So how does one celebrate the holidays/ the end of an internship while living in Rockville, Maryland? With a cocktail party of course! In celebration of the end of my wonderful time in Washington D.C. and with the phenomenally great organization Share Our Strength/ Operation Frontline, my roommates and I invited our friends for food and drinks and a night of reminiscing. We learned the moves to Michael Jackson’s “Thriller” dance, laughed, listened to music and realized that we had truly had a great semester.
After finishing up another work week this was a great way to relax. This past week had been one of the busiest. Not only were there multiple projects at work and class to attend, but this was the week before the final portfolio project was due and so I spent the majority of my time working on that monster project… and let me warn you now, it is a monster project.
I find when things like this end I become suddenly nostalgic… which I’m normally not. Okay, that’s not true I’ve been nostalgic and pining for London since the day I left. But I suppose it makes sense, especially given that I’m about to return to what is quite literally the frigid north. Word on the street is that the temperature in NH hasn’t gotten above 35 degrees in the last week or so. But not to worry, I’m prepared for the cold and actually looking forward to it! I can’t wait to throw on my oversized winter coat, ridiculous teal pompom winter hat, bright purple mittens, and embrace the cold New Hampshire weather. I fully intend to go sledding, engage in a snowball fight, build a snowman, and who knows maybe there will even be a couple of snow angels in there too… if I’m feeling adventurous. :)
On top of having a truly great holiday party some friends I decided to embark on a long journey on the underground to a place called Old Town in Alexandria on Saturday. It’s AWESOME! Old Town is a section of Alexandria, Virginia along King Street. It’s lined with antique shops, thrift stores, coffee shops, little places to eat, several stores selling Irish and Scottish goods, twinkling lights in trees and brick sidewalks. Walking through Old Town is like being home in New England. When you reach the end of the street you are standing in a harbor looking out at the water. The architecture of the buildings and the atmosphere around you scream colonial times and the residential neighborhoods are ones you could get lost in they are so beautiful.
We popped into a few shops, I made sure to visit those supplying patrons with “a taste of Ireland and Scotland”. They reminded me of the gift shops geared towards tourists in Ireland and Scotland, but they were still pretty great. I searched for my family name and crest, looked at kilts, admired sweaters from the Aran Islands, and for a brief moment felt like I was back in Galway and Edinburgh. We grabbed a burrito (the largest burrito I’ve ever seen), wandered the streets, headed to the water, and walked through the residential area admiring homes.
From there we hit Chinatown at night, grabbed and drink and headed to Adams Morgan for one last night out. It was a good night and definitely a great way to spend my final weekend in the this amazing city. With only four days left at the office its going to be over faster than I can possibly imagine and spending a weekend with friends having fun was very much needed.
What could have quite possibly been the best part of the weekend was the moment when my TWC portfolio was officially bound and done. This final project is something that you probably will not enjoy very much, but its mandatory, and a good way to compile all the work you’ll end up doing while here. I spent several days organizing work samples, writing letters, and papers and when it was finally done I felt a massive sigh of relief come over me. That was moment when I realized that my time here was really just about over. It could have been a bitter sweet moment, but let’s be honest, I had just finished a major assignment...I was too happy to no longer have “homework” to feel any type of sadness :)
There are only a few days left. I’m not quite sure how that happened, but it’s been a great ride!!
Oh btw… Christmas is 10 days away… when did that happen!?
Top 2 Places to Visit This Week
1. Capitol South/Good Stuff Eatery: Capitol South is a very cool part of the District. Home to the Capitol Building (duh), the Supreme Court, and offices of our Congressmen (and women), it’s got a unique atmosphere. People on their way to hearings and very important meetings weave through crowded sidewalks in their suits and congregate at the local bars for happy hour. Now, very importantly, located on 1st and Pennsylvania Ave (just off the Capitol South underground stop) is the fine little vegetarian friendly burger joint, Good Stuff Eatery! Home of the Obama burger and the Vegetarians Are People Too burger, Good Stuff Eatery provides a great atmosphere and great food… for cheap (something all interns desperately search for)! My good friends Jill and Monica introduced me to this fine establishment before class one night. The hardwood floors and two-story hole-in-the-wall is a great place to chill out before your 3-hour TWC class, and if you time it right, when you leave it will be on your walk back to the Metro you’ll be able to enjoy the seeing the Capitol Building glowing in the night sky. Plus… Chef Spike, who owns Good Stuff, was featured on Top Chef! :)
2. Old Town Alexandria: If you find yourself living in Braddock Apartments during your time with The Washington Center, consider yourself lucky. You’ll be just a stone’s throw (or a short walk) away from Old Town Alexandria and King Street. Lined with store fronts, lit by tree lights, and right on the water, Old Town is a beautiful place to go out both at night and during the day. There are several Irish and Scottish themed stores including TKN, a store completely dedicated to … kilts (awesome).
it’s reminiscent of colonial New England and offers beautiful residential streets to wander through, endless pubs and coffee shops, antique stores, and thrift stores. There are carolers and outdoor music and if you just want some piece and quiet you can go down to the wharf and sit by the water.
1. The Helio Sequence: “Lately”
2. Regina Spektor: “Fidelity”
3. Violent Femmes: “Blister in the Sun”
4. Tilly and the Wall: “Beat Control”
5. Coldplay: “The Scientist”
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