It has been a hectic and fun-filled couple of weeks up here in Washington. Time is flying by, the leaves are falling, and temperatures are dropping. Fall is officially here in full swing and I have been hard at work in the office, in the classroom, and most importantly outdoors! In the last few weeks I have had the opportunity to do several fun activities that would not be easy or even possible down South. This past weekend, four friends and I made the one hour drive to Waters Orchard in Germantown, Maryland to pick Fuji and Pink Lady apples. We drove through miles of narrow, twisty roads in the hills of Montgomery County to find the orchard and picked the apples for a few hours among the rows and rows of trees. Eventually, we ended up with more than fifty apples between the five of us (which admittedly may be too many!) and we also enjoyed a few apples while we were picking.
In addition to apple picking, I have also been able to go on several hikes and walks while I’ve been here with the best by far being Great Falls. Located at the fall line of the Potomac River on the border of Maryland and Virginia just west of D.C., Great Falls is one of the largest waterfalls in the region with more than 20 sets of rapids falling 76 feet. The view of the waterfall is truly astounding and was certainly worth the 45 minute hike. The best part is that this hidden gem is just a twenty minute drive from D.C.
I have also been busy with school work in my political science program at American University. We have had the opportunity to meet several class speakers from various important interests and organizations from all over the city. Recently, my class was given a tour of the State Department’s diplomatic rooms at their headquarters near the National Mall. The tour included information on thousands of gifts that decorated the rooms and the various types of American architecture and furniture that made each room unique. The most astounding part of the tour was the Grand Dining Room on the top floor that is used by top American diplomats such as the Secretary of State to entertain guests from Foreign countries.
So far, I’ve had the opportunity to do many things while studying in Washington D.C. As always, I look forward to what’s to come and I hope to make the most of my last seven weeks in the nation’s capital. I’ll be back soon with more!
Photo – View of D.C. from 10th floor – Washington Wardman Park Marriott