The eagle has landed.

Living in a new city is sort of like learning a brand new language. Actually it is probably more like learning ten brand new languages all at once! streets, food, lingo, where to NOT venture, metro system, the drill! I am totally digging learning.

Also...yes, its a real thing! I have lived here for five days...It has been an adventure learning the culture of D.C. and adjusting to the feel of the city.  I am loving it and learning loads on loads right now. If you know me well, you know that traveling or adapting to a new city would DEFINATELY  be an adventure with this girl...

So much has happened this week. Some Key events:

ARRIVAL: I had plenty of luggage to fly to D.C. with. That is for sure. I was the most nervous for navigating the airport and getting to the Barlow Center in one piece with all of my luggage. The airport was well organized and the shuttle service was simple to find and more than accommodating. After I was successfully on the shuttle on the way to the Barlow I felt like the most relieved and happy human in America.  Little did I know my next hilarious challenge was soon to come. The shuttle man pulled up in the street right in front of the Barlow and took all of my luggage out of the back of the van. As the shuttle pulled away I can only imagine I looked like a lost and tired little girl stuck in the middle of a road, with luggage that was much larger than she was.  I laughed to myself, and tried to think up a quick plan to get myself and my belongings out of the road alive! I made it up the curb and to a place where I arranged my luggage so that I could manage it. My next step in life was to get it up the steps right in front of the glass doors. I gave my luggage a large yank to get it up the steps and as I did so the weight caused my main handle to rip right on out of its socket. Luggage simply went splat all of the steps. I laughed and left it there. As I was trying to figure out how to get into the building, the sweet Elder was looking out the glass to make sure everyone was alive outside. I was beyond relieved when I was greeted by Elder and Sister Fulkerson at the door.  They have been like pseudo grandparents and guardian angels already! We are so blessed to have them.

EMBASSY TOURS: Day two in DC was sweet because they had opened a majority of the embassies to the public to tour.  We got to tour through the amazing Argentina and Chilean embassies. They had facts and travel ads to promote their country.  They had food that represented their country, and great entertainment, like dancers.  I had a little experience in the Chilean Embassy...accidental alcohol intake!! We asked if it was alcohol and I swore that I heard them say no...I must have grabbed the wrong sample cup, because whatever that "non-alcoholic" drink was BURNED! Daryn luckily stopped me where I was in the middle of a sip.  We laughed about it and I think they thought we were nuts.  Didn't think living in the city would effect me that quickly...SALUD CHILE!

CHURCH: We woke up Sunday morning and rode the bus to church. During church I just had this overwhelming feeling of "YES! The church is true here too!" :] It was such a blessing to feel the unity of a ward and to hear the exact message I needed to hear.  If anyone is looking to feel peace or adjust to were you are living...FIND YOUR WARD! It will simply rock your world. Also, we met a friend that lives in our area and is going to school at George Washington.  She gave us all sorts of tips on our way home on where to eat, how to shop, and where the gym is. I also went to my first Catholic Mass at the beautiful St. Matthew's Cathedral with a group of Barlow kids. It was a very different experience. St. Matthew's is where Kennedy's funeral was. It was massive and beautiful.

FIRST DAY OF WORK: I am the development intern at the American Society of Association Executives Foundation. I was surprised with rain as I walked out of the Barlow to rain but, I had a successful commute on the Metro in the morning! The office building I am working at is right across from the Metro exit, and is beautiful. I was amazed by the beauty of the building and the friendliness of the people that I am working with. I have two days of orientation (today the first) and then next Friday the organization has one of their biggest events.  I already love the organization...their orientation is so informative and helpful, I love all that they stand for and have already taught me. I went to lunch with my supervisor at the organization's favorite nearby restaurant and then she helped me to figure out some projects. So grateful for a Wowza-Palooza first day!

D.C. FAVORITES (so far :]): Burger, Tap, Shake, Walking around Georgetown, Walking the Mall, Lincoln Memorial, The GW Fitness Center, Blackfinn Restaurant, Institute, Trader Joe's,  spontaneous rainWHOLE THING :]

 

Below is pictures of Adventure-ville!

These pictures are of my first night in D.C. I look a little (alotta) worn out from travel but, I was so happy to finally be there. 

 

ARGENTINE EMBASSY

 



 

My roommate Brianne and I were explora-Dora's and conquered the metro.  We rode that thing like nobody's business. :]

I don't exactly know if there is a real thing called "Nevada Pride" but, we've definitely got it! I got to fly into D.C. with Daryn and adventure around the city for the first couple of days.  Having her here made the adjustment much easier and more fun. The picture on the right is of Dee sliding down a ramp by the Lincoln Memorial. YES!

 

SORRY FOR THE LONGEST POST EVER.

EAGLE OUT.