When All's Been Said and Done

I don’t know where to begin reflecting on my time in DC. But I’ll start anyway.

Since they always say that people make all the difference, I’ll talk about the people first. I’ve definitely made friends I will keep, and not just because we share such similar aspirations in life and want to devote our careers to the same causes. Like I said in my earlier post, one of the most valuable rewards I’ve received was meeting people I admire so greatly for what they do. High-level, senior people who have accomplished so much but are so unassuming, people who have really demonstrated their devotion to their work (or cause, because that’s really what their work is). Its cool that at the end of the day we can all go to Happy Hour and hang out as though they aren’t changing the world. Outside of the work scene, I’ve also gotten to know a great group (as I found out, they are 90% Latino hehe). Some amazing experiences, some not so great. On a macro scale from all these interactions I know I can make real friends in the real world (online dating plan fell through from lack of determination). Two negative experiences screamed: be less trusting; the two best experiences brought a ton of fun and were very precious. A warm shout out to Juanito, Milko and Mateo. Anyway, I’d say I’ve grown quite a great deal in relationships. Even after hearing the intimidating stories of post-graduation life, I can safely say I am confident about coping socially in the real world.

Other highlights: Professional exposure, living situation and latin dancing! Margaret and Vasu (housemates) were mature versions of sustainable yuppie living, so living in their house was really interesting! Food and healthy eating featured so prominently in our conversations. Also got to host at least two parties at home: housewarming/World Cup match screening and CRUDE screening. Living in an awesome, central neighbourhood 5 mins away from Wholefoods did NOT hurt. Walking distance from 3 awesome salsa places? Yeah. Probably could not have gotten out as much being elsewhere, considering how metros stop running at midnight on weekdays in this city of workaholics. I also had stayovers (bat in room or not). And latin dancing? Totally made my experience, especially in the last month that I discovered it and became completely addicted. Made a ton of friends, spent many early morning hours spinning around on the dance floor, packing in the workout and refining the moves.

Had a most curious last night. Kayaking and then dancing with Juan and Puerto Rican friends fell through, so I packed and then headed to The Salsa Room on my own, to meet up with Eric the attorney at State there later. His cousins and I, we ended up being the very last ones on the floor, closing the night with reggae, and then heading to Bob and Edith’s for some late night goodness. Well, the catch of this story is that I ended up hanging out with a black family all night—very, very uncharacteristic of everything I’ve done this summer. That’s not to say I am closed to making non-Latino friends of course, but… just very uncharacteristic. I also danced with the most number of blanquitos (whities) in one night. Hehe makes me chuckle. Mr Lanky Redhead was very fun to dance with though!

Well, now that its all been said, its not all done yet… DC, ciudad de mi amor, I’ll back in October!