Mr. Sylvia Goes to Washington!

Ah, the rigors of travel and independence! I've been here in the nation's capital for little over a week and I'm finally adjusting to the new schedule. I admit, at first I was a little bit apprehensive and the realization that I really was on my own without family, car, and friends was intimidating. However, I feel that this trip is going to be a humbling and character-building experience for me. I miss my close circle of friends, I miss my family, my pets, but this trip is necessary in every way. I find that I tend to excel in situations where it's a sink-or-swim environment and this has definitely been one of those times. I did get lost on my first day and on the second day... and even on the third day. I'm sure when I head out tomorrow I'll get lost then, too. I don't have the luxury of a blackberry, but that doesn't matter. I'm getting to know parts of the city every time I go out and it helps that I find the touristy parts very beautiful and full of all sorts of history! I've been here a week and I haven't seen 5% of what I'd like to see.

I'll briefly recap my trip. The flight from Providence to Reagan was actually quite uneventful, and although I only saw a small part of Reagan Airport, it really was not that difficult to navigate... except I did end up walking down one whole wing of the building looking for my bags and had to retrace ALL of my steps in order to get them. I hailed a cab and within about 20 minutes I arrived at my apartment. I spent the next two and three days buying the necessary things I forgot (bedding!) and I met my housemates. They're all pretty unique folks, and each of us has our own room except that I share a room with one of them. He's currently moved his bed to the common room so we'll see how that works out. If I can get some solace then I'll welcome the change as long as he isn't uncomfortable.

So far, I enjoy my seminar course. The professor, Dr. Semiatin, has been teaching the course for decades and is one of the goofiest political wonks I've ever seen. He has connections in high places. I hear last semester he managed to get Justice Antonin Scalia to speak to the class for an hour. I wish I had been there! Sufficed to say, I think I'm going to meet some very powerful people in the next few months. It's exciting, and I look forward to our ventures into the various offices in Downtown DC. A Research Project was also assigned in addition to my internship and seminar, but I chose to drop the Research Project in favor of taking an elective called "Regulation  Deregulation", riveting I know. I was all gung-ho for the project until I realize that there were so many due dates and minor stipulations that I could not write about topics that held much interest to me. It isn't like me to refuse a challenge, but I want to enjoy my time down here because I don't know if I'll get the chance to return.

I begin my first internship day tomorrow morning and I'd be lying if I said I wasn't anxious. I want to impress, and I'm eager to see the sorts of things I'll be doing this semester. I'll tell you one thing; I'll be fairly pissed if they make me walk dogs. I have nothing but positive feelings, and wanting to see the Senator succeed (job opportunities?) only commits me more to the work ahead of me.

I managed to play tourist this past weekend but not nearly as much as I would've liked. The weather did not cooperate, and the tracks were undergoing maintenance so I did not feel like wasting my day underground in the station. I still need to take a day trip to Arlington, and I'd like to sit at the Lincoln Memorial again. Even though they had the whole reflecting pool torn up it was still a breath-taking sight. I can't put to words how wonderful it was to sit on those steps and watch the national mall unfold before my eyes. It was an amazing experience.

Note to self: Make time to Skype my dear friends. I still need to install that blasted program. Another time! Now, pictures!!

One day I will be there!

One of my personal, historical heroes.

I was happy to get this picture, far enough away (without the flash) as to not disturb anyone. I had a nice conversation with some folks in the area.

Bryan, if he reads this blog, should appreciate this photo.

This one, too.

This is the small lake to the side of the reflecting pool. The Wall is behind me some few hundred yards.

Quack!

Also, quack!!

I nearly died when I saw this. In 1861 Ulysses Grant was given a specially-forged sword from Galena, IL to commend his great command ability against the Confederates. This is that sword.

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Here is a close-up of the hilt. I'll have to check his memoirs, but I believe on the blade is a Thank You message to the General. He carried this sword with him throughout the war I believe, or at the very least took care of it.

This was the hat worn by William Tecumseh Sherman. You rocked, too.

Sherman's cavalry sword, I believe.

Neat collection of real (not reproduction) Nazi Officer stuff. It's quite the feeling to see it in person.

To be honest, I didn't realize I took this picture until I checked them out on the computer several hours later. I hope you can make out the caption on the video.