While in D.C. we had the opportunity to explore during our down time. A small group of us spent an entire afternoon exploring and listening to history from our "tour guide", Robert, around the National Mall. We also made our way to some of the Smithsonian museums, such as the American History, and the Natural History museums. I particularly anticipated the zoo, which, due to the snow, had limited animals out on display, but it was still a great adventure, because I got to see my first panda! We also went by the Liibrary of Congress, where it turns out that you have to have a library card to actually enter the library part. We were tempted to go sign up for one, but time was short and we wanted to see as much as possible. One remarkable place we went was the Botanical Gardens. I know I took too many pictures there, but everything was just so beautiful there.
Another important thing we college students explored while in D.C. was the food. On our first night, A.J. led us to a small bar and grill called the Mad Hatter. This place was a bit intimidating at first, with the strict doorman ID-ing all of us, especially when half of our party was under 21. We were nervous to explain we were there for the food. Once we got in, we met our waiter, Fredy. He was the most energetic waiter I believe I have ever had in my life, and with a party of 13 college kids, we were no easy task. He served us this amazing tea and after our meals, he talked us into their special dessert. He told us it would feed about 6 people... and then he brought it out. This dessert was in a giant martini glass, bigger than my head, and came with a lit SPARKLER on top. It was completely unexpected. We divvied the dessert up, and all 13 of us were able to get a bowl of the sundae, and there was still some left over. It was amazing. I feel like the Mad Hatter is one of the best memories I have from the trip. We enjoyed it so much that we came back a couple nights later, but Fredy wasn't there that time.
I had a few other great food experiences in D.C.. There was the shake shack, that had an amazing "shack burger" and fries. They were delicious. Something interesting I noticed about the place was that their tables were made from refurbished bowling alleys in Brooklyn. I found that fascinating. There was also the Capital Brewery, that had amazing fish n' chips. The servers there fed our large group so fast we had no idea what was going on. I managed to find a food truck while I was there, but the only one I could find was a frozen yogurt truck. It was cold, but I still bought some, because I told myself I would find and purchase food from a food truck while I was in D.C..
One thing that most of the group didn't enjoy was navigating the city by means of the metro. I loved it, but I'm not sure if anyone else did. We surely looked out of place huddling up on those trains and arguing about which way to go. At the metro stop leading to the zoo, there was this escalator going up this tunnel, and it was the deepest tunnel I believe I have ever gone up or down. It was really intimidating actually. I kept feeling like I was going to fall over and tumble down for a long time. The photo I have of it doesn't justify how long this tunnel was. It was definitely an experience.
Honestly, going on this trip was the most fun I have had in a long time. I met some great people, people that I hope to keep these relationships with, because they are all so wonderful. I know that everyone with us is going places, it was amazing being surrounded by so many different perspectives and great conversation. I hope anyone that is considering going on this trip that may be reading this definitely puts in their all to go, because it was an amazing experience and I only wish I could have had a longer trip with everyone there.
Another important thing we college students explored while in D.C. was the food. On our first night, A.J. led us to a small bar and grill called the Mad Hatter. This place was a bit intimidating at first, with the strict doorman ID-ing all of us, especially when half of our party was under 21. We were nervous to explain we were there for the food. Once we got in, we met our waiter, Fredy. He was the most energetic waiter I believe I have ever had in my life, and with a party of 13 college kids, we were no easy task. He served us this amazing tea and after our meals, he talked us into their special dessert. He told us it would feed about 6 people... and then he brought it out. This dessert was in a giant martini glass, bigger than my head, and came with a lit SPARKLER on top. It was completely unexpected. We divvied the dessert up, and all 13 of us were able to get a bowl of the sundae, and there was still some left over. It was amazing. I feel like the Mad Hatter is one of the best memories I have from the trip. We enjoyed it so much that we came back a couple nights later, but Fredy wasn't there that time.
I had a few other great food experiences in D.C.. There was the shake shack, that had an amazing "shack burger" and fries. They were delicious. Something interesting I noticed about the place was that their tables were made from refurbished bowling alleys in Brooklyn. I found that fascinating. There was also the Capital Brewery, that had amazing fish n' chips. The servers there fed our large group so fast we had no idea what was going on. I managed to find a food truck while I was there, but the only one I could find was a frozen yogurt truck. It was cold, but I still bought some, because I told myself I would find and purchase food from a food truck while I was in D.C..
One thing that most of the group didn't enjoy was navigating the city by means of the metro. I loved it, but I'm not sure if anyone else did. We surely looked out of place huddling up on those trains and arguing about which way to go. At the metro stop leading to the zoo, there was this escalator going up this tunnel, and it was the deepest tunnel I believe I have ever gone up or down. It was really intimidating actually. I kept feeling like I was going to fall over and tumble down for a long time. The photo I have of it doesn't justify how long this tunnel was. It was definitely an experience.
Honestly, going on this trip was the most fun I have had in a long time. I met some great people, people that I hope to keep these relationships with, because they are all so wonderful. I know that everyone with us is going places, it was amazing being surrounded by so many different perspectives and great conversation. I hope anyone that is considering going on this trip that may be reading this definitely puts in their all to go, because it was an amazing experience and I only wish I could have had a longer trip with everyone there.