
• Last day in DC for a while. Even though I grew up here, it's weird and exciting being back. The city I loved and grew up in has changed, but it's still very recognizable. Maybe I'll even study here in the future. 

LPOTD 3.

"[penguins] are so cute." - Lorik

And he sent me this link: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vDN3L621ASI. Dying.

Day 12

Today's been a long day, so I'll probably be keeping this blog post shorter than the norm; I love bullet points.

• We visited the Newseum, which really brought back memories from last year and my time with the National Society of the Colonial Dames of America. I took pictures by the same features of the exhibits, and watched the same documentaries in the museum, but it was interesting seeing the news and reading the history of the news with fresh eyes. For example, there was a huge focus on the press of 9/11 and post-9/11 after effects, however, I don't remember there being such a huge emphasis last year. And the 4D video was much cooler than I remembered!

Adam and I recreate Muhammad Ali

• Apparently I look like I'm 12 or under. The Newseum staff let me eat a kid's meal.

$6 for pasta, a roll, and a drink? Unheard of in an overpriced museum setting!

• I then toured the National Gallery of Art with Cristina, Richards, and Hana. I went to the George Bellows documentary, saw Rodin's and Degas' sculptures, Calder's hanging sculptures, etc. I only really had time to really absorb the art from one floor, but I enjoyed myself very much. 
• Afterwards, we went to the Capitol. Took a photo with Richard Burr, the Republican Senator from North Carolina. Took tours of the Capitol. Visited the Senate and the House galleries. (Which, by the way, were interesting because of the recent hubbub about the healthcare bill. http://www.cnn.com/2012/07/11/politics/house-health-care/index.html?hpt=hp_t2)
• I had a conference call with The Echo Foundation--I'm really looking forward to work with them again this year. But there's so much to do, not enough time!
• I really like Pita bread. 
• LPOTD 2. 

There was a part of the Newseum in which we could upload photos of ourselves and tell the world where we were from. Lorik thinks this photo is a good representation of himself.

"These bugs, they're all over me. Just like the girls." - Lorik

Day 11 - Miscellaneous Journeys

It's been a long but eventful day.

We kicked off the day by going to The Washington Center (http://www.twc.edu/), where we met Tony Cerise and Dr. Andrea Baron to discuss various topics. The Washington Center is a non-profit organization that offers internship opportunities to students who are interested in working in Washington DC. The topics that we discussed were ones that I was particularly interested in--and ones that I did my senior exit project and International Baccalaureate Extended Essays on. These were also the main topics of my research for the National Forensic League Public Forum debate topic of 2011, and the center of the curriculum I wrote and published through The Echo Foundation. (http://www.echofoundation.org/Current%20Projects/Civics/CG%20FINAL%2011.17.11.pdf).

We discussed what democracy was, and the key characteristics that defined the ideals of democracy. We also discussed the role of the United States acting unilaterally to spread democratic ideals in emerging democracies (ie. the role of the United States in the Arab Spring), as well as the ethics behind multilateral organizations like the European Union or the United Nations interfering with humanitarian aid, and thus violating state sovereignty. Roma and I had a few moments when we definitely appreciated the experience we had from Lincoln-Douglas and Public Forum debate.

I thought it was really interesting how there were many different perspectives reflected from representatives from different countries. For example, while discussing the conflict between Bosnia and Herzegovina and Kosovo, representatives from each of the countries were able to calmly discuss their views on the violence that occurred, despite the tensions in the countries' relationship.

The Washington Center

Tony Cerise

Dr. Andrea Baron

We also looked at some political advertising of the two main candidates for the upcoming 2012 Presidential Election--Barack Obama and Mitt Romney. This is by far my favorite advertisement, though. Thank you, Jay Leno. http://mashable.com/2012/05/22/call-me-maybe-obama/

Afterwards, we stopped by the Union Station in Washington DC for lunch. The abundance of "Au Bon Pain"'s and chomping on a baguette reminded me so much of the Washington Workshops I did last year. I miss everyone so much! Speaking of which, one of my best friends from that program, Lylla , has been accepted to a very prestigious international study program for her university experience. I'm so proud.

Then the group moved onto the Holocaust Museum. Honestly, going to this museum makes me really upset. I don't like to talk to people in the museum, and I don't like to walk with people through the exhibit. Perhaps I'm just being moody, but I almost feel disrespectful if I smile in the memorial. I think it's really important that we remember what happened so that it never happens again, but seeing the piles of children's shoes and the locks of hair really gets to me.

