The First Adventure

Well I'm in DC! I arrived Thursday afternoon via plane and super-shuttle. It was very convenient to take the Shuttle because they dropped me off right at the Barlow Center, and I didn't have to drag my bags 3 blocks from the Metro Stop. After I dropped off my bags I was given a tour of the building. It is really cool because the Church's Public Affairs Department works from this building. My room is great, I will share it with one other girl, who doesn't arrive until Sunday. (She's the last one scheduled to arrive which is ironic, since I am the first to arrive) We each have a bed, desk, lamp, chair, and wardrobe/closet thing. We also have a mini-fridge, a microwave, and a small bathroom in our room.

There is a common area and kitchen on each floor (one for men and one for women) There are a lot of rules for those of us that live here, partially because of who may walk in at any moment. (Church officials, foreign dignitaries, etc.) I am the Administrative Assistant for the program, which means I do whatever the program director, and faculty adviser tell me, and I am the first person the students contact if they lose their key, or if there is a problem. I am "keeper of the keys" as I'm the one who will be handing them out as the students come in today and tomorrow. 

The Common Room, and big screen TV, complete with Satellite 

Kitchen

After orientation I went to get a Metro smartcard and buy some groceries. Everything was ridiculously expensive! On my way back...I got lost. I'm still not sure how it happened, I thought I walked back on the same street, but apparently not. But never fear, I figured it out. I was one block north, and three blocks east of the Barlow Center. Luckily my Mom gave me a map, and I have my smart phone, complete with GPS. I figure you have to get lost at least once, especially in a city that was designed to be really confusing, and it might as well be a time when I don't have to be anywhere at a specific time.

This morning I went to the closest Metro stop to get some maps for the students, and I felt like I was back in the Metro in Lisbon. It was fun, I have a lot of good memories of riding the Metro there.

I'm all unpacked, and ready for the other students to arrive. I'm excited to be here, and I see a great summer in my future!