And coincidentally, the "passport" that I received at the beginning of the tour had the information for a girl named Sarah. Sarah was born in June of 1930, and was planning on studying piano in a conservatory. That would have placed her around my age during the time of the Holocaust. The similarities, though coincidental, were a little shocking. She didn't survive the Holocaust.

The Holocaust Museum

The rest of the day just passed by in a blur. I went to Cosi again, and had the best Raspberry Mojito Lemonade I've ever had. Laid around with Molly, Sigvard, Lorik, and Jeanne. Got caught in the rain.

One of the highlights was definitely running in the rain though. My ankle has been feeling better, but I just wanted to jog, and went on a run through Washington DC with Ludwig and Wouder-Jan late at night. We ran to the Washington Memorial, to the Lincoln Memorial, through the States' Fountain, and through the Vietnam War Memorial. It probably wasn't the best idea, because by the end I might have been limping a little slash a lot, but it was so worth it. I'll just take a Tylenol later. The view during the run was beautiful, and we sang the Beatles, Mumford and Sons, Carly Rae Jepsen, and national anthems the entire run.

10th Floor View from GW University Dorms

And a new tradition. LPOTD, meaning Lorik's Photo of the Day. Here's photo 1, with a sweet quote.

"I could kill you right now and feel nothing." - Lorik

Day 10 - Hello, DC!

Right now, I'm at George Washington University in Washington DC--and thankful to have access to the Internet through the wireless connection on a laptop.

Traveling today has been quite fast paced. First, we toured the Constitution Center in Philadelphia, in which we watched an oral presentation about the history of the Constitution and roamed through an exhibit outlining the United States' governmental history (from presidents to Supreme Court cases to legislation). I got to wear the robes of old Supreme Court justices, and voted in mock elections for the next President of the United States. So far, it looks like Barack Obama will win the next election--at least according to the Fellows' votes. 67 to 33 percent (aka Mitt Romney).

Me and Barry. We're on a first name basis.

Next, a few of the Fellows (Francois, Roma, and Max) and I broke off from the group to tour the Old City. We saw the grave of Benjamin Franklin, a statue of Benjamin Franklin, and Franklin Street. I suppose the City of Brotherly Love is quite proud of him? Quite appropriate for the group photo of the BFTF 2012! (We also received t-shirts as a surprise!)

We stopped by the US Mint first. I was honestly a little surprised--it seemed more like a museum than an actual factory. I was expected coins pouring out of machines, but it was definitely less active than I expected. However, the exhibits were informative and witty. (Roma really appreciated the puns... "What do you do for a job?" "...Oh, I make money.")

The actual factory

I had a Philly Cheesesteak, just to see if I would change my mind about whether I liked them or not. I didn't. Oh well.

But then, the Benjamin Franklin Transatlantic Institute headed off to DC.

A few friends and I stopped by the White House after grabbing some dinner at the Cosi Cafe (the TBM sandwich is amazing), and talked to a lady at Concepcion Picciotto's tent. A quick explanation: Concepcion Picciotto is called "The President's Neighbor", and has been sitting a daily vigil for anti-nuclear protests since 1981. http://prop1.org/conchita/

Concepcion Picciotto's Tent

This really reminded me of the program I went to last year as an essay winner of the National Society of the Colonial Dames of America. I actually saw this same tent, and talked to Concepcion. It's crazy how quickly time has passed, and how quickly you make friends in such a short period of time! In fact, today was the birthday of one of the girls I met through that program last year. And further, she lives in Philly and goes to UPenn. Happy birthday Madeleine.

On another note, I really hope that Austeja feels better. She felt queasy for a few days, and today, she was rushed to the hospital because of her appendix. The doctor says that the surgery should be fairly simple and that she just needs some rest, and I hope she can visit us in DC soon.

Anyway, now I'm in my dorm with Anathea, Hana Colic, and Ollena Sandul. Getting ready for another long but exciting day tomorrow!

And HI LORIK I KNOW YOU'RE READING THIS.

Day 9 - A Day in Philly

A few things about today:

1) It is quite difficult to blog from an iPhone. I am not complaining, because I am eternally grateful for it, but without Wi-Fi in the hotel, my poor thumb fingers are working overtime on this touch screen.

2) I am forever a city girl. I love Philly. Minus the cheesesteaks, which really just seem like heart attacks waiting to happen. But no offense if you like that sort of thing!

3) Today we toured the Constitution Center and the Liberty Bell. I learned some fun facts today. For instance, we celebrate the 4th of July as a mistake. The idea to declare independence was voted on on the 2nd, written in draft form on the 4th, and signed quite a while later-I believe the tour guide said in August. On a side note, I received a huge copy of the Declaration of Independence, and all the s's are written as f's. Funny how the English language has evolved over the years.

4) Things I learned in school are actually quite useful. Hearing about our nation's history and visiting some of these historical locations was really exciting because I could finally make a physical link between the places I'd heard about in school and where I stood. Parts of the tour and of the exhibits I was able to recognize from classes at school. Thank you Mr. McHugh, Mr. Cook, and Mr. Murphy!

5) Afterward, we were able to tour the city, go shopping, and just spend time together. My friends and I wandered down Walnut St and Chestnut St, browsing some of the shops for a little bit. I thought it was really interesting how some of the things they thought were expensive in Europe were considerably cheaper here (ie. Nike or Adidas) and things they were used to in Europe were more expensive (ie. Zara). It was honestly just exciting watching them get excited about buying presents for friends or family, or just for themselves.

6) On a more serious note, I also realized how dangerous cities could be. While we mostly traveled in packs, one of my friends had an incident in which she disappeared for a few hours and nobody knew where she was. There were some scary rumors about strange men accompanying her, but she's back safely, and thank God she's alright.

7) I was really able to get to know Adam from Poland better today, and we took photos together! He's really passionate about the arts (and in fact, when we were choosing labs for the next week, he crossed out all the other options except for the arts and expression one!), and it was fun to watch him find different commonplace things to be so beautiful.

8) I bought my first two piece bathing suit. Consequently, it was used in the pool not too later. Two security guards showed up. I suppose we were a little rowdy.

"I am in a pool. What do you do in a pool? I don't know." - Wouder-Jan

9) When I went on a run today, my ankle popped and has been throbbing a little. Hopefully it will get better soon. I'm glad that Anathea and Gunes are healing at a relatively quick rate though.

10) I remember that a few lunches ago, Wouder-Jan and I had a talk about homeless people and beggars in our respective countries of origin. I told him that my philosophy was not to give money to people, but help them get what they really need, like food or shelter. I thought that this was more effective than just giving money, because of high levels of alcoholism and substance abuse-my giving of money could just fuel the flame. Kat had a slightly different opinion, advocating for giving money to those who beg for it in some cases, and leaving it up to the beggars to make the right choice to utilize it. I think she does have a valid point. But today, many people came up and asked for money. When I asked them what they wanted it for, some of them were flustered and walked away or cursed at me. But one man sticks out in my mind-the man I met outside my dinner at a McDonald's. He asked for money and when I asked him why, he said it was because he was hungry and hadn't eaten. So I had some money from my stipend and with the money he had also garnered during the day, we bought him a Big Mac and a sweet tea. Just a thought.

11) I love Au Bon Pain. Brings back memories of traveling for debate.

12) I also convinced someone that I was from the UK today. It was bloody hilarious.

13) Tomorrow we leave for DC! Ciao.

Day 8

Moral of the day: I hate buses.

We left for Philadelphia today by bus, and it took approximately 13 hours total, complete with an engine failure and an oil leak that required fixing. But in the end, I'm here and I have some awesome pictures of sleeping people. I suppose I won't publish them out of the goodness of my heart...

But on the way there, I thought it was funny that "Mean Girls" and "Hot Fuzz" were played back to back. From a chick flick to a semi-horror satire? Interesting and entertaining movie choices. Honestly, though, I was asleep for most of the ride. Carsickness and motion sicknesses have been the banes of my existence since I was young.

I did spend some time talking with Claudia from Slovakia about the Slovakian education system and the International Baccalaureate programme in her country. She tried to explain this thing called Gymnasium that is common in Europe, but I'll have to do some research on my own.

Anyway, I'm finally in Philadelphia, the city of brotherly love! We went to dinner at a place called Jake's Italian Pizza and Grill, and was surprised to find a paper plate from the Benjamin Franklin Transatlantic Fellows Institute of 2010 on display! One of our mentors' names, Daniel, was on the displayed plate as well.

At the hotel, we swam for a bit before retiring in for curfew. I'm looking forward to a fun day tomorrow. Ciao